Walking Safaris in Africa
African Walking Safaris
Walking is one of the finest ways to explore the bush and really keep in touch with nature! We arrange the most wonderful walking safaris in Africa. One learns so much more on foot: the scent of sage plants comes alive in the early morning dew; the homeopathic properties of plants and trees are explained in full detail and the adrenaline courses through one’s veins tracking an elephant on foot, keeping downwind, moving with the herd. One learns about spoormarks, identifying game trails and movements taken place during the night and following the tracks of nocturnal creatures. Zambia is the spiritual home to some of the finest walking safaris in Africa but we arrange proper walking safaris over several days in the Serengeti in northern Tanzania and in the Selous in southern Tanzania and in Laikipia and the Masai Mara in Kenya with some of the finest guides.
Five day walking safaris in south Luangwa, Zambia
In South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: The walking season is June – October.
With Robin Pope, this is a set departure. One normally spends the first couple of nights at Nkwali Camp, a comfortable and stylish tented camp in south Luangwa, where the order of the day is game drives during the day and night, followed by a five night walking safari between three mobile camps which are set up for you. The whole emphasis is on walking. This is no route march – perhaps 10kms maximum will be covered in an entire day over generally flat ground. This is one of the best ways of going on safari as one learns so much – not only about the wildlife, but also the trees, plants, insects and birdlife. No more than six people are taken walking at a time and one develops a close rapport with one’s guide. Two or three nights are then spent at a luxury, tented camp being either Nsefu or Tena Tena at the end.
With John Coppinger, this is an individual experience and one normally starts at Tafika in south Luangwa, where one views game on foot and by open vehicle (and also microlight, should one wish!) – this is an amazing experience, with John at the helm, and then continue on your walking safari, staying perhaps two nights at one bush camp and then a couple of nights at a further bush camp. This is entirely individual and dependant upon your own wishes and timetable.
Bush Camps in the south and North Luangwa
There also has some wonderful bush camps in the form of Luwi and Nsolo in south Luangwa- again, one can literally spend a couple of days here or a week! Otherwise, we also have a truly fantastic guide called Debs Tittle, who will be your private guide for a night or two whilst you fly camp in a pup tent in south Luangwa. This will be a completely private experience.
Ten day walking safaris in north and south Luangwa, Zambia
Combining South Luangwa and North Luangwa National Parks, again from June to October. Spend five nights in south Luangwa (this can be combined with game viewing by vehicle, should you choose), and five nights walking in the gorgeous north Luangwa region. We love north Luangwa – because it feels like primaeval Africa – huge herds of wildlife – buffalo, antelope and the most wonderful guiding and scenery. There are two really lovely bush camps that we use in North Luangwa. Combine it with south Luangwa for the greater concentration of wildlife. The two areas complement each other well and have completely different vegetation and feel.
Speak to one of our experts, either Katharine Tetley, who used to live in Zambia, or Kate Pirie, who will guide you through the various options and help you to make the right decision for you!
Walking in Tanzania – the Serengeti & Ngorongoro region in the North and the Selous, Katavi and Ruaha in southern Tanzania
In the Selous, southern Tanzania, one can walk privately on an individual basis which is fantastic and there is the opportunity to fly camp or there is also Ruaha which is also truly wonderful which one does on an individual basis again. The tents are lightweight fly tents in the Selous and dome tents in Ruaha. These areas complement one another and are so different both in terms of vegetation, scenery and wildlife. There is also Katavi which is fabulous to walk in and this you can do on a daily basis or fly camp for a couple of nights which I thoroughly recommend! A fly camp is erected just for you and you are the only people sleeping in the park, watching the birds come in to roost.
Walking is also conducted in the northern Serengeti which is individually tailored around each of our clients and accommodation is in proper large, manyara style tents with en suite loo and shower. Not only does this allow one to stretch one’s legs and really feel a part of Africa, but the emphasis is on the cultural interaction between yourself and your guides. This is one of the highlights of northern Tanzania!
The walking season is June – October.
Walking safaris in Kenya – these are all individual
In the Loita Hills in Kenya: Stay at a wonderful lodge on the outskirts of the Masai Mara, where walking is the key – this is one of the prettiest areas and you can stay for a night or a week!
In Laikipia, in the Rift Valley – one can either walk during the day, game viewing with your superb guide or stay overnight at a luxurious farmhouse, or one can do a four or five day walking safari. This is all with one of the finest guides in Africa.
South Africa – Walking in the Limpopo Region in the northern part of Kruger Park. This is one of the prettiest areas and especially good for birdlife, elephant and the smaller creatures.
Namibia - Walking in the Fish River Canyon, this five day trek offers you some of the most beautiful scenery about. This walk is for people with a level of fitness.
