Walking in The Cape
Explore the incredible flora and fauna South Africa has to offer and enjoy the landscape at your own pace.
Bontebok Self-drive Safari
12 days • 5 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
US$1,380 - US$1,690 per person
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.
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.
Meerkat Self-drive Safari
8 days • 5 locations
UPINGTON AIRPORT TO UPINGTON AIRPORT
US$940 - US$1,070 per person
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.
Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari
12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
US$3,590 - US$6,650 per person
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.
Cape Genet Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
US$2,890 - US$3,810 per person
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.
Ostrich Self-drive Safari
14 days • 9 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$1,950 - US$2,760 per person
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.
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.
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$3,220 - US$3,700 per person
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.
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$14,280 - US$18,140 per person
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.
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Walking elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Walking in other countries.

Botswana
The wildlife in Botswana is free to move across the country, which creates ample opportunity for ...

Kenya
Game walks in Kenya are less well-known than in other parts of southern and eastern Africa, but ...

Malawi
The options for walking on holiday in Malawi vary from gentle town strolls to more extensive nature ...

Namibia
Namibia offers some of Africa's best walking, from gentle wanders to challenging multi-day hikes ...

Rwanda
Walking in Rwanda is usually based around the spectacular gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park...

Seychelles
The sound of waves crashing on the shoreline, palm-fringed beaches and panoramic views over the ...

Tanzania
In Tanzania the walking is especially good in the area surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater, ranging ...

Zambia
With expertly trained guides and high concentrations of wildlife, Zambia is one of Africa's best ...

Zimbabwe
Take a walk on the wild side and explore Zimbabwe and its stunning scenery on foot. There are great ...
Where to see wildlife species in Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.

Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,181 sightings from 2,641 observations

Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
32% SUCCESS
862 sightings from 2,718 observations

Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,116 sightings from 3,439 observations

Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,147 sightings from 1,636 observations

Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
2,987 sightings from 3,484 observations

Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,268 sightings from 2,547 observations

Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
54% SUCCESS
1,818 sightings from 3,381 observations

Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
211 sightings from 1,305 observations

Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
46% SUCCESS
1,651 sightings from 3,554 observations

Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
2,592 sightings from 3,199 observations

Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
525 sightings from 1,724 observations

White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
419 sightings from 970 observations

Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
31% SUCCESS
747 sightings from 2,373 observations

Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,120 sightings from 3,153 observations

Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
47 sightings from 2,849 observations

Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
67 sightings from 2,890 observations

Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
48% SUCCESS
1,220 sightings from 2,551 observations

Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
22% SUCCESS
78 sightings from 354 observations

Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
3,281 sightings from 3,898 observations

Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
22% SUCCESS
395 sightings from 1,769 observations

Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
22% SUCCESS
381 sightings from 1,769 observations
