Walking safari experiences

In Zimbabwe, elephant reign supreme and nowhere more so than Mana Pools, which occupies prime land beside the Zambezi River. Apart from the hazy blue forests of Ana trees, the area is rather sparsely vegetated, making it perfect for a walking safari with few hiding spots. Your guide is highly trained in understanding wildlife dynamics and how to find the myriad animals, while remaining mostly undetected. Using the clues left behind by wildlife, you may be walking quietly through the forest when an elephant stands on its back legs to reach the treetop bounty or follow a pack of African painted dog on their travels, sometimes getting within a few meters. Much of the wildlife is quite used to humans tramping through the park! Stop for chilled drinks while a herd of buffalo grazes downwind before returning to camp. The driest, safest and most rewarding time for a walking safari is between May and September.

Ditch the jeep and explore the crisp, crimson landscape of Samburu on foot. Follow your expert guide as they lead you on a journey of tracking black rhinos and the 'Special Five', and spotting the details that are often missed. Let your safari slow to a gentle pace as you stop to learn the names and uses of desert-dwelling flora, discover skeletons left behind by predators (both large and small) and examine rock formations for tiny critters.

Zambia is home of the walking safari, and exploring Liuwa Plains on foot will certainly not disappoint. Wander along glittering streams, through shady patches of forest and across the vast plains as the sun pops its head above the horizon. A walking safari here isn’t so much about chasing animals, but about enjoying your surroundings, taking it slow and simply "being" in nature.

Ruaha in southern Tanzania is “a big place where big things happen”. As such it attracts some of Africa’s best guides. Only recently Ruaha has become known as the place where lions routinely take down elephants as prey (although you'd rather not witness). One of the least known of Africa’s big game parks, Ruaha retains a sense of the road less travelled and the difference which it makes. In fact, most of the park has no roads so it is the trail less taken. The landscape and vegetation are diverse and through it all runs the Great Ruaha River.

Imfolozi Game Reserve, in Zululand, is famously known as the place where the southern white rhino was saved from extinction. It remains the best place to see both white and black species. There are two trail options: one where you stay in and walk out each day from a base camp, and the other where you walk between satellite camps; but fear not, donkeys carry the heavy stuff. The chances of not seeing rhinos here are slim, making it just about the only place left in Africa where that claim can be made. The spectre of Zulu history pervades the place.

Step out onto the wide open grasslands in the early morning dew or the afternoon sunshine, to experience the Masai Mara up-close. Your guide will provide the 411 on this wild corner of Kenya, as you ditch the rumbling jeep for the melody of the bush. From the ground up, there is something to see...the hundred-legged millipede scuttling by, spotted hyena racing across your path and the martial eagle whose cry echoes across the skies. Lest we forget the safari icons, which you'll watch in wonder, although from further away!

There’s something about sleeping under the stars that’s utterly magical. And a sleep-out safari in the South Luangwa isn’t any old camping! You’ll be spoilt with dinner cooked over the campfire, soak up safari tales told by some of the greatest guides on the continent, then curl up under your mosquito net and nod off to the sounds of the Zambian night. You might just be woken by the sounds of a herd of elephant passing by at midnight, but no need to worry as there is an armed scout on watch throughout the night. The following morning, it’s bacon and eggs with the sunrise and a walking safari back to camp. Fly camping is at its best towards the end of the dry season (July to September) when the temperatures are warmer and there are fewer mosquitoes.

As South Africa's true safari darling, the Kruger is also chock-a-block with critters of the smaller variety. Chuck on your walking boots for a few hours of exploring the reserve on foot, with a seasoned guide to share the secrets of the bush with you. Spy on the plentiful birdlife in one of Africa's largest fever tree forests, examine the earthy trails for porcupine quills and honey badger tracks and spot the shiny shell of a rhino beetle. Adjust your focus to truly appreciate the finer details on this close-up walk through nature. If you're lucky, you may even see a rare and endangered pangolin! This makes a fantastic post-game drive or pre-lunch activity.

Get to know the wilds of Kenya on a walking safari over golden grasslands, forested hillsides and wildlife-filled conservancies of Laikipia. Depart just after dawn-break to make the most of the daylight as you track African painted dogs (hopefully seeing them trot across a quiet path) and learning to sniff out where a lion may be snoozing while herds graze bravely on the plains. With the sprawling Laikipia plateau before you, lean in for a closer look as you spy a dung beetle rolling by and examine tree bark for signs of life. If you're staying on private land, there are no strict paths and you can really blaze a new trail. There's also the option to extend your walking safari into a multi-day activity, stopping to camp beneath the stars.

Lace up your safari boots and escape into the plains for a bush walk. Not a common occurrence in most of Kenya's parks, this is the truest way to experience the essence of Laikipia. Led by your experienced guide, venture into the lush hills and tawny valleys to follow the tracks of the African painted dog, see the flutter of birdlife over a flowing river and feel the rumble of elephant on the move. And get to know the local flora and its uses! This is your chance to lean in close and see the details often over-looked! Set out at sunrise or after your morning game drive for a few hours of safari-ing like an explorer.

Well cared for and utterly majestic, the elephants at the Kandy foundation are a joy to meet. Help the mahout (keeper) as they give out medicine and vitamins, then join an elephant on their walkabout across the grounds. You can also be part of bathtime - but there's a good chance you'll get soaked. Visit the on-site museum to delve into Sri Lanka's complex history with elephants and what the foundation does to protect these gentle giants.

Strap on your safari boots for a bush walk to remember! In the sun-drenched Central Kalahari, you'll join a bush-wise guide on a intimate walk through nature where the tiniest details come into focus. Spot the scuttling Milkwood leaf beetle with its technicoloured coat, find hidden burrows of animals big and small, and learn to find tracks amongst the golden grass. Your guide doesn't miss a beat and without the hum of a 4x4 to distract, you'll have the chance to lean in close. The grasses aren't as high between May and September, which makes it the best time for a bush walk.