Africa Walking Safari: the Guide to exploring Southern Africa on foot

Nothing beats experiencing Africa on foot. Walking safaris and hiking trips are two of the best ways to experience the African bush and scenic wilderness areas. 

Hiking trips get you up into the mountains for a unique perspective on Africa. On foot, you get to immerse yourself in nature and take in the details and beauty at a more relaxed pace. Plus, come away with the satisfaction of standing on top of the world.

Wildlife walking safaris let you experience the thrill of walking in the African bush, the excitement of coming face-to-face with wildlife on the ground, and the opportunity to understand the environment in a new and profound way.

Southern Africa Walking Safari - explore the African bush on foot

Our southern Africa walking safaris explore top wilderness areas in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe on guided bush walks.

This Southern African Lodge Safari offers a lot more than just walking, including:

  • Game viewing walks in Klaserie Game Reserve, South Africa
  • A bush walk in Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana
  • Bushman Walk in Central Kalahari Desert, Botswana
  • Okavango Delta dug-out canoe trip, Botswana
  • Day & night game drives in the Khwai River area, Botswana
  • Game viewing in the Private Imbabala Reserve, Zimbabwe
  • Guided tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Southern African Walking Safari

Greater Kruger Park Walking Safaris - walk with Africa's wildlife

Kruger Walking Safari options include a 3-day, 4-day and 5-day option.

These Greater Kruger walking safaris take you on guided game walks with trained rangers in the Klaserie Private Game Reserve or similar.

Walking safaris are not just about walking, however. In addition to bush walks in the Big Five game reserve, these walking safaris include:

  • Thrilling night game drives in Greater Kruger Park
  • Chalet accommodation in Klaserie Private Game Reserve
  • Morning and afternoon game viewing drives in Greater Kruger

Walking in Greater Kruger on Safari

Kruger Park Walking Safaris:

South African Walking Safari

Other Hiking Tours in Africa - for some serious walking and climbing

African Budget Safaris offers some great hiking-specific packages in East Africa. These are our best hiking tours to Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.

The 6-day Mount Meru hiking safari is a short but rewarding adventure that is easily added to Kenya or Tanzania safari itineraries. 

The hike summits Mount Meru via the Northern Route that winds through forests, wilderness, and open bush. The summit, at 4,562 meters is reached through tough rocky terrain and offers spectacular views on clear days.

Mount Meru is perfect for those looking for a quieter hiking experience.

Kilimanjaro Hikes in Tanzania

Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is a bucket list item for many travellers. This is a popular hike and African Budget Safaris offers 3 different routes to choose from.

The Marangu Route is the shortest and easiest way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Known as the "Coca-Cola Route", this Kilimanjaro hiking tour offers huts to sleep in at all of the overnight stops which are also solar-powered and have comfortable beds and mattresses. Along the way, you can buy various beverages including coca cola and even beer.

Meal times are social affairs and take place in shared dining halls where climbers from all over the world gather.

The 8-day Machame Route is a fully inclusive Kilimanjaro hike that starts and ends at the Usa River near Arusha.

Of the different Kilimanjaro hikes, the Machame Route is considered to be the most beautiful. The trail passes through various habitats and offers spectacular views.

Known affectionately as the "Whiskey Route", Machame is a steep climb best taken on by climbers who are experienced and physically fit. Participants climb for 6 days to summit Uhuru Peak before descending via the Mweka trail and spending a night at Mweka camp.

Accommodation on this Kilimanjaro hiking trail is in tents and meals are included. 

The Lemosho Route has one of the highest success rates for summiting Uhuru Peak and is therefore considered to be Kilimanjaro's best hiking trail.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful trails, Lemosho is remote and has less foot traffic for much of the hike.

Experience the once-in-a-lifetime achievement of climbing to the Roof of Africa with an experienced guide.

Kilimanjaro hiking trail

For more walking and hiking tour options browse our Africa Walking Safaris.

Landia Davies Content Manager

Landia Davies
Landia is a nature and animal lover. This South African woman avoids crowds and has worked in the African safari industry for over 16 years!

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