We are drawn by Africa’s magical nature.
And exploring Africa’s wild beauty on foot – on a bushwalk – is an experience you’ll never forget.
Listening to nature. Smelling it. Knowing that lions might be right behind that bush you can see in the distance. And learning to read nature, so you don’t get too close to the aforementioned lions.
That’s what you get on a bushwalk!
A bushwalk (or a walking safari) is a guided walk through the African savannah, where you have the opportunity to explore the African nature on foot.
Unlike a traditional safari (also known as a game drive), which takes place in a car, bushwalks give you the opportunity to experience nature in a more intimate way. During a bushwalk, you’re led by experienced guides who share their knowledge of the local wildlife, plants and ecosystems with you.
A bushwalk is a unique way to experience African nature and wildlife and definitely an experience you should treat yourself to if you get the chance.
We’ve put together 3 reasons why you should go on a bushwalk.
Bushwalks allow you to feel the earth beneath your feet, to listen to the sounds of nature and smell the natural aromas around you: the fresh grass, the dust, the animals, the dung – yes, good smells and bad smells await you!
You get right into the bush, and that’s something a ride in a car can’t give you in the same way. Where a traditional safari gives you the big picture, a bushwalk gives you all the finer details of nature, such as the beautiful spider webs and animal tracks in the sand.
On a bushwalk, you don’t actually get close to the animals. Not in the way you do on a traditional safari at any rate.
That said, you do get the opportunity to see the savannah’s smallest animals, such as grasshoppers and beetles, but the unique wildlife experiences you enjoy here are more about experiencing wildlife from a distance. Experiencing how animals’ instincts are activated when they smell you nearby. They’re used to four wheels – they’re not used to us on two legs, so they’re more wary when we’re around. It is an unnerving and crazy experience to see a group of buffalo far away in the distance and to have to change direction because the wind is carrying your scent directly towards them. Or not knowing what animals might be looking at you from under the bush.
The guides on our bushwalks are experienced naturalists who share their knowledge of the wildlife and ecosystem around you.
When you take part in a bushwalk, you’re not just a spectator; you’re an active participant in an educational experience through the quirks of nature.
You learn to identify animal tracks – who has walked here before you? And you get the opportunity to study animal droppings. It might not be the most nerve-racking experience when you go for a walk with the dog at home, but when you’re walking on the African savannah, it’s the dung of lions, zebras, hippos! And we find that a bit magical.
Yes. It’s safe to go on a bushwalk. Your safety is our No. 1 priority, whether you’re on a traditional safari or a bushwalk.
On bushwalks, you’re accompanied by experienced guides and rangers who are trained to deal with potential dangers and who always keep safety at the forefront.
It goes without saying that you must follow your guide’s instructions at all times. They know the area and the animals and will help you avoid dangerous situations.
Going on a bushwalk is an unforgettable experience that connects you with nature and wildlife in a way you’ve never experienced before.
So the next time you’re on safari, consider stepping out of the car and experiencing the wild world on foot – it’s an educational journey that leaves an impression.