Walk Africa's Wild Landscapes
Some of Africa’s most rewarding journeys are made on foot. From desert trails beneath endless skies to forest paths alive with birdsong and monkeys, our scenic Walking and Trekking holidays offer a slower, more intimate way to experience the continent. These are landscapes best explored at walking pace: quiet, unhurried, and full of detail, where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
In areas with little or no dangerous wildlife, you might scramble between giant granite boulders in Namibia’s Erongo Mountains, watch giant waves crash at Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park, cross the sculpted dunes of NamibRand Nature Reserve, or trace a forested path to waterfalls deep in Zambia’s Mutinondo Wilderness.
Walks can be as gentle or demanding as you choose, from self-guided loops suitable for even our youngest travellers to seriously challenging, multi-day treks with expert local guides.
We’ve explored many of these routes ourselves and only recommend places that inspire and guides at the top of their game. Whether you’re drawn to mountains or coastlines, rainforest trails or desert silence, let our collection of Africa’s finest walking holidays guide your next step.
Scenic Walking and Hiking Holidays in Africa
Our most recent reviews of walking in Africa
Detailed, un-edited reviews from our Africa travellers whose trips we tailored towards walking. Click below to read the traveller's full review, and see all the reviews of our Africa holidays here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Our Guide to Scenic Walking and Hiking in Africa
From wild swimming to walking with giraffe, our Scenic Walks & Hiking FAQs cover everything you need to know about exploring Africa on foot, without big game. We’ll answer questions on trail safety, signage, solo walking, and the best places for views and gentle adventure. Whether you’re after forest paths, desert ridges or lakeside strolls, this is your step-by-step guide to walking Africa, with or without a guide.
Where can I find the best self-guided trails in Africa?
While walking unaccompanied might seem unusual - or even unwise - in parts of Africa, these routes have been chosen specifically for their safety. They lie in areas without dangerous wildlife and follow clearly marked trails, making them ideal for independent exploration without the need for an armed guide.
• Ondudu Safari Lodge, Namibia: Set among the rugged granite koppies of the Erongo Mountains, Ondudu offers a superb network of marked trails. Ranging from gentle circuits to more demanding scrambles, the routes wind through striking scenery dotted with ancient rock art and unusual desert flora. Hikers may encounter rock hyrax, kudu or the shy Hartmann’s mountain zebra.
• Thamo Telele, Botswana: Just outside Maun, this small reserve offers a rare chance to explore on foot without the worry of dangerous game. Trails weave through open savannah and acacia woodland, where it’s common to spot giraffe, zebra and warthog heading to the reserve’s waterholes. It’s an ideal setting for slow-paced, early morning or late-afternoon walks, with birdlife adding to the charm. A great place to regroup in the fresh air after a long-haul flight and before heading into the Okavango Delta.
• Mutinondo Wilderness, Zambia: One of Zambia’s less known wilderness escapes, this vast private reserve offers over 60km of trails through woodlands, over granite whalebacks, and past waterfalls and natural pools. It’s a paradise for adventurous walkers - and wild swimmers - offering solitude, scenery, and complete freedom. The team here are highly experienced and can advise on the best seasonal hikes.
• BullsPort Lodge, Namibia: Nestled in the Naukluft Mountains, BullsPort offers eight self-guided trails ranging from short rambles to full-day hikes. The standout hike for us is the dramatic Quiver Tree Gorge Trail, which leads through sculpted sandstone canyons and offers a refreshing plunge pool en route. Other trails explore rolling plateaus, riverbeds, and open plains grazed by mountain zebra, and if you’re feet get tired, there are wonderful riding excursions here.
• Grootbos Forest Lodge, South Africa: On the edge of the Cape Floral Kingdom, Grootbos blends luxury with wilderness access. Self-guided and guided walks take in milkwood forests, some over 1,000 years old, and fynbos-covered hills with views to Walker Bay and it’s whale-watching points. Expect a riot of botanical colour in spring and excellent birdwatching year-round.
• Eagle’s Nest, Namibia: In the arid south, Eagle’s Nest lies within the Klein-Aus Vista reserve, a scenic region where seven marked trails range from 4km to 22km. Expect dramatic desert plains, rust-red rocky slopes, and occasional sightings of oryx or wild horses. The area’s silence and scale lend it a deeply elemental appeal.
