South Luangwa is The Birthplace of the Walking Safari
“From a vehicle you see Africa. On foot you feel, hear and smell Africa.”
There is no better way to know South Luangwa than on foot. The terrain, the habitats, and the wildlife density make it an unforgettable experience.
Led by BCC’s expert guides and accompanied by experienced armed scouts, walking safaris immerse you in the valley's tracks, scents, sounds, habitats, vegetation, and wildlife in a way no vehicle can. Walking safaris are available as an optional activity at every BCC camp.
For those who want deeper connection with South Luangwa, walking from camp to camp takes about two to four hours — and a walking journey through our curated Bushcamp Circuit is an "only at Bushcamp Co." hallmark classic safari.
More about the Walking Safari Journey Package > Here
Why South Luangwa Is the Birthplace of the Walking Safari
Walking safaris add a new dimension to wildlife viewing by focusing on the finer details of the bush. Moving at a slower pace, you’ll learn to read tracks in the sand, interpret alarm calls, and recognize the subtle signs that reveal what’s happening beyond sight. Your guide shares deep ecological knowledge—from tracking predators to the traditional uses of plants—and will tailor each walk to your interests, whether wildlife behavior, botany, birds, or photography.
Safety is paramount. Walks are led by highly trained professional guides who provide clear instruction and follow established protocols, ensuring a controlled, well‑managed experience when on foot. And while no description can replace time‑tested practice, our zero‑incident safety record speaks for itself.
Yes, children can join walking safaris in Zambia, but with strict age restrictions for safety reasons.
The standard regulation from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife is that children must be at least 12 years old to participate in walking safaris. If you're traveling with kids younger than 12, plan on vehicle game drives or shorter "nature walks" around camp instead.
Recommendations for Families
- Best for Ages 12+: Walking safaris are an immersive highlight of South Luangwa—tracking animals on foot, learning about spoor, and experiencing the bush intimately. Ideal for teens and mature children.
- Alternatives for Younger Children (Ages 11 or under): Focus on game drives (day/night), which have no age restrictions at our camps outside of using a private vehicle. Hide viewing and short nature walks around camp can also be arranged subject to guide discretion.
- Planning Tip: If traveling with children under 12, discuss options early. Exclusive use of a bushcamp or private guiding ensures flexibility and maximizes family enjoyment without compromising safety.
Our policy on children prioritizes safety while preserving the authentic walking safari experience pioneered in South Luangwa. If you have a specific family itinerary in mind, please ask and we will try our best to accommodate you.
Every walking safari is accompanied by a small, highly experienced team. You’ll be led by your professional safari guide and joined by an armed escort scout from Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), whose presence is required on all walks. Completing the team is a tea porter, a longstanding tradition of walking safaris, who carries water and essentials to ensure a comfortable, unhurried experience in the bush.
Neutral, understated colours are best when on foot. We recommend dull bush tones such as khaki, green, brown, or grey. Blue and black should be avoided, as they tend to attract tsetse flies, while bright colours—particularly white—can stand out against the natural landscape. Comfortable, closed walking shoes or boots are essential.
Not at all. While walking safaris are a signature of the Bushcamp experience, each camp also offers game drives led by experienced guides, allowing for a flexible mix of activities. With additional guides available in camp, guests can tailor their time to suit personal interests, and each bushcamp features its own distinctive setting and surprises—ensuring no two stays are ever the same.
