Wild Walks of Africa: the Best Off-the-Beaten Path hikes
Walking is not just a simple exercise—it's a way to take a breath, get in touch with life's rhythms and connect with the world around us. A great form of exercise, walking blends the perfect balance of strengthening our physique without being harsh on our joints. It's an activity that almost everyone, irrespective of age or fitness level, can partake in.
Venturing out on foot provides a unique opportunity to embrace the world around us, giving us the chance to slow down and truly immerse ourselves in the wonders of our surroundings. And what better place to capture this spirit of exploration than in the heart of Africa? While there are restrictions on foot travel in certain parts of this vast continent, the regions that do welcome walkers offer an unparalleled way to drink in its wild, untamed beauty.
Africa, in its raw and majestic allure, is best experienced up close. The gentle rustle of the grass, the distant roar of a lion, or the intricate dance of birds in the sky—these are moments that can only be deeply felt and appreciated at a walking pace, away from the noisey engines of the safari jeeps.
Though many African countries boast incredible walking safari destinations, read on to discover a few top spots that are sure to ignite your wanderlust and set your heart racing. Dive in, and let the journey begin!
Wild walking in South Africa
South Luangwa, Zambia: The Cradle of Walking Safaris
Nestled within the heart of Zambia, South Luangwa paints a mesmerising tableau of vast open plains, rich woodland savannahs, and a meandering river that breathes life into its surroundings. Praised not just for its breathtaking landscapes, this sanctuary stands as a beacon of progressive conservation efforts, rightly earning its title as the very cradle of walking safaris.
In certain untouched pockets of South Luangwa, the whispers of nature are undisturbed by the hum of engines. Here, the paths have remained untouched by roads, and vehicles and are created by the age-old tradition of exploration by foot. Yet, these journeys aren't about rapidly covering vast distances. Instead, the walks here are respectful and intimate moments with nature—stopping frequenetly to admire the tapestry of life unfolding, and carried out at a gentle, contemplative pace. And amid this stunning backdrop, incredible wildlife thrives, offering enthusiasts something to see and admire at every turn.
Garden Route, South Africa: A Botanical Odyssey on Foot
The Garden Route, stretching through South Africa's stunning southern coastline, is a celebrated destination for road trippers. However, to truly immerse oneself in the botanical brilliance of this region, you’ve got to put the car keys aside and explore on foot. This scenic area, brimming with natural wonders, offers enchanting trails, alongside the majestic Indian Ocean coast with its mysterious caves, tranquil rock pools, and elevated vantage points ideal for spotting whales as they playfully breach the waters.
The region's fynbos belt of natural shrubland and heathland is a unique and diverse vegetation type and a hiker's paradise. For those looking for a challenge in the area there’s The Oystercatcher Trail. This 5-day journey clings to the dramatic coastline around Mossel Bay, promising panoramas that will etch themselves into your memory. Alternatively, the 3-day, 26km Fynbos Trail beckons those with an affinity for flora. Winding through secluded mountain terrains, it unveils a world teeming with vibrant plant life, all conveniently located just two-hour drive from the heart of Cape Town.
A walking track in South Africa
Fish River Canyon, Namibia: An Adventure Amidst Ancient Stones
Stretching an impressive 160km in length and plunging as deep as 550 meters, Fish River Canyon proudly stands as Africa's largest, enticing intrepid souls to its vast expanse. While its monumental scale is undoubtedly a magnet for hikers, the canyon's allure goes beyond merely walking its impressive depths. It offers an escape—a chance to disconnect from the bustle of modern life and sleep under a canvas of stars so dense, it feels like a hug from the stars.
There are a few options available. Whether you opt for the 2-day wander, a more leisurely 3-day exploration, or the comprehensive 5-day adventure, each step reveals the canyon's treasures. Dive into natural swimming pools, stand dwarfed by the towering rock walls, trace the imprints of ancient fossils, and follow the winding paths carved by generations of wildlife.
In Fish River Canyon, the journey is not just about distance—it's about taking a moment, reflection, and rediscovering oneself beneath a sky illuminated by countless stars.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, South Africa: A Timeless Embrace with Wilderness
In the heart of KwaZulu-Natal lies the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, a sanctuary that has long understood the profound experience of getting into nature on foot. Before the rise of eco-conscious trends and mindfulness retreats, Imfolozi's wilderness trails, operational since the 1950s, championed the primal need for people to get in touch with the rhythms of the natural world.
As you head out on these sacred trails, the likelihood of heart-stopping animal encounters is high. Yet, beyond the exhilaration of wildlife sightings, the park's profound wilderness ethic resonates deeply. Here, you don't walk along man-made pathways, but rather follow the trails naturally forged by generations of animals. It's a world untouched by the grind of engines, where vehicles remain strangers and the true essence of wilderness reigns supreme.
For those looking to hit the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi trails on foot, the 3-day Short Wilderness Trail offers those who would like to enjoy a more leisurly pace to get out on foot. For the more adventurous souls, the Primitive Trail is a great option— where nights are spent under the vast African sky, without tents. Wrapped in the sounds of the wild, guests take turns standing guard, making the adventure not just about witnessing nature, but truly becoming one with it. At Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, you don't just walk; you remember, you reconnect, and you rejuvenate.
