Walking through the African bush has to be one of the most exhilarating safari experiences on the continent. Botswana happens to have some of the most exciting wildlife concentrations in Africa so walking in Botswana is always beautiful, action-packed and a fantastic addition to the classic game drive experience. However, this is not Botswana's main focus. The guides have to get two seperate licenses to become walking guides, so they are few and far between and often whether you can walk in Botswana is dependant on guide availability. For this reason, if you are a serious walker, we would recommend looking at Zambia or Zimbabwe.
The best places in Botswana for walking safaris
The Okavango Delta is an amazing place to experience the classic walking safari in Botswana. It provides some of the most interesting walking safari spots in Africa given it is completely unique as the only inland Delta in the world. It is not just about wildlife here, but the intricate eco-system that is the delta; from the waterlilies to the elephants, an Okavango Delta walking safari is one of a kind.
The Linyanti also offers excellent walking safaris. Meander through the red earth and bright bushes of this beautiful part of the country. The focal point of wildlife here is the mighty and beautiful Linyanti river. The moisture in the absorbent soil means that the bushes can grow thick though, so the walking here is seasonal. Go at the right time though and with a good guide, and exploring this beautiful park by foot can be an education and exhilarating experience.
If you are after something a little different, exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans by foot will show you a flip-side to the classic bushy and wildlife orientated safari walks. Here, you can interact with meerkats, walk across the eerie salt-flats surrounded by the Zebra migration which passes through Makgadikgadi from March to April, and inbetween the flurry of adventure you can kick-back in some excellent little lodges. Makgadikgadi does not offer the classic walking safari experience, but one which is equally as thrilling.
If you would like an intrepid and serious walking safari, then perhaps Botswana is not the best option. The neighbouring countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe without a doubt offer the best walking safaris on the continent - so if you are serious about exploration away from the 4x4 then you should consider these as an alternative, or even an addition to a Botswana safari.
Best walking safari lodges
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