There’s just something about walking in the bush; it’s the slow and natural pace of a walk that connects you to the ground; the sounds of the bush as you pause and listen; the distant call of birds; the sounds of cicadas and crickets; the trumpet of an elephant; it’s the ability to stop at a moment’s notice and look at a footprint and decide what animal left it there and where it was heading. A privately escorted foot safari in Kenya is the best way to really experience the African bush at its best. Walking through the wild allows you to explore the Kenyan wildness at its most pure. As you track big game, you become aware of every sight and sound, the smell of the earth and the touch of the wind.
Walking safaris aren’t new to Africa; they date back to over 200 years ago when explorers such as David Livingstone, Richard Francis Burton, and John Hanning Speke traveled through Africa on foot. Walking safaris in Africa were actually the traditional way of going on safari before the arrival of vehicles, and there’s no better way of really experiencing game and wildlife habitats than getting out on foot for the opportunity to see and track game.
Walking safaris are truly magical. It’s essential to step out of the comfort areas for at least a few hours and feel the buzz of the insects, or notice the slight raise of your heartbeat when there is a rustle in the bush. These are the ways that you step into your ancient psyche and connect; this is the magic of a walking safari.
Tips for Walking Safaris:
- Always go with an experienced guide. Walking safaris is where an expert guide really comes into their own – as a rule, guides are totally familiar with the areas in which they operate, and have both formal training and experience with game found in the locale.
- Be sure to have proper safari clothing – including long-sleeved shirts and trousers in light breathable fabric. Comfortable walking shoes, a wide brimmed safari hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended to give you maximum protection.