Kruger Walking Safaris

There are various types of walking safaris on offer in the Kruger. Here we share our pick of the best specialist walking trails.

The little things on foot at Jock Safari Lodge

There is always a good chance that you will encounter some dangerous game on your walks. At all times you are accompanied by two specially qualified armed trails guides, and you will be limited to a group numbering no more than eight guests.

Bush walk at Mohlabetsi

Most common are single location camps where you are based in one place and walk out from there. The location of a base camp may be fixed and the camp structure semi-permanent (Rhino Walking Safaris). Or the location may change between each trail to ensure pristine wilderness for the next walk (Tanda Tula Field Camp, Pafuri  Walking Trail). Game drive vehicles may be used to extend your range to start and end walks further afield.

 

Bush walk from Arathusa

A very few operators such as AoF Wilderness Trail offer fully mobile camps where you walk for the day, and the camp moves to follow/ anticipate you for the next night. These allow particularly varied trails experiences.

Mixed-mode walking operators offer extended morning walks of 5 or 6 hours. After brunch and siesta, an afternoon/ evening drive then gives you some of the best of both ways of seeing the bush.This sort of place will not be fazed if you decide not to walk in the morning and will arrange a drive instead.

Walking at Ngala Safari Lodge

Currently offering particularly good value in this niche is Shindzela in southern Timbavati whilst a little more luxury and exclusivity is on offer at Ivory Wilderness which accommodates a maximum of 4 guests in its Klaserie river location.

Walking the Klaserie at Ivory Wilderness

We advise you that in practical terms these distinctions are not particularly material to you on trail. You will have more than enough to explore on foot for two, three or four nights at any of these destinations. All have a vehicle at their disposal and are equally likely to jump on it to find a lion kill if one is heard close by at night, for example.

Purists will appreciate the self-supporting wilderness adventure offered as a specialist departure by private camps such as the Full Moon Trail at Pafuri Camp. In the public Kruger, SANParks offers backpacking trails.

If a full on walking trail sounds like too much, there are morning walks from many private lodges and some public restcamps. All offer the wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself completely in the bush, and to examine nature’s little things.

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