Take a Walking Safari in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Awaken Your Senses on Safari
Sometimes the best way to understand and appreciate an area is by walking in it; immersing your senses to pick up the subtle nuances you can’t get by breezing by in a vehicle. Walking on safari not only helps to get your bearings, but you discover sights, sounds, and smells that are particular to that place. That classic African safari we have in our minds usually includes a land rover, true, but many safari-goers have learned that there is another way to see the animals: take a walk! Beyond connecting with the wilderness you’ve traveled so far to see, you have the added advantage of staying active on your vacation.
One of Tett Safaris’ favorite walking safari destinations in the South Luangwa National Park is in Zambia, where Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris in the 1950s. Walking in the bush alerts you to the sound of breaking branches and animal cries, and smaller details reveal themselves like subtle changes in the foliage and the presence of insects.
You may be wondering if it is safe to do a safari walk. The level of training required before qualifying as a professional walking guide and the guide’s partnership with highly trained armed scouts means you can get close to the big game on foot, like the safari hunters of old, but in safety and also without impacting the wildlife in any way. No more than six guests can walk in a group at a time.
Our preferred Zambia walking safari incorporates up to 4 comfortable bush camps in a walkable circuit, carefully chosen for their unique beauty and varied settings. The distance between each bush camp can be covered in 3-5 hours, depending on what you spot along the way, and your desired pace. You won’t need to be super fit to enjoy this safari, but guests must be 12 years or older to walk in the park. Camps offer welcome luxury and perfect relaxation after your day’s adventure.
And, most importantly, what might you see? The Luangwa Valley has one of the highest concentrations of big game in Africa, including pods of hippos and crocodiles basking in the river, leopards, lions, hyenas, caracals, serval, side-striped jackals, and wild dogs roaming the plains, baboons, and vervet monkeys jumping through branches, and nocturnal species like genets, civets, mongoose, porcupine, and honey-badgers. Bird watching is superb with over 470 species recorded in the Valley.
If you are considering a walking safari and would like to hear more about this unique opportunity we offer, please call Carolyn Tett at 877-536-1700 or email her directly at carolyn@tettsafaris.com.
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