Walking safaris in Zimbabwe

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 Zimbabwe walking safari is concerned, we are able to offer exceptional opportunities at a number of camps in our private concessions within Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, 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, a Zimbabwean walking safari allows you the opportunity to experience our wild spaces 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 Zimbabwean walking tours, 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, canoeing or a cultural excursion, allowing you to discover all that Zimbabwe has to offer.

In Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks, seasonal guided walks from our camps offer an unforgettable way to explore some of Africa’s most remote safari areas on foot. Led by armed, highly trained guides, these walks reveal the smaller details often missed from a vehicle. Mana Pools in particular offers one of Zimbabwe’s best walking safaris with opportunities to walk through the albida forests where antelope roam and elephants are known for standing on their hind legs to reach the tasty seed pods. Boating and catch and release fishing are some of the other activities on offer too.

Get in touch to discuss our Zimbabwe walking safari options and build a package that best matches the experience you're looking for.

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

The best time for a walking safari in Zimbabwe is during the dry, winter season from June to October. While guided walks may be available throughout the camp's operating season, they are typically done later in the dry season, when the bush has thinned and visibility is optimal. All walking activities remain subject to seasonal conditions and wildlife movements, ensuring every experience prioritises your safety.

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

In destinations such as Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks, the goal is not to walk alongside wildlife, but to observe animals safely in their natural habitat. While you may get the opportunity to spot antelope or elephant amongst the ana trees, our walking safaris 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.  

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

Absolutely. In fact, that's how a Zimbabwe walking safari with Wilderness is designed to be experienced. Rather than focusing exclusively on walking, our all-inclusive safaris offer a range of activities. A typical safari day includes two guided safari activities, usually morning and afternoon game drives, but these can be swapped for other experiences depending on your interests and seasonal conditions.
In Hwange National Park, combine traditional game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with seasonal guided walks, night drives and cultural and conservation experiences. At Wilderness camps in Mana Pools your safari can be tailored to include game drives, guided nature walks, canoeing and catch-and-release fishing.