About Walking Safaris
It Is Possible Bill Will See Lions On His Walking Safari
Photo © Bill Given
Today marks the midway point of Bill's walking safari in Zambia. The focus of this blog post is to cover walking safaris - and in particular what Bill and his group are experiencing on this current walking safari. There is a walking safari section on TheWildSource.com which may cover a bit more in depth what isn't covered in this blog post.
Walking Safari Focus
The focus of this Walk on the Wild Side Safari is exploring prime wildlife areas on foot. Placing your feet on the ground provides a connection to the African wilderness that is just not possible riding in a vehicle. Bill and his group are walking with some of the continent’s most skilled guides and park rangers ensuring adventure but also safety. They will be in big game areas and expect to view from foot the large megafauna species such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and possibly lion as well as discover the small delights that are missed on game drives.
Because some species are shy of humans on foot, and in other cases we must keep a safe distance, we will also mix in some game drive opportunities to allow for photography and close up viewing of a diverse number of species. After dark when it is no longer safe to walk we will take to the vehicle for night drives illuminating by spotlight the secretive nocturnal creatures including the possibility of locating stealthy leopards.
South Luangwa National Park - Origin of Walking Safaris
Bill's Walking Safari Route Takes Him Along the South Luangwa River
Where Hippos (and hippo sightings) Are Abundant
Photo © Bill Given
South Luangwa National Park is a valley formed by the South Luangwa River, which teems with hippos and crocodiles. The park is the birthplace of walking safaris, pioneered in the 1950’s and the area remains the ideal location for a safari on foot.
Typical Day on a Walking Safari
Morning Walks
Each morning on the Walk on the Wild Side Safari, the group will rise early with the sun, eat fruit, cereal, biscuit, etc. with coffee or juice and head out for a 3 to 4 hour walk. Walks are at a relaxed pace, necessary for safety reasons but also so to learn about the environment and it’s inhabitants, track wildlife, and just explore. A trained park ranger carries a rifle for protection and walks first. The ranger works with our highly trained guide to deliver an outstanding experience.
Following the morning walk, there is a large brunch and then a couple hours of downtime to relax in camp. Around 4 p.m. we will gather for tea and then head out on the afternoon walk. As the sun begins to set, a camp vehicle is brought in, and the group will honor the tradition of the ‘Sundowner’ as we savor both our favorite beverage and the setting sun. The group then boards into an open sided vehicle with a spotlight to search for wildlife before returning to camp for dinner. South Luangwa is especially known for its nighttime leopard sightings.
Please see the itinerary and map below for details on Bill's current Walk on the Wild Side Safari.
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