Is it safe to walk without a guide?
The self-guided trails we feature are well-signposted and maintained, typically within private reserves, national parks or lodge-managed areas. These are ideal for relaxed, independent exploration. Where routes are more remote or physically demanding, such as in mountainous or desert terrain, they are always undertaken with a guide.
Multi-day hikes are all led by knowledgeable local guides, and many shorter walks also have guiding available if you’d like deeper insight into the land, wildlife and culture, or simply prefer the comfort of someone who knows the way.
That said, even in safe areas, it’s always important to check in with lodge or camp staff before setting out. They’ll offer up-to-date advice on the route, terrain and conditions, and may suggest alternatives if the weather is hot, trails are overgrown, or recent wildlife sightings affect access.
Top tips for hiking in Africa:
• Always wear supportive, closed footwear suited to the terrain.
• Use sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat, high-factor sunscreen, and lightweight long sleeves are ideal.
• Carry sufficient drinking water; this is especially important in hot, dry regions.
• Take a small daypack with snacks, a map (if provided), and some basic first aid.
• Let someone at camp know your planned route and expected return time.
• In forested or highland areas, insect repellent can be useful too.
If you're interested in walking in big game country, have a look at our Walking Safaris Collection. We have some fabulous options, but for these trips, it is essential that you walk with a knowdlegeable, armed guide.
Where are the best multi-day hikes in Africa?
Nights are spent under canvas or in simple wilderness shelters, where star-filled skies and the hush of remote valleys replace electricity and Wi-Fi. You’ll need a good level of fitness, but the rewards are immense: solitude, scenery, and a powerful sense of achievement.
These are our favourite multi-day hikes:
1. Tok Tokkie Trails, Namibia
This 3-day guided trail in the NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the most accessible, and magical, multi-day walks in southern Africa. You’ll cover around 22km in total, walking 4–6 hours each day across rolling vegetated dunes, gravel plains, and rocky slopes dotted with mysterious fairy circles. Though classified as ‘easy’, the walking is immersive and rewarding, and no heavy backpack-carrying is required as your luggage is transferred for you by a support team.
You’ll walk in small groups of 2–8 with expert desert guides who interpret the subtle signs of life in this vast, arid ecosystem: golden moles, dune larks, dew-harvesting beetles and rare desert flora. Nights are spent in open-air camps where canvas stretcher beds are laid out under an astonishingly star-filled sky. Expect hot bucket showers with a view, fresh-cooked meals in the dunes, and a hush so complete you can hear the sand shift. This is slow desert travel at its best: gentle and beautiful.
2. Etendeka Walking Trail, Namibia
This 3–4 day guided hike offers an authentic, back-to-basics walking adventure in the remote Kaokoland region of Damaraland. Designed in partnership with the Etendeka Community Trust, the trail crosses the foothills of the Grootberg Massif, an ancient, volcanic landscape of lava flows, flat-topped mountains and otherworldly rock formations. Walks are led by some of Namibia’s most experienced naturalist guides, who reveal the desert’s secrets: spoor, bird calls, hidden animals and the medicinal uses of local plants.
Each day includes 10–15km of walking through mopane-lined riverbeds and rocky desert plains, with luggage transported between camps. Nights are spent sleeping out under the stars on raised platforms, in canvas bedrolls with cotton linen and duvets. Each platform has its own private toilet and basin, and meals are prepared fireside using fresh local ingredients. This is a genuine wilderness hike with no frills, just superb guiding, vast landscapes, and a deep connection to nature. A good level of fitness is required, along with a love of wild places.
3. Fish River Canyon, Namibia
For fit and experienced hikers, this 2–3 day guided adventure from Fish River Lodge offers a thrilling and immersive descent into the world’s second-largest canyon. Unlike the traditional five-day Fish River hike, this route includes bag transfers, expert guiding, and overnights at two small camps. Camp Eternity and Camp Edge are set within hand-built stone gabions that shelter twin tents with bedding provided. Each camp has its own deck for sundowners, two bucket showers, and two toilets. Meals, including a hearty three-course dinner under the stars, are served in a central dining area crafted from local stone and sustainable materials.
Days on the trail may include swims in canyon rock pools, sightings of Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and long panoramic views across the ancient fissures of this 550-million-year-old landscape. This is a physically demanding hike, open from April to September, and is designed for guests who are both adventurous and fit.
