Zimbabwe, famous for Victoria Falls and Cecil the Lion, is becoming popular for a unique activity: walking safaris. The country, wedged between Botswana and Mozambique, is a dream destination for walking safaris. Why’s that? It’s got dreamy landscapes (as different as the sun and moon), highly-trained guides, unique type of tours, and fantastic wildlife – with a guarantee to see the Big Five.
Take a deep breath.
Feel the crunch of earth under your feet.
Listen to the chirping birds.
Watch the rustling reeds around you.
And feel the sun on your face.
UNIQUE WALKING EXPERIENCES LIKE RHINO TRACKING AND HISTORICAL WALKS
Walking safaris are not just about seeing bugs, animal droppings, and paw prints; exciting and adrenaline-pumping walking tours are on offer too.
David Waddy from Big Cave Camp offers walking safaris with rhino in Matobo. He says, “Our walking experience only takes place with a limited number of guests to view white rhinos up close on foot. Guests spend a large amount of time observing these rare species in their natural surroundings.”
But it’s also possible to do a walking patrol with the anti-poaching unit who protect the rhino. The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit is a non-profit organisation that take guests along for a few hours as part of their anti-poaching unit in the bush. Guests help the unit on their mission to conserve local wildlife.
In the south of Zimbabwe, Camp Amalinda offers historical walks in the impressive Matobo Hills with over 2000 San rock art sites. “They hold spiritual significance of bygone rituals – guests will leave with the knowledge of their trials and tribulations,” says owner Sharon Stead.
The camp also offers walking safaris with black and white rhino in the Matobo National Park. “The most unforgettable safari experience is approaching these magnificent, endangered species in their natural environment,” says owner Sharon Stead.
GUIDES ARE SUPER-KNOWLEDGEABLE AND TRAINED
Guiding is a tradition that is passed down from one generation to the next. As Zimbabwe still has large urban communities, many people still live very connected to the land and its animals and nature. The tourism industry in Zimbabwe values its educated, trained and professional guides.
“I believe that Zimbabwean guides are some of the best trained and knowledgeable guides in Africa. The apprenticeship that is required is not replicated anywhere else in Africa. The overall literacy of Zimbabwean guides, means that guests can expect clear, enthusiastic and concise communication, to give an overall high-quality experience,” says David Waddy from Big Cave Camp.
Guides at Elephant’s Eye, Hwange, offer walking safaris that showcase the best of Hwange National Park and its surrounding, fenceless concession. “Our guides give guests an intimate bush experience and teach them about the trees and plants of the Hwange National Park – and they even get to learn to create fun things like a ‘bush toothbrush’,” says Mariska Yntema from Jenman African Safaris.
If you’d like to know the best places to go on a walking safari in Zimbabwe, just pop us an email at info@jenmansafaris.com.
