WWF Travel Blog

© Mike Myers

Going on any style of African safari kicks your senses into high gear, but perhaps none revs them up more than a walking safari. Zambia is the African birthplace of this style of safari, and WWF will offer its first-ever Wild Zambia tour this August. The trip combines classic Jeep drives with walks on the savannahs, along rivers and through a variety of ecosystems.

We wanted to know more about this one-of-a-kind experience in Africa, so we called up two of the leading experts on Zambian walking safaris – expedition leader Graham Johansson and Charles Van Rensburg, operations manager of the travel provider Wilderness Safaris. They gave us their take on this life-changing safari experience.

Courtesy Graham Johansson

How is the experience of going on a walking safari different from a safari in which you travel by vehicle?

CV: Walking brings you in touch with nature, encouraging you to make use of all your senses. There are many surprises from nature, and [on a vehicle-based safari] you often drive right past these intriguing sights.

GJ: The peace and quiet, the loud sound of shoes crunching over the soil, competing with your heart bounding along at a high rate of knots and the rich organic smells of Mother Earth. Your senses very suddenly become tuned in with what might be happening in the immediate and distant vicinities.

CV: To get the adrenalin going all you have to do is [track] a herd of buffalo or [approach] a group of bull elephants. Even watching impala or baboons on foot can be entertaining, just to sit in their presence and be one with nature – that’s what it is all about!

© Wilderness Safaris

Do animals notice that people are there? If so, how do they react?

GJ: Animals are very well aware of human presence during a walk and will react accordingly. All animals have a flight distance that they will maintain. So if a herd of cape buffalo starts making its way over towards you, don’t panic!

CV: Most often, your guide will try and ensure you are down wind of any animal you are approaching. If the group is walking quietly enough and out of sight and smell, you should generally get fairly close to the animals without them noticing. However, animals do have much keener senses and will certainly hear, see or smell you when you get within their circle of safety.

© Dana Allen

What reaction should travelers expect to see from the animals?

CV: All animals react differently. Some peer at you inquisitively, whilst others would simply run off to a safe distance and then turn around and continue to look at you. There are few animals that would aggressively move towards you, the most significant ones would be lone buffalo bulls and breeding herds of elephants. But your well-trained guide and scout will no doubt avoid getting you into that type of scenario.

What is the best way to get the most out of a safari experience?

GJ: The best way to get the most out of your safari is to take an active interest in everything going on around you, not just the number of species you can see in the shortest possible time. Ask all the questions you can think of, not only about wildlife but about birds, insects and trees, too.

CV:  Listen, smell, feel and absorb – Don’t be under pressure to see the big [animals]. Often it is when you stop to look at a sun squirrel or bird that one gets to see something spectacular. Enjoy the remoteness and let the pioneering spirit fill you up. Once you have that right, you will love every moment in the bush.

GJ: Don’t forget to bring your sense of humor, too.

Courtesy Charles Van Rensburg

What are the most important safety tips a traveler should follow when on a walking safari?

GJ: Guests are thoroughly briefed by the safari guide on the risks and dangers of encountering [animals], and there are a limited number of guests per walk. An armed scout from the Zambian Wildlife Authority  also accompanies every walk.

CV: Listen to your guide. He knows best, he is watching the behavioral signs of the animals and he is far better versed with their behavior. So watch and listen to what he is instructing you to do and do it. Try to be as quiet as possible when walking and keep your eyes and ears open.

What surprises travelers most about Zambia?

CV: Its beauty, abundance of wildlife and species diversity. And last but by no means least, its wonderful, warm, friendly and smiling people.

GJ: Yes, that’s true. A Zambian’s generous smile reflects the incredible warmth and sense of pride in himself and in his country. 

© Mike Myers

What is your favorite animal to observe in the wild?

GJ: Personally I enjoy watching the elephants and baboons. Their intelligence and human-like characteristics make for hours of amusing entertainment.

CV: I would have to say the cheetah – graceful, independent and always on the look out.

 Join WWF’s Wild Zambia tour, August 9-20, 2010.