Offered in both East Africa and Southern Africa, a walking African safari can be divided into two main types: short guided bush walks offered by a lodge as an alternative activity to game drives, and multi-day guided walking safaris.

Yes, you can participate in a "Walking Safari" in 2026, which is widely considered the most immersive way to experience the African bush. Unlike traditional vehicle-based game drives, walking safaris allow you to track animals on foot under the strict guidance of highly trained, armed field guides and trackers. These experiences are common in countries like Zambia (the birthplace of the walking safari), Zimbabwe, and South Africa’s Greater Kruger region. In 2026, these range from 1-hour "nature walks" to multi-day "Primitive Trails" where you carry your own gear and sleep under the stars. Safety is paramount; you must walk in single file, remain quiet, and follow every instruction from your guide to avoid startling wildlife like elephants or lions. Walking safaris focus on the "small things"—insects, tracks, and flora—that are often missed from a car, providing a deep, sensory connection to the ecosystem that a vehicle simply cannot replicate.