8 Extraordinary Walking Safaris Worldwide for Thrill-Seekers

For many adventurers, a safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a grand indulgence characterized by ultra-luxurious accommodations, exquisite cuisine, sunset cocktails, and guided wildlife exploration from the comfort of a spacious 4x4. However, this traditional narrative is evolving in certain locations as game drives are increasingly complemented by an array of exhilarating walking safaris, encouraging travelers to immerse themselves in the animal kingdom.

With the guidance of expert naturalists, intrepid souls can now have enriching encounters with some of the planet's most remarkable creatures beyond the limits of a Land Rover. From tracking gorillas in Rwanda to observing polar bears in Canada, here are eight remarkable experiential walking safaris around the globe.

Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

In the northernmost regions of Rwanda, ten habituated gorilla families reside within the enchanting, mist-covered mountains of Volcanoes National Park. With special permits, adventurers can embark on guided hikes to encounter Earth's largest living primates, culminating in an hour of personal interaction with these critically endangered creatures.

With newborns in some groups and several silverbacks in others, each family boasts its own unique size and dynamics. Due to the gorillas' ongoing movement in this abundant land, hikes can vary from a leisurely two-hour trek along the foothills to a challenging half-day ascent through thick forests, often cloaked in stinging nettles — no two experiences are the same.

Rely on the luxury outfitter Micato Safaris, which received top honors in Dinogo's 2021 World's Best Awards, to manage every detail necessary for this transformative safari experience, including accommodations, internal transport, required permits, and the expertise of a personal safari director.

African Icons in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Zambia's South Luangwa National Park is celebrated as the birthplace of the African walking safari, first established in the early 1960s, and it arguably remains the premier destination for exhilarating experiences with elephants, observing lions, wandering alongside giraffes, and enjoying lunch with zebras.

Notably, The Bushcamp Company operates six cozy tented camps throughout the national park — Bilimungwe, Chamilandu, Zungulila, Kapamba, Kuyenda, and Chindeni — where walking safaris are the main highlight of each day. Additionally, guests can embark on extended walking safaris between five of the camps, allowing them to explore as much of South Luangwa's varied landscape as possible while enhancing their wildlife encounters.

Polar Bears in Hudson Bay, Canada

Despite the impacts of climate change on polar bears worldwide, there remains a unique area where the Arctic's most renowned inhabitants continue to thrive: western Hudson Bay, north of Churchill, Canada. Here, a robust population of around 1,000 polar bears dominates the tidal flats and prairies, and one outfitter, Churchill Wild, holds exclusive permits for tracking these apex predators on foot (as opposed to using a Tundra Buggy). From a trio of fly-in lodges, Churchill Wild provides twice-daily walking safaris to observe the magnificent white giants. While polar bears are often seen as fierce, there have been no reported injuries to either humans or bears, thanks to the expertise and knowledge of experienced guides.

Meerkats in the Kalahari Desert, Southern Africa

Full of charm and personality, meerkats are just as much stars in real life as they are on screen. In the abundant colonies spread across the Kalahari Desert (which spans Botswana and South Africa), some have adapted to human presence over the years, allowing us to witness their daily activities of foraging, digging, babysitting, and predator watching, all while enjoying the captivating symphony of their vocalizations (meerkat chatter is so enchanting, it could easily be a podcast).

At Tswalu in South Africa, join a guided walk to explore one of three habituated colonies, immersing yourself in the delightful chaos of meerkat life. In the early mornings at Jack's Camp in Botswana, expect an interactive experience with resident "meerkat whisperer," Blake, as he orchestrates a memorable morning with his furry friends. If everything aligns just right — and it often does — Blake will have you seated or reclining by the meerkats' burrow before they emerge, allowing them to use you as a vantage point to survey the flat terrain for predators, frequently climbing to the top of your head for the best views. The experience is truly surreal.

The Big Five at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Founded in 1991, the conservation-driven company andBeyond began as an ambitious initiative to restore 32,311 acres of overgrazed farmland in KwaZulu-Natal, aiming to reintroduce the area's original biodiversity and establish a new model for ecotourism.

Fast forward to today, and this pioneering project, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, has flourished into a true African paradise, teeming with the Big Five and the rest of the cast from "The Lion King." From any of Phinda's six thoughtfully designed game lodges, embark on thrilling walking safaris tailored to your personal wildlife goals, fitness levels, and desired duration. Opt for gentler "nature walks" or more challenging "big game viewing walks," carefully tracking elephants and rhinos, often leading to breathtaking encounters with big cats along the way.

Primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

The forested highlands of western Rwanda are breathtaking as mist blankets the landscape at sunrise, awakening the senses with a symphony of sounds and sights. Here lies the enchanting and diverse Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species, including the elusive chimpanzee and the sociable Angolan colobus monkey, both of which can be spotted during walking safaris.

Your best chance to see chimps is during their morning feeding hours in the treetops. To reach their habitat deep within the forest, visitors must rise by 3:45 a.m. for a challenging yet rewarding hike alongside park rangers and trackers. In contrast, treks to observe the photogenic Angolan colobus monkeys are much easier. Base yourself at the forest's edge at One&Only Nyungwe House, one of the most remarkable and thoughtfully crafted lodges in the safari circuit, and enjoy a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation (including spa time) in this magical setting.

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

In the early 1970s, Nepal established its first national park, Chitwan National Park, to safeguard the rapidly declining population of one-horned rhinos. Thanks to rigorous conservation efforts, the number of these majestic creatures has surged from fewer than 200 to over 600 and still rising. This groundbreaking park attracted the attention of Taj Safaris, known for pioneering a luxury tiger safari circuit in neighboring India. In 2017, they opened a lodge on the outskirts of Chitwan, Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari, dedicated primarily to rhino spotting. Today, guests can embark on daily excursions in search of these giants—by jeep, canoe, boat, or on foot—with excellent chances of encounters each time.

Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti, Tanzania

Wildlife enthusiasts often plan their East Africa safari to witness the thrilling spectacle of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Mara River in search of fresh pastures and water. While overcrowded vehicles can be a concern in Kenya's Masai Mara, the Tanzanian side of the Mara River typically offers a more intimate experience (think: fewer people and cars).

Even better? Nestled near the action in northern Serengeti, Asilia Africa's Sayari Camp provides guests with a unique perspective of the Great Migration (June to October): the rare opportunity to explore the banks of the Mara River on foot.