As premier African wildlife reserves face increasing pressure from mass tourism and vehicle congestion, Zambia is distinguishing itself as the world’s walking safari capital by offering a more tranquil and immersive alternative.
In the mopane woodlands of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, professional guides such as Thomas Mulonga are leading visitors on foot to track the near-threatened southern white rhinoceros, reports BBC.
These excursions, conducted in single-file formations behind armed wildlife scouts, provide a sensory experience where participants are “inside” nature rather than merely observing it from a vehicle.
Conservation and recovery milestones
The promotion of walking safaris coincides with a significant recovery for Zambia’s rhino populations, which were previously decimated by poaching. Southern white rhinos were declared extinct in the country in 1989, followed by black rhinos in 1998.
However, through international collaboration and community-based programmes, the population has been restored to 60 black rhinos and 54 southern white rhinos.
Proceeds from walking safaris directly fund anti-poaching patrols and community initiatives. According to Mulonga, the presence of armed scouts is primarily a measure to protect the animals from poachers rather than to defend tourists from wildlife.
A heritage of ‘hunt-free’ tourism
Zambia’s walking safari tradition was pioneered in the 1950s by British conservationist Norman Carr in what is now South Luangwa National Park. Carr’s radical philosophy focused on observation and ecology over trophy hunting, asserting that wildlife was more valuable alive than dead.
Today, the industry maintains high standards through a rigorous certification system for guides, who often spend years mastering tracking, species identification, and safety protocols.
Gareth Jones, co-founder of Chikunto Safari Lodge & Camp, notes that while game drives cover more ground, walking safaris allow visitors to focus on “the small things,” such as insects, spoor, and the scent of the bush.
Sustainable growth and niche appeal
Despite the growth of the sector, walking safaris remain a niche choice, representing only an estimated 2 to 3 per cent of the African wildlife travel market. Many first-time travellers still prefer the perceived safety and speed of traditional game drives.
However, as iconic destinations like Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti struggle with ecological strain from vehicle convoys, Zambia’s lower-impact model is gaining traction.
Jones suggests that Zambia’s historic lack of mass tourism has helped preserve a rare and authentic experience. For visitors like Sue Marullo from Washington DC, the method provides a “spiritual connection” to the land that feels more powerful than vehicle-based tours.
In addition to Mosi-oa-Tunya and South Luangwa, walking safaris are also conducted in the Kafue and Lower Zambezi National Parks.
