Walking Safaris in East & Southern Africa

African safaris are changing. As surely as the camera has replaced the hunting rifle, the growing popularity of guided walking safaris has revolutionised traditional game viewing activities. Away from the confines of a vehicle, travellers are now venturing into big game country on foot for anything from an hour’s stroll to several days, spending starlit nights at remote lodges or tented camps.

An African walking safari is one of life’s most unforgettable adventures. Imagine birdsong-filled days spent following animal tracks, shadowing a foraging baboon troop or settling down in the shade to watch buffalo gather at a waterhole. Armed rangers and professional guides ensure your safety and comfort, and you sit down to a fire-cooked meals and slip into bed between crisp sheets every night.

Prepare yourself for a different kind of safari experience. Set in some of the best game reserves in East and Southern Africa, there are always plenty of animals to see on a walking safari but the emphasis is on the environment’s smaller details – a dew-dazzled spider web, shy flowers and bumbling beetles. Cultural elements come into play as well, whether greeting local herdsmen or sharing stories with your guide. Formal barriers melt away after a day or two, fireside conversations carry on deep into the night and you are left with a better insight into this alluring continent.

Find out where to go before delving into our selection of recommended Africa walking safari tours. We have chosen the best walking experiences in the best reserves across East and Southern Africa. Adding on a few days at a safari lodge or tropical beach resort is as simple as it is rewarding – simply ask one of our Safari Experts for the best combinations.

Walking safaris augment Africa’s other great on-foot experience – trekking holidays. A more mountain-based experience, trekking through lush rainforest for gorillas and chimps has become a must-do activity in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo, while a multi-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek belongs at the top any adventurer’s bucket list.

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Get in on the adventure! Read about all of our top African activities and experiences.

Best African Walking Safari Tours & Holidays

Adventurer Mt Kenya, Samburu & Mara

From $15,790 per person sharing
10 days
Friendly giraffe kisses. Aerial view of the Giraffe Manor. Breakfast at the Giraffe Manor. Interact with the gentle giants. Solio Lodge has floor to ceiling windows to honour the location. Grazing white rhino. Close encounter with an elephant The colourful warriors of the Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.
Highlights

Have breakfast with Rothschild’s giraffes. Stay in a rhino sanctuary area.

Destinations visited
Kenya Laikipia Masai Mara Nairobi

Zimbabwe's Family Hwange, Kariba & Falls

From $5,075 per person sharing
9 days
Matusadona National Park game viewing. Buffalo herd. Deluxe tent interior at Changa Safari Camp. Game drives with Changa  Safari Camp. The shores of Lake Kariba at Changa Safari Camp. Couch safari. Elephants infront Victoria Falls Safari Club. Dine on the deck at Victoria Falls Safari Club.
Highlights

Big 5 game viewing in Hwange. Fishing & boating on Lake Kariba.

Destinations visited
Hwange National Park Lake Kariba Matusadona National Park Victoria Falls Zambia
8 days
Spacious bedroom suites at Lemala Ndutu. Lemala Ndutu bar and guest area. Outdoor bath tub at Lemala Ndutu.
Highlights

Walk the Ngorongoro Crater. Excellent Wildebeest Migration viewing in season.

Destinations visited
Arusha Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Tanzania
9 days
Kibale Forest Camp bedroom suite. Aerial view of Mihingo Lodge. Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. Kibale Forest Camp Mihingo Lodge. Swimming pool at Mihingo Lodge. Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge. Incredible views from Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.
Highlights

Follow chimps in Kibale Forest. Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Destinations visited
Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

Adventurer Congo's Gorillas & Forest Experience

From $14,535 per person sharing
8 days
Gorilla trekking. Close encounters with gorillas. Eco-sensitive lodges tucked into the Congo rainforest. See a sizable portion of the world’s remaining gorilla population. Lango Camp situated in the heart of the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Guided walks. Lango Camp room with a view of the surrounding rainforest. Boat excursions offered at Mboko Camp.
Highlights

Unique forest wildlife & amazing bird watching. Two gorilla treks plus water-based activities & nature walks.

Destinations visited
Congo Odzala National Park

South Luangwa's 4x4, Walking & Bike Safari

From $5,360 per person sharing
8 days
Thrilling microlight flights over the national park take off in the soft light of dawn. Enjoy a morning brew by th fire at Tafika. Simple but spacious & comfortable, Tafika's chalets have two double beds, each protected by mosquito nets. Chikoko Tree Camp is set far from roads & vehicles: the emphasis is firmly on the walking experience. Hop on a mountain bike and set out on an animal-filled excursion. Hot afternoons at Chikoko are best spent in the shade with binoculars at hand. With only six chalets, owner-run Tafika Camp has a very intimate & personalised atmosphere. A hearty breakfast with fresh coffee is your well-deserved reward after a morning walking safari.
Highlights

Twice-daily walking safaris in pristine wilderness. Rangers are very knowledgeable & experienced.

Destinations visited
South Luangwa National Park Zambia
11 days
Each private suite has river views from the viewing deck.
Your bedroom at  Chamilandu Bushcamp. The Lower Zambezi is known for exceptional walking safaris, where you'll be able to view animals large and small, on foot. Set off on foot along ancient elephant & hippo trails, led by your expert armed guide at Chikoko Tree Camp. A river cruise holds the promise of seeing wildlife in the Zambezi National Park.
Chikoko's chalets are raised off the ground & sit, rather romantically, in the tree canopy. Take a break from game drives & explore this beautiful area by mountain bike. A beautiful male leopard spotted on a game drive in the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Highlights

See the wonder that is Victoria Falls. Stay in luxury accommodation in South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi National Park.

Destinations visited
Lower Zambezi South Luangwa National Park Victoria Falls Zambezi River Zambia

Kenya's Big 5 & Walking Safari

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9 days
Masai-guided game drives & walks. Tumaren’s spacious tents overlook the surrounding grassland, providing a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Masai-led walking safaris at Porini Mara Camp. Exclusive wildlife conservancy. Knowledgeable & friendly guides at Porini Rhino Camp. Fully inclusive safari experience
 at Porini Rhino Camp. Alfresco dining at Porini Rhino Camp. Porini Rhino Camp is a simple camp with small eco-footprint.
Highlights

Great mix of game viewing by 4x4 vehicle and on foot. Private and exclusive wildlife destinations throughout Kenya.

Destinations visited
Kenya Laikipia Masai Mara