And Why South Luangwa is the Best Place
Zambia – Home of the Walking Safari
The South Luangwa Valley in Zambia is one of my favorite corners of Africa, a place that never ceases to amaze me.
It epitomises all that is wonderful about the true African wilderness experience – being present, mindful and above all sustainable.
It is here that in the 1950’s pioneering conservationist Norman Carr and later on his protegee Robin Pope, pioneered the concept of the walking safari.
Carr believed that to truly understand and appreciate the African wilderness, you had to experience it on foot, at eye level with the animals. The mobile walking safari was developed to allow for a full immersion in the African bush, moving from one camp to another, accompanied by highly skilled expert guides.
Thanks to their foresight and promotion of low-key, sustainable tourism, in partnership with the local communities, today you can connect with the African bush in a deeply personal and profound way. And the South Luangwa Valley does this far better than any other location I have visited in Africa.
Slow and Sustainable
In the heart of Africa, the rhythm of life flows differently, and the wild beats of nature dictate the pace. I believe that everyone with a love of nature and walking should definitely embrace one of the most intimate and immersive experiences the bush has to offer—a Mobile Walking Safari.
Intimate Connection
Nestled far from the bustling safari circuits, this experience is truly for the connoisseurs. It’s for those who seek a deeper connection with the land, feeling the African soil under your feet – far beyond the hum of a safari vehicle.
Walking through the bush is an intimate experience, you sense the landscape in ways you never could from behind the wheel. It’s a chance to tread lightly on paths that may have never felt the presence of humans, to wonder if you are the first to stand in that very spot.
A Typical Walking Safari
Your journey begins at your main camp – comfortable chalets in the heart of the African bush where you can relax before and after your walking adventure.
On your first day you rise to the sound of the birds and other animals in the bush. And, after a relaxed breakfast, your expert guides will lead you through the bush with plenty of water, morning tea, and a picnic lunch in tow.
The drive northwards is an adventure in itself, winding through prime game-viewing areas and eventually giving way to the fabled 05 road. This stretch of wilderness, dotted with pockets of wildlife and vast woodlands, gradually unfolds into sweeping grassy plains.
It’s the kind of landscape that stirs something deep within, a reminder of just how wild and untamed this part of Africa remains.
As the road twists and turns, you might catch glimpses of hartebeest and kudu grazing in the open, or if you’re lucky, a shy duiker darting back into the undergrowth. Each sighting is a gift, a reminder of the fragile beauty of this ecosystem. And as you approach the Luwi River, the landscape bursts into life—warthogs scurry along the banks, and elephants, those magnificent giants, move majestically through the sand river.
One of the most striking features of this journey is the Lundu Plain, dominated by an enormous baobab tree that stands sentinel over the land. Here, elephants, buffalo, and zebra roam freely, their presence a testament to the resilience of this landscape.
And then, as if nature has saved the best for last, you descend towards the Mupamadzi River—a serene, shallow sand river that serves as a lifeline for all manner of wildlife.
Your Mobile Walking Camp – Comfortable and Relaxed
Upon arrival at your temporary walking camp, you’re greeted with the warmest of welcomes—a cool flannel, a broad smile, and the promise of adventure. The setup is simple yet comfortable, your tent a home away from home for the next five nights.
Evening walks are a highlight, with the day’s adventures culminating in a refreshing gin and tonic, enjoyed while seated in the river, followed by leisurely evenings around the campfire under a starlit sky.
Varied Walks and Explorations
Morning walks are longer, and as the camp moves, so does the sense of exploration. Each new location offers something unique, yet the sense of continuity remains—your tent, perfectly set up just as you left it, awaits your return. It’s this blend of adventure and comfort that makes a Mobile Walking Safari so special.
Safety and Fantastic Guides
You will be walking among wild animals and so it will come as no surprise to know that your guides are some of the best in the industry with safety and local knowledge at the fore.
All guides undergo rigorous training in all aspects of leading naturalist walking safaris – from knowledge of ecology and wildlife behaviour to training in avoiding danger and, if needed, firearms training as a last resort.
The primary focus is on predicting potential hazards and avoiding danger but advanced first aid training and crisis management is also taught.
In addition your guide will have local knowledge and be able to impart a wealth of information to you as well as tell stories about the bush and their experiences. Often around the campfires each evening.
Each Day Brings New Surprises
No two days or safaris are every the same. However, in recent weeks, guests have been treated to the gentle morning calls of distant lions—a sound that resonates with the soul.
Wild dogs have made appearances too, their swift, efficient hunts a reminder of the circle of life that plays out daily in this wilderness.
The puku, ever graceful, stand in the river as buffalo come to drink, their deep bellows echoing through the air. And the elephants, well, they’ve been everywhere this season, a daily presence that never fails to captivate.
Leopards, elusive as always, have been spotted thanks to the baboons’ alarm calls, their presence adding an extra thrill to the walks.
Reconnect with Nature
But above all, these safaris are about reconnecting with the wild, about stepping away from the trappings of modern life and immersing yourself in the raw beauty of Africa.
As I reflect on these experiences, I’m reminded once again of why I keep coming back to Africa. There’s something profoundly humbling about walking through this ancient land, something that speaks to the very essence of what it means to be human.
A walking safari is an incredible experience for active adults who are used to walking on somewhat uneven tracks and trails, as the terrain is sometimes uneven.
Please contact us for more details about our walking safaris in Zambia and other parts of Africa.
