Wishlist
The Best Destinations in Africa for Walking Safaris
Africa's vast wilderness is home to some of the most extraordinary safari destinations, each offering something unique for those seeking adventure, wildlife, or a more immersive natural experience.
From walking safaris in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, where leopards roam free, to the vast floodplains of Botswana's Okavango Delta, where you’ll witness elephants moving gracefully through water-filled landscapes, every destination on this list of best places has its own touch of magic. This article will guide you in selecting the best parks and reserves for your next luxury adventure with a walking safari, ensuring an unforgettable journey based on your interests and passions.
1. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, known as the birthplace of African walking safaris, unfolds across 3,495 square miles of wilderness. It's home to over 60 species of animals and 400 species of birds, making it a rich haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park's moniker, "Valley of the Leopard," speaks to its significant population of these elusive big cats. The dynamic landscapes, from winding rivers to peaceful lagoons, create a perfect backdrop for a close-up experience with nature. Expert guides lead intimate walking safaris through Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, where you’ll encounter large mammals in their natural habitat, that feels off the beaten track, far from crowded tourist areas, and unfolding the crossroads between East and Southern Africa.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: June - October
2. Kruger National Park, South Africa
At nearly 7,500 square miles, Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most renowned game reserves in Africa. Known for its legendary "Big Five" — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo — the park delivers a quintessential African safari experience together with your knowledgeable guide. Over 500 bird species and 147 mammal species add to the incredible biodiversity here. Whether you prefer an exclusive game drive or a unique walking safari, the park’s expert safari guides ensure your adventure reveals Kruger’s best wildlife encounters. The luxury safari lodges within Kruger National Park deliver comfort amidst wild landscapes, elevating your South African journey by experiencing one of the best walking safaris.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: May - September
3. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the Zambezi River. Spanning 848 square miles, it’s renowned for its massive elephant population and untouched wilderness. The park’s diverse landscapes include vast floodplains, ancient baobab trees, and lush inland woods, creating habitats for abundant wildlife. Game drives and walking safaris bring you face-to-face with elephants, hippos, and other remarkable species. Its remote setting ensures an exclusive, crowd-free safari, offering a truly immersive African wilderness experience. The Zambezi River adds another layer of beauty, attracting wildlife to its shores and making Mana Pools a unique safari destination.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: May - October
4. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Tarangire National Park, stretching across 1,100 square miles, is famed for its massive elephant herds and centuries-old baobab trees. It’s a remarkable destination for observing diverse wildlife and lush landscapes, from sweeping grasslands to seasonal swamps embodying the brilliance of East Africa. The park’s remote location offers an authentic African bush experience, where you can venture on walking safaris with expert guides, witnessing wild animals up close. In Tarangire National Park, you can encounter everything from big game to lesser-known species in a pristine environment. The ancient baobabs, some over 1,000 years old, stand tall as sentinels over this timeless, wild landscape, adding a sense of history to your safari adventure.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: June - October
5. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta, spanning over 5,800 square miles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it supports a vast ecosystem teeming with over 200,000 large mammals. The delta’s unique landscape of winding waterways, islands, and floodplains creates an extraordinary environment for wildlife viewing. Private reserves within the Okavango Delta offer exclusive safari experiences, from game drives to walking safaris, where you’ll encounter everything from elephants to predators in this unspoiled paradise. The sense of remoteness and tranquility here makes any safari in the Okavango Delta an unrivaled destination for those seeking an immersive walking safari experience and beyond.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: July - October
6. Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Nestled along the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River, Samburu National Reserve is a rugged, semi-arid haven in northern Kenya. The reserve is home to some of Africa’s rarest species, such as the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe, making it a unique wildlife destination. Samburu’s rich cultural heritage and abundant wildlife provide an exceptional safari experience, far from the well-trodden tourist paths. Walking safaris led by knowledgeable guides allow for an intimate look at both the wildlife and the landscape. The reserve’s remote nature adds an element of exclusivity to your safari, enriched by Samburu traditions and culture.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: June - October
7. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park, stretches across 7,800 square miles and is home to 10% of the world’s lion population. This vast wilderness offers a raw, untamed safari experience with its diverse landscapes, including baobab forests and the Great Ruaha River. Game drives and walking safaris in Ruaha deliver encounters with Africa’s iconic big game, including large herds of elephants and elusive big cats. The park’s remoteness makes it a haven for those seeking a truly immersive safari experience in the heart of the African wilderness, guided by experts who know the land intimately.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: June - October
8. North Luangwa National Park, Zambia
North Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled safari destinations. This park is particularly known for its exclusive walking safaris, where you’ll explore vast landscapes in search of Zambia’s only black rhinos and large buffalo herds. Covering 1,450 square miles, North Luangwa offers an unparalleled wilderness experience far removed from the usual safari circuits. Expert guides lead small groups on walking adventures, ensuring intimate encounters with wildlife in a pristine, natural environment. The park’s remoteness and lack of crowds make it one of Africa’s most unique safari locations for true adventurers.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: June - October
9. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa at 19,000 square miles, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast populations of elephants and African wild dogs. The reserve’s rich and varied landscapes—from grasslands to wetlands—make it an incredible destination for multi-day walking safaris. Exploring Selous on foot offers an unmatched way to experience its diverse wildlife, including large mammals in their natural habitats. With its expansive size and remote location, Selous offers an exclusive safari experience that takes you deep into the African wilderness, guided by experienced field experts who ensure a seamless journey.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: June - October
10. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Spanning over 5,600 square miles, Hwange National Park is the largest in Zimbabwe and is famed for its massive elephant population. Home to more than 100 mammal species and 400 bird species, Hwange offers an incredible diversity of wildlife across its teak forests and open grasslands. Game drives and private reserves within the park offer an exclusive safari experience, allowing for close encounters with big cats, large mammals, and some of the region’s most sought-after wildlife. The park’s vast, remote areas make it a secluded haven for safari-goers looking to immerse themselves in the African bush.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: July - October
11. Laikipia Plateau, Kenya
The Laikipia Plateau is one of Kenya’s premier wildlife conservation areas, known for its exceptional success in rhino conservation. Walking safaris through Laikipia’s private reserves offer a chance to explore the African wilderness up close. Covering 3,600 square miles, the region is home to some of the most unique wildlife experiences in Africa, including sightings of black rhinos and large game species. The landscape, from rolling hills to vast plains, provides a stunning backdrop for an intimate safari adventure. Expert guides lead small groups, ensuring a personalized and immersive journey through one of Kenya’s most important wildlife regions.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: June - September
12. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelters nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The park’s dense forest, spread across 128 square miles, is an unparalleled destination for gorilla trekking. With a rich biodiversity, including medicinal plants and colobus monkeys, Bwindi’s remote wilderness offers a once-in-a-lifetime walking experience. Led by expert guides, the trek through Bwindi’s thick vegetation delivers unforgettable encounters with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The park’s conservation efforts make it a vital sanctuary for endangered species,ensuring your visit contributes to the ongoing protection of mountain gorillas. The challenging yet rewarding hike through this UNESCO-listed forest provides an authentic connection to nature and a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. The experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is as much about conservation as it is adventure, making Bwindi an exciting destination for any safari enthusiast.
Best time to visit for a walking safari: June - August and December - February
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Each of Africa’s top safari destinations offers a distinct experience, whether you're drawn to the thrill of spotting big cats in South Africa’s Kruger National Park or walking with expert guides in Zambia’s remote wilderness.
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