Experience The Thrill Of A Walking Safari In Zambia

By Azure Lee | Update on: Aug 30, 2024

The greatest way to experience and become a part of the wilderness is on a walking safari. Walks in big-game zones are thrilling, whether it's getting up close and personal with lions or simply feeling of being a part of the wild.

There's no better hiking destination than Zambia's Luangwa Valley. Both North Luangwa and South Luangwa are exceptional walking destinations with a style of camping completely unlike anywhere else we run safaris. With guides of an incredibly excellent caliber, it's no surprise that experienced safari visitors consider these parks the best places in Africa to start walking safari!

This article explores the thrilling experience of going on a walking safari in Zambia, covering everything from the varied terrain you'll explore to the wildlife encounters that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Why Go On A Walking Safari In Zambia

The height of exceptional experiences is undoubtedly going on a walking safari or even walking with lions in Zambia, particularly in South Luangwa National Park. The vast splendor of Africa will surprise you every time you visit with new trails, unique animals, varying weather, and even guides.

Hear the never-ending song of birds, feel the rumbling of elephant footsteps and their trilling trumpeting, and watch giraffes as they gracefully fold down to reach water. A walking safari in Zambia delivers an immersive experience that captivates all of your senses.

Even while a game drive offers a wealth of observation opportunities, a walking safari offers a whole different viewpoint and gives access to previously inaccessible areas. Not only is there a lot to see, but there is also a lot to learn.

A walking safari in Zambia delivers an immersive experience that captivates all of your senses

Where To Do A Walking Safari In Zambia

1. South Luangwa National Park

Southern Luangwa covers 9,050 square kilometers of woods and savannah, with a river running through it. Southern miombo forests, a sparsely forested ecoregion compared to the trees along the river, are found on the valley's upper slopes. There are a lot of grasses and plants in this area of the park. Greater grazing and larger mopane trees can be found on the lower slopes!

South Luangwa National Park offers numerous accommodation options. One option would be a fantastic, out-of-the-way tented camp complete with outdoor showers, alfresco dining areas, and close-range encounters with wildlife. Alternatively, you may want an opulent lodge featuring a formal dining area, a deep bathtub, and exquisite plunge pools. 

South Luangwa National Park

2. North Luangwa National Park

While the landscapes of North and South Luangwa are similar, North Luangwa offers a whole different kind of safari experience, one that is wild and isolated. North Luangwa National Park is one of the few parks in Africa that is virtually unspoiled and where wildlife watching is done almost entirely on foot by following established animal routes.

This is Africa in its most raw, and unspoiled state. The safari experience here is almost unimaginably good, rarely found elsewhere on the continent. We truly advise packing your walking boots, binoculars, and spirit of adventure and heading out into the bush. You can experience Africa's grit under your feet, its drama within your spirit, and its allure within your heart here.

North Luangwa National Park

3.  Livingstone Rhino Walking Safaris

The centrally placed Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which most Livingstone lodges can reach by car in ten to fifteen minutes, is the site of the 2-3 hours walking safari. A wildlife ranger accompanies the professional safari guide on the walking safari, and the guide provides a safety briefing before embarking on the amazing wildlife encounter.

During the Rhino Walking Safari in Livingstone, there's an excellent chance of encountering the thriving population of 11 White Rhinos, with more babies expected. You may also come across giraffes, kudu, wildebeests, impalas, zebras, buffalo, bushbucks, and seasonal elephants. Additionally, you'll observe smaller but significant creatures like Dung Beetles, Matebebele Black Ants, Ant Lions, and an incredible birdlife boasting over 450 different species.

Livingstone Rhino Walking Safaris

4.  Lower Zambezi National Park

This park, which is situated on the bursting banks of the Zambezi River, is renowned for its breathtaking splendor and makes for an amazing walking safari destination. You can enjoy a long and varied holiday, taking in the beauty of this part of the world, with two camps located within the park. 

With a constantly flowing river and cliffs behind, the variety of habitats offers a diverse ecosystem to explore. Discover the grassland, woodland, forest, thicket, floodplain, and riverine of the park on foot. Lower Zambezi is home to lion, leopard, wild dog, hyena, African wild cat, elephant, buffalo, hippo, waterbuck, zebra, kudu, and more.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Best Time For Walking Safari In Zambia

The rainy season in Zambia, which begins somewhere in November and ends around the end of April, is best avoided for walking safaris. At this point, the year begins to transition into winter, when the temperature drops and the vegetation begins to dry out.

Most people consider May and June as "mid-season." A wonderful time of year with pleasant, temperate temperatures for a walking safari. Beautiful photo ops abound due to the verdant, lush scenery, blooming flowers, flurrying birds, and butterflies. The parks are still surrounded by a lot of water, which makes the wildlife more dispersed and more difficult to locate, but the park is quieter in terms of other travelers.

Winter officially arrives in July, and the temperature drops significantly, especially in the early morning. This is now regarded as peak season. The reason for this is that lower temperatures help you have a more comfortable day out in the park.

Additionally, these wildlife's whereabouts are more predictable in a dry park. The animals will migrate closer to the main river and major waterholes when the park's water sources dry up. This indicates denser populations in more constrained locations and an increase in your sightings! Peak season, which runs from about July to October, should be taken into account because, although there is more wildlife at this time, there are also more people.

Best time for walking safari in Zambia

FAQs About Walking Safari In Zambia

1. Do I need to be physically fit to do a walking safari?

No exceptional physical condition is required to participate in a walking safari in Zambia. Your guide will adjust the walking safari's itinerary and duration according to your skills and preferences. Walking safaris are often leisurely; since you won't be taking a bus, there's no need to hurry! 

Every time you or your guide sees something noteworthy, such as animal footprints, you will pause. Or perhaps all you want to do is take a glass of water, relax, and cool off in the shade. Depending on what you uncover and how active and eager the group is, a walking safari might last anywhere from one to three hours.

2. Will I come across dangerous animals?

Yes, occasionally! Nature is unpredictable, even though your guide will choose a path that avoids any potentially hazardous wildlife areas. Sometimes, you can come across a pride of lions or a herd of elephants. Routes are designed to pass through open areas so that nobody will be startled. 

Naturally, you are always protected by an armed ranger who will, in the event of any threat, first fire a warning shot.

3. What shall I bring on my walk?

• Long lightweight trousers
• Hat that covers face and neck
• High factor sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Closed walking shoes
• Long socks
• Small day pack
• Binoculars and/or camera
• Water

Ready to experience the thrill of a walking safari in Zambia? The first step in your adventure is obtaining a Zambia e-visa, and we make the process easy and straightforward. By applying for Zambia e-visa through our website, you can ensure a hassle-free start to your journey.

Our platform is user-friendly and secure, guiding you through the application process with clear instructions and helpful tips. You can complete your application from the comfort of your home, avoiding the need for lengthy visits to embassies or consulates. Our support team is available to assist you at every step, ensuring your application is processed smoothly and efficiently.