Explore South Africa’s wilderness on foot
A walking safari in South Africa offers an intimate way to explore the country’s wilderness areas, focusing on the smaller details of the bush and the thrill of being on foot in wildlife country.
No other safari experience affords such an intimate bush experience: the sights, sounds, and scents arouse the senses in a way that conjures an unfettered re-connection to nature.
Led by experienced guides well-versed in the fauna, flora and intricacies of the ecosystem, walking safaris vary in length, from a few hours to several days.
The variety of walking safari destinations in South Africa means that there are trails suitable for all fitness levels. Whether you’re an active senior or an energetic teen, we can help you find a walking safari in South Africa that matches your ability: from gentle post-breakfast rambles to multi-day treks deep into the wilderness.
You should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and prepared to follow your guide’s instructions.
A walking safari in South Africa is ideal for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers, while the chance to fully disconnect from modern technology offers a welcome break for anyone seeking relief from the constant noise of everyday life.
"I always tell guests that a walking safari is about experiencing the bush with all your senses, not just through wildlife sightings."Gabriella | South Africa-Experience Guide
We offer two types of walking safaris and a private hiking trip in South Africa, which will determine where you will go.
Firstly, there are short, gentle bush walks that set off from camps and lodges in various national parks and private reserves.
Next, there are multi-day wilderness hikes that venture into the remote areas of Kruger National Park, iMfolozi Park and the coastal habitats of the Garden Route.
Lastly, we offer privately guided hiking tours that let you explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Drakensberg mountain range. However, these hiking tours focus on scenery, not wildlife.
Most of South Africa experiences rain in summer (October to March). The exception is the Western Cape, which receives the bulk of its rain in winter (April to September).
As such, a walking safari in South Africa is best undertaken in autumn and winter (April to September), when dry conditions, cooler temperatures and lower humidity make walking more comfortable.
Additionally, with the shoulder season in April–May and September–October, prices may be reduced at some destinations, like the Sabi Sands and Timbavati private reserves.
April until SeptemberBest for comfortable walking conditions
April until SeptemberBest for comfortable walking conditions
In the Greater Kruger National Park, KwaZulu-Natal and the Garden Route, the dry season runs from April to September, experiencing daytime temperatures ranging from 26°C (79°F) for Kruger, 20°C (68°F) in KwaZulu-Natal and 15°C (59°F) in the Garden Route.
On average, April and September are the warmest months, while July and August bring the coolest conditions. Note that the temperature in the Drakensberg Mountains can dip below 0°C, with the possibility of snowfall at higher elevations.
October until MarchIdeal for green landscapes
October until MarchIdeal for green landscapes
A walking safari in South Africa during the summer months (October to March) is still possible, with the landscape typically a lush green and the bush alive with birdlife.
However, it can make for uncomfortable walking conditions on slippery terrain, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F).
Additionally, there is an increase in insects (including mosquitoes) and ticks. As such, those considering a summer walking safari should take the necessary precautions to prevent insect bites and reduce the risk of malaria if traveling to the Kruger area.
Exploring South Africa on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, from dramatic mountain ranges and coastal trails to nature reserves and national parks.
Schedule a no-obligation call with one of our Travel Experts to begin planning your tailor-made South African walking or hiking adventure.
Places Drakensberg Mountains, Durban, St. Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, Kosi Bay, Eswatini, Kruger National Park, Panorama Route
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Places Pretoria, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Eswatini, St Lucia, Durban Umdloti, Oyster Bay, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Hermanus, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
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Places Pretoria, Drakensberg Mountains, Clarens, Golden Gate National Park, St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Pongola Game Reserve, Swaziland, Kruger National Park, Panorama Route
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In helping you plan your walking safari in South Africa; our country expert will assist you in choosing accommodation catered to your needs.
Bush walks depart directly from camps in a national park or private reserve, so it makes sense to stay at that camp. We will gladly assist you in finding accommodation that matches both your needs and your budget.
With multi-day trails, we can help you find the appropriate pre- and post-accommodation. You will likely sleep at rustic, semi-permanent camps in the wilderness, for the trail’s duration.
