A big game safari in Africa on foot has got to be one of the ultimate safari experiences. Zambia is the undisputed king of the walking safari and nowhere is it better than in the South Luangwa, one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. All the big names of the safari world are there; lion, elephant, giraffe, the list goes on.
Nestled in the central highlands of Kenya, the vast and undulating landscape of Laikipia is prime game viewing territory and perfect for a walking safari. Twitchers in particular should take note because the birdlife in Laikipia is especially good.
They say variety is the spice of life and nowhere is this truer than in Botswana. From the beautiful grasslands of of the Kalahari, the lush floodplains of the Okavango Delta or the barren landscape of the Makgadikgadi Pans, diversity (of both scenery and wildlife) is what makes a walking safari in Botswana so very special.
Best For: Big Five Sightings
Getting up close to Big Five game on a walking safari is one of the most exciting wildlife encounters in the world. Join one of the armed and very experienced guides from your lodge in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools and head out into the bush to track prints until you find yourselves quietly crouching as a herd of elephants pass just feet from you. If you're lucky, one might even lean back on its hind legs and reach into a tree.
Best For: Alternative Wildlife
Seasoned safari-goers who have experienced the thrill of seeing the Big Five and other big game and are now looking for something different should head to South Africa's Greater Karoo, where the vast and versatile landscapes are perfect terrain for Africa's more unusual species. The guides at Samara Game Reserve specialise in walking safaris and smells of the bush while looking for the so-called 'Funny Five': giraffes, warthogs, wildebeests, monkeys and aardvarks.
Best For: The Whole Package
No walking safari collection would be complete without mentioning Zambia, generally regarded as the home of the walking safari and your go-to destination for the full, immersive experience. In South Luangwa National Park join an expert guide to spend several days walking between mobile camps and tracking wildlife en route. Spending so much time out in the bush with your guide means you'll learn to really understand the flora and fauna and appreciate safari on a whole new level.
