Safari experts & storytellers. Since 1991
Walking safaris – up close and personal
A walking safari is the most visceral way to experience the African bush, trading the security of a vehicle for the thrill of being on foot to interpret "bush news".
Walking in the bushveld under the protection of an experienced guide is a great way to learn about the details of nature. You will be shown the telltale signs that animals leave when they pass by, as well as evidence of violent encounters between predators and prey. You get to see dew on a spider web and the detail of a tiny sunbird’s nest. And because you are out there without the protection of a vehicle, your senses will be alert to the sounds and smells we miss on game drives - a thrilling experience.
Most lodges offer a short morning walk as an alternative to game drives during a classic wildlife safari. By contrast, our walking safaris feature walking as the sole activity, or are offered in areas known for excellent walking that complement game drives.
Our favourite walking safaris
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"Travel in Africa is about knowing what, when and where to go - a few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the Greatest Show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Our crew of passionate safari experts have lived and worked in Africa for most of their lives. Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!"
Simon Espley - CEO, Africa Geographic
All you need to know about walking safaris
How much walking is there?
Our curated walking safaris are not the brief interpretive morning walk, offered by many traditional safari lodges to complement game drives (which are also fantastic experiences, by the way). Instead, the goal is to cover a good amount of ground and to explore beyond the usual tourist haunts. You should be prepared to spend several hours walking, possibly most of the morning or afternoon. The pace is slow, and the terrain is easy, but you should be in good walking shape.
This is not a route march, so every excuse to stop is taken, from bird-watching to wondering at a spider packing up her dew-drenched web after a night of hunting, or watching lions hunt buffalo or elephants playing in a muddy waterhole.
The amount of walking varies per itinerary. Some itineraries focus on walking, while others include walking alongside other activities.
Are walking safaris safe?
Yes, the guides on our walking safaris are certified as Trails Guides (qualifications vary by country), meaning they are trained to assess risk, interpret wildlife behaviour, handle firearms, and administer first aid. They are highly experienced and ensure the necessary safeguards are in place throughout your safari.
Your guides will be highly vigilant in adhering to established safety procedures and ensuring that you know what to do if dangerous animals are encountered.
The likelihood of encountering dangerous animals (which will be given a wide berth) is much lower than during a game drive.
Read more about walking safari safety in the FAQs below.
Walking safari lodges
The choice of walking safari accommodation depends on the chosen itinerary and includes:
Safari lodges: Some walking safaris are based in and out of traditional safari lodges. Typically constructed from stone, wood, canvas, and thatch, these are permanent lodges that offer the usual comforts you would expect from a luxury lodge.
Seasonal bush camps: For the ultimate in exclusivity, these camps open seasonally to best position guests for wildlife events such as migrations or to be located in areas inaccessible to permanent structures. Their positioning offers front-row seats to nature's greatest spectacles and a great hub for walking safaris.
Fly camps / temporary tented bush camps: These intimate, temporary camps are used exclusively for walking-safari groups and are erected and dismantled each day of the walking safari or after the safari has ended. Building materials range from comfortable canvas tents to simple mosquito netting supported by rope for more adventurous walking safaris.
Refer to the accommodation descriptions for each of our walking safaris to understand comfort levels and amenities.
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This safari on foot through Tsavo National Park was the trip of a lifetime, expertly enabled ... from the initial enquiry through the whole administrative process to the final planning stage right up to departure. I cannot praise his efforts highly enough. The safari itself was an unforgettable experience.
Chitake Springs with Africa Geographic - just back from a truly memorable few days. Our Bush Camp ... bordered the sandy ‘highway” ... Elephants, leopards, hyenas, antelopes, baboons all used this route, and sometimes a few of the 21 local lions ... Fascinating and fun, every day!
The Africa on Foot Wilderness Trail - after 4 nights/ 3 days walking ... glamping ... in the beautiful Maseke Reserve, I had 4 nights / 5 days in the equally lovely Klaserie Reserve. Thank you, Christian and Africa Geographic, for soooooo giving me the ideal, tranquil, and heart-filling week ever!
Frequently asked questions
Yes, all walking safari guides in our itineraries are certified as Trails Guides, giving them the skills and experience to interpret behaviour and assess the risk posed by dangerous wildlife, handle firearms, and administer first aid if required.
The likelihood of encountering dangerous animals is much lower than during a game drive, and dangerous wildlife will be given a wide berth.
What you can do to reduce risk
Walk in single file, about one arm's length apart
Follow your guide and tracker
Remain silent, or whisper if you need to communicate
Follow the advice of your guide at all times - and remember, DO NOT RUN if your group encounters a dangerous animal!
The fitness requirement for a walking safari depends on the chosen itinerary. Focussed walking safaris, where you will walk twice a day for several days, require you to be fit enough to walk for 5–8 hours per day with regular breaks. Although the pace will be relaxed, you will need some endurance.
For a more relaxed walking itinerary with one walk per day complemented by game drives, you should be fit enough to walk 3–4 hours per day, with regular breaks.
A significant aspect of walking fitness is conditioning your feet to reduce blisters caused by friction with your walking shoes.
For your time at the lodge or bushcamp, we suggest packing as you would for any African safari. Read more here (includes a downloadable packing guide).
While out on your daily walking safari, we suggest carrying as little as possible to increase your enjoyment, as follows:
Comfortable clothes in neutral colours (brown, green, khaki or tan) - shorts and a t-shirt with additional items to suit the climate and weather forecast (a long-sleeved top and light raincoat).
Comfortable hiking boots, running shoes or tough sandals (strops) with closed toes.
Sun hat and sun protection cream.
Thick plasters and ointment for blisters.
Light-weight camera with a small lens and/ or a mobile phone (with bird/animal ID apps).
A water bottle that clips onto your belt or fits into a small pouch/bag.
Snacks, just in case.
A small backpack to carry the above, if needed.
The "best" time for a walking safari in Africa is generally the dry seasons in Southern Africa (May to October) and East Africa (January to March, and June to October). These months offer prime wildlife viewing, as sparse vegetation and animals congregating at water sources make for ideal conditions.
That said, the wet seasons (e.g., green season in Botswana from January to April, or short rains in East Africa from November to December) can be ideal, offering lower prices, fewer crowds, and the delightful spectacle of newborn animals.
Dry-season drama (May to mid-November): The classic safari season when wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, and predators are in action. Vegetation is sparse, making game viewing exceptional, and the weather is most comfortable for extended outdoor activities. The later in the dry season, the better the wildlife encounters will be, but be aware that temperatures can be very high in October and November.
Migration magic (timing varies by region): The great wildebeest migrations in East Africa and Zambia's Liuwa Plain offer once-in-a-lifetime spectacles, as do the zebra migrations in Botswana and the bat migration in Zambia's Kasanka, but timing is crucial and advance booking is essential for prime locations.
Green-season tranquillity (November to April): Often overlooked by conventional tourism, this period offers dramatic skies, newborn animals, resident predators, and spectacular birdlife, with the landscape transforming into an emerald paradise. Expect lower prices and fewer tourists.
Our safaris typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team, but excludes a private vehicle and other exclusive services.
You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.
Peak season bookings require 12–18 months of advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.
Click here to schedule a no-obligation call with one of our Safari Experts or fill in our 2-minute form with your questions. Our team of experts are here to help! Whether you’re curious about the best time to travel, want to hear first-hand about an experience or need help planning your safari.
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