Experience the African wilderness up close on a flexible walking safari that combines guided bush walks with open-vehicle game drives. This three- or four-day safari in the Greater Kruger Park offers a balance between immersive bush walks and classic game viewing, giving you the flexibility to choose your daily activities based on your interests, fitness level, and group preferences.

Highlights
  • Superb Big Five game viewing in a prime safari destination
  • Combination of bush walks & game drives for a varied experience
  • Morning bush walks when it's cool; afternoon game drives to avoid the heat
  • Track animals on foot with expert rangers from a safe distance
  • Emphasis on an authentic, immersive bush experience
  • Led by qualified, armed nature guides with extensive knowledge
  • Open safari vehicles for game drives to get close to big game
  • Selection of top-rated lodges specialising in walking safaris

Map of our Greater Kruger Flexible Walking Safaris locations

Why Choose a Flexible Walking Safari?

Ranger and safari guest crouching to get a closer look at an insect on a walking safari

Learning how to read the bush on a walking safari

(Image: Bateleur Safari Camp)

A walking safari is the ultimate way to connect with nature. You'll learn to read animal tracks, identify bird calls, and experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the African bush in a way that's impossible from a vehicle.

However, animals are naturally wary of humans on foot, so you may not get as close to big game as you would on a game drive. That's why we recommend a flexible walking safari, which allows you to experience the thrill of tracking wildlife on foot while also enjoying the comfort and excellent game-viewing opportunities of an open-vehicle safari.

Unlike standard safaris, this itinerary is not rigidly scheduled. Each day, your group will have a say in the activities, but decisions are made collectively—it's not always possible for some guests to walk while others do a game drive at the same time. Your experienced guides will take weather conditions, recent wildlife sightings, and guest preferences into account when planning each day's activities.

Sample Itinerary: What to Expect

Ranger and safari guests on a walking safari looking at elephant dung

Walking safaris are all about interpretation and appreciation of the bush

(Image: Camp George)

Day 1: Arrival & Afternoon Game Drive

  • Transfers arranged from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Hoedspruit's Eastgate Airport, or Skukuza Airport in Kruger National Park.
  • Scenic drive to your lodge, followed by check-in and a leisurely lunch.
  • Afternoon game drive (15h30 – 16h00 start), returning after dark with spotlights to search for nocturnal wildlife.
  • Dinner under the stars in an open-air boma, discussing the day's sightings and plans for tomorrow.

Days 2 & 3: Guided Bush Walks & Game Drives

  • Early morning coffee/tea and rusks before setting out on a guided activity.
  • Flexible options: Choose between a bush walk or a game drive, depending on your preference, weather, and recent animal movements.
  • Bush walk: Learn about the bush from expert rangers, track wildlife, and discover smaller creatures often overlooked on game drives.
  • Game drive: Cover more ground and increase your chances of seeing elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, leopards, and African wild dogs.
  • Return to the lodge for brunch and relaxation—enjoy a siesta, read a book, or cool off in the pool.
  • Afternoon game drive with sundowners, followed by a night drive back to the lodge.
  • Dinner and fireside storytelling beneath the African night sky.

Day 3 or 4: Final Safari & Departure

  • Sunrise guided activity—your last chance to soak up the sights and sounds of the bush.
  • Return to the lodge for brunch and check-out.
  • Transfers arranged back to your departure airport or Johannesburg, typically arriving by 17h00 – 18h00.

More on Game Viewing Activities

Safari vehicle following lionesses on a night drive in greater kruger

Night drive in Klaserie

(Image: Camp George)
  • Guided activities take place twice daily: one at sunrise and another in the late afternoon.
  • Each activity lasts around three to four hours, offering plenty of time for in-depth exploration.
  • Your experienced guides will advise on the best options for the day, factoring in weather, wildlife movements, and guest preferences.
  • Flexibility is key—but all group members must agree on the choice of activity, as it's not always possible for half the group to walk while the others do a game drive.
  • Walking safaris require a moderate level of fitness. Good walking shoes are essential, and guests with limited mobility may prefer an itinerary focused on game drives.

