It’s one thing to observe animals in Africa while
riding in a jeep or flying overhead in a hot
air balloon, but there is just something extra special
about the walking safaris in Africa. When you engage
in an African walking safari, you become a more authentic
piece of the natural fabric, coming down to the same level
of the animals, really. Of course, leaving the relative
safety of a vehicle can make you more vulnerable, but
as long as you exercise the proper care and hire a competent
guide, there should be very little to worry about.
Walking safaris in Africa can sometimes cover more than
just one day, and it’s often recommended that those
looking to enjoy them be in pretty good shape. You
should at least be fit enough to handle a few days of
walking without issue if you really want to book a multi-day
African walking safari. Due to the sometimes oppressive
weather and overall climate
of Africa, some of the walking safaris can be rather demanding,
but since they are so truly rewarding, that doesn’t
bother most. Walking safaris in Africa can always
be coupled with other less strenuous safaris, such as
horseback safaris and camelback safaris. Some African
safaris even have you riding on the back of an elephant
at times!
There are an honest handful of African countries where
an African walking safari can be enjoyed to the max, and
they include Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, South
Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
If you are on one of the extended Kenya walking safaris,
for example, you might relax for a day in Nairobi
first, and you may even hit the Nairobi
National Park for a quick side safari, as it’s
found just outside the city. After adjusting for
a day or so, it’s usually off to other great Kenyan
parks. Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park,
and the renowned Masai Mara
Game Reserve are among the best destinations for Kenya
walking safaris. During the Kenya walking safaris,
and during most other walking safaris in Africa, you will
certainly see plenty of animals, though you might need
to be patient if you have a specific creature in mind.
Much like the Serengeti plains in Tanzania, the Masai
Mara in Kenya is at its best during the annual summer
wildebeest migration. Should you be headed to the
Masai Mara for Kenya walking safaris during this time
of year, you will be treated to what is hailed as one
of the most intriguing natural spectacles on earth.
For those headed to Botswana, the Okavango Delta is
often the premier destination for not only walking safaris,
but for other safaris as well. Namibia’s “Walking
with Bushmen” experience is one of the more interesting
walking safaris in Africa, and you’ll often be trying
to catch dinner on the side, which you will prepare later
at camp. For a bit of a different experience when
it comes to walking safaris in Africa, you might try the
Kilimanjaro Rongai Trek,
which includes heading up Mount Kilimanjaro on the generally
safe Rongai route. As you ascend up Africa’s
tallest peak, you will likely be amazed at the wealth
of creatures, not to mention the shifting habitats and
climates. At the aforementioned Serengeti plains
in Tanzania, your African walking safari could be led
by a Masai warrior, which is a joy for those wanting to
get as much culture as they can during their trip.
In Namibia, you might fancy the walking safaris that track
black rhinos. There
are so many great choices for walking safaris in Africa,
the only problem being that it can be rather hard to choose!
Choosing the best African walking safari for you or your
group is certainly not a “lesser of two evils”
kind of thing.
