Walking safaris in Africa

Most guided walking safaris in Africa have a minimum age of 12, and some require participants to be at least 16. This varies by lodge and by the nature of the walk; bush walks in Big 5 areas tend to have higher minimum ages than walks in areas with less dangerous wildlife. If you are travelling with children, let us know, and we will find an itinerary that works for your family.

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.

Walking safaris offer close encounters with a wide range of animals, from elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, buffaloes, and hippos to the smaller details that game drives miss – tracks, dung beetles, termite mounds, spider webs, bird nests, and medicinal plants.

Your guide will interpret everything you see, making the experience both educational and thrilling. The wildlife you encounter depends on the destination and time of year.

Most walking safari destinations in Africa – including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Tanzania – are in malaria zones. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic well in advance of travel to discuss appropriate antimalarial medication. Practical precautions include wearing long sleeves and trousers at dusk, using DEET-based repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net. South Africa's Kruger National Park is also a malaria risk area, though there are malaria-free alternatives in Madikwe Game Reserve and various private reserves in the Western and Eastern Cape.

• 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.

1. 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.

2. You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.

3. 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.