Top 8 Global Walking Safaris for Thrill-Seeking Adventurers

For most travelers, a safari represents a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Traditionally, it has been characterized by ultra-luxurious lodging, gourmet meals, sunset drinks, and guided wildlife viewing from the luxury of a spacious 4×4 vehicle. However, this well-known narrative is evolving in certain destinations, as game drives begin to share the spotlight with an increasing number of exhilarating walking safaris, encouraging adventurers to become truly immersed in the animal kingdom.

Relying on adept naturalists, intrepid explorers can now have mindful encounters with some of the globe’s most astonishing wildlife beyond the confines of a Land Rover. From tracking gorillas in Rwanda to shadowing polar bears in Canada, here are eight remarkable experiential walking safaris from around the globe.

Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

In Rwanda’s northernmost reaches, ten habituated gorilla troops inhabit the mystical, mist-covered mountains of Volcanoes National Park. Through special permits, guests can embark on guided treks in hopes of a one-hour interaction with these critically endangered giants.

Each family of gorillas is distinct—some have newborns while others feature multiple silverbacks. Given their dynamic habitat, hikes can range from an easy two-hour journey along the foothills to a challenging half-day climb through dense forests, covered in stinging nettles; therefore, no two excursions are alike.

Luxury outfitter Micato Safaris received high praise in the 2021 World’s Best Awards for their expertise in organizing these life-changing walking safaris, managing every detail from accommodations to internal transportation and necessary permits.

African Icons in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is recognized as the birthplace of the African walking safari, originating in the early 1960s. It remains a prime destination for exciting experiences with elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras in their natural habitat.

Notably, The Bushcamp Company operates six intimate tented camps in the national park—Bilimungwe, Chamilandu, Zungulila, Kapamba, Kuyenda, and Chindeni—where safaris on foot take center stage in daily itineraries. Furthermore, guests can take extended walking safaris to connect five of the camps for an immersive wildlife experience.

Polar Bears in Hudson Bay, Canada

Despite the impacts of climate change on polar bears worldwide, one area where these magnificent creatures still flourish is in western Hudson Bay, north of Churchill, Canada. This region hosts a healthy population of around 1,000 polar bears that roam the tidal flats and prairies. Notably, Churchill Wild holds exclusive permits for tracking these apex predators on foot, providing a unique safari experience away from the typical Tundra Buggy route.

From their trio of fly-in lodges, guests can participate in twice-daily walking safaris to observe these furry giants. Thanks to the expertise and experience of seasoned guides, there has been no reported injury to either humans or bears during these encounters.

Meerkats in the Kalahari Desert, Southern Africa

Meerkats, known for their sociable nature and captivating antics, can be observed in various colonies scattered across the Kalahari Desert, spanning both Botswana and South Africa. Some of these colonies have become accustomed to human presence, allowing for a fascinating glimpse into their daily activities, including foraging, burrowing, and guarding against predators.

At Tswalu in South Africa, you can visit one of three habituated colonies with expert guides for an immersive experience. Additionally, at Jack’s Camp in Botswana, the resident “meerkat whisperer,” Blake, orchestrates interactive sessions in the early morning, ensuring an unforgettable encounter with these charismatic creatures.

The Big Five at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Founded in 1991, conservation-focused company andBeyond began a groundbreaking project to reclaim 32,311 acres of overgrazed land in KwaZulu-Natal, aiming to restore the area’s original biodiversity and define a new model for ecotourism.

Today, this initiative has transformed into andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, a stunning African haven teeming with diverse wildlife and the iconic Big Five. From any of Phinda’s six architecturally striking lodges, guests can embark on thrilling walking safaris tailored to their personal interests and physical fitness, whether they prefer lighter nature walks or more vigorous big game tracking.

Primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

The enchanting, mist-covered highlands of western Rwanda house the biodiverse Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to 13 species of primates, including the elusive chimpanzee and sociable Angolan colobus monkeys, both observable through well-organized walking safaris.

For the best chance to see the chimps, visitors must rise early—around 3:45 a.m.—to prepare for a challenging but rewarding hike alongside skilled park rangers and trackers. Meanwhile, shorter treks can be arranged for sightings of the photogenic Angolan colobus monkeys. A luxurious stay at One&Only Nyungwe House provides opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation in a stunning setting after the afternoon hikes.

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park, established in the early 1970s, was Nepal’s first national park, aimed at preserving the critically endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Since then, dedicated conservation efforts have seen the population surge from fewer than 200 to more than 600 individuals. Taj Safaris, having conducted a successful luxury tiger safari circuit in India, opened Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari, located on the park’s outskirts, with a focus on rhino sightings.

Today, daily adventures await, offering chances to spot these magnificent creatures through jeep, canoe, boat, or foot excursions, ensuring thrilling wildlife encounters each time.

Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti, Tanzania

Wildlife enthusiasts often align their East African safari with the annual Great Migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, crossing the Mara River in search of nourishment and water. While congestion may plague Kenya’s Masai Mara, visitors to Tanzania’s side usually enjoy a more personalized encounter (read: fewer tourists and vehicles).

Additionally, situated close to this captivating spectacle in the northern Serengeti, Asilia Africa’s Sayari Camp provides guests with an exceptional opportunity to explore the Mara River’s banks on foot, offering an alternative perspective of the Great Migration during June to October.