During our private guided hiking tours, all accommodations are included in the package.
A walking safari in South Africa offers a unique way to get acquainted with Nature in the company of experienced, knowledgeable guides.
In their care, your experience might include learning about medicinal plants, identifying animal tracks, and discovering the bush from a whole new perspective on foot.
A walking safari offers a primal and deeply immersive way to connect with nature – every sound, scent, and footprint telling a story, and every step heightening your awareness of the wilderness around you.
Guided walking safaris offer a closer connection to the bush, with experienced guides pointing out details that might otherwise be missed.
Walking behind your guide as he reads fresh lion prints in the dust, you begin to understand the bush in a way no game drive can teach you.
Lodges like Madikwe Hills offer guided walks that take you beyond the vehicle and into the wilderness on foot. It changes the way you see everything.
Standing in the African bush with nothing between you and the wild is an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Experience it at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge.
Your guide crouches down to show you a dung beetle at work, a medicinal root, a spider's web threaded with dew. Walking safaris reveal a world you would never see from a vehicle.
We offer two types of walking safaris in South Africa: either short bush walks or multi-day trails where guides determine each day’s route.
For both types of walking safaris, it is recommended that you wear comfortable, sturdy, closed shoes and neutral-coloured clothing. Binoculars and cameras are recommended.
These are gentle one- to three-hour nature walks, taken at a relaxed pace in the company of experienced guides – and, depending on the area, sometimes accompanied by a ranger for added safety.
In most national parks, like Kruger, walks are done in the cooler morning and afternoon hours, lasting up to three hours. During the walk, guides share their knowledge, focusing on plants, tracks and birds.
If big game is in the area, your guide keeps a wide buffer and may adjust the route to avoid contact, focusing instead on tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife. Children under 12 may not participate.
In private reserves, bush walks are offered as an alternative to game drives and sometimes as a post-breakfast activity. The walks follow a similar format to those conducted in national parks; however, each lodge has its own minimum age requirement.
4 to 8 participants are based at a remote, rustic bush camp from which they explore the surrounding wilderness over two to five days. All meals are provided, but beverages are not.
Camps have no electricity or connectivity, and devices are not allowed. Flush toilets and gas-heated showers are provided. Minimum age limits apply.
Typically, participants join their two guides on early morning and late afternoon walks, similar in practice to bush walks. The walking distance per day is up to about 20 kilometres.
Our private guided hiking tour is an inclusive adventure, taking participants to a variety of scenic walking destinations in the Drakensberg Mountains.
This is not a walking safari per se, but rather a rewarding hiking experience designed for active adventurers who enjoy dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the chance to explore South Africa’s mountains at a comfortable pace with expert guidance.
At all destinations, you can expect to see stunning wilderness landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Drakensberg to the expansive wetlands of iSimangaliso and the scenic mixed woodlands of Kruger and northern KwaZulu-Natal.
National parks & private reserves are generally well-populated with general game species, from antelope to giraffes, and over 500 species of birds.
For the most part, however, guides focus on explaining the medicinal uses of plants, discovering insect species, pointing out various animal tracks and teaching local folklore.
In the unlikely event that Big Five species are present in the area, guides will deliberately avoid close encounters while on foot with guests.
Although the idea of tracking a lion, elephant, or buffalo may sound thrilling, the reality can be dangerous. For the safety of both visitors and wildlife, these situations are treated with caution and a wide berth.
Bush walks are offered at lodges in the various private game reserves and can be booked at a national park.
For multi-day treks and private guided hiking tours, we team with established partners to provide the experience. There are numerous considerations, but we can guide you through this process in an obligation-free discussion with one of our South Africa experts.
Before we discuss your plans, please give some thought to the following:
With that information, we’ll take it on ourselves to curate an unforgettable walking safari vacation.Â
Whichever option you choose, our experienced team is on hand to do all the heavy lifting, meaning all you have to do is arrive and enjoy.
Remember, you can easily combine your walking safari with other South African attractions, like its magnificent beaches and wine country. You can add a walking safari to our self-drive tours or private guided tours.
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