Walking safaris or bush walks are an ideal way to get up close to animals and experience an authentic African safari.
Walking safaris are typically small groups and you are led by an experienced armed guide and a tracker, often times multiple guides or trackers.
Here are the best places for a walking safari in Africa.
#1 Zambia
The undisputed King of walking safaris is Zambia.
The South Luangwa National Park is frequently referred to as the birthplace of walking safaris and to this day offers many of Zambia’s premier walking safari tours.
North Luangwa however may be even more to your liking as there are no permanent lodges in the area and only a handful of safari operators have permission to offer walking safaris, keeping overall park numbers low and providing an authentic experience amidst the abundance of wildlife.
Accommodation in the area is available via tented camp and if you want to experience Africa as it once was, this experience is for you.
If you prefer a combination of walking safaris and more luxurious accommodation, the Lower Zambezi National Park and Kafue National Park offer superb alternatives.
The guides in Zambia specialise in walking safaris and are tested yearly to ensure the highest standards available in Africa.
#2 Kruger Park
The Kruger Park may be the most well-kept and organised reserve in Africa, and that means excellent walking safaris with experienced guides.
Remember that the Kruger Park offers more wildlife and bird species than any other reserve in Africa, resulting in phenomenal bush sightings.
The lodges in the Kruger offer short 3hour walking safaris or for the more adventurous, overnight tented camps and 3-day walking safaris can be arranged.
If you prefer a combination of 4×4 and walking safari, that can be arranged too.
The beauty of the Kruger is that it caters to so many desires.
You can have a luxury African safari experience or a rustic bush experience, the choice is yours.
#3 Tanzania
Walking safaris in Ruaha National Park along the banks of the Ruaha River in the eastern end of the park, are the ideal way to see this game-rich wilderness and number 1 rated destination for walking safaris in Tanzania.
The many waterways and abundant fruit trees attract the areas wildlife and provides a perfect setting to view wildlife up close.
If you’re up for a little more adventure then we recommend a mobile-camp experience in the Serengeti, home of the Great Animal Migration.
The endless plains of the Serengeti provide magical game viewing opportunities and viewing more than 2 million animals on foot is the experience of a lifetime.
The best time to go on a walking safari in the Serengeti is from July to October during the dry months, you don’t want to get caught out in the rainy season.
#4 Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe offers a diverse landscape for walking safari enthusiasts in that you can experience bushland, desert and rolling mountains in one country.
Zimbabwe also boasts incredible wildlife including the Big Five animals.
If you’re looking for a truly unique bush walk experience, consider joining the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit as they patrol the surrounding area.
Perhaps you enjoy a desert experience, if so the Hwange National Park close to the Kalahari provides incredible walks and photographic opportunities.
Zimbabwe has really embraced walking safaris and there are a wide range of guided tours and operators ready to guide you through the bush.
#5 Kenya
Kenya is an interesting location as walking is prohibited in most of the national parks.
There are a handful of areas that are open to walking safaris, but this is nowhere near the levels of Zambia for example.
If you’re interested in a Kenya walking safari then you want to head to the private concession of Laikipia, as they’re not permitted anywhere else in Kenya.
The Laikipia concession is privately and well stocked with game including predators, just in smaller numbers – not always a bad thing on a walking safari.
The bush walks can be arranged for 3 hours to half day or even full-day trips for the fit and adventurous.
Summary
If you want to experience a short bush walk safari or a longer more adventurous safari, contact us and we will point you in the right direction for your needs.
At African Safari Home we embrace walking safaris due to their low impact on the natural surroundings and the intimate experiences these walks offer.
We can cater to young and old and provide private guides to move at your pace.
Do you want to book a walking safari for your vacation?