Up close and personal: a walking safari in Africa

THROUGHOUT the 19th century and well into the 20th, a safari was associated with expeditions into Africa’s interior in search of hunting riches-ivory, hides and meat.

- MARK LEVIN

Today, with an emphasis on nature conservation, a safari now means exploring the African wilderness with the expectation of encountering wildlife in its natural habitat.

A walking safari is an expertly guided walk in a conservation area where not only some big game “stars” might be seen, but also the smaller creatures, their burrows or nests, and flora which is often missed — an entire ecosystem. It is an immersive experience enabling the walker to disconnect from the modern world and enjoy the serenity of wild Africa.

In a new book, Walking Safaris of Africa: Guided walks from the Cape to Kenya by Denis Costello, the author highlights some of the best walking safaris in nine countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya.

Before setting off, Costello offers invaluable advice, well worth reading, for those contemplating this type of holiday. There are different types of Safaris, from gentle strolls to intensive backpacking expeditions with varying equipment needs.

In choosing clothing, avoid black and navy (they attract tsetse flies) and camouflage patterns (they are used by the military and rangers). Booking agencies can be useful, particularly those specialising in walking safaris which can be expensive.

South Africa has the most walking safaris in Africa and also the widest range, from backpacking sleep-outs to luxurious bespoke camps.

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi holds a special place as it was there that Dr Ian Player and Magqubu Ntombela led South Africa’s first wilderness trail in 1959.

Player also established the nonprofit wilderness leadership school with the goal of incubating a love for the wilderness in future leaders.