Where can I walk with local communities in Africa?
1. Walk with the Ju/’hoansi Bushmen - Nhoma Safari Camp, Namibia
Base: Nhoma Safari Camp
Region: Bushmanland, northeastern Namibia
What to expect:
Set beside a Ju/’hoansi San village, Nhoma offers one of the most genuine and intimate cultural walking experiences in Africa. Guests join local Bushmen on daily bush walks where they demonstrate traditional survival skills: tracking small animals, gathering tubers, making fire, and discussing the uses of medicinal plants. Nothing is staged; the walks are flexible and interactive, led by individuals still living with and from the land. Often, walks end with storytelling, or even witnessing traditional games or healing dances.
Trip idea: Hartebeest Self-Drive Safari
2. San Bushman Experience - Camp Kalahari, Botswana
Base: Camp Kalahari
Region: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana
What to expect:
Camp Kalahari’s walks with a small group of Zu/’hoasi San Bushmen provide engaging and educational encounters. Walks typically last 1–2 hours and follow easy, flat terrain near camp. Along the way, the San demonstrate how to make fire by friction, interpret animal tracks, find water-bearing roots, and identify plants used for food and medicine. The experience is crafted to be respectful and collaborative, with real family groups acting as guides.
Trip idea: African Jacana Safari
3. Explore Tsodilo Hills - Nxamaseri Island Lodge, Botswana
Base: Nxamaseri Island Lodge
Region: Okavango Panhandle, Botswana
What to expect:
A rare and spiritually powerful experience. From Nxamaseri, take a guided overnight trip to the UNESCO-listed Tsodilo Hills, an ancient San sacred site. Walks here explore towering quartzite ridges adorned with more than 4,000 rock art images, some dating back over 20,000 years. Local guides, invariably with personal connections to the local San community, interpret the meaning and myth behind the paintings. The sleep-out includes a night in the Hills with simple comforts and campfire dining, surrounded by millennia of spiritual history.
Trip idea: Pygmy Mouse Self-Drive Safari
4. Maasai-Guided Walks - Naibosho Camp, Kenya
Base: Naibosho Camp
Region: Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya
What to expect:
Walking with Maasai guides at Naibosho is not just about wildlife, it’s about understanding how the Maasai live with and interpret the landscape. Trails wind through open plains and acacia woodland. Along the way, guides share knowledge of traditional tools, livestock culture, land use, and the role of plants in pastoral life. The experience is calm, observational, and packed with insight, ideal for those who want more than just a wildlife safari.
Trip idea: African Hawk Eagle Fly-In Safari
5. Community & Lakeshore Walks - Virunga Lodge, Rwanda
Base: Virunga Lodge
Region: Northern Rwanda, Lakes Burera & Ruhondo
What to expect:
Virunga Lodge’s scenic location is perfect for low-intensity walks that blend cultural encounters with natural beauty. Trails loop through hillside farms and villages, offering glimpses into daily Rwandan life: banana beer brewing, craft-making, and traditional dancing. The "One Sheep per Family" community programme is also featured. Along the way, walkers enjoy epic views of crater lakes and the Virunga volcanoes.
Trip idea: Mona Monkey Safari
6. Samburu-Led Forest Walks - Sarara, Kenya
Base: Sarara Camp
Region: Mathews Range, northern Kenya
What to expect:
Sarara’s guided walks into the Mathews Range are slow, sensory, and spiritual. With Samburu guides, you’ll explore forested valleys, seasonal riverbeds, and hidden pools while learning about tribal customs, animal behaviour, and plant medicine. Walks are tailored to guest interests and fitness levels, and may include cooling swims, birdwatching, or quiet moments beneath fig trees.
Trip idea: De Brazza Monkey Fly-In Safari
7. Highlands & Forest Walks - Gibbs Farm, Tanzania
Base: Gibbs Farm
Region: Ngorongoro Highlands, Tanzania
What to expect:
From this long-established working farm, guided walks lead through coffee plantations into the edge of the Ngorongoro Forest. Guests may visit a waterfall, learn about local crops, or meet nearby Chagga and Iraqw communities. The walks are gentle and flexible, perfect for those who want a touch of culture with stunning scenery and birdlife.
