Walking safaris


The preferred booking platform for lodges & campsites managed by AFRICAN PARKS

Walking - be it in the bushveld or in a dense forest - is an immersive experience like no other.

You can enjoy a brief or extended walking safari as one of several experiences on offer. Walking with an experienced guide is a great way to learn about the tell-tale signs that animals leave when they pass by - as your guides read the 'daily news' of who went where and of deadly encounters between predator and prey.

And because you are out there without the protection of a vehicle, your senses will be alert to the sounds and smells we miss on game drive - a thrilling experience.

Scroll past the places and camps below to find out more about walking while on safari

Come walking with us

  • Places
  • Lodges - fully catered
  • Lodges - self-catering
  • Campsites
Rwanda
Akagera National Park

The 112,200 ha Akagera National Park shelters Central Africa's largest protected string of lakes and papyrus-lined swamps and offers a superb Big 5 safari experience

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Zambia
Bangweulu Wetlands

Bangweulu Wetlands is the only place in the world you will find wild black lechwe and is home to over 350 shoebills

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Zambia
Liuwa Plain National Park

Liuwa Plain National Park in western Zambia - a conservation success story - is home to precious wetlands, a growing lion population, huge hyena clans, a rich Lozi people culture & remote wilderness

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Malawi
Liwonde National Park

The 548km2 (54,800 hectare) Liwonde National Park stretches along the banks of the Shire River in Malawi - just south of Lake Malombe and Lake Malawi

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Malawi
Majete Wildlife Reserve

The 70,000-hectare Majete Wildlife Reserve in southwestern Malawi is one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories and a premier Big-5 safari destination for responsible travellers

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Malawi
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is Malawi’s oldest and largest reserve - encompassing 1,800km2 (180,000 hectares) of wild and rugged terrain

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Rwanda
Nyungwe National Park

The 100,019-hectare Nyungwe National Park protects Africa's most extensive protected tract of montane forest and offers superb chimpanzee trekking, bird watching and hiking opportunities

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Congo-Brazzaville
Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Odzala-Kokoua NP in Congo is one of Africa's hidden gems – dense lowland forests teeming with lowland gorillas, forest elephants, dwarf crocodiles, bongos and huge flocks of grey parrots and green pigeons

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Tips for walking safaris

Are walking safaris safe?

Yes, our guides are well-trained and very experienced, and they enforce the necessary safeguards while you are on safari. Listen to their advice at all times. While walking in the bushveld or forests, your guides will be extremely vigilant about established safety procedures. The chance of encountering dangerous animals (which will be given a wide berth) is far less than during a game drive. 

Walking safety and etiquette
  • Walk in single file, about one arm's length apart

  • Follow your guide and tracker

  • Remain silent, or whisper if you need to communicate

  • Follow the advice of your guide at all times - and remember, DO NOT RUN if your group encounters a dangerous animal!

What to take

The emphasis is on taking as little as possible to increase your enjoyment. So, remembering that walking safaris are usually for an hour or three, we suggest the following:

  • Comfortable clothes in neutral colours (brown, green, khaki or tan) - shorts and a t-shirt with additional items to suit the climate and weather forecast (a long-sleeved top and light raincoat);

  • Comfortable hiking boots, running shoes or tough sandals (strops) with closed toes;

  • Sun hat and sun protection creme;

  • Light-weight camera with a small lens and/ or a mobile phone (with bird/animal ID apps);

  • A water bottle that clips onto your belt or fits into a small pouch/bag;

  • Snacks, just in case;

  • Small backpack to carry the above, if necessary