Overview
Walking safaris in Zambia were pioneered in South Luangwa National Park and it still sets the pace. However, you can also enjoy safaris on foot in the Lower Zambezi, North Luangwa and Kafue.
But what do we mean by a walking safari, and is it always 'hard core'?
The great things about Zambia is that you can decide how much walking you wish to do. At many safari camps, a guided walk is always on the menu. So you can opt to do a morning bush walk instead of a game drive. Or you can book a more dedicated walking safari staying at simple fly-camps over a few nights. These have set departures and are very popular. Finally we can tailor-make the perfect experience that’s right for you which may lie somewhere between these two options. The choice is yours…
Walking Safaris at a Bush Camp
We often recommend staying at a bush camp in the South Luangwa which specializes in walking safaris, such as Bilimungwe Camp or Nsefu Camp.
Ideally, you split your time between two or three of these bush camps to enjoy the different terrain. This in turn attracts diverse wildlife. Sometimes you can even walk between bush camps. For example from Luwi to Nsolo Camp, or Chindeni to Chamilandu Camp. We recommend adding a couple of nights at a 3rd lodge focused on game drives. This'll give you a well-rounded safari experience.
In the Lower Zambezi, Old Mondoro and Chiawa Camp also do plenty of walking safaris.
What's the best time for a walking safari in Zambia?
The ideal time for a walking safari in Zambia is probably June to mid September. In June and July it will be cool in the mornings but you’ll be able to walk in comfort for hours. By mid September, it's warming up fast.
Leanne Koopman-Monk
AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST
