The Luangwa Valley is widely regarded as the home of the walking safari, pioneered in the area by Norman Carr in the mid-20th century. Today, South Luangwa walks are exceptional, with arguably the continent’s finest range of walking safari operators and dedicated, award winning guides. This is no controlled, theme park walk with semi-tame animals, a ten minute experience with photo opportunities. Rather it is a detailed, intimate exploration of the bush: the alarm calls of the various antelope as you approach; the scat and tracks of each animal, which you will be something of an expert in by the end of your stay; the unique smells that suddenly become prevalent as you cross a dry riverbed and encounter a potato bush or wild lavender; and the unmatched, goosebump inducing thrill of realising that you are suddenly close to elephant, lion or buffalo on foot, utterly reliant on the wits and expertise of your guide and the reassuring armed scout.
Whether you choose a mobile safari, setting up basic camp in a new area each night, or walks intermingled with game drives from a permanent bushcamp in its own private tract of wilderness, South Luangwa walking safaris are utterly unforgettable.
