Editorial: Walking Safaris
Walking safaris are a magical way to explore the African bush. Step out of a safari vehicle and feel your senses sharpen, alert to every sound you become part of the bush. A walking safari is all about quality not quantity, listen, smell and feel as you travel. You walk at a leisurely pace, stopping frequently to interpret spoor. To walk is to be out there with the African wildlife, sharing the daily drama's of their lives, sharing their paths and waterholes, their space. Hear the beating of your heart as you edge closer to a herd of elephant resting in the shade - this is a safari for the senses.
There is no better place to embark on such a trip than Zambia, the home of walking safaris as pioneered by the great conservationist Norman Carr. His legacy is Norman Carr Safaris, where conservation and care of the local community remain a priority, and where guiding is still based on the principles that Norman developed. For me the secret of a good safari is the level of guiding, naturally a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide who can communicate their passion for wildlife and wilderness is essential. Many of the guides in South Luangwa National Park were trained by Norman Carr himself. One of the most wonderful safari memories I have is of a morning spent dodging hippos and elephants in South Luangwa’s beautiful ebony groves, led by a greater honeyguide. This amazing little bird fluttered from tree to tree, flicking its tail feathers and continuously chattering as it checked our progress through the bush. In the hot season walks can be combined with conventional game drives.
I have a natural suspicion of luxury lodges! All too often the emphasis is on interior design, the anonymous lodge managers lose sight of what is really important on a safari. For a real grass roots experience head to South Africa where Transfrontiers Walking Safaris operate their bushcamps in the Greater Kruger (private reserves). Their trips strike a fine balance between comfort and professionalism without compromising on the wilderness experience. Days begin early, after a breakfast of coffee and rusks its time to make tracks in the cool morning air. The guides here involve you in tracking and there is a real thrill when you get close to big game; hiding behind a rather insubstantial shrub we watched a mating pair of white rhino. During the day’s walk, the diurnal rhythms of the park come into focus, sounds rising and diminishing as animals wake up, hunt, feed and rest. The afternoon activity starts with a walk to a scenic area of the reserve here you can enjoy sundowners while waiting for a stunning African Sunset. As the diurnal animals and birds anxiously get ready for bed, the stage and sounds change and a whole new world awakens. This is when the spotlight is connected and the journey home becomes a night safari.
The wilderness is something special. To me, the only way to experience the real spirit of Africa is on foot. Away from the noise and turmoil of modern society, it truly helps you to get your terrestrial problems into perspective.”
– Norman Carr,Kakuli