A South African safari is a special experience which offers the opportunity to connect with the sights and sounds of nature. Whilst a game drive safari is certainly a bucket list adventure, nothing quite compares with a walking safari – a guided walk and overnight camping experience that places you right in the heart of the African wilderness. 

At our KwaZulu-Natal-based Babanango Game Reserve, we will guide you along the rugged hills and rolling grasslands to the serene valleys of the White Umfolozi River where you’ll have opportunities to discover not only the famed Big Five, but also hidden gems experienced only on foot!

Why Choose a Walking Safari?

Spend the Night Under the Stars

After a day of exploration, the adventure continues with an overnight stay in one of our base camps with canvas tents. Nestled in a secluded area of the reserve, our back-to-basics tents provide a rustic yet comfortable retreat. Equipped with some essential facilities, sleeping bags, and lantern lighting, they offer an authentic connection to the natural surroundings. You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the bush and awake with the African sunrise. 

It’s a Unique Safari Experience

Unlike traditional game drives which are often restricted to the vehicle, a walking safari lets you step onto the land, engaging all your senses. The crunch of dry grass underfoot, the distant call of a fish eagle, and the earthy scent of the bush create a sensory-rich experience that’s unrivalled. It’s a chance to slow down and notice the smaller details – from animal tracks to the delicate patterns of wildflowers. After a day of bush adventure, you get to unwind around a campfire, enjoying a well-deserved dinner and drinks out in the wild, under the African stars.  Our experienced guides have an intimate knowledge of Babanango Game Reserve’s 20,000 hectares of African bush, taking you on a remarkable adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime. 

Enjoy Close Encounters with Wildlife

On a KZN walking safari, you’ll get closer to wildlife than you ever thought possible. While safety is always a top priority for our guides, encountering animals like giraffes, zebras, or even a herd of elephants on foot provides a thrilling and humbling experience. The slower pace gives you the chance to observe them in their natural habitat, and better appreciate their place in the broader ecosystem. Our expert guides will ensure every encounter is non-intrusive – both for your safety and that of our wildlife. 

Get a Lesson in Bushcraft

A walking safari is as much about learning as it is about exploring. All our guides at Babanango Game Reserve are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about the natural world. Along the walk, they’ll teach you essential bushcraft survival skills, such as identifying different animal tracks, spotting camouflaged creatures, and recognising edible or medicinal plants. You will also learn how to interpret animal behaviour and the intricate balance of the ecosystem. The sudden call of a bird or monkey is not just a background sound, but a signal that a predator is approaching! This deeper understanding of nature enriches your safari experience and provides skills you can appreciate long after your visit.

It’s a Sustainable Adventure

Walking safaris are one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore the African wilderness. With minimal environmental impact, they align perfectly with Babanango Game Reserve’s commitment to sustainability. Our conservation initiatives aim to protect biodiversity while supporting local communities, ensuring that this remarkable landscape remains preserved for future generations. Your walking safari will deepen your connection to the bush while contributing to the region’s conservation efforts. 

How to Prepare for Your Walking Safari

As with any adventure in the African bush, preparation is key to fully enjoying the experience. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

  • Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing to blend into the environment. Avoid bright colours or noisy fabrics.
  • Invest in Good Footwear: A sturdy pair of walking shoes or boots are essential for navigating uneven terrain.
  • Bring Essential Gear: Pack a small backpack with water, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
  • Stay Hydrated: Walking in the sun can be tiring, so ensure you drink plenty of water.
  • Follow the Guide’s Instructions: Always listen to your guide for safety tips and guidance during wildlife encounters.

Walking Safari Packages to Choose From

The cost of a walking safari varies depending on the package and duration of your experience. At Babanango Game Reserve, we offer a variety of package options to suit different budgets and preferences. Ranging from two to five nights, these multi-day packages head out from one of the reserve’s lodges, providing a comprehensive walking safari experience. 

Babanango Game Reserve offers a range of walking safari packages tailored to your needs:

The Manyoni Ruins (Base Camp) Package 

This is a 2-night, back-to-basics African walking safari package at Manyoni Ruins Base Camp. You will sleep under the stars, explore untamed landscapes on guided walks, and connect with nature like never before. This is available in Premium Base Camp and Deluxe Base Camp packages. 

Duration: 2 nights

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The Madwaleni River Lodge Package

On arrival at Zulu Rock reception, you will be greeted with refreshments before transferring to Madwaleni River Lodge (45-minute drive), where dinner and an overnight stay await. After your first guided walk for the day, you will move across to Manyoni Ruins Base Camp for the rest of your stay, with nature at your doorstep. Explore the African bush and ancient ruins with dinner and drinks under the stars. 

Duration: 3 to 5 nights

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The Zulu Rock Lodge Package

While this starts and ends at the beautiful Zulu Rock Lodge perched atop the cliffside, the overnight accommodation is split between the lodge and Manyoni Ruins Base Camp. Guests enjoy guided walks, unique wildlife encounters, tracking activities to locate collared animals, bush picnic lunches, and evenings around the campfire.  

Duration: 3 to 5 nights

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The Valley Lodge Package

Arrive at Zulu Rock reception for refreshments before transferring across to Valley Lodge (1.5 hour drive) for your first night’s stay. You will then move over to Manyoni Ruins Base Camp for the duration of your stay, enjoying a deluxe tented camp, with the sounds of nature all around. This adventure includes walking safaris, game drives, and wildlife sightings.

Duration: 3 to 5 nights

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FAQs about Walking Safaris Answered

We have been conducting KZN walking safaris for many years now, and these are the most frequently asked questions: 

What do you wear on a walking safari?

Wear neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing to blend in with the environment, sturdy walking shoes or boots for uneven terrain, and accessories like a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.

How safe are walking safaris?

Our walking safaris are safe as they are conducted by our trained guides who ensure your safety by managing wildlife encounters responsibly and teaching you how to navigate the bush.

Are walking safaris worth trying?

Absolutely. Walking safaris offer a unique, enriching experience that allows you to connect deeply with nature and gain a new perspective on wildlife and ecosystems.

Are walking safari guides armed?

Yes, guides on walking safaris typically carry firearms as a precautionary measure to ensure guest safety. However, their primary focus is on avoiding dangerous situations through knowledge and expertise.

What is the purpose of a walking safari/walking tour?

Walking safaris provide an intimate and eco-friendly way to explore nature, learn about the environment, and experience close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat.

Why Choose Babanango Game Reserve?

Babanango Game Reserve offers an unparalleled setting for walking safaris in South Africa – among our other incredible wilderness activities. With our diverse landscapes, expert guides, commitment to conservation and community upliftment, and top-class lodges, this is the perfect place to connect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, a walking safari at Babanango promises an unforgettable experience.

Ready to take the first step into nature? Contact us to book your walking safari today.