Trip idea: Gibb’s Farm Crater Rim Walk
Where are Africa’s finest coastal and lakeside walking areas?
• De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa: Known for its otherworldly white dunes and dramatic limestone cliffs, De Hoop is one of the top spots for coastal walking in southern Africa. Trails wind through fynbos-covered hills and down to wild beaches, where southern right whales can often be seen breaching close to shore from June to November. The landscape is ever-changing, with sweeping sea views, birdlife, and unique flora along the way.
• Tsitsikamma Coast, South Africa: In the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, this forested, wave-battered coastline offers some of South Africa’s most dramatic hikes. Walk across suspension bridges, through tangled Afro-montane forest, and out to cliff-top viewpoints. Shorter trails depart from Storms River Restcamp, while the Otter Trail provides a more challenging, multi-day option.
• Lakes Burera & Ruhondo, Rwanda: These twin crater lakes in northern Rwanda are ringed by ridges, hills and villages with spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes. Walks from Virunga Lodge take you through peaceful farmland and lakeside communities—ideal for gentle hikes with a cultural twist.
• Lake Malawi, Malawi: Malawi’s vast freshwater lake makes a stunning backdrop for lakeside hikes. At Pumulani, trails climb through miombo woodland to panoramic viewpoints, then descend to quiet beaches where kayaks and cool water await. The setting is serene, and the walking gentle - perfect for those looking to combine light exercise with lakeside leisure.
Where are the best places in Africa for forest and highland walks?
Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda: At the heart of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, Nyungwe House offers guided walks into Nyungwe National Park, home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and over 300 bird species. Trails vary from gentle canopy strolls to more strenuous ascents with wide forest views. It’s a paradise for primate lovers and keen birders alike.
Ngorongoro Highlands, Tanzania: From Gibbs Farm, trails lead through coffee plantations into the Ngorongoro Forest, where fig trees shelter bushbuck and turacos. The air is cool and fragrant, and the walking offers a contrast to the crater floor’s open terrain: ideal for botanists, birders, and those seeking tranquil shade.
Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya: In this private conservancy adjacent to the Masai Mara, Naibosho Camp offers walking with Maasai guides through acacia woodlands and savannah. These are not deep forest trails, but the varied terrain and cultural insight make the experience deeply memorable.
Laikipia Plateau, Kenya: Wild and rugged, the Laikipia region is superb for adventurous walking. Routes wind through rocky escarpments, dry riverbeds and grassy valleys, often with the chance to track elephant, giraffe or even lion on foot, guided by some of Kenya’s most experienced walking teams.
Mathews Range, Kenya: This lush mountain chain is a biodiversity hotspot, with forested slopes, fig trees, hidden streams and more than 200 bird species. From Sarara Camp, guided walks lead to natural pools perfect for a mid-walk swim.
Chyulu Hills, Kenya: South of Nairobi, Campi ya Kanzi offers guided walking through misty cloud forest and open grassland. Trails here blend wildlife watching with rich storytelling from local Maasai guides. Views stretch as far as Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania: The Udzungwa Mountains are a hiker’s paradise, rich in endemic species and cascading waterfalls. From base camps near the park edge, trails range from short walks to full-day treks into highland rainforest. Wildlife highlights include the Udzungwa red colobus and Sanje mangabey.
Vallée de Mai, Seychelles: On Praslin Island, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a prehistoric forest of towering palms, including the rare coco de mer. Gentle walking trails loop beneath the canopy, where you might glimpse the black parrot and other island endemics.
How fit do I need to be for these Scenic Walking & Hiking trips?
Some trails are a gentle hour through picturesque coffee plantations or forest glades with picnic stops en route. Others, such as the Fish River Canyon or Etendeka Trail, involve steep ascents, rocky terrain and long days on foot.
That said, you won’t be carrying a heavy pack on any of our trips. On all multi-day hikes, your overnight gear is transported for you, by support vehicle, porter or even camel, so you’ll only need to walk with a light daypack. And if you're unsure how far you'll manage, some routes offer a back-up option, whether it’s a support vehicle nearby, a shorter return route., or the opportunity to kayak back to camp.
