Walking Safaris

Zambia is the true home to the walking safari - pioneered by the late Norman Carr, and beginning to be copied in other countries as well - in which the guests take to their feet in the bush, accompanied only by a guide and an armed National Park scout. Usually a walking safari will take place from a bush camp situated in a more remote region of the Park to that used for game drives, to maximise the solitude of this unique experience.

As well as walking from bushcamp to bushcamp in an area such as the South Luangwa National Park, you can also go for the more full-on mobile fly-tent camping - not as strong on the creature comforts but an amazing way to explore the bush and "get back to nature". Either way the feeling of exploration and the excitement involved with sometimes literally stumbling over your new accommodation for the night is wonderful. Many of the main lodges in Zambia will offer walking safaris too and you don't have to walk from lodge to lodge - a [cont.]

circular walk around the lodge is often just as good as you'll have no idea where you are within three minutes of leaving your lodge!

In principle you don't get quite as close to big game as you would in a vehicle (although in practice it can turn out to be just the opposite!), but you also get the opportunity to study things - such as insects, trees, droppings and spoor - that you normally never observe from a vehicle, and see the bush from the wildlife's eye view, rather than looking down on everything from the back of your 4x4. Walking safaris are a great opportunity for photographers to get down to ground level for some impressive pictures.

Walking safaris in Zambia are not particularly strenuous - you will be stopping frequently to observe the fascinating details of the bush so the pace is not brisk by any means, but you will be travelling over rough terrain. Walks tend to last for 3 to 4 hours with a mid-walk break, setting off early in the morning and arriving at your next lodge or campsite at around 10 or 11 in the morning to avoid walking during the hot midday sun. Afternoon walks are also possible, again timed to avoid walking at the hotter times of day. If you don't feel that you could manage a walk of that length for any reason, just discuss your requirements with your lodge host - most often you will be able to drive out part way to meet your group when they are an hour or two from their destination, and walk in with them.

For more information on walking safaris, including staying at bush camps or a full mobile tented safari, please contact us by calling 0121 471 1541 or email us.