White Rhino’s relaxing at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe: Africa's Untouched Wilderness Sanctuary
While commercial lodges steadily populate many of Africa's renowned wildlife havens, there are still places where the untamed spirit of the continent flourishes. Enter Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe—a gem that remains largely undiscovered by the masses. An expanse of raw, wild beauty: dotted with the iconic silhouettes of ancient baobabs, stretches of rugged scrubland, meandering sand rivers, and imposing sandstone cliffs which paint a landscape that echoes with a time gone by.
What makes Gonarezhou truly exceptional is its seclusion. Here, in this remote haven, the maddening crowds of tourists are replaced by the soothing rhythms of nature. Accommodations are scarce, with only a handful of tour operators catering to the truly adventurous who seek an authentic and undiluted African experience.
Masai Mara Conservancies, Kenya: Where Wilderness Speaks Louder Than Crowds
The Masai Mara National Reserve, undoubtedly Kenya's crown jewel, is full with both wildlife and human activity. Yet, just beyond its borders, the adjacent conservancies paint a contrasting tale. Here, the rich density of wildlife persists, but the crowds thin out considerably, offering a truly authentic safari experience. With vast expanses providing around 350 acres for every bed, the sense of solitude is palpable.
Unlike the reserve, these conservancies welcome walking safaris, allowing travelers the privilege of experiencing the iconic southern Kenyan plains on foot.
Many camps in these conservancies provide walking safari options, and for those seeking a unique blend of culture and adventure, some even offer the exhilarating experience of running alongside a Maasai warrior.
For a deeper dive into the wilderness, Kicheche Camp offers the chance to enjoy walking the conservancy with an overnight stay at a private mobile campsite. Meanwhile, Basecamp Explorer in the Naibosho conservancy and Naibosho Camp offer a 4-day walking package for those who want to experience first-hand the knowledge of the Maasai in the savannah as they are guided by them through this stunning landscape.
In the Masai Mara Conservancies, the essence of Africa—wild, untamed, and majestic—awaits those willing to tread its sacred grounds.
Tsavo, Kenya: A Majestic Mosaic of Plains and Peaks
Spanning across the arid expanses of Tsavo East and the lush, undulating landscapes of Tsavo West, Tsavo stands proud as one of Africa's largest wildlife sanctuaries. It's a place of contrasts, where the flat, sun-baked plains meet the verdant, mountain-fringed horizons.
The region is a haven for birdwatchers, meanwhile, on the ground, the mammalian wonders are just as rich. The iconic palm-fringed Galana River carves its path through Tsavo, creating a refreshing oasis from the dry earth. Here also roams the largest congregation of elephants in East Africa and some of the worlds last remaining tuskers (elephants with huge tusks). The region's pride doesn't end there; its lion population surpasses even that of the northern Serengeti, with these regal cats ruling the plains with grace and power.
Here you can walk along the world’s largest lava flow at the Yatta Plateu and enjoy the beauty of the crystal clear waters of Mzima Springs.
Elephants in Tsavo National Park, Kenya
Ngorongoro Highlands, Tanzania: A Walk Through Millennia
.Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Highlands nestled within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this region diverges from the typical national park restrictions. The lack of stringent park regulations here welcomes explorers to venture on foot, diving deep into the heart of its multifaceted beauty.
The landscape is incredible with its massive calderas, seven extinct volcanoes that stand sentinel, and serene lakes that reflect the endless skies. The fossil-rich layers of Olduvai Gorge serve as nature's historical archives, chronicling epochs in every sediment layer.
For the hiking enthusiast, Asilia Africa offers an unparalleled journey. Their treks, spanning from the Ngorongoro Highlands to Lake Natron, begin at Empakaai Crater, trace the edges of the Rift Valley wall, and culminate at the shores of Lake Natron. Here, the spectacle of countless flamingos, with their rose-hued plumage, provides a fitting crescendo to a journey through one of Africa's most diverse and mesmerising landscapes. In the Ngorongoro Highlands, every footstep is a connection to the ancient rhythms of the Earth.
Bale Mountains, Ethiopia: An Undiscovered Alpine Utopia
While the Simien Mountains often claim the limelight as Ethiopia's premier trekking destination, the Bale Mountains in the south beckon with their own distinct allure. Rising majestically, this range presents a breathtaking tableau of high-altitude plateaus, punctuated by rugged volcanic peaks, expansive alpine moorlands, and dense, whispering forests.
Waterways wind their way through the landscape, with streams gleaming like silver threads amidst the expanse. And it's not just the topography that captures the heart; the Bale Mountains are a sanctuary for some of Ethiopia's most treasured endemic animals. The graceful mountain nyala wander amidst the foliage, and if you're fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Ethiopian wolf, a testament to the region's rich biodiversity.
Adding to the allure of this hidden gem, recent flight routes from Addis have bridged the distance, making the wonders of the Bale Mountains more accessible than ever. For those seeking a path less traveled, awash in natural splendor and teeming with wildlife, the Bale Mountains await with open arms and untold stories.