The key is to be honest about your comfort level and physical ability of everyone travelling, and to talk to us about what you’re hoping to see and do. Whether you’d like to explore powder-sand beaches, walk from one desert camp to another, or hike up to a highland viewpoint, we’ll help match you with the right trail at the right pace. We are confident that there are great opportunities to take in Africa’s landscape on foot for almost all of our travellers.
Camps and Lodges with Africa's most scenic Walking Trails
Some places just invite you to lace up your boots. The best walking camps and lodges are set in landscapes that ask to be explored on foot, at your own pace. Whether it’s a well-marked trail up a granite ridge, a family-friendly coastal path through the fynbos, or a serious hiking camp, where strenuous trips are rewarded with scenic splendour, the right base can turn a good walk into a highlight of your trip.
The options are terrific: from a few hours on the self-guided trails at Ondudu Safari Lodge, Eagle’s Nest or the striking Quiver Tree Gorge trail from BullsPort Lodge, to the fully guided, three-day Tok Tokkie Trails’ hike through the Namib’s burnished dunes.
South Africa’s De Hoop and Grootbos combine excellent walking with spectacular coastal scenery, or for something wilder still, Mutinondo Wilderness in Zambia and Pumulani on the shores of Lake Malawi offer hilltop views and hidden swimming spots.
These are not safari lodges with a walking option on the side, they’re places where the walk is part of the reason you come.
Ondudu
The walking opportunities from Ondudu Safari Lodge rank amongst the best in Namibia. The vast rocky landscape is easily explored on guided or self-guided walking trails and the views are certainly worth the effort.
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
Bullsport Guest Farm, in the Naukluft Mountains, offers fantastic variety for those interested in walking in Namibia. Eight well-marked trails (the Quiver Tree Gorge Trail is our favourite) lead through the farm and surrounding area, with stunning scenery.
Mountain Gorilla View
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is a good-value base from which to take guided walks into the park's rainforests to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
Etendeka Camp
Etendeka is a great base for walking in Namibia. A normal day at the camp might include a 2–4 hour walk, an afternoon game drive, and possibly a short hike up one of the area's mountains.
Canyon Lodge
Hiking at Canyon Lodge offers views across the plateau towards Fish River Canyon; in winter (Apr–Aug) the 'morning walk' covers 6km with a knowledgeable guide. For those after gentler walking in Namibia the “sunrise walk” (year-round) may appeal.
Eagle's Nest
Set in beautiful surroundings, the Klein-Aus Vista reserve is a great place for walking in Namibia. From Eagles Nest, guests have the option of seven self-guided walking trails, ranging from around 4km to just over 20km.
Mundulea Reserve
Walks at Mundulea are usually led by Bruno, who we rate as one of the best guides in Africa. His passion for nature and conservation, broad knowledge of topics from geology to local politics, and ability to enthuse you, make for a Namibian walking experience that’s hard to match.
Luangwa River Camp
South Luangwa is one of Africa’s best parks for walking safaris. Luangwa River Camp offers these in the game management area, in the park, and between camps in the area, making this a great camp for walking safaris in Zambia.
Fish River Lodge
For those after more serious walking in Namibia, Fish River Lodge offers a 74km guided canyon hike during between Apr– Oct. With an experienced guide and chef, the first night is spent at the lodge, with 3 nights camping and 4 days hiking.
Camp Kalahari
It may not be classic walking, but our team rate the Bushman walks at Camp Kalahari as some of the best on offer. The Bushmen explain how they have survived over millennia using knowledge passed down to them through the generations. We found this fascinating.
Kalahari Red Dunes
Perhaps the best way to explore and understand an environment is on foot. Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge offers a range of walking experiences in the Namibian wilderness, from short self-guided trails to the guided, overnight “Trans-Kalahari” trail.
Naboisho Camp
Led by an expert local Maasai guide, the walks at Naboisho offer some fantastic opportunities for walking in Kenya. Here you can explore a part of the Mara Conservancies on foot, learning about the landscape on the way.
Desert Horse Inn
Klein-Aus Vista reserve has seven walking trails, ranging from 4km to just over 20km, so makes a good choice for guests interested in hiking in Namibia. Note that April to mid October, when it is cooler, is the ideal time for hiking.
Rostock Ritz
Rostock Ritz offers some lovely walking in Namibia, with over 60km of self-guided trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Walking here you can enjoy the Namib Desert, gravel plains, mountain ranges and deep canyons.
