A walking safari is the most authentic version of a safari. It takes you away from the well trodden paths to an entirely different world. It allows you to get up close and personal with the wilderness, and awakens your senses, turning your safari into something memorable.

Walking safaris take you places where vehicles cannot go – you can explore every nook and cranny of the park, regardless of whether there are roads or not. Imagine walking in silence among giant trees, or walking along ancient game paths that have seen generations of elephants roaming past. It is exhilarating to come upon a herd of elephants or a pride of lions when you are walking – with no protective vehicle around you, the sense of immense vulnerability and danger is heightened and this emotional response together with the smells and sounds, will make for the most memorable moments on safari.

So how does one prepare for this epic adventure?

  1. You need to have a certain level of fitness, whether you are walking for a few hours or for multiple days with overnight stays in tents. As you will be walking through the bush (not on roads), along game trails and uneven terrain, over sandy soil or rocky surfaces, the walk can be a challenge to anyone unused to walking. Remember a walk around the camp is less tiring than a full day’s walk. Start by doing some gentle walking in your area, building up to where you are comfortable walking for extended periods. This will allow you to better enjoy, the sights and sounds of the African bush.
  2. Always listen to your guide. Guides understand animals and their behavior, and their job is to keep you safe, while you experience the joys of walking.
  3. If you find yourself in a situation, don’t panic and run. Sudden movements can spook animals, causing them to charge, thereby worsening the situation.
  4. Don’t chatter your way through the walk – enjoy the silence and commune with nature. If you need to speak, do so in a low controlled tone.
  5. Make sure you have a good pair of hiking boots to keep your feet safe from insect bites as well as thorns and spikes on the ground. High cut, traditional models give good ankle support. Shoes with netting on top or on the sides are great for ventilation, but allow dust and sand to enter your shoes. Just ensure the boots are broken in well before your trip so you don’t end up with blisters and sore feet.
  6. Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect you from the fierce rays of the sun – remember most of East Africa is on or around the equator so the sun is directly overhead during certain times of the day. Sunscreen, insect repellant, and a pair of the best quality sunglasses you can find, are also indispensable.
  7. Carry your camera with you to record those spectacular moments, but if you don’t want to shlep a hefty DSLR, then your smartphone will suffice as the latest models take awesome pictures….just resist the need to check for messages and emails constantly as this walk is supposed to connect you with nature, not take you away from it. A light pair of binoculars is handy for spotting faraway game, but ensure that you are not carrying too many things as a heavy backpack will weigh you down considerably.
  8. A scarf is invaluable on a walking safari – it keeps you warm in the chill of the early mornings and evenings, and keeps the dust from entering your mouth during the day, as well as adding a swag to your look.
  9. Avoid wearing white where possible – firstly white tends to get dirty very fast, and second, you’re less likely to blend into your surroundings which could alarm the game nearby. Think less intense and muted colours, like beige, tan and khaki.
  10. Many people recommend shorts over long trousers due to the heat, but personally when I was on a walking safari, I found that wearing trousers was much more comfortable as they prevented my legs from getting scratched when walking through thorny bushes. A good option to look at are shorts that zip up into long pants. Similarly long sleeved shirts offer more protection from the harsh African sun

 

Now, are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime???