AAC Senior Journey Specialist Diana traveled to Zambia this summer and joins us on the blog to share more about her trip. Welcome, Diana!
When most people imagine an African safari, they picture dramatic wildlife sightings and the thrill of getting up close to lions and elephants. But there’s another way to experience safari that offers a completely different kind of magic. I recently had the chance to experience a mobile walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park – the birthplace of the walking safari – and it was unlike anything I’ve done before.
A walking safari isn’t about rushing from animal sighting to sighting. It’s about getting out of the vehicle, slowing down and experiencing the landscape on foot. Led by expert guides and national park scouts, you are able to read tracks, listen to bird calls and learn how everything in the ecosystem connects. It’s a quieter and deeply immersive safari experience.
Each day, we walked between mobile camps, which were set up and taken down by an incredible support team, leaving no footprint. The camps are simple but comfortable, with beds, safari (bucket) showers, delicious meals and warm Zambian hospitality. The experience is adventurous, yet surprisingly comfortable. You’re deep in the wild and sleeping in a tent, but you have everything you need.
One of the highlights of my experience was spending time with Kanga, our lead guide. His depth of knowledge was extraordinary, and not just about wildlife, but about South Luangwa as a whole. He didn’t just point things out that we would have otherwise missed; he helped us understand the movement and behavior of animals, how to identify the tracks of a variety of species and the interconnectedness of everything around us. An exceptional guide makes all the difference on safari, from helping travelers learn about the African wilderness to storytelling that would make the Grimm brothers jealous.
Zambian guides are among the most respected in Africa. Their training is extensive and rigorous, and includes ecology, tracking and safety, among other important skills, helping to shape guides who are not only experts in their field but also gifted communicators. Kanga embodied all of this. His calm presence and ability to interpret the bush made every moment on safari special.
South Luangwa’s famed wildlife did not disappoint on our walking safari. One morning, we came within 50 feet of a herd of elephants. We were able to observe them from a safe distance, enjoying the chance to watch the interactions between members of the herd. Another time, we encountered a bull elephant in musth, a period of heightened reproductive activity and aggression that occurs in male elephants periodically. Kanga calmly led us in a wide arc around him to keep the group safe and to prevent disturbing the animal. It was a masterclass in reading animal behavior and responding with caution and respect.
And then there were the nights. There is nothing quite like hearing lions roar in the darkness, so close it felt like they were just outside our tent (but they weren’t). It was a thrilling reminder of how wild safari truly can be.
While a walking safari is undeniably adventurous, it’s also surprisingly comfortable. The mobile camp staff handles everything behind the scenes with incredible efficiency. You will hardly notice all of the hard work going on around and near you to make your stay wonderful and memorable. Each morning, they break down camp and move ahead to set up the next site before you arrive. By the time guests walk in, everything is ready: tents pitched, showers prepared, drinks chilled and dinner underway.
And as someone who really enjoys good food, especially on safari, I was blown away by the meals. The team prepares everything over open fires, crafting three-course dinners, hearty buffet breakfasts and wonderful, nourishing picnic lunches to be enjoyed out in the bush. It’s astonishing what they can create in the middle of nowhere. Every meal felt like a special occasion.
A Zambian walking safari is not for everyone. If you’re looking for constant predator action or luxury lodges, this is not the right fit. But if you’re open to being very active and experiencing the bush in a different way by walking in the footsteps of elephants and tuning into the wild, it’s unforgettable.
My Zambian walking safari reminded me that Africa’s magic isn’t just in a traditional safari. It is inspiring when you take in the magnificent wildlife, gaze at a million stars in the sky, enjoy the crackling of the campfire and revel in the total departure of the day-to-day world.
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Photos courtesy AAC Senior Journey Specialist Diana Garcia-Hernandez and Robin Pope Safaris