Best South Africa walking safaris

For us, a walking safari is the ultimate wildlife experience. You’ll never forget the unique thrill in crouching low in golden grass, holding your breath as elephants cross the river just ahead of you — guided by someone who knows which tree bark is useful for brushing teeth, and which is just... bark.

A walking safari is a gentle walk so it is suitable for any adventurous adult. Plus, there's a walking safari for every comfort level — whether you're a bush-whacking purist or someone who prefers their adrenaline served with ensuite facilities.

Dedicated walking safaris in South Africa

Several of our favourite walking experiences come from camps and reserves specifically set up for it:

One of the best walking safari camps in South Africa is Rhino Plains Camp in Kruger National Park — perfect for adventurous travellers seeking a walking safari with optional sleep-outs under the stars. Rhino Walking Safaris offers 2 to 3 night stays at Plains Camp, with the option of a thrilling sleep-out in elevated treehouses.
Simbavati Trails Camp (Timbavati Game Reserve) and the more rustic Africa on Foot (in Klaserie Game Reserve) both focus exclusively on walking safaris in a Big Five reserve.
In the far north of the Kruger, Pafuri Walking Trails is a scenic seaonal 3 night walking safari in the dry winter & spring months.

Explorer Camps in the Cape of South Africa

Sanbona Explorer Camp (Little Karoo) and Shamwari Explorer Camp (Eastern Cape): Run on select weekends, offering immersive 2-night walking safaris in rugged but beautiful terrain.

Whilst in Babanango Game Reserve of KwqZulu Natal, you can combine one of their the stylish and chic lodges with a 1 or 2-night fly-camp walking safari.

Some Camps only offer walking safaris above. Whilst other safari camps offer a mix of walking or game drives. Usually with game drives in the hotter afternoons.

“Out here, the silence has a soundtrack.” – a favourite expression from a Kruger guide

Why we love walking safaris in South Africa

Variety: from fully immersive trails to short walks for the safari-curious.
Gain fascinating insights into the ways of the wild with an experienced guide.
South Africa’s topography offers epic backdrops — from dry riverbeds to misty mountain ridges.
Typically you'll focus on smaller wildlife, birds, plants and their local medicinal uses.
Sometimes you’ll also encounter larger wildlife so your guide is always alert and ready.
Over-whelming sense of being part of the bush and not just viewing it from a stationary vehicle.

Who would enjoy a walking safari in South Africa?

Repeat safari guests looking for something different: Active travellers who enjoy being on foot. Or Wildlife photographers wanting ground-level perspectives. Or perhaps even families with older teens ready for a real adventure.

Not Sure You’re Ready? Try a Gentle Morning Walk

The camps above mostly focus on walking safaris. Other safari camps offer a mix of walking safaris and game drives. Usually with walking in the morning and game drives in the hotter afternoons.

Plenty of safari lodges offer short, guided bush walks — usually in the cooler morning hours after breakfast. These walks typically last 1–2 hours and are designed for guests to stretch their legs, learn the language of the bush, and maybe track some antelope (or at least work off their breakfast leftovers).

Other lodges put a little more emphasis on walking, with 3–4 hour bush walks that offer a deeper, more interpretive experience — but still gentle enough for most reasonably fit adults.

Back to Walking Holidays & Safaris in Africa for more destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are walking safaris safe?

There is always an element of danger when walking in the wild. But armed walking trails guides are the highest qualified guides in the country and all have rifle skills.

Can children join a walking safari?

The quick answer is no. Walking safaris for families with teens are a possibilitiy as most camp only allow kids to walk from 14 or 16 years. (Occasionally 12 years). But this rule is set by the Game Reserve so it’s not something that a camp can make an exception for.

What fitness level is needed?

You don’t have to be super-fit as it is more of an amble than a route march. But a general level of fitness will make the experience more enjoyable.