Botswana Walking Safaris

Walking safaris in Botswana offer one of the most thrilling ways to experience the African bush — on foot, in the company of a skilled game ranger. There is nothing to compare with the excitement of walking through the bush - never knowing what you may encounter.

But walking safaris in Botswana are not arduous hikes: more of a meander with meaning than a hike with hardship. (Think ambling, not scrambling.)

You’ll find some of the finest walking terrain in the Okavango Delta, the Selinda and Kwando concessions of the Linyanti, and the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana’s southeast.

During the Delta's peak flood months, our favourite guided walking safaris in the Okavango Delta typically start with a boat ride to an island, followed by a relaxed walk. There’s a ranger up front, a tracker at the rear, with you in the middle - possibly wondering if those rustling leaves are a squirrel or something larger.

It’s not strenuous, but a decent fitness level definitely helps, especially in the hotter months like March, April, and September.

Why we love Walking safaris in Botswana

• A chance to encounter wildlife quietly, respectfully - sometimes startlingly - close.

• Fascinating insights into the ways of the wild: from tree bark “toothbrushes” to leaves that can be distilled into a surprisingly potent drink.
• Experiencing the bush at the pace it deserves; slow enough to notice tracks, smell wild sage and hear birds calling the day’s news ahead of you.
• A visceral connection to the wilderness: no filters, no barriers, just you and the wild.

Best time for walking safaris in Botswana (or any other country)

The golden window is May to mid-September. Mornings are cool, the bush is dry and clear, and animals gather at water sources — making sightings more likely.

Come October, the heat turns things up to "sweaty saunter" mode, so walks are best kept short and early. We don’t recommend anything more than a short early morning bush walk, perhaps combined with a game drive?

Where to Go?

Most Okavango Water-based camps offer a mix of boating and island walking. Many private concession camps also include walking as part of their activities. (Note: walking is not permitted in Chobe National Park or Moremi Game Reserve.)

Other great areas for walking safaris are the private concessions of Kwando and Selinda in the Linyanti region west of Chobe. As well as Mashatu Game Reserve in the far south.

Footsteps Camp remains one of our top choices for exclusive-use walking safaris, offering private guiding and complete flexibility. See our Footsteps walking safari in Botswana.

Note: You can also take a private walking safari guide at any of the other Ker & Downey camps such as Shinde Camp.

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Is a walking holiday in Botswana right for you?

It’s ideal for second-time safari visitors. Those who want to slow down, ditch the vehicle, and lean into the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa. All with a knowledgeable guide and a thrilling dose of unpredictability.

Did you know?  - Botswana was the first country in Africa to ban hunting for conservation purposes in 2014, creating even safer conditions for low-impact tourism like walking safaris.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How safe are walking safaris in Botswana?

Safety is paramount. Walks are always led by a highly trained armed guide and often accompanied by a second scout. Distances are moderate, wildlife etiquette is thoroughly briefed, and routes are chosen according to the conditions and recent animal movements.

2. What fitness level do I need?

You don’t need to be an athlete;  just comfortable walking for a couple of hours at a steady pace. The terrain is generally flat. BUT heat can add intensity during warmer months, so reasonable fitness improves enjoyment.

3. What should I bring on a walking safari?

A small daypack with water, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, and comfortable closed walking shoes. This should all be in subdued ‘muddy’ colours to blend into the bush. This is not the time for those fetching yellow socks!

4. Can children join walking safaris?

In brief – no. Most guided bush walks require a minimum age (usually between 12–16 years).

5. How long are the bush walks?

Most bush walks are 2–3+ hours depending on season, wildlife movements and guest preference. Some camps can offer longer walks on cooler days. Whilst they may be shorter as it heats up in October.

Ready to experience Botswana on foot? Tell us your travel dates and we’ll match you with the perfect walking safari, that fits seamlessly into your Botswana safari.