Walking Safaris in South Luangwa: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Zambia on Foot
Zambia is often referred to as the birthplace of the walking safari, offering one of the most immersive and exhilarating ways to experience Africa’s wilderness.
Unlike traditional game drives, walking safaris allow you to connect with the environment on a deeper (or should we say lower?) level: hearing the rustle of leaves, feeling the earth beneath your feet, and discovering the finer details of the bush that might otherwise go unnoticed.
At Kafunta Safaris in South Luangwa National Park, walking safaris are not just an activity; they are a tradition. With experienced guides leading the way, guests explore the wild on foot, encountering everything from big game to tiny insects. They also learn about the intricate ecosystem that sustains life in the park.
The History of Walking Safaris in South Luangwa
The concept of walking safaris in Zambia is largely credited to Norman Carr, a legendary conservationist who pioneered photographic safaris and established the first camps dedicated to them in the 1950s. His philosophy was simple: instead of hunting wildlife, people should experience it in its natural habitat on foot.
This visionary approach laid the foundation for Zambia’s reputation as one of Africa’s premier walking safari destinations. Today, South Luangwa remains a top choice for those seeking a truly authentic safari experience, with expert guides continuing Carr’s legacy.
What to Expect on a Walking Safari
A walking safari, also known as a “Bush Walk,” is a completely different experience from a game drive. Instead of covering vast distances in a vehicle, you move at a slower pace, allowing you to explore the landscape in depth.
Every walk is different, and part of the thrill is the unpredictability of what you might discover. The pace is deliberately slow, ensuring that you have plenty of time to absorb your surroundings and listen to the guide’s explanations and stories. There are frequent stops to examine tracks, observe plants, or watch wildlife behavior up close.
The distance covered varies, but most walks are between 3 to 5 kilometers, depending on the terrain and group preference. However, if part of a mobile walking safari (see further below), the distances may be longer, as guests move from one camp to another.
The terrain also changes significantly. Some areas consist of open plains or riverine forests, while others may include dense bush or floodplains. The ground is often rugged and uneven, requiring a steady footing. Wearing sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes is essential. You may traverse dry sandy riverbeds, navigate rocky outcrops, or even remove your shoes for a short wade through shallow water crossings. Walking in the wild is a fully immersive experience, engaging all your senses as you adapt to the natural rhythm of the bush.
The Role of the Safari Guide
A walking safari wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of a professional safari guide. These highly trained individuals are more than just wildlife experts—they are storytellers, educators, and conservation ambassadors.
Kafunta Safaris guides have extensive knowledge of the bush, including animal behavior, tracking techniques, and local ecology. They also ensure that every walk is engaging and safe, adapting to the group’s pace and interests. With their deep understanding of the environment, guides transform each walk into a fascinating journey through nature’s intricate web of life.
Guide training and licensing will vary from country to country. In Zambia, safari guides train for two years to obtain their walking license.
The Role of the Armed Scout
For safety reasons, every walking safari in Zambia is accompanied by an armed scout. These scouts are trained members of Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife and play a crucial role in ensuring that encounters with dangerous animals remain safe.
The presence of an armed scout is a precautionary measure. While animal attacks are extremely rare, scouts are trained to handle any potential threats, using their knowledge of wildlife behavior to defuse situations before they become dangerous.
What to Expect in Terms of Wildlife Sightings
Walking safaris are not about ticking off a list of big game sightings but rather about experiencing the bush in its entirety. That said, you may encounter:
Large mammals like elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras
Predators such as lions or leopards, though from a safe distance
Smaller creatures like dung beetles, ants, and reptiles
A rich variety of birdlife, from the striking lilac-breasted roller to the majestic African fish eagle
Tracks and signs left by nocturnal animals
Unique flora, including trees with medicinal properties and fascinating fungi
Every walk is different, and part of the thrill is the unpredictability of what you might discover.
Bush Walks vs. Mobile Walking Safari
You can experience walking safaris in different ways:
- Bush Walks – These are short walks, usually in the morning or afternoon, as an alternative to a game drive. They offer an opportunity to explore the surroundings of the lodge or camp and focus on smaller details of the bush.
- Walking to your next camp—This is a typical way to do a bush walk with a goal. You leave your lodge or camp with a light day bag and proceed to your next camp on foot (while your luggage is being transferred). This is usually a longer walk at a quicker pace but remains an incredibly rewarding way to experience the wilderness.
- Multi-Day Walking Safaris – For a truly immersive experience, multi-day mobile walking safaris take you deep into the wilderness. You move from one remote bush camp to another, covering new terrain each day, sleeping in comfortable but simple lodgings, and embracing the rhythms of nature.
At Kafunta Safaris, we offer bush walks at all our properties, although we strongly recommend staying at our remote camps for this immersive activity. And if you are staying at both Three Rivers Camp and Island Bush Camp, then you will be offered the option to walk from one to the next. We don’t offer mobile camping safaris, but if this is what you are looking for, let us know and we will recommend the right operator for you.
Risks and Safety on a Walking Safari
Though walking safaris come with inherent risks—after all, you’re walking in the wild alongside Africa’s iconic wildlife—they are managed with strict safety protocols. Before each walk, guests receive a briefing on etiquette and guidelines, such as walking in a single file, keeping noise levels low, and always following the guide’s instructions.
South Luangwa’s guides and scouts are some of the best-trained in Africa, ensuring that guests can enjoy their experience with confidence and peace of mind.
Never, ever walk on your own in the wild. Always hire a trained and licensed guide.
Note that most countries and parks have restrictions on the minimum age to participate in walking activities. In South Luangwa, that age is 12 years old minimum.
Walking Safari Etiquette
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, it’s important to follow proper walking safari etiquette:
Listen to your guide – They have years of experience and know how to navigate wildlife encounters.
Wear neutral colors – Earth tones like khaki, green, and brown help you blend into the environment.
Stay quiet – The less noise you make, the more likely you are to observe wildlife naturally.
Be patient – Walking safaris are about the journey, not just the destination.
What to Pack for a Walking Safari
Packing appropriately is essential for comfort and safety during a walking safari. Here’s what you’ll need:
Comfortable, lightweight hiking boots (closed, to avoid thorns)
Neutral-colored clothing (long sleeves and pants to protect against sun and insects)
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and insect repellent
A small daypack for your water bottle
Binoculars for bird and wildlife spotting
A camera, of course!
Where Else Are Walking Safaris Available?
Zambia is one of the best destinations for walking safaris, particularly in South Luangwa, North Luagwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue National Parks. However, other countries in Southern Africa also offer similar experiences:
Zimbabwe – Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks are known for excellent walking safaris.
Botswana – The Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve provide incredible walking safari opportunities.
South Africa – Kruger National Park and private reserves like Timbavati offer guided bush walks.
Tanzania – Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park provide excellent walking experiences.
Each destination offers a unique take on walking safaris, but South Luangwa remains one of the most iconic locations due to its history, rich biodiversity, and expert guiding tradition.
Final Thoughts
A walking safari is more than just an activity—it’s a way to connect with nature on a deeper level.
And there’s no better place than South Luangwa! Whether on a short bush walk or an extended walking safari, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the ecosystem and its incredible wildlife.
At Kafunta Safaris, our expert guides and armed scouts ensure a safe and unforgettable adventure, continuing the legacy of Norman Carr and Zambia’s pioneering spirit of walking safaris.
Ready to step into the wild? South Luangwa is waiting for you!
