Have you ever wanted to go on a safari? To see some of Africa’s most stunning exotic animals? It’s an incredible experience that any adventurous soul should add to their bucket list, but there is actually a way to make this even better: a walking safari. This type of safari adventure allows you to follow along with a guide on foot and experience nature the way it was intended to be explored, with the guide able to point out a variety of plants and insects that can’t be spotted easily by a vehicle and being on the same level as all the amazing animals you encounter. You can’t go wrong with the walking safari option, but there are a few things you should know before you book your next trip.
Find a Reliable Guide
Finding the right guide to aid you along your journey is perhaps the most important step in preparing for an African safari. A good guide will inform you about the proper safety procedures while you’re out in the wild and provide you with safe passage along the way. They will likely be armed, as there can be dangerous animals that you run into, but a smart guide will know the best paths to take you on to avoid hostile areas—they don’t want to get attacked by a lion any more than you do. There is often more than one guide or tracker to accompany you as well, so you’ll be in good company if you run into any trouble. As an added perk, they will be able to tell you about the land, plants, and animals in the region, as they are more or less walking sources of knowledge.
Dress Accordingly
Naturally enough, you will be doing a lot walking on a walking safari, and you will want to be as comfortable as possible while doing so. It’s recommended that you wear neutral-colored clothing, such as brown, tan, khaki, and green, typically on a light and airy piece of clothing, but never wear anything bright or easily distinguishable, as it can attract certain animals. Many choose to wear some sort of headwear as well, like wide-brimmed safari hats that can keep the sun out of their face and off their neck. Your footwear is equally as important, if not more so. You’ll want to wear a comfortable pair of shoes or boots that will allow you to withstand the terrain for several hours of hiking. Failing to do so will leave you with sore feet, blisters, and, in some cases, bunions, which can only be treated by visiting a healthcare facility like Northwest Surgery Center. Overall, trips usually last a couple of hours, so it’s important to wear what you feel comfortable in during that time.
Choose a Location
You’ve got several options when it comes to choosing a location for your walking safari. There are numerous countries within Africa that offer walking safaris and each can differ slightly, so you’ll want to do the research in specific areas before committing to a trip. Some of the countries available include Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, and many more. You might find that some countries might suit your preferences more than others, so be sure to check them all out and pick the one that works best for you.
Don’t Forget Your Camera!
Going on a walking safari in Africa can be an eye-opening experience that not only connects you with nature but does so in a way unlike any other. While it can be intimidating to go trekking on foot through the land where lions and elephants roam, there is nothing to worry about so long as you take the proper precautions, find a reliable guide, and respect the rules of the safari. And most importantly, have fun!—just don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the animals in action.