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:: Activities
:: Hiking
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Botswana |
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The Okavango Delta |
 On many of the private concession areas located in the heart of the Delta, outside the Game Reserve, it is possible to take part in organized walking activities from a lodge base. These are by no means strenuous but usually take around 3-4 hours and are included as part of the activity packages of many lodges.
The opportunity to see wildlife at relatively close quarters on foot is one of the most exhilarating parts of any African holiday, and the knowledgeable and experienced guides ensure a safe experience!
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Namibia |
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Fish River Canyon |
 A 90km hiking trail winds along the floor of the second largest canyon in the world, beginning at the northernmost lookout point at Hobas and winding its way through to Ais-Ais hot springs. The trail takes an arduous but worthwhile five days to complete and is open to groups of a minimum of 3 people, between May and September.
Shorter overnight hikes can be arranged from some of the private lodges in the vicinity, these range from self-catering self-guided trips to fully catered guided trips where guests carry only their day packs.
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Namibia |
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The Northern Naukluft |
 The Naukluft area, only a few kilometres from Sesriem, offers a complete contrast to the dune-dominated desert nearby with its mountainous terrain, fresh water spring pools and lush ephemeral river valleys. A small National Parks campsite provides the only accommodation and as such the area is tranquil and unspoiled.
Hiking trails meander through the hillsides and lead to many sparklingly clear and refreshingly cold natural pools. Two, short day-hikes are marked, the Waterkloof Trail which is a 17km loop and takes around seven hours to complete, and the Olive Trail which is 10km long and takes around 4-5 hours. For the more energetic there are also two trails which take 4 and 8 days to complete and which must be booked in advance.
The four-day National Parks hike covers 60km and takes in the same scenery as the first part of the 8 day hike. Between 3 and 12 people can complete the overnight trails at any one time, and these run between March and October in order to avoid the heat and rain of mid summer. Guided hikes are also available, see our camping itineraries for more details!
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Namibia |
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Sesriem & Sossusvlei |
 This ancient desert is the perfect place to explore on foot as part of a guided excursion . Walks vary in length and overnight trips are available where visitors are able to enjoy nights under the amazing array of stars stretching from horizon to horizon.
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Namibia |
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Waterberg Plateau Park |
 Waterberg is a 150m high plateau of vividly coloured sandstone rising out of the surrounding plains like a towering oasis. Up to 16km wide, the top of the plateau is covered with lush vegetation and offers habitat to many rare and endangered species such as sable and roan antelope, tsessebe and white rhino. Leopard are also found, as are buffalo and over 200 bird species! There are various walking trails leading around the sides and up to the top of the plateau and these offer exceptional views of the surrounding countryside.
A three-day guided hiking trail on the plateau accommodating 6-8 people can be arranged through the Ministry of Environment & Tourism, but must be booked in advance. The route taken varies depending on the group and the guide, accommodation is in simple huts along the way. Walkers must provide their own sleeping bags and food. A four-day, 42 km, self-guided trail can also be booked for groups of 3-10 people. Accommodation is also in simple huts and walkers must provide their own sleeping bags and food. Both hikes are run between April and November, thus avoiding the hot and rainy summer months.
A wonderful spring fed swimming pool is located close to the restaurant and there are comfortable National Park chalets as well as a camping site.
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Seychelles |
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Mahe, Praslin and La Digue |
 Seychelles natural paradise is spectacularly appreciated at ground level and walking tours introduce the islands' exotic flora and fauna. The 3 biggest islands, Mahe, Praslin and La Digue have well marked walks and are graded easy, medium or difficult. The trails take you along rocky coastlines, over mountainous terrain and through rich tropical forests. Walking trails through the many National Parks and Reserves on the smaller islands are also available. A hike through the park might require you to pay a minimal fee but the stunning views are defiantly worth it. Guided tours can be arranged through your hotel and various local travel services.
Some pre-walk planning is recommended: choose the difficulty level best suited to your ability; wear sturdy shoes, a hat and bring water, snacks and a plastic bag to pack out litter. As the saying goes, paradise is fragile; please leave only footprints and take only photographs.
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South Africa |
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Cape Town |
 The scenery surrounding this beautiful city lends itself perfectly to a good number of walking trails , ranging from easy strolls through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to a more strenuous hike up Table Mountain or Lion's Head. A picturesque morning's drive will bring you to Cape Point where you can enjoy short walks through the unique fynbos flora.
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South Africa |
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Drakensberg |
 This beautiful highland area offers a wide range of activities amidst some of the most pristine mountain scenery in the Southern Africa region. Many hiking routes wind through mountain passes and along ridges with breathtaking views into the surrounding valleys. Lush vegetation, waterfalls and clear streams provide shade and relaxing rest stops along the way. Hikes vary from relatively easy half-day walks to strenuous overnight hikes with caves designated as sheltered camping spots.
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Zimbabwe |
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Eastern Highlands |
 The cool uplands stretching between Zimbabwe & neighbouring Mozambique are a lush respite from the heat of Zimbabwe's lowland areas. Lush valleys, clear streams and meadows of wildflowers remind visitors of European mountain ranges, with the added interest of the wide variety of animal and bird life that can be seen here. Walking varies from short day hikes with frequent stops at clear, refreshing pools to strenuous hikes offering rewarding views across the endless vistas of Zimbabwe & into Mozambique.
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Zimbabwe |
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Mana Pools |
 This area is one of the more remote and wild areas of Zimbabwe, and also one of the only wildlife rich areas of Africa where guests can walk freely in the bush. The Mana Pools National park is a declared World Heritage Site which stretches along the Zambezi River and as far inland as the Zambezi escarpment. The vegetation varies from twisting apple-ring acacia and ancient mahogany trees to fig, sausage and rain trees on the floodplain. Animal species include numerous hippo and crocodile in the river, clawless otter, honey badger, buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, nyala antelope and jackal. Walking is allowed during daylight hours, but visitors must adhere to the recommendations of Park authorities.
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Zimbabwe |
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Victoria Falls |
 There is a lot more to the area surrounding Victoria Falls than the spectacular waterfalls themselves. The Victoria Falls National Park runs alongside the Zambezi River and is home to many species including elephant and hippo. The riverside walks through lush vegetation and past ancient baobab trees can be exhilarating!
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