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Namibia’s Spitzkoppe Massif has long been a fantastic destination to explore on foot. The picturesque mountains, which hide ancient Bushman art, are often accessed via steep paths which, with the opening of Spitzkoppen Lodge, are now much easier to explore
Amalinda Lodge
The landscape around Amalinda is a major attraction for walkers in Zimbabwe. As a bonus, Matobo Hills National Park is one of the few remaining areas in Southern Africa where white rhino can be found relatively easily, and approached on foot.
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele is a great lodge for some gentle walking in Botswana. The trails are well marked and perfectly safe to explore alone, with waterholes for game viewing and a hide if you'd like to sit and take things easy.
Gibbs Farm
Gibb's is well situated for those who enjoy walking. You can choose from guided or unguided walks in the area: a farm walk, a garden walk, a village walk, the Ngorongoro Forest Walk or a farm walk. There are walks to suit all tastes, ages and levels of fitness.
Tok Tokkie Trails
Tok Tokkie Trails offer a superb package between Mar-Nov of a 3day/2night walk in the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Sleep under the stars, see flora and fauna of the desert landscape and stay at simple overnight camps – a great option for some walking in Namibia.
Laikipia Wilderness
Owned and run by a true bushman with exhilaratingly hands-on instincts, Laikipia Wilderness specialises in phenomenal guided walks. Game drives also often feature walking stops, when you follow tracks on foot where the vehicle cannot reach.
Lemala Ngorongoro
Whilst staying at Lemala Ngorongoro it is possible to organise walks in the Crater highlands, whether around the Crater rim, or to Olmoti or Empakaai Crater, these walks will be sure to offer some spectacular scenery.
Sabyinyo Silverback
Only a 20-minute drive from the Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is one of the most luxurious lodges in the area. It's well placed for a variety of escorted walks, from short excursions to serious hikes, so is a good bet for walking in Rwanda.
Waterberg Wilderness
The walks at Waterberg focus on the plateau itself, offering views of the superb scenery on the way up and the chance to explore the top. The walks are usually 3-4 hours, and we think they’re well worth the degree of energy and effort required.
Pumulani
Walking at Pumulani is best with a guide, who can take you along the lake shore, near the hillside and into the nearby villages. For some variety, try the option of kayaking back along the lake after your walk.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Entamanu is well located for a variety of highland walks; to Olmoti or Empakaai Crater, or around the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Soak up the wonderful landscapes, whilst you walk with your guide who will tell you all about the local flora and fauna.
Saruni Samburu
Located on the private Kalama Conservancy, Saruni Samburu offers fantastic walking in the surrounding bush. Or join a 5-6- hour hike up nearby Mount Ololokwe for stunning views of northern Kenya’s semi-desert landscape from 1000m above the plains.
Kaya Mawa
From Kaya Mawa, on Likoma Island, you can take a gentle stroll through the village to visit the cathedral. Either walking alone, or with a locally arranged guide, Kaya Mawa is good for some light walking in Malawi.
The Highlands
The proximity to the Olmoti and Empakaai Craters makes The Highlands a great choice for walking and hiking in Tanzania, catering for a range of physical abilities.
Sarara
Sarara offers some more leisurely walking in Kenya, with a well-armed guide through the rocky and forested areas of the Namunyak Conservancy. You can swim in the streams and rock pools, as well as look out for big game and birds.
Robin Pope mobile
The main activity and key focus of this mobile camp is walking safaris. More an extended nature ramble than a route march or a gruelling hike, they'll stop to marvel at creatures great and small in the context of their natural environment.
The Opstal
There are some stunning ecosystems to be seen at De Hoop Opstal, with few dangerous species around. Hiking trails lead through the rugged Potberg Mountains, coastal dunes, along sandy beaches and pristine rock pools.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
A stay at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge will allow you the chance to organise a walk in the Crater highlands. These will offer some stunning views and allow you the chance to see some flora and fauna on foot.
Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Forest Lodge is a great base for Nyungwe Forest, where visitors can go on guided walks to see energetic colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and a stunning variety of birds.
Nyungwe Top View Hill
Close to the Nyungwe Forest, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is an excellent spot for walking in Rwanda. Trek to see habituated chimpanzees and colobus monkeys; explore the treetops high up in the canopy walk; or go on nature walks to find hidden waterfalls.
