Botswana offers some stunning walking safari terrain, in the Okavango Delta, in the Selinda and Kwando concessions of the Linyanti and in the Mashatu Game Reserve. There is nothing to compare with the excitement of walking through the bush - never knowing what you may encounter.
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Walking safaris in Botswana offer one of the most thrilling ways to experience the African bush β on foot, in the company of a skilled game ranger. There is nothing to compare with the excitement of walking through the bush - never knowing what you may encounter.
But walking safaris in Botswana are not arduous hikes: more of a meander with meaning than a hike with hardship. (Think ambling, not scrambling.)
Youβll find some of the finest walking terrain in the Okavango Delta, the Selinda and Kwando concessions of the Linyanti, and the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswanaβs southeast.
During the Delta's peak flood months, our favourite guided walking safaris in the Okavango Delta typically start with a boat ride to an island, followed by a relaxed walk. Thereβs a ranger up front, a tracker at the rear, with you in the middle - possibly wondering if those rustling leaves are a squirrel or something larger.
Itβs not strenuous, but a decent fitness level definitely helps, especially in the hotter months like March, April, and September.
The golden window is May to mid-September. Mornings are cool, the bush is dry and clear, and animals gather at water sources β making sightings more likely.
Come October, the heat turns things up to "sweaty saunter" mode, so walks are best kept short and early. We donβt recommend anything more than a short early morning bush walk, perhaps combined with a game drive?
Most Okavango Water-based camps offer a mix of boating and island walking. Many private concession camps also include walking as part of their activities. (Note: walking is not permitted in Chobe National Park or Moremi Game Reserve.)
Other great areas for walking safaris are the private concessions of Kwando and Selinda in the Linyanti region west of Chobe. As well as Mashatu Game Reserve in the far south.
Footsteps Camp remains one of our top choices for exclusive-use walking safaris, offering private guiding and complete flexibility. See our Footsteps walking safari in Botswana.
Note: You can also take a private walking safari guide at any of the other Ker & Downey camps such as Shinde Camp.
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Itβs ideal for second-time safari visitors. Those who want to slow down, ditch the vehicle, and lean into the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa. All with a knowledgeable guide and a thrilling dose of unpredictability.
Did you know?Β - Botswana was the first country in Africa to ban hunting for conservation purposes in 2014, creating even safer conditions for low-impact tourism like walking safaris.
Safety is paramount. Walks are always led by a highly trained armed guide and often accompanied by a second scout. Distances are moderate, wildlife etiquette is thoroughly briefed, and routes are chosen according to the conditions and recent animal movements.
You donβt need to be an athlete; Β just comfortable walking for a couple of hours at a steady pace. The terrain is generally flat. BUT heat can add intensity during warmer months, so reasonable fitness improves enjoyment.
A small daypack with water, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, and comfortable closed walking shoes. This should all be in subdued βmuddyβ colours to blend into the bush. This is not the time for those fetching yellow socks!
In brief β no. Most guided bush walks require a minimum age (usually between 12β16 years).
Most bush walks are 2β3+ hours depending on season, wildlife movements and guest preference. Some camps can offer longer walks on cooler days. Whilst they may be shorter as it heats up in October.
Ready to experience Botswana on foot? Tell us your travel dates and weβll match you with the perfect walking safari, that fits seamlessly into your Botswana safari.
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