A walking safari doesn’t have to be a daring close encounter with lions or an angry rhino – although this can be very exhilarating for those who like that kind of thing! The beauty of exploring the African bush on foot is that you often notice things that you would miss when zooming by in a safari vehicle. Without the distracting noise of an engine, you can really take in the sounds of nature and often, with a skilled guide, get closer to the animals you are observing because they are not alerted to your presence if you stay downwind of them.
Top 10 Lodges for African Walking Safaris
Walks allow guest to learn more about the ins and outs of the bush – and although big game is not the focus, there is a chance that you could get up close and personal with a big cat!
"There is no better way of exploring the bush than on foot. Mwaleshi, located in the North Luangwa National Park, is a very simple and rustic camp but what makes this camp so special is its remoteness and the fact that it is a pure walking camp. I’d recommend a minimum of four nights at the camp."
Top Ten Lodges for Walking Safaris Holidays:
1. Hwange Bush Camp, Zimbabwe
Hwange Bush Camp is privately owned and run. It’s a semi-permanent camp, taken down every November and put up again in readiness for the beginning of May. Occupying a remote location, it’s able to offer superb safari experiences!
2. Kichaka Lodge, Tanzania
Located in the Northern sector of Ruaha National Park, Kichaka epitomises the essence of a park that is regarded within the industry as one of the wildest and best big game destinations anywhere on the continent. It is one of the finest and most personal safari experiences anywhere in Africa.
3. Chula Island Camp, Zambia
If you want back-to-basics safari accommodation, run by its passionate owners, you will love Chula Island. Wild, raw, authentic… Chula Island Camp is a remote and adventurous fly-camping option in the Lower Zambezi National Park. It’s sister camp to Kutali Camp, hence their clear similarity in style, and both are owned and operated by Tusk & Mane African Safaris and now part of Classic Zambia.
4. Chikoko Tree Camp, Zambia
Chikoko is a three-roomed adventurous walking camp. Its three rooms, made of wood, reeds and thatch, are raised on stilts so that they are up in the trees. Chikoko Tree Camp is one of the purest safari experiences we know – adventurous and authentic, yet very high quality. You will not find guiding this good in many places.
5. Laikipia Wilderness Camp, Kenya
Laikipia Wilderness Camp is a relaxed setting, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who will enhance your visit, whatever the length of your stay. The infrastructure of the camp has been deliberately left as unspoilt and basic as possible, allowing visitors to become awestruck by the untamed wildlife and beautiful nature of Laikipia.
6. Mwaleshi Camp, Zambia
Mwaleshi is located in North Luangwa National Park. It is one of the most remote camps we work with, and one of our favourite camps anywhere. Certainly a no-frills, rustic camp, but it is also an undeniably high-quality safari outfit.
7. Alex Walker's Serian, Tanzania
Alex Walker’s Serengeti Serian Camp is located in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. In our opinion, it is the finest mobile camp outfit in the Serengeti. The camp is pitched in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and boasts amazing views across the short-grass plains.
8. Tena Tena Camp, Zambia
Tena Tena is located in the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park. It is run by Robin Pope Safaris, one of the park’s most famous operators. It has a fabulous location amidst trees on a bank of the River Luangwa.
9. Chiawa Camp, Zambia
Chiawa is located within the Lower Zambezi National Park boundary. It is one of our favourite camps in the country and one that receives consistently superb game reports. This is the Lower Zambezi at its very best.
10. Luwi Bush Camp, Zambia
Luwi Bush Camp is one of the finest and most authentic bush camps in the South Luangwa. Led by some of the best guides in southern Africa and an armed scout, this activity is ideal for scrutinising the smaller lives of the park.
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