Farmhouse Lodge
Spend an extra night at Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge to include a day of walking in the Crater Highlands. This is an excellent opportunity to discover to landscape up close and learn about the local flora and fauna with a guide and armed ranger.
Augrabies Restcamp
The Augrabies Falls area is great for walking in South Africa. Take a leisurely stroll next to the gorge, or tackle one of the park’s self-guided nature walks; in some seasons it may be possible to take a self-catered 3 day hike in the gorge.
El Karama Lodge
Two armed guides can take the walking safaris at El Karama. They usually begin in the early morning (light allowing) before the heat of the day sets in. Focusing on tracks, scat, and burrows, the walks offer a fantastic new immersion in nature.
Storms River Restcamp
There are some great self-guided walking options at Storms River. Explore the dramatic coastal scenery, wander through forests on the lookout for tinkering waterfalls and a great variety of flora.
Virunga Lodge
Virunga Lodge is one of the top lodges in the area around Volcanoes National Park and certainly has the most spectacular views. Walks along the lakeshore or in the nearby villages are an interesting activity when you are not hiking to see primates in the park.
Garden Lodge
For gentle walking in South Africa, Grootbos has some stunning flora to explore on foot, and offers guided walks to explore the reserve and coastal areas. Walk at Grootbos to learn about the fynbos ecosystem and explore the ancient Milkwood Forest.
Island Bush Camp
Island Bush Camp is a simple, remote camp in the far south of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park that focuses almost entirely on walking safaris, led by expert guides and an armed scout.
Le Sans Souci
Le Sans Souci Guest House is a great base for walks in the Seychelles with access to the mountains of Mahe Island; routes leading directly from the guesthouse; and the trails in Seychellois National Park are only a short drive away.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers in Botswana’s Okavango Delta has access to Maboa Island. A tract of land that has limited vehicle access, it allows for some exciting walking opportunities.
Sarara Treehouses
With a backdrop of the Matthews Range, Sarara Treehouses offers some excellent opportunities for walking. Accompanied by an armed ranger you can take a gentle stroll through the bush or go on a longer all-day, or multi-day, hike in the mountains.
Tongole Wilderness Lodge
From Tongole Wilderness Lodge you can explore the rugged terrain of the remote Nkhotakota Wilderness Reserve, with its miombo woodland, rivers and patches of rainforest – an interesting option for walking in Malawi.
Mumbo Island
Mumbo Island is fantastic for waking in Malawi, with lots of well-marked nature trails around the huge granite boulders that cover the island. Some walks lead through heavily forested areas, others to places of interest, or panoramic viewpoints.
Forest Lodge
Grootbos is set in the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, the Cape Floral Kingdom, numbering approximately 9,000 species. Explore this unique flora on walks through the reserve or the coastal area, and don’t miss the fynbos ecosystem and ancient milkwood forests.
Etendeka Hiking Trail
The stunning scenery, expert guiding and raw wilderness experience of the Etendeka Walking Trail promises to be one of the most challenging and rewarding hiking experiences in Namibia.
Bougainvillea Lodge
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge can arrange guided and self-guided walks in Tanzania, lasting up to three hours, around the beautiful coffee farms in the area. They have a guide who can accompany you if you would like to learn about the coffee farms and Karatu. Currently there's no extra cost for this, although tipping is appreciated.
Severin Safari Camp
It is unusual to be allowed to walk in Kenya’s national parks, but Severin Safari Camp’s four-hour bush-walks enable you to explore Tsavo West National Park with an armed guard. It will need to be booked in advance – ask us for more details.
Chintheche Inn
The simple Chintheche Inn, owned and managed by Wilderness Safaris, is a relaxed beach lodge on the western shore of Lake Malawi. This northern part of the Malawi lakeshore is very green and lush, dotted with fishing villages and with endless sandy beaches.
Karoo Lodge
For pure bush walking in South Africa, Samara Reserve offers a range of guided options including the chance to track cheetah and possibly rhino, and opportunities for spotting endangered species, like blue cranes and Cape mountain zebras.
Udzungwa Forest Camp
The accommodation might be simple at Udzungwa Forest Camp, but there are some fantastic walking opportunities in Tanzania’s Udzungwa National Park. These range from short treks of around 45 minutes to those lasting up to seven hours.
