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The first step
in planning a walking safari is to decide on the type of safari that suits
you best.
The following
summary offers some explanation of the differences between:
trails from
fixed bases (tented camps, seasonal bush camps and lodges)
WILDERNESS TRAILS
These walking safaris are well suited to active and adventurous
participants. They offer a rare and intimate opportunity to explore and
learn about the African bush, its game and bird life.
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These
are "full participation" camping type safaris on which trailists and
camp staff carry all gear and provisions in backpacks.
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In
all cases the safari is lead by an armed Professional Guide and the
group size is limited to a maximum of six members.
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The
wilderness trails are usually a four-day excursion in a big game area.
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Water
availability (springs and rivers), weather conditions, game activity,
fitness and the interests of members on safari generally determine the
route and pace of these trails.
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Traditional tracking methods are used - the objective is often to find
specific game species including lion, leopard or black rhino where they
occur.
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Bush
skills are put to a fine test on these safaris.
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These
safaris are not military-style "route marches" but a fair degree of
fitness is required.
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Camps
are generally basic, often consisting of little more than two-man dome
tents for sleeping - mosquito nets alone, are in many cases a preferred
shelter.
The best wilderness trails are found in Zimbabwe's side of the Zambezi
Valley; both Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls are particularly good
areas. - advance booking is essential.
"BACKED UP"
WALKING SAFARIS
The "backed up" walking trails generally trace a specific walking route
through a wilderness area to rendezvous points en route where overnight
camps have been established by a support team. Each one of the backed up
walking trails that we offer is unique in character, they tend to focus on
specific wilderness areas known for their remoteness, natural beauty or
particularly good wildlife conditions.
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In
each case, the Professional Guides who lead the safaris are recognised
as being amongst the best in Africa.
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Accommodation standards vary from deluxe-tented camps to relatively
basic fly camps.
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Similarly meals range in quality from regular "home-cooked" fare to
"bush meals" - in all cases food is wholesome and provided in sufficient
quantities.
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The
backed up walking trails are often used in conjunction with
semi-permanent tented, seasonal bush camps and permanent lodges.
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These
safaris generally provide more creature comforts than the wilderness
trails.
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They're usually highly personalised and often limited to a maximum of 6
guests.
Zimbabwe boasts the better backed up walking safaris, in Southern Africa
and we are certainly a leading contender. We strongly recommend the
following backed up walking safaris:
WALKING SAFARIS FROM FIXED BASES
The tented camps, seasonal bush camps and lodges serve as fixed bases from
which walking trails are conducted. In all cases, these bases are located
in areas of exceptional beauty, usually tucked away and blending with the
bush and terrain - all are within relatively simple reach of areas that
have big game (elephant, buffalo, antelope and smaller mammals are fairly
common residents at some of these camps).
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Generally speaking, the smaller tented and seasonal bush camps are
located well within the boundaries of National Parks and game reserves -
permanent lodges are usually found bordering on the outside of these
areas.
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The
tented camps are usually centre around a tented communal lounging/dining
area. Accommodations are in large walk-in tents often with en-suite
facilities. Standards range from "traditional" to luxurious.
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The
seasonal bush camps tend to incorporate some tented accommodation but
are largely made from local materials including reeds, thatch and
timber. They close in the wet season and are often rebuilt from scratch
at the beginning of the dry season. As with the tented camps, bush
camps tend to be small, often accommodating a maximum of six guests.
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Lodges are generally larger, usually accommodating over sixteen guests
in individual chalets and bungalows. In many cases lodges offer better
standards than those found at some of the best hotels in Southern
Africa's capital cities.
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Walking safaris from these fixed bases usually take place in the early
mornings and evenings when game is more active. Vehicles are often used
to get within closer reach of areas where game is more prolific.
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There's always a lot of flexibility - as with the wilderness trails and
backed up safaris, routines are largely determined by the elements, game
conditions and guest interests.
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Professional Guides are resident at all of these camps, often supported
by learner guides and scouts. Armed and appropriately qualified
personnel undertake all safari activities.
Fixed bases generally have more resources and additional staff on hand -
creature comforts and extra activities are often more readily available.
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