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A WALKING SAFARI VACATION IN AFRICA

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compiled by Rachel Hamada

SOUTH AFRICA

Ngala Bush Camp in Kruger National Park is a romantic tented camp on the banks of the Timbavati river in the Ngala private game reserve. Money from parent company &Beyond, though a partnership with South African National Parks and the World Wildlife Fund, goes back into the parks to aid conservation efforts. The focus of these walking safaris is on “micro-systems” – insects and birdlife – although it is possible to track black and white rhinos on foot.

ZIMBABWE

Little Makalolo Camp in Hwange National Park is operated by Wilderness Safaris, one of the biggest operators in the safari market and known for its sound environmental practices. The camp is run solely on solar energy, and has a plunge pool from which you can watch elephants play in the nearby watering hole. The park has vast populations of elephants, buffaloes, lions and giraffes, and it is possible to track white rhinos on foot.

ZAMBIA

Mchenja, Luwi, Kakuli and Nsolo Camps in South Luangwa National Park are operated by Norman Carr Safaris. The company championed walking safaris in Zambia as long ago as the 1970s, and offers some of the best locations and guides around. Camps are in well geographically positioned and offer rustic luxury to camping out in the bush, under the stars.

If you want somewhere less expensive but still remote, then Kafunta River Lodge’s Island Bush Camp is in the isolated south of the park, with chalets by a river dotted with pods of hippos.

TANZANIA

Set on the Rufiji river, in the Selous, the world’s second-largest protected wilderness,
Sand Rivers in the Selous Game Reserve is an upmarket lodge that has been a base for portered walking safaris since the 1980s. Itineraries for these safaris vary depending on the season, but you sleep in mosquito nets under the stars each night. Another tent holds luggage and there's also a "bathing tent" at the back of the camp. If you want to get even further off the beaten track and opt for a more economical option, try Katavi National Park, where Katuma Bush Lodge offers fly camping.

KENYA

Karisia Safaris is a company with a serious focus on walking safaris in Kenya, and offers mobile safaris in the Laikipia Plateau. These escorted mobile safaris include setting up a new camp at a new location everyday, packing up the next morning and walking to the next destination. You can choose the level of comfort you want, tailor the safari to any particular interest you might have - natural history or ornithology, for instance - and the local Samburu staff will arrange and accompany you. Walking tours of the more traditional safari destinations in Kenya such as the Maasai Mara are also offered.

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Rachel Hamada is a former political journalist turned freelance travel journalist living on the island of Zanzibar

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