Walking safaris are the ultimate old school way of exploring the African bush. Walking safaris heighten the senses and make you feel a certain vulnerability – it is the only time travellers are truly on the same playing field as the great African wildlife. Though, of course, you are accompanied by an expert guide who will help you safely navigate the bush.
There are quite a few places which offer walking safaris in Africa – it is available in specific areas of most countries in safari Africa. We believe that amazing walking safaris are best done with expert guides who make it a truly enriching and educational experience, therefore we will base our list on the places with the most specialised guides.
Zambia – South Luangwa National Park, North Luangwa National Park
Zimbabwe – Mana Pools
Tanzania – Ruaha National Park
Botswana – The Okavango Delta
The best lodges in Africa for walking safaris
Zambia is the king of African walking safaris. The best of Zambia walking safari can be found in the North Luangwa National Park, and specifically in a beautiful little lodge called Mwaleshi which epitomizes barefoot walking safari luxury. It is almost camping, as the lodge is made of a thatched eco structure and it is about as into the wilderness you can get.
In The South Luangwa, Norman Carr Safaris have a selection of walking safari lodges which you can walk in between; offering true wilderness adventure and excellent comfort at the end of the day. This is one of the most sophisticated walking safari set ups in Africa.The camps are Nsolo, Mchenja and Luwi Bush Camp.
Zimbabwe has the same level of exceptional guiding as in Zambia, and as such the walking safaris are truly singular. The best place to base yourself for an unbeatable walking safari experience in Zimbabwe is without a doubt the beautiful Chikwenya, which allows you to get truly off the beaten track for your intrepid walking safari… But without compromising on luxury.
Tanzania is not a country which initially springs to mind as a walking safari destination, but there is an undiscovered gem which sits tucked in the wild Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania which specialises in just this. Kichaka offers the most intrepid and classic walking safari experience on the continent. You can choose from 3 different walking safari itineraries; 3 day 5 day and 7 day. These vary in creature comforts vs the classic fly-camping walking safari which was popular with the first tourists to venture into the African bush.
