Unlock Africa’s Best-Kept Hiking Secrets: Trails That Transform Your Body and Soul Beyond Imagination

Ever wondered what it’s like to truly feel the heartbeat of Africa beneath your feet? Not the bump and rattle from a safari vehicle, but the subtle, almost secretive rhythm of the wild as you tread softly through its diverse landscapes—whether that’s the whispering grasslands, craggy mountains, or the rugged coastline. Exploring Africa on foot is like flipping the script on the usual adventure holiday; suddenly, you’re not just observing, you’re part of the story. This immersive experience nudges you to notice the whisper of wind, the faint spoor of a passing elephant, or the delicate aroma of wild sage—a sensory symphony often drowned out by engines and chassis. Each step reveals nature’s little marvels and the thrill of genuine connection, making every hike or stroll across this awe-inspiring continent a potent blend of excitement and reverence. Ready to slip on your walking shoes and see Africa in a way that only a lucky few ever do? LEARN MORE

Exploring Africa on foot, whether it be on safari, hiking in the mountains or exploring rocky coastlines, adds a completely different dimension to an active, adventurous holiday.  It gives a rare opportunity to properly immerse yourself in the destination and appreciate the little things.

Why walking hits those high notes

Sometimes stepping out of the safari vehicle allows you become part of the landscape rather than just an observer, moving at the slower pace of nature and engaging all your senses.

Heightened connections

On foot, you notice the subtle details you might miss from a vehicle: fresh animal tracks, the scent of wild sage (my favourite at Mashatu!), the sounds of distant bird calls, or the texture of the soil underfoot.

The little things

Walking safaris focus as much on the smaller wonders — insects, plants, spoor, and birdlife — as on the big game. Hikes in the mountains reveal beautiful Fynbos, antelopes and birdlife, whilst rock pooling and coastal walks can keep you busy for days!

Hear, hear

Without the hum of an engine, a safari feels wilder. Sounds are amplified, be it the rustle of wind through grass, the crack of an elephant breaking a branch, hyenas whooping in the darkness – or a distant lion roar.  Some of my favourite holiday sounds are evening cacophony of frogs and crickets, the cry of a fish eagle – and the crashing of waves on the shore.

The thrill of adventure

Walking engages your primal instincts; you’re alert, present, and aware of your place in the wild. Those feelings of vulnerability make encounters feel raw, authentic and incredibly adventurous. There’s nothing quite like standing on the same ground as elephants, buffalo, or even lions (at a safe distance of course!).

Some of my favourite wildlife walking safaris and hikes across Africa include:

WalkMashatu in beautiful Botswana

Mashatu Game Reserve is also known as “The land of the Giants” thanks to its abundant game (notably large elephant herds and predator sightings), its varied activities on offer, and its vast, scenic landscapes —from lush riverine forests to sandstone outcrops.

One of the best ways to explore it is undoubtedly on foot.  WalkMashatu is a unique safari adventure, guided by expert trackers, where guests learn about ancient elephant trails, identifying different spoor, plants, as well as some of the smaller creatures that often go unnoticed. It’s a chance to connect deeply with the landscape, noticing its rhythms, details and stories.

After a day of exploration and a hearty dinner at your lodge, the adventure starts with a 2 hour night drive in search of predators, ending up at the remote Walk Mashatu Fly Camp, where the real magic begins. Here, guests can enjoy campfire stories, try night photography, enjoy a guided night walk – or simply listen to the sounds of the bush. Specially designed tents with roll-up sides allow for unobstructed views of the African night sky. Without any light pollution, the Milky Way appears endless, and the soundtrack of nocturnal wildlife makes for an unforgettable experience.

In the morning, guests wake to a hearty breakfast and a dawn game drive, when the bush is at its most alive. WalkMashatu runs from March to October for up to six guests at a time, ensuring a very private, intimate encounter with nature. For lodge guests, the Night Under the Stars is also offered as a year-round add-on.

Onguma trails on the fringe of Etosha

Onguma’s Trails Camp, located on the eastern border of Etosha National Park, offers the rare opportunity to walk through big game country in Namibia. Trails run during Namibia’s winter months (April to September) when the weather is cooler and the bush is less dense –  and can be booked for either 2 or 3 nights, staying in a  beautiful glamp camp. 

Expertly guided by armed trails guides, up to eight guests can enjoy the daily 6-8 km hikes through the wilderness, focussing  on animal tracks, flora, traditional uses of plants, and encounters with plains game in a safe but thrilling setting.

Accommodation comprises just four bell tents, with comfortable beds, ensuite outdoor bathrooms with flush toilets and hot bucket showers as well as private wood fired hot tubs.

The minimal footprint, immersion in a private reserve, and its celebration of the simple pleasures of bush life under canvas—with no Wi-Fi, radio, or generators—accentuate the camp’s pure wilderness eco ethos.