La Reserve
La Reserve is a good base to explore the palm forests of Vallée de Mai. With towering trees, streams, waterfalls, and the coco de mer palm, Vallée de Mai is a beautiful place to explore on foot and a great place for walking on holiday in Seychelles.
Tassia Lodge
The bush camping offered at an extra (approx.) $100 per person per night might appeal to those interested in some more serious walking in Kenya. This gives you a chance to get further into the bush and experience the Kenyan wilderness.
Campi ya Kanzi
Walking in the cloud forest along the peaks of the Chyulu hills is a unique experience that Campi ya Kanzi does particularly well. You drive up and then walk from the grasslands into the majestic, dark forest full of buttress-rooted trees and lianas.
Chelinda Lodge
Chelinda offers guided walks through the Nyika Plateau, which focus on the huge range of flora. Chelinda can only be accessed by charter flight, but may appeal to those looking for some more serious walking in Malawi.
Mutinondo Wilderness
Mutinondo Wilderness has miles of stunning walking trails which lead through verdant woodlands, across clear rivers and past secluded waterfalls. It’s set in a scenic private reserve, ideal for walking in Zambia and with no need for a guide.
Bontebok National Park
Bontebok NP, on the Garden Route, makes a fantastic base for hiking or walking whilst on holiday in South Africa. There is some amazing flora to be found here, and great birds to be discovered on foot.
Leleshwa
Kenya walking holidays usually focus on big game encounters at Leleshwa, which are likely all around the camp. You will be accompanied by an armed guard here. Booking these walks in advance is essential to ensure availability.
Karisia Walking Safaris
Walking with camels at a relaxed pace (camel-assisted walking) is an ideal way to absorb the landscapes and wildlife of northern Kenya. You can do this for a few hours or several days.
Shimba Lodge
For those interested in walking on holiday in Kenya, Shimba Lodge offers walks with an armed KWS ranger to explore the forested terrain of the park. You can also swim in the pool at the base of the falls if you fancy cooling off.
Four Seasons Desroches Island
Desroches Island is also good for walking in Seychelles, offering some beautiful beaches to stroll at your own pace. Most people cycle on the island, with bikes readily available, however you can explore on foot if you wish.
Ngorongoro Fly-Camp
The Ngorongoro Fly-Camp is an excellent way to get off the beaten track and explore the remote northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. There are no roads in this area and you are likely to see few other visitors. Accompanied by an experienced walking guide you will spend two days walking through spectacular scenery whilst keeping an eye out for birds and animals.
Galdessa
Galdessa offers some fairly serious bush walks, setting off from from the lodge itself with two armed KWS rangers. These should be booked in advance – ask us for more details!
Scenic Walking and Hiking across Africa
From cool uplands to coastal cliffs, Africa’s quieter trails offer a completely different way to explore, without the presence of dangerous game. These walks are about discovery, not adrenaline: tuning into birdsong, reading the textures of the land, and enjoying the freedom to roam.
Clamber through granite outcrops in Namibia’s Erongo Mountains, stride across open desert on multi-day treks in the NamibRand, or tackling one of the continent’s most awe-inspiring hikes at Fish River Canyon.
In South Africa, forest paths wind through the fynbos and milkwoods of the Cape coast, while the Garden Route’s rivers and ridges offer gentle, family-friendly hiking.
Zambia’s Mutinondo Wilderness combines woodland trails, waterfall swims and absolute solitude. Or walk above Lake Malawi’s shoreline and kayak back to camp, or tackle more challenging routes on the Nyika Plateau.
In Rwanda, highland trails around Lakes Burera and Ruhondo reveal volcanic panoramas and village life, while in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills and on the Laikipia Plateau, you’ll find scenic, wildlife-friendly terrain where walking is a core part of daily activity, even without the big game.
Our curated Scenic Walking and Hiking Collection brings together Africa’s most inspiring walking experiences, whether you’re planning a half-day stroll or a multi-day hike. All carefully chosen, all deeply rewarding, and all away from most dangerous game.
Africa - Curated Holiday Collections for Your Interests
Discover our Holiday Collections, designed for travellers with passion! Love birds, luxury retreats or photographing wildlife - we’ve got a selection of trips to inspire you.
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me
