Walk on the Wild Side

Why lacing up those boots and hiking into the bush is the hottest way to see Africa's wild spaces.

- Denis Costello

THE LION SAT up and looked right at us, calm but inscrutable.

“He’s not used to seeing people on foot,” whispered Victor Nchindo. “Don’t hide. Let him see us.”

An expert guide, Nchindo directed our group of seven, all seasoned safari-goers, to stay in close formation as he kept his eyes on the big cat. After a few minutes, the lion broke its stare, gave a disdainful flick of the tail, and disappeared into the mopane bushes. We walked on, too, our hearts beating faster.

In walking safari terms, this moment during our four-hour trek was a good encounter: natural, respectful, and safely handled. It’s also par for the course in Onguma Nature Reserve, in northern Namibia, where guests come face to face with not only lions but also elephants and rhinos, all while exploring on foot.