More information on walking safari holidays in Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Kruger & Botswana) and walking holidays in Latin America & the Indian subcontinent.
SOUTHERN & EAST AFRICA
Zambia was the original home of walking safari holidays in Africa, pioneered by the game warden Norman Carr, and walking safari holidays are still offered here today. South Luangwa National Park is particularly noteworthy, as you can combine a walking safari holiday with game drives, or even walk every day from camp to camp.
In South Africa you can enjoy wonderful walking safari holidays in the world famous Kruger National Park, staying in a tented walking camp with a thrilling sleep-out option where you can hear the raw sounds of the wild. The Drakensberg Mountains is another noteworthy World Heritage site, where you can walk to view ancient Bushman rock paintings surrounded by magnificent scenery. The Mont-aux-Sources Trail, where you hike to the source of the Tugela River, is a particularly noteworthy challenge. There are also several excellent walking trails along the scenic Garden Route, including the Dolphin Trail and the Wild Coast Meander.
The Okavango Delta in Botswana offers more opportunities for walking safari holidays, staying under canvas in a specialist walking camp.
The abundant game of East Africa can be viewed on foot in private conservancies adjacent to the great Masai Mara in Kenya and the endless plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania. Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa, and Ruaha also offer excellent walking safari holiday opportunities.
For the ultimate challenge, you can climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania - Africa's highest mountain. You will be accompanied by experienced mountain guides, who will do all in their power to help you summit, with a range of route options.
INDIAN OCEAN
Reunion Island, a French overseas territory, offers some of the best walking opportunities in the Indian Ocean, with three extinct volcanic craters to explore, as well as one very active one. Reunion is easily combined with South Africa, Mauritius or Madagascar.
LATIN AMERICA
Latin America offers everything for walkers. This vast continent begins with Mexico, which boasts great walking in volcanic and jungle landscapes and many magnificent ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins. Head inland away from the tourist hotspots and you will be richly rewarded.
These incredible cultures left their legacy all the way through northern Central America as far as Honduras, including Guatemala and Belize. Walking and exploring the beautifully preserved remains of their civilisations is one of the most fascinating and memorable experiences on earth.
Costa Rica is one of the most popular countries in Central America for walking safari holidays, as they have tropical rainforests everywhere teeming with wildlife, including sloths and sea turtles. The birdlife is also outstanding.
Panama is known for its magnificent canal and cosmopolitan Panama City. But the country offers much more for walkers, and you can explore practically virgin territory, including forest and ocean locations which are well worth seeking out for their unspoilt peace and quiet.
In Peru you can trek along some of the most famous trails in the world, such as the Inca Trail - walking from the Sacred Valley to the amazing ancient Inca citadel at Machu Picchu. The less congested Lares and Salkantay treks are equally spectacular, walking through awesome Andean scenery. The Rainbow Mountain hike near Cusco is easily combined.
Neighbouring Equador is the land of volcanoes and you can trek the famous Quiotoa Loop, with stunning Lake Quiota in the crater of the dormant volcano. Wherever you go in these astounding Andes landscapes, look out for snow-capped peaks, awe-inspiring, jungle clad valleys and the majestic condors cruising high above.
In Columbia you can hike to the Rainbow River, climb enormous El Peñón rock and hike through dense jungle and along the beach in Tayrone National Park. You can also explore lost cities and indigenous villages.
Argentina and Chile share the glaciers and icefields of spectacular Patagonia, and also have beautiful Lake Districts. Torre del Paine National Park in Chile boasts the W trek, whilst Los Glacieres National Park in Argentina is home to dramatic Mount Fitzroy.
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
Walking safari and trekking holidays in Asia are dominated by the mighty Himalayas Mountains, especially the northern border of India, and neighbouring Nepal and Bhutan. The vast areas of northern India offer unlimited, magnificent trekking opportunities, with views, valleys and high passes to rival anything in the world. In the northeast both Sikkim and Darjeeling combine the echoes and remains of the British Raj with stunning vistas of the High Himalayas.
Nepal is Asia’s premier trekking destination, with guided hikes through the Annapurna region varying between low level walks and high passes like the famous Thorong. Bhutan has fewer visitors so the trails are really pristine. You will receive a warm Buddhist welcome from the only country on earth with a Gross National Happiness policy! Trek to sacred mountain Chomolhari or to remote villages in the east of this small but beautiful country.
In India’s far south, Kerala offers a complete contrast. Here you will find tropical forest and grassland, including the mountainous but more gentle and biodiverse Western Ghats and the wonderful wildlife of the Periyar National Park. Ramble through villages, meet the locals and experience first-hand the colonial architecture, tea, coffee and spice plantations of this beautiful area.