The Mud Hut tribe believe that walking safaris are the best possible way to enjoy the African bush(1). There is no better way to get closer to nature than to be completely immersed in it, unshielded by the safety of a vehicle, fence or path. Little can compare to the thrill of encountering one of the Big 5 on foot, sleeping under star studded African skies and the smell of morning coffee bubbling away on the embers of last night’s fire.

Game parks which are home to large game will require a compulsory guide for all walking safaris, for the safety of all concerned. In nature reserves where you may encounter more harmless game, such as zebra, a variety of buck and warthogs, your walking safaris can be with a guide or self guided trails. Many of the southern African regions’ popular overnight hiking and walking trails are encompassed in these reserves.

Whilst there is the opportunity to see large game on walking safaris, we would suggest that this is not the main goal of a trail. The object is to have a wilderness experience that introduces people to the concept and the fundamental values of the wilderness. In a world which man largely controls, there are few places where you can leave your mobiles, watches and the internet behind and embrace the solitude, timelessness and freedom that characterises so much of Africa.

Knowledgeable and alert guides will point out all facets of the bush, both great and small. In both supported and self-sufficient guided trails, you have the unique opportunity of submersing yourself in the mythical and spiritual side of nature. Your guides will help you to understand the many intricate relationships and signs that would otherwise elude you when driving around in a car. Having your own guide is also a unique opportunity to learn how plants protect themselves from herbivores, what the small 5 are and ask questions that inevitably crop up.

There are two main types of walking safari:

Base camp trail
This is based around a central campsite from which you venture out each day, and return to in the evening. Distances covered can be quite long as you don't have to set-up and break camp each day, or carry a full pack on the day’s walking. This allows you to be more mobile if you encounter game, thus allowing you to freely manoeuvre to a closer vantage point. As a result, you are more likely to get close to and spend more time with game on these safaris.

Depending on the surrounding terrain, you may pass through the same area a few times, and double back on yourself occasionally. This is certainly no reason to worry about becoming bored with the area, as the movement of wildlife is unpredictable. It is not uncommon to return on a path to find that an elephant or rhino has left its own fresh print over yours!!

Mobile Trail
Each night you will camp in a different location along a pre-defined route or on a new and unexplored trail. There are two distinct ways to complete a mobile trail walking safari: either supported or self-sufficient.

Supported trails are the more luxurious walking safari option. Your luggage is transported from campsite to campsite for you, leaving you free to spend the day exploring and learning about the surrounding environment and all the life it supports.

Self-sufficient trails are for the more adventurous and those that want to really to immerse themselves in the privilege of being in the heart of Africa. Whilst still a guided trail, a self-sufficient trail demands just a little more from you, as you are expected to share the cooking duties, setting up of camp, laying and lighting fires for cooking and warmth and possibly a late night session on watch duty. All your equipment and food is carried in your backpack, although some trails have refuelling points along the way.

Each evening your guide will find a suitable location to set up camp in the bush. The camping guidelines are generally a 'minimal impact - no trace' policy which encapsulates the whole ethos of wilderness trails.

The walking safari is a unique, deeply personal and different experience, and we would like you to get the most out of your adventure. Please feel free to contact us so that we may organise your customised walking safari.

(1) Bush - is a term that southern Africans use to describe wilderness areas, game parks, natural areas etc... even if some of the areas are semi-arid or desert areas.