On a typical African walking safari, you’ll wake up before dawn and set off at dawn to explore the wilderness as part of a small group of around six guests (maximum eight) led by two highly experienced and armed guides. As you are leisurely guided through a pristine landscape of riparian forests, mixed savannahs, and open savannahs at a leisurely pace with the breeze on your side, guides will stop from time to time to read and interpret the dramatic stories of life and history. life of the previous nights. fights to the death written in signs and trails along the game trails before you.
In anticipation of face-to-face encounters with Africa’s rich wildlife, including the “Big Five” (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard), you’ll find your senses becoming extremely alert to the many different sights, sounds, and smells. Surrounding You By learning about nature and its ways, you will come to see the interconnectedness of all things in nature and understand the intricate web of life woven through its perfectly designed and delicate tapestry. Once you become familiar with nature, it ceases to be a scary and strange place and you will gradually become absorbed by it, as you realize that humanity is part of and one with Mother Nature, not above or superior to her. .
The primary focus of a true African safari adventure should be to deliver the SENSUAL experience of walking safaris in a way that holistically complements the VISUAL experience of vehicle safaris. Not only will you get to see Africa’s wildlife and landscapes from an open safari vehicle on morning, afternoon, evening or night drives, but you’ll also get to experience them up close and personal during morning walks or full day hikes through the African bush.
Walking safaris in the Kruger Park operate throughout the year, with itineraries determined by the seasons. The cooler and drier winter season (April to September) is the best time for full-day walking safaris. The hot and humid summer season (October to March) is best suited for morning walks and evening game drives.
No season is better than the other to visit the Kruger: in summer the park is green and lush, full of newborn chicks and vibrant with the calls of local and migratory birds from Central Africa, Europe and Eurasia. In winter, the park is cooler, drier, and the vegetation is less dense, providing excellent animal-watching opportunities as the animals move in search of water and grass.
Typically early morning SUMMER trails leave at sunrise and cover around 5 km (3 miles) before a breakfast back to camp. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing by the lodge pool, before the afternoon game drive with sunset drinks and a night floodlight drive back to the lodge before dinner.
WINTER season trails follow the same itinerary (morning walks and afternoon game drives), with the additional option of full day hikes thanks to cooler weather. These treks cover between 10 and 20 km (6 to 12 miles), depending on guest preference, with a cooked breakfast and cold lunch served seated at a table in the jungle in traditional safari style. Lunch is followed by a nap before the afternoon leg of the trek and an evening game drive back to camp in time for dinner.
