Walking in the bush is one of the best ways to experience Africa’s wildlife. The thought of exploring the wilderness on foot may make some feel a little uneasy at first, but as your senses wake up one by one with the sights, sounds and smells of the bush drawing you in; you will start to realise how special a walking safari really is.
Zambia has long been known for its walking safaris, and it is safe to say that walking safaris in Zambia are rated as the best in the world. Here are a few reasons why:
- Many destinations offer walking safaris, but Zambia is where it all began. The late Norman Carr pioneered the concept of taking safari-goers on guided photographic safaris through the Luangwa Valley in the 1950’s. The early traditions have led to camps that are solely dedicated to walking safaris and today this has developed into one of Zambia’s greatest attractions.
- The experience of the walking safari is only as good as its guide, and this is the secret to Zambia's success in the field - the guides have to pass rigorous tests before they can take guests out into the bush. The results are highly specialised guides who enhance the walking experience with their well-developed skills and insight.
- Another reason for Zambia’s excellent walking safaris is they are led by a two person team, an armed wildlife ranger, called a Scout and a professional safari guide. The Scout handles the wildlife potential hazard while the Guide concentrates on guests getting out of any danger zone. This was the method devised by Norman Carr and still in practice today. Park rules limit group sizes to a maximum of seven guest and this makes for a personal and extremely enjoyable experience.
This combination of long tradition, highly specialised guides with high standards of training; small groups who are looked after by two guides and refreshments along the way – all contribute to what is known as the best walking safaris in the world. Of course the magic of the raw wilderness, filled with wildlife and birds only adds to the magic of the Zambian walking safari.
