Walking Safaris – Ogomeni Trails Camp

There’s something transformative about experiencing the African wilderness on foot. No engine noise. No distance. Just the rhythm of your steps and a direct connection with the natural world.

This season, Babanango Game Reserve is elevating the South African walking safari by launching its reimagined Walking Safaris – Ogomeni Trails Camp that takes you into the heart of Zululand. For travellers searching for a great walking safari experience in South Africa, this is a trail worth discovering.

What’s Different on this South African Walking Safari?

Set across more than 20,000 hectares of malaria-free wilderness in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Babanango is a Big Five reserve with remarkable ecological diversity. This particular walking safari is about connecting the guests with the natural world by tracking lion prints in river sand, learning the medicinal uses of indigenous plants, and watching the vultures circle on thermals above rugged ridgelines.

Ogomeni Trails Camp – which is named after the hill that rises before it – sits within this vast landscape, forming the ultimate base for this African exploration.

More Refined Wilderness Living

While the original trail launched last year, Ogomeni has since evolved. The base camp now features:

• Permanent, raised glamping-style tents installed on platforms
• Comfortable beds and fresh linen 
• An attached functioning half bathroom
• A separate communal shower and toilet building for added comfort

There is intentionally no electricity and minimal mobile reception, as an important part of the experience is a complete disconnect from the digital and electronic world. Evenings revolve around the fire, shared meals and stargazing beneath unpolluted African skies. This is still a wilderness experience… just with a touch more comfort.

All-Inclusive Experiences 

Walking Safaris – Ogomeni Trails Camp operates from mid-March to mid-October and offers 2-, 3- or 4-night options. Groups are intimate, ensuring a personalised experience and a moderate fitness level is recommended. This walking safari trail is all-inclusive, so you don’t have to worry about anything. It includes:

• All meals and limited beverages.
• Comfortable tented accommodation, beds with linen, room amenities, communal showers, flush toilets.
• Guided walks through Babanango Game Reserve, dotted with large seasonal pans. 

Highly experienced and knowledgeable trail guides share insights into Babanango’s history, ecology, and unique wildlife while on walks. Groups set their own pace, tailoring the adventure to their interests and abilities and will return to the Ogomeni base camp daily for meals and hot showers. 

A Comprehensive Wilderness Adventure

Our knowledgeable trail guides can provide guests with a unique safari walking experience that highlights the region’s incredibly diverse flora and fauna, as well as the historical and cultural significance connected to the various territories. On this walking trail, you can expect:

• Big Five territory exploration
• Birdwatching in a recognised hotspot region
• Insights into geology and archaeology sites
• Seasonal pans and river frontage ecosystems
• A deep dive into ecology, conservation and local history
• Stargazing at night with clear views of the Milky Way 

What to Expect

Each day typically includes an early morning cup of tea or coffee to get the day started before getting dressed and heading out on a guided morning walk with Babanango Game Reserve’s experienced, armed trail guides. After this inspired walk, you get to enjoy a well-deserved brunch back at the camp, with some time to relax and rejuvenate before the afternoon session. 

Expect the afternoon walk to include completely different sightings from the morning session, as the animal activity shifts. If you’re tired and would prefer, there’s also the option of an afternoon game drive which includes sundowners as the nocturnal animals come alive. The day is finished off with an amazing dinner around the fire, with stargazing and storytelling to top it all off. 

While the structure of every day has a set rhythm, no two days are ever the same. 

The Walking Safari Package

When is the Best Time for a Walking Safari in KwaZulu-Natal?

While each season offers something unique, May to August (dry winter months) is often considered ideal for walking safaris in KZN – an area which can get hot in the summer months (December to February). Between May and August, you can expect cooler temperatures, crisp mornings, and sparse vegetation that make wildlife sightings more frequent and walking conditions comfortable.

Another good option is to come in March or April, which is synonymous with lush post-rain greenery and vibrant birdlife. As spring arrives in September and October, you can expect warmer days and the promise of new seasonal life emerging, which makes for really lovely wildlife sightings. 

What to Pack on a Walking Safari?

If this is your first time on a walking safari, or even your first time on an African safari, here is a guideline as to what you should pack for the trip. 

Watch our video below for a glimpse into what you can expect.

One of the Best Walking Safaris in South Africa!

Ogomeni Trails Camp balances authenticity with accessibility. Few walking safari experiences in South Africa allow you to explore such varied terrain while returning to a thoughtfully designed base camp each evening. This is a great opportunity to slow down and actually feel the rhythm of the African bush.

In a world that moves fast, Ogomeni Trails Camp invites you to slow down. Find out more about this once-in-a-lifetime African adventure.