A Walking Safari in the Kruger National Park
Even the light drizzle couldn’t dampen our spirits as we stood on the banks of a dry riverbed. Spread out below and in front of us was a herd of around fifty elephants going about their business. The low rumbles emitted as they communicated with one another were amplified by the silence that enveloped us.
In blissful harmony, without being sat in a vehicle, we could appreciate the sheer size of these magnificent creatures as they browsed unaware of us. With the wind in our favour, time seemed to stand still as we felt truly humbled by the experience.
A walking safari is an unmissable opportunity to escape the confines of your safari vehicle and explore the bush in its truest form. Accompanied by two guides, you can be sure to be in safe hands as you embark on an unforgettable adventure.
We started our morning not far from camp and zig zagged our way through the undulating landscape of pristine lowveld. Having been lucky enough to enjoy many a walk in the Greater Kruger, I can say with confidence that there’s nothing quite as informative or as exciting!
Walking in single file and in silence, you are entering into another world of the smaller intricacies of how the eco-system works and you soon realise how inadequate we truly are compared to nature.
A walking safari often focuses on the smaller matters of the bush, whether it’s the difference in rhino dung, the small five, or tracks of bigger wildlife, you will be introduced into a world that’s not often explored when you’re in the vehicle. Add to this the possibility of tracking and encountering big game, it is certainly one way to get the heart pumping!
Have you ever wondered how black and white stripes help zebras camouflage? Ever wondered what the nest of a ground hornbill looks like? Or ever wondered what bush locals use to brush their teeth? Well a walking safari will unveil all and so much more.
As our guide led us away from the elephants, two curious giraffe watched us over their chosen breakfast source and a bachelor herd of impala snorted at our presence. Having been used to camping in Kruger’s wilderness without a tent during my guiding days, it was certainly a delight to make our way back to Singita’s Lebombo Lodge to make the most of every luxury that was on offer.
