Why ride, when you can walk?
The concept of Walking Safaris was introduced to Africa by two international icons of conservation – Ian Player of South Africa and Norman Carr of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). Of the same era was Dougie Wright, born in Botswana and passionate about its people, wildlife and wilderness, who introduced walking safaris to Botswana through his “Footsteps” programme.
What the three had in common was that they all realised that for one to have a true and holistic wilderness experience, it had to be done on foot.
“Get Real Africa”
These three pioneers discovered that, while vehicle safaris provided a visual experience, a walking safari fostered a more ‘real’ African experience.
Furthermore, it is believed that for a walk to be most meaningful, a few days in the bush is required – away from modern-day trappings – in order to open the mind to the wonders of nature. This allows for a more holistic sensual experience, involving the senses of sight, sound, smell and touch; all of which enables one to find true meaning through connecting with nature.
The experience offered is thus based on those elements of Africa which have made the most impression on these ultimate conservationists, that is, the elements of the Real Africa without the frills and that which is often contrived. These elements include:
- real wilderness,
- wildlife in its natural habitat and
- the real people of Africa in their natural environment.