Walking Safaris
It is no doubt that we sometimes feel disconnected to the world, to nature more so. Hence our travels to far out places, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hence the joy we feel when on safari jeeps and all one can hear is the wind, birds and occasional vocals of nearby animals. But what if we could get even closer to nature, to actually feel it - and feel a part of it? Few things are more immersive and humbling than a walking safari. Rubbing your hands down the bark of a passing tree, the sand fills your shoes and sounds of birds and gentle footsteps fill your ears, as you stroll through ancient woodlands as quietly as possible, nature is aware of you now. Animals no longer just graze, oblivious, as the jeep passes by, they consider your presence, they watch you intently. Your professional walking guide interprets their every move, as they interpret yours. Nature educates you, guiding your instinct and the power of your very own senses. Your (re)connection to yourself is born again.
A few of our favourite Walking Safari experiences...
Mana Pools
Walking amongst giants
It is almost a fairy-tale, how could it be real, we may ask when told of the stories of Mana Pools. The red fire of the African day’s final moments cuts through the deep blues of the Ana tree forest and paints the land in a way so unique to the inexorably beautiful Mana Pools. You are on foot alongside some of Africa’s most renowned pro-guides, who will lead you into something you could never have prepared yourself for. Your heart rate will rise, naturally, when you first accept you are approaching a group of elephants or wild dogs or lions, on foot, without a jeep or barrier between you and them. But when you are with them, and under the safe guidance of Zimbabwe’s pro-guides, the world falls away. All you can hear is the sound of elephants rumbling gently around you. The breath exhaled from their trunk can be heard as they search the forest floor for pods to eat. And then you see it, time stands still, one of the old bulls stiffens, stretches his trunk upwards, contracts his hindquarters before rising on his back legs, reaching up for higher, otherwise unattainable branches. You brace as he descends, his trunk wrapped around a branch, yet only small plumes of dust escape his feet as they softly land back on the ground. You breathe again, the elephants have come and gone, yet you are content, you are changed forever.
The Makuleke
Ancient Forest, Great herds and Stories of old Africa
Few places in the world match the Makuleke province both in terms of biodiversity and historical relevance. A place renowned for offering some of the most highly rated walking safaris in Africa – and for good reason. Professional trails guides with a long-standing connection to the area lead you on interpretive experiences like no other. Feel the fever tree forest in all its glory, be dwarfed by groves of baobabs or stroll through avenues of jackal-berry trees, riddled with baboons, elephants, buffalo and more. But this is not all. The Makuleke is dotted with historical sites of immense relevance, not only to South Africa but to Africa as a whole. Ancient Zimbabwean civilisations can be traced to uncovered citadels in the area, signs of Phoenician traders are engraved in the rock gorges, dark memories of the ivory trade era and South Africa’s war for independence all stain the ground with old relics and foundations. Today it all adds to the intellectual, spiritual, biodiverse place that is the beautiful Makuleke.
The South Luangwa
Where it all started
Walking safaris, it could be said, were birthed in the wildlife-rich valleys of the South Luangwa. Hardened explorers of old have always trekked across the wilds of Africa, their stories often told in biographies of the likes of Stanley or Livingstone. However it was Norman Carr of Zambia who first walked tourists into Africa’s enchanting woodlands in search of magnificent animals. Today, Norman Carr’s legacy lives on through some of the finest walking safaris in Africa and in some of the largest concentrations of wildlife on the continent. Highly experienced guides have been taught this ‘art’ of walking safaris and will introduce you to the wilds of Africa in a way that will ground you, connect you to nature and leave you with a far greater understanding and appreciation for the wild than ever before.
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