In addition to game viewing, one of the most popular activities is the walking safari (initiated in, and still largely restricted to, Zambia). Although some people will be apprehensive about taking to the bush by foot, it is perfectly safe, provided that the guide knows what he is doing, and can add an entire new dimension to the wildlife activity. Having hopefully already seen the famous ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino - forgive us, but we have been unable to resist adding the ferocious tiger fish to this list ), you will be able to make the acquaintance of some of the corresponding ‘little five’ (ant lion, leopard tortoise, elephant shrew, buffalo weaver bird and rhinoceros beetle), and ‘green five’ (lion ear flower (leontides), leopard orchid, elephant grass, buffalo thorn and rhino thistle).
Other activities can also include ‘cultural’ ones, such as a visit to the local village or school (always immensely rewarding – the kids are just great), together with the opportunity to visit such natural phenomena as Victoria Falls. Indeed, when visiting Zambia for the first time we recommend a visit to Livingstone and the Falls at the start of the visit, before departing on the safari itself.
Walking safaris typically take place from more remote and basically constructed ‘bush’ camps, staying at which is an epic activity in its right, and is recommended to be undertaken even if walking is not on the agenda. However, after several days in the bush, with few other people around, we do recommend ‘winding down’ before returning to civilisation, by spending one or two further nights at a base camp or lodge.
