The comprehensive guide to walking safaris in the parks and reserves of East and Southern Africa.

The survival of Africa’s wilderness is dependent on wildlife tourism, and walking is the most sustainable way to appreciate it. First-time safari travellers are often surprised to discover that walking with elephants and other big game is possible, always in the care of professional guides. Swapping a game drive for a walk one morning, they become hooked on this immersive experience which offers a deeper dive into the natural world.

From camel-supported explorations with the Samburu of Kenya’s northern frontier to gentle walks amidst the Cape Floral Kingdom, a lifetime of alluring adventures awaits. Luxury lodges, seasonal trails camps, leave-no-trace backcountry camping adventures – this book is the essential companion for all kinds of walking safaris. It offers guidance on when to go, what to bring, and reserve-by-reserve information about the terrain, ecology and walk operators, as well as a series of inspirational narratives of walks undertaken.

This is the first guide to walking safaris that covers all of the major safari destinations in Africa. Along the way, a superficial search for ‘Big Five’ animals is transformed into an absorbing discovery of the entire ecosystem – from fossils and flora to invertebrates, tracks, human history and rock art. It’s not surprising that those who love walking safaris become champions for habitat conservation. Including information for all levels of ability, from gentle dawn walks to sleep-out primitive trails, this is for everyone who wishes to include a guided walk as part of their visit to an African reserve.