Some people enjoy nothing more than the feeling of being directly and intimately close to nature and wildlife. There is surely no more thrilling experience, and what better way to do this than by enjoying a walking safari!
Thankfully for us (and you!) Africa is undeniably a walkers’ Utopia. From the Mopane Pans in Botswana and the secluded bush camps in Zambia, to the varied landscapes of the Kruger Park in South Africa. The choices are varied and plentiful to meet a range of fitness levels and preferences. If you are travelling as a family, it is worth noting that ALL walking safaris have an age restriction – which is always 12 and above – so make sure to check on this before booking with children. In this article we look at a handful of lodges that are ideal for walking safaris.
Simbavati Trails Camp – Timbavati Reserve, Greater Kruger Park, South Africa
Simbavati Trails Camp is a gem; a luxury-yet-back-to-basics walking trails camp located in a secluded area of the Timbavati Game Reserve. It’s all about guided walks with expert guides, one of the most stimulating and enthralling forms of safari. Trails Camp borders, without fences, an unspoilt wilderness area of 11,000 hectares in the Kruger National Park.
There is no electricity, WiFi or cell phone reception. Just you, in the heart of an untamed African wildlife wonderland. Hearty and delicious meals are prepared over an open fire by an expert cook.
Africa on Foot Walking Safari camp – Klaserie, Greater Kruger Park, South Africa
As the name suggests, walking is at the core of this relaxed camp in the Kruger. It’s position in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve that shares unfenced borders with the Kruger, means that wildlife roam freely and the area is rich in game.
Didn’t think it would be possible to see the Big 5 on foot? Well at Africa on Foot you can. The specialized game rangers have years of experience, so you’ll see a variety of game AND you’ll be well informed.
If walking is not entirely you’re fix, or you’d like to mix things up, you can go on Big 5 game drives and night drives to get the full spectrum of safari activities.
If you’re already getting excited by the prospect of a walking safari, but would like more experienced assistance in planning your trip (at less than the cost of booking direct) – Chat to us!
Pafuri Camp & Pafuri Walking safaris – Northern Kruger Park, South Africa
Pafuri Camp has an idyllic setting between 2 rivers – the Limpopo and Luvuvhu, in the far north of the Kruger National Park. The rivers provide a mix of botanically rich sandveld, mopane woodland, baobabs, spectacular kopjes and hidden freshwater springs. Sounds amazing right?
Between April and October, Pafuri offers 2 to 4 night walking safaris from the main camp to fly-in camps. This is ‘glamping’ at its best as tents are super comfy and have en-suite loos… let’s face it, no one wants to sprint to the toilet in the middle of the night and risk an encounter with a predator!
This area of the Kruger is also filled with folklore of the early explorers and ancient civilizations. So what’s great about a walking safari at Pafuri, is that the guides are not only game-spotters, but story-tellers as well. You don’t need to be super fit for this experience. BUT you’ll need to be comfortable with walking 5 to 10km’s a day.