Zululand hikes at Babanango Game Reserve

Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal’s pristine Zululand hills offers walking safaris with exceptional biodiversity as you navigate the rugged hills, rolling grasslands and serene valleys along the  White Umfolozi River. Walks highlight history, geology, and “Big Five” game tracking in a landscape once traversed by Zulu kings. The reserve is a groundbreaking rewilding success, where tracks might reveal rhino, buffalo, giraffe. Along the walk, the guides will teach you essential bushcraft survival skills, such as identifying different animal tracks, spotting camouflaged creatures, and recognising edible or medicinal plants. You will also learn how to interpret animal behaviour and the intricate balance of the ecosystem.

After a day of exploration, the adventure continues with an overnight stay in one of Babanango’s base camps with “back-to-basics” canvas tents which are rustic yet comfortable. Equipped with some essential facilities, sleeping bags, and lantern lighting, they offer an authentic connection to the natural surroundings. You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the bush and awake with the African sunrise. Guests can choose from a variety of walking safari packages ranging from two to five nights, combining the sleep outs with their various luxury lodges such as Madwaleni River Lodge or Zulu Rock Lodge.

Mosetlha Bush Camp started out three decades ago as one of Madikwe Game Reserves original bush camps, offering simple comfort and a strong eco-friendly ethos. They recently returned to their roots, with guide Justice gaining his FGASA Trails Guide certification, enabling the lodge to offer sunrise bush walks in the reserve in search of Africa’s Big 7, including cheetah and wild dogs. 

These walking safaris focus on birding, plant lore, animal tracking, and safe approaches to game. The experience is intimate: small groups and no modern distractions, just nature and great guides.  Ideal for both first-timers and seasoned walkers.

The lodge has 10 eco cabins that accommodate up to 16 people, so is small and intimate.  The camp is right in the heart of the reserve and  is purposely off grid, but with all the comforts you need including charming donkey boilers to ensure piping hot bucket showers. 

Sublime South Luangwa at Lion Camp

Widely considered the birthplace of the walking safari, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is another ideal location to track elephants, big cats, and other wildlife on foot, learning subtleties from some of Africa’s best guides. 

Lion Camp is nestled in one of the most secluded and wildlife-abundant corners of the park,  positioned near one of the last remaining water sources during the dry season, its strategic location offers unrivalled wildlife encounters with minimal vehicle traffic—making every sighting feel truly intimate.  Accompanied by a professional guide and a vetted game scout, you’ll uncover the finer details of the wilderness—from the delicate imprint of fresh tracks to the intricate beauty of native plants.  Safe, immersive, and unforgettable, a walking safari is more than an adventure—it’s a life-changing encounter with nature that deepens your appreciation for the delicate balance of this remarkable ecosystem.

The new Northern Drakensberg Nature Way

Just 3 hours from Durban, the Northern Drakensberg boasts one of South Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.  In April 2024, the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve was officially gazetted and another 6500ha of pristine mountain grassland is to be preserved – best explored on foot, horseback or through the meandering cycle tracks.

They recently launched a brand-new 4-day slackpacking trail called the Northern Drakensberg Nature Way, linking 4 beautiful mountain retreats, allowing guests to walk a 55km circular route complete with local guide, knowing that each night finishes with a warm welcome, a lovely hot meal, comfy bed, and the convenience of your luggage appearing just where you need it!

Accommodation is provided by The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa, Greenfire Drakensberg Inn, The Berghouse & Cottages and Montusi Mountain Lodge, all bookable via All Out Adventures and The Northern Horse.

Empakaai & Olmoti crater walks in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro

Olmoti Crater is another ideal location to hike away from the hustle and bustle of touristy areas. The 2 to 3 hour guided hike winds its way through lush forests and grasslands and via some small waterfalls before arriving at the crater’s edge. Here, trekkers can witness sweeping vistas of hills and valleys all around. Though this trek is shorter than others, the opportunity to indulge in birdwatching and photography is plentiful on the way.  This is a moderate hike that is suitable for most fitness levels

Though less frequented than Tanzania’s famous Ngorongoro Crater, Empakaai Crater is just as mesmerizing. The 3 to 4 hour descend into the crater takes you through lush forests before ending up at a tranquil lake at the base. Flamingos often flock here, making the place all the more beautiful. The uphill trek can be strenuous due to steep slopes – but offers breathtaking vista views of the crater’s inner walls from the rim with a serene lake at its centre. It’s a perfect place for solitude seekers with a reasonable level of fitness.

Both hikes are offered as optional extra activities for guests staying at Craters Edge by the Wilderness Collection.  A great reason to linger longer at this stunning tented lodge!

This quote sums it up perfectly …

“If riding in a game-driving vehicle is like watching a National Geographic wildlife documentary, then a walking safari is like reading the book”

– Liberty Eiseb, trails guide at Onguma Trails Camp

Claire Roadley

Claire Roadley is Founder of Umlingo. Umlingo promotes authentic, sustainable hotels and safari eco lodges across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.