Walking safaris in Africa: a sensual experience
On a typical African walking safari, you’ll wake up before sunrise and set off at sunrise to explore nature as part of a small group of around six guests (a maximum of eight) led by two highly experienced and armed guides. As you are led silently through a pristine landscape of riparian forests, mixed bushland, and open savannas at a relaxed pace with the breeze in your favor, guides will stop every now and then to read and interpret the dramatic stories of life and the nights before. death fights written in signs and traces along the paths of the game 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 will notice that your senses become highly alert to the different sights, sounds and smells that surround. you. By learning about nature and its forms, you will come to see the interconnectedness of all things in nature and understand the intricate web of life woven through its delicate and perfectly designed tapestry. Once you become familiar with the desert, it will cease to be a strange and terrifying place and you will gradually become absorbed in it, as you realize that humanity belongs to and is one with Mother Nature, not above or above her. .
The primary focus of an authentic African safari adventure should be to deliver the SENSUAL experience of walking safaris in a way that comprehensively complements the VISUAL experience of vehicle safaris. Not only will you be able to see the wildlife and landscapes of Africa from an open safari vehicle on morning / afternoon / evening / evening tours, but you will also be able to experience it up close and in person during morning hikes or hikes of a full day in the African bush.
Kruger Park walking safaris operate year-round, with itineraries determined by the seasons. The colder 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 afternoon safaris.
No season is better than the other for visiting the Kruger: In summer, the park is lush and green, filled with newborn hatchlings and throbbing with calls from local and migratory birds from Central Africa, Europe and Eurasia. In winter, the park is cooler, drier and the vegetation is less dense, offering excellent opportunities to watch games while the animals move in search of water and grass.
Usually the early morning SUMMER trails depart at dawn and cover around 3 miles (5 km) before a breakfast back at camp. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing by the lodge pool, before the afternoon game drive with sunset drinks and a spotlight night trip back to the lodge before dinner.
The WINTER season trails follow the same itinerary (morning hikes and afternoon safaris), with the added option of full-day hikes thanks to the cooler weather. These treks cover 6-12 miles (10-20 km), depending on guest preferences, with a hot breakfast and cold lunch served at a traditional safari-style table in the bush. Lunch is followed by a nap before the trekking stage in the afternoon and an evening game drive back to camp in time for dinner.