I have always been immensely fascinated by the wild. It was during a walk around the perimeter fence of my family’s holiday house on a game reserve in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, as an unsuspecting 6-year-old, that I became infatuated with the smaller details that exist all around us. The tiniest nests, tracks and signs of tortoises, and the intricate details in the underlying rock formations were just a few of the things I began to notice and appreciate. My interest was piqued.

The remarkably defined claw of a leopard tortoise leaves behind a beautiful trail across the sandy road.

The Journey to Walking Safaris

Years later, my fascination had only deepened. I sought every opportunity to convince my family and friends that there is an overwhelming amount of beauty in exploring South Africa’s wild spaces. Instead of a traditional party for my 18th birthday, I asked my parents to rather allow me and six of my best friends to embark on a 4-night walking trail through the Kruger National Park as a celebration. I believe that it was this very experience that solidified my desire to pursue a career in wildlife and conservation.

Since arriving at Londolozi, one of my biggest privileges has been walking on this reserve. Whether during training, with guests, or on spontaneous morning walks with fellow guides, being on foot in this beautiful place reveals immaculate beauty. Having one’s feet on the ground, and feeling wholly connected to nature and its rhythms is something I believe everyone should experience at some point in their life. The finer details that are often overlooked become abundantly clear; for instance, when one’s leg brushes up against a recently scent-marked piece of grass. It is moments like these that make walking in the wild a truly unique experience.

Game paths, or frequently used animal walkways, are ideal paths to follow when conducting a walking safari. Primarily created by generations of elephants, passing down their knowledge of the best route to and from food and water.

The Beauty of Walking Safaris

Don’t get me wrong, I love the comfort of the game vehicle, however walking allows you to stop and listen, immersing yourself in the beautiful symphony of birds and insects, unencumbered by the rumble of our trusty Land Rovers. The call of an Oxpecker overhead can indicate the presence of nearby animals, such as impala, rhinos and buffalo to name but a few. Fresh tracks of elephants along a game path alongside the Sand River, and the sound of water splashing can provide you with the necessary clues that a breeding herd of elephants may be drinking not too far away.

Red-billed and yellow-billed Oxpeckers are a brilliant indication that an herbivore is nearby and, in this case, their unique call can often alert us to the presence of a herd of buffalo in the area.

Being at ‘eye level’ with these magnificent animals is a totally humbling experience that can raise the hairs on the back of your neck. Without the sanctuary of the game vehicle, walking safaris require meticulous planning and execution. While there are countless opportunities to observe the details and intricacies of nature, there’s also the potential to encounter larger and potentially more dangerous animals.

The ultimate goal when walking is to view wildlife comfortably and safely, without disturbing them. Once we’ve savoured the moment, we quietly move on, allowing the animals to continue their natural activities undisturbed.

By utilising natural factors such as the sun’s position and the wind direction, along with a solid understanding of the geographical landscape, walking safaris allow us to appreciate the magnificence of wild animals in a deeper way. Watching a herd of elephants peacefully cross a game path or drainage line, aware yet unfazed by our presence, can be one of the most intimate and unforgettable encounters.

A female elephant casually strolls through the Sand River. As guides, we are taught to look out for certain behavioural traits in animals that might lead to aggressive behaviour, none of which are on display here.

Memorable Walking Experiences at Londolozi

Walking around the beautiful Londolozi property has also allowed me to explore areas that I never thought were accessible. Climbing the largest boulders above Marthly Pools and wandering through sections of the Manyelethi river bed are memories and experiences I will forever hold close to my heart. These memories have been made all the more special by the company of some of my best friends and fellow guides.

The unique privilege of walking in this stunning ecosystem is a treasure in itself. For those who have yet to discover the magic of walking safaris, I strongly recommend adding a walking safari at Londolozi to your 2025 bucket list! Experiencing the wild on foot offers a profound connection to nature that is simply irreplaceable.