Numerous safari camps and lodges, especially those located within private reserves and concessions, complement the safari experience by offering bush walks. These excursions, lasting an hour or two, take place in areas deemed relatively safe and are led by seasoned, armed walking guides and trackers. Typically, there’s a minimum age requirement for participants, but exceptions are sometimes made for children in the absence of large wildlife, such as lions or elephants, allowing them to partake in these on-foot explorations.

The Unique Charm of Bush Walks

Bush walks provide an intimate connection with nature, offering insights into the often-overlooked finer details of the ecosystem, such as intriguing plants and insects. These walks are particularly captivating for children, who delight in learning how to identify various animal tracks and in comparing the size of a lion’s paw print to their own hand or footprint.

Acquiring Bush Skills

Some camps extend the opportunity not just for wildlife tracking walks with local tribesmen, but also for guests to acquire bush survival skills. This can include learning to light a fire, mastering the use of a bow and arrow, and spear-throwing. Participants are often fascinated by the diversity of medicinal plants in Africa. Moreover, several lodges in South Africa run highly educational junior ranger programs aimed at young explorers.

Exhilarating Walking Safaris

For those seeking a more thrilling adventure, there are camps and lodges that specialize in extensive walking safaris, ranging from half or full-day excursions to multi-day expeditions, sometimes incorporating Fly Camping. These walking safaris, set in some of Africa’s most untouched and wild reserves, offer life-altering experiences.

Guided walking safaris present a dynamic alternative to the traditional game drive, engaging participants’ senses fully and unveiling the myriad sights, sounds, and scents of the wilderness in an immersive manner.