Walking safaris in Botswana

At Wilderness, we don't offer dedicated specialised walking itineraries; instead, walking safari activities form part of a broader luxury safari experience where conditions and locations allow. As far as a Botswana walking safari is concerned, we are able to offer exceptional opportunities at a number of our camps in private concessions within the Okavango Delta, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve and Mababe Depression, where exploring on foot directly from camp is possible, adding another dimension to your safari, complementing game drives and other activities.

Rather than covering large distances by vehicle, daily walking safaris allow you the opportunity to experience some of the best safari destinations in Botswana at a slower pace, taking time to notice the smaller details of the environment. Expect walks to last between two and four hours, usually in the cool of the early morning or late afternoon, with small groups of around four to eight guests. Every walk is led by a highly trained, armed guide who will show you spoor and interesting fauna, while ensuring your safety throughout the experience.

On your walking safari, you'll learn to identify animal tracks, recognise birds and calls, spot insects and smaller creatures, understand the importance of native plants, and discover the subtle signs that predators and herbivores leave behind. Wildlife encounters happen at a respectful and safe distance, deepening your appreciation of the bush and the delicate ecosystems that support it.

A Wilderness safari is about far more than walking alone. While we don't offer multi-day walking safari packages or walking tours in Botswana, guided walks are included as a complimentary activity whenever seasonal conditions and wildlife movements allow. You can choose to swop a game drive for a walking safari, a boat or mokoro trip or a cultural excursion, allowing you to discover all that Botswana has to offer.

You may also choose to extend your Botswana safari across multiple regions and concessions, opening up more walking safari opportunities. If walking is a priority on your Botswana safari, get in touch to discuss our options and build a package that best matches the experience you're looking for.

When is the best time for a walking safari in Botswana?

While guided walks in Botswana may be available throughout the year, they are typically done in the dry season (June to October), when the bush has thinned and visibility is optimal. All walking activities remain subject to qualified guide availability, seasonal conditions and wildlife movements, ensuring every experience prioritises your safety.

Do you get to walk with animals on safari in Botswana?

On a walking safari in Botswana, the goal is not to walk alongside wildlife, but to observe animals safely in their natural habitat. Our walking activities don’t focus on getting you close to wildlife but rather on reading tracks, interpreting signs of animal activity and, where conditions allow, viewing animals from a safe distance. The terrain around our camps in Botswana is spectacular for walking, with an interesting mix of ecosystems, from open grass plains, to riverine systems and mopane woodlands.  

Can I combine a walking safari with a ground (vehicle) safari?

Absolutely. In fact, that's how a Botswana walking safari with Wilderness is designed to be experienced. Rather than focusing exclusively on walking, our all-inclusive safaris offer a mix of traditional game drives and walking safaris, which can be interchanged depending on your interests and seasonal conditions.

Depending on your itinerary and camps you can combine traditional game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with seasonal guided walks, night drives, river cruises, mokoro trips, catch-and-release fishing, behind-the-scenes camp tours, tree planting, cultural experiences and guided visits to local communities. If you'd like to add even more adventure, optional experiences such as scenic helicopter flights can also be arranged.