Important Considerations for Your Walking Safari

Walking safari experience in greater kruger

Exploring the Greater Kruger on foot

(Image: Bateleur Safari Camp)

Game drives provide a better chance of seeing big cats and large mammals up close. While walking safaris offer an immersive experience in the bush, game drives allow you to cover more ground and increase your chances of seeing iconic wildlife like lions, leopards, and elephants. Vehicles also provide a safer and closer vantage point for observing big predators in their natural habitat.

Walking safaris focus on tracking, smaller wildlife, and the bush's hidden details. On foot, you'll discover fascinating insights into the ecosystem—from reading animal tracks to identifying bird calls and medicinal plants. You'll also learn to interpret nature's subtle signs, such as alarm calls from birds or fresh dung, which might indicate a predator nearby.

The minimum age for walking safaris is 12 years. There is no maximum age limit, but guests over 65 may need a medical fitness certificate. Walking safaris require a moderate level of fitness, as guests typically walk for a few hours at a time over uneven terrain. If you're over 65, lodges may require a medical clearance to ensure you're fit for the experience. If you have limited mobility, a safari focusing on game drives might be a better option.

Customise Your Safari Experience

This is a travel idea, not a fixed itinerary. You can:

  • Extend your stay beyond three or four days.
  • Combine this experience with another Kruger safari or a different destination.
  • Choose from various lodges specialising in walking safaris.

Why Book With Wild Wings Safaris?

At Wild Wings Safaris, we specialise in tailor-made safari experiences designed to match your budget, interests, and travel style. Whether you're after an intimate walking safari, a classic game drive adventure or the best of both worlds—guided bush walks and game drives, we'll help you craft the perfect African getaway.

Contact our African safari specialists today and start planning your dream safari!

Estimated Cost & Booking Information

The final cost depends on your choice of lodge and length of stay. The approximate rate below is based on a 2-night, 3-day safari, including round-trip road transfers from Johannesburg, accommodation and all meals (except travel days), guided bush walks and game drives.

Rates (see dropdown for other currencies)
Period Price per person (pp)
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 Estimated cost starts from:
ZAR28,050
$1,707
£1,296
€1,469
CA$2,392
A$2,614
January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026 Estimated cost starts from:
ZAR30,885
$1,879
£1,427
€1,618
CA$2,634
A$2,878

The approximate rate provided serves as a guideline only, as this walking safari can be arranged at different locations. The estimate includes transfers, accommodation, meals, guided walking safaris, and game drives but excludes flights and visas. The final quoted rate may vary based on your chosen lodge, travel dates, and preferred mode of transport to the lodge.

All rates on our website are provided to give a price estimate only and should not be seen as a firm quote. Likewise, our currency converter will give you a rough idea of the price in another currency, but should not be seen as a firm quote. It is only intended as a guideline, based on the current exchange rate. The total price includes our tour arrangement fee and local support fees, if applicable. Please contact us to check availability and receive an accurate, free quote with no obligation.

Includes
  • Two nights' accommodation in luxury en-suite safari units
  • Early morning coffee, tea and nibbles
  • Brunch, high tea, dinner and game drive snacks
  • Two guided game activities daily
  • Flexibility for a daily mix of game walks and/or drives
  • Expert and knowledgeable armed rangers/guides
  • Conservation levy per person per night
  • Return road transfers from Johannesburg
  • 24/7 emergency support while you are on safari. If you experience a travel-related issue—such as a flight delay, a missed transfer, or any urgent situation affecting your itinerary—our team is available to assist you at any time.
Excludes
  • Flights
  • Visa and border crossing costs
  • Airport tax where applicable
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Drinks and meals not specified
  • Gratuities and items of a personal nature
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