Sun Destinations

Africa on Foot offers professional walking safaris in the heart of the Kruger. Located in a pristine, private reserve home to the big five and an abundance of birdlife, it’s the ideal location to discover the heart and soul of Africa while on foot. The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, home to Africa on Foot, shares unfenced borders with the Timbavati Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park.  The camp is also open, which means animals from far and wide roam freely throughout the camp and the reserve.

Walking safaris are led by highly qualified rangers and trackers who prioritise your safety. The camp has a set schedule for the walks. Your ranger wakes you at 5:30 and after a quick coffee they begin the 3 hour walk. Lazy afternoons are spent relaxing at the pool or in the comfort of the safari lounge area. To throw in an extra dimenstion to your walking safari, there will also be the option of going on a game drive in the evening.

A walking safari and game drive offers the best of both worlds. To discover the wonders of the bush on foot, with nothing between you and the wild is an exhilarating experience. A must do on any bucket list.

Here are the top 5 highlights of a Kruger walking safari :

You learn how to identify behaviour from animal tracks, markings and “droppings”

The last time I went walking with the Africa on Foot team we discovered feline tracks. There was something different about the tracks. There seemed to be a single line nestled between the front and back tracks. Our Shangaan tracker told us that they were drag marks. This particular feline was obviously dragging a kill.

If you take dry elephant dung and light it, the billows of smoke are meant to cure your headaches. If you’re a city dweller it is probably eaier to pop a pill, but if you are ever stranded in the African bush and have a headache; then you know what to do.

You find out the medicinal properties of the surrounding vegetation

The vegetation in the Klaserie is home to a wealth of medicinal plants and an array of bushes with unique practical uses. For example, a tree commonly found in the Klaserie is called the Magic Guarri. It boasts many useful properties. The frayed ends of the smaller twigs are soft, yet firm and can be used as a substitute for a toothbrush. Many refer to this tree as the toothbrush tree. The tree bears a small fruit which looks like a berry. The berry can be used in the brewing of beer. The roots are used for dye and to make up medicinal concoctions to thwart gastro like symptoms.

No wonder it’s magic. There are plenty of other trees, grasses and plants with similar properties. Armed with these facts, you’re sure to put Bear Grylls to shame!

The rare opportunity to observe the big five on foot

It is such a privilege to share your space with one of the big five. There are safety precautions which you will need to adhere to at a sighting. Your ranger will tell you what to do when you are observing a breeding herd of elephant.

Learning how to read the natural elements of the bush

When leopards mark their territory it gives off a distinct odour. This smell is often not detected while in a game vehicle. If you ever out on foot and smell popcorn, then you can be sure that a leopard has been in the area marking its territory.

Leopard urine smells like popcorn. Going to movies will never be the same !

Getting morning excercise to make up for all that safari dining

A safari holiday involves plenty of relaxing, eating and sitting around the campfire discussing the day’s sightings. Because the camps are open, it is not safe to walk around. For the more active guest, this means they cannot go for a quick cycle or run. Starting your day with a walk is sure to provide you with a dose of daily excercise !

Advice:

The key is to listen to rangers and not be a hero. They know more than you and are highly trained. They have passed numerous written and practical tests, and can handle themselves. Trust them.

The walk at Africa on Foot covers a flat landscape and is not strenuous. A vehicle can come pick us up at any stage if you don’t feel well.

Book your Kruger walking safari holiday at Africa on Foot here: reservations@sundestinations.co.za

Important:

Guides are armed with guns. This is purely a preventative measure. They are not going to shoot the animals in the unlikely event of danger. If in a compromising position, they will fire a warning shot into the ground, which will scare the animal away.