Walking Holidays & Safaris

Step Into Africa’s Wild Beauty — One Footstep at a Time

Discover the Magic of Walking Safaris and Hiking Adventures in Africa

From a guided hike up Table Mountain to a multi-day walking safari in Zambia’s remote wilderness, the experience of exploring Africa on foot stays with you forever. There’s something deeply grounding about slowing to the rhythm of nature — the crunch of dry grass underfoot, the rustle of a lizard in the bush, and the distant cry of a fish eagle above the river.

Whether you’re drawn to walking safaris in Africa that immerse you in the wild, or prefer walking holidays in South Africa combining scenic trails and cultural encounters, there’s an adventure to suit every traveller. Enjoy the rugged beauty of Cederberg walking tours, take in the sweeping mountain vistas on Drakensberg hiking holidays, or venture into Zambia’s national parks for one of the best walking safaris in Africa.

For those seeking a more intimate connection with the bush, a safari on foot in Africa reveals wildlife from an entirely new perspective — every sound, scent, and footprint tells a story. Explore Botswana’s wild frontiers on a Botswana walking safari, or journey through Zambia’s legendary Luangwa Valley for a classic Zambia walking safari experience.

At DG Travel Henley, we specialise in crafting unforgettable guided hiking in South Africa and walking safari itineraries across the continent. Whether you dream of the mountains, the savannah, or the thrill of tracking wildlife on foot, we’ll help you find the perfect path to adventure.

Walking Holidays vs. Walking Safaris — What’s the Difference?

Before you lace up your boots, it’s worth knowing that a walking holiday and a walking safari are quite different experiences.

• A walking holiday is about exploration, scenery and culture — think hiking trails through mountain passes, coastal paths, and vineyards.

• A walking safari, on the other hand, is about wildlife and connection — walking with expert rangers through the African bush, learning about tracks, plants, and the rhythm of the ecosystem.

Both, however, are perfect for those who want to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature — at its most vivid and alive.

Walking Holidays in South Africa

South Africa is a walker’s paradise. From coastal trails and mountain hikes to guided nature walks through fynbos reserves, the country offers a huge variety of routes for all abilities.

🌿 Where to Walk in South Africa

• Cape Town & Table Mountain – Climb one of Africa’s most iconic peaks or explore the Cape Peninsula’s coastal trails.

• Cederberg Mountains – Ancient sandstone formations, San rock art, and rugged beauty. Perfect for guided or self-guided hiking.

• Drakensberg Mountains – Dramatic escarpments, waterfalls, and high-altitude trails for seasoned hikers.

• Garden Route & Tsitsikamma – Gentle forest walks and coastal cliff paths with breathtaking sea views.

Many lodges and guesthouses have walking trails on their properties or nearby, and we can tailor-make self-guided walking holidays in South Africa that balance exploration with comfort.

Prefer company? Join one of our privately guided walking tours, where expert guides bring the landscape to life with stories, geology, and local lore.

Walking Safaris in Africa

For adventurous travellers, a walking safari is the ultimate wildlife experience. It’s less about covering distance and more about seeing — and feeling — Africa up close.

Imagine setting out at dawn, guided by an experienced ranger and tracker. The air is cool, the bush still. You follow animal tracks, learn which trees heal, which plants sting, and which birds warn of predators.

Then, suddenly, the thrill of spotting a herd of elephant in the distance — and feeling, just for a moment, part of their world.

What to Expect on a Walking Safari

Walking safaris vary in length and style:

• Short bush walks (2–4 hours) – Perfect for first-timers or as part of a lodge stay.

• Walking-focused camps – Lodges that specialise in guided walking experiences, usually with small groups.

• Multi-day walking safaris – Classic wilderness expeditions where you walk between “fly camps” — simple, mobile camps set up in pristine, remote areas.

They’re not strenuous hikes — more gentle, sensory adventures. You’ll learn about the interconnectedness of nature and experience Africa from a perspective few ever see.

(A general level of fitness will enhance your enjoyment — and the adrenaline rush of spotting buffalo or rhino on foot is hard to beat!)

Where to Go for Walking Safaris

• Zambia – The birthplace of the walking safari. South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi are legendary for their expert guides and intimate bush camps.

• Zimbabwe – Mana Pools and Hwange National Park offer exceptional walking experiences with top-tier guides.

• Botswana – Combine walking with mokoro (canoe) trips in the Okavango Delta for a wonderfully varied safari.

• South Africa – Lodges such as Simbavati Trails Camp or Kruger private reserves offer guided bush walks for those who want to dip a toe into walking safaris.

When to Go Walking in Africa

The best time depends on your destination and type of walk:

•  Walking Safaris (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kruger)

• May to September (dry season) is ideal — cooler mornings, great visibility, and easy walking conditions.

•  Walking Holidays (Cape, Cederberg, Drakensberg)

• August to December (spring to early summer) and March to May (autumn) offer the best weather, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

Why Book Your Walking Holiday or Safari with DG Travel?

Because every step should feel effortless — not just the walking!

✔️ Tailor-made itineraries – from relaxed scenic walks to immersive multi-day treks.

✔️ First-hand experience – we’ve explored these trails ourselves.

✔️ Trusted local guides – experienced, safe, and endlessly knowledgeable.

✔️ Perfect pairings – combine your walk with a safari, beach stay, or winelands retreat.

✔️ Personal support – we handle logistics, transfers, and accommodation, so you can focus on the adventure.

Step Into Africa

Whether it’s a gentle guided walk in South Africa’s fynbos, a hike up Kilimanjaro, or a wild walking safari in Zambia’s bush, walking in Africa isn’t just a holiday — it’s a memory etched into your soul.

Let’s design a trip that brings you closer to Africa, one step at a time.

📞 01491 575511📧 sales@dgtravel.co.uk🌍 www.dgtravel.co.uk#dgtravelhenley