Imagine this… the sound of your boots crunching gently on the dry earth as you begin your exploration into the Zambian wilderness. The whisper of the breeze through the Winter thorn trees… the call of a fish eagle piercing the quiet.
But, you’re not in a vehicle – there’s no hum of an engine to distract from the symphony of the wild.
You have embarked on a walking safari – fully immersed in the Zambian bush, every step taking you further and further into the sights and sounds of one of the most underrated safari locations in Africa.
Bush walks – thrilling experiences that bring you closer to Zambia’s heartbeat, are a joy experienced by thousands of adventurous travellers every year. But, how did it begin?
Let’s journey through the history of the famous walking safari – from its roots in Zambia through to its role today as an iconic safari experience.
Zambia holds a unique place in the story of the walking safari. The concept was pioneered in the 1950s by British Conservationist Norman Carr in the untamed landscapes of South Luangwa National Park. Carr was a visionary and a well-known safari legend who believed that the best way to foster a love for nature was to experience it up close, on foot – without the barriers of a vehicle. He understood that true conservation stems from connection – an ethos that continues to define Zambia’s bush walks today!
Before Carr’s innovative approach, safaris were first and foremost hunting expeditions for the colonial elite – however, he turned this idea on its head! He created Zambia’s first photographic safari camp and introduced walking safaris as a way to appreciate wildlife without disturbing it. His guests didn’t just observe the African bush; they learned to read its tracks, smell its glorious scents and feel its pulse. Walking safaris then became an intimate dance with nature – where every rustle and footprint told a story.
Norman Carr’s legacy in Zambia is nothing short of remarkable. In 1950, he established the first safari camp in what was then Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) – paving the way for the modern safari experience.
Carr’s first camp was set up in collaboration with Senior Nsefu of the Kunda people in the Luangwa Valley. The Chief agreed to set aside part of his land as a game reserve – and Carr then built the first game-viewing camp open to the public. The partnership laid the groundwork for what would become one of Zambia’s key conservation models! The revenue generated from the camp was then shared with the Chief, ensuring that the local community benefitted directly from the wildlife in the local area.
Carr’s pioneering efforts didn’t stop there. Over the next few decades, he introduced countless innovations:
By the 1970s, Carr had established many safari camps across the Luangwa Valley, each bringing visitors closer to nature while emphasising the importance of conservation in the local area!
The 1980s marked a turning point for walking safaris, as bush walks became more refined and popular amongst visitors. Camps raised their standards, service and guiding expertise. Walking safaris were no longer confined to a single niche… they became an integral part of Zambian tourism.
Did you know? The 1980s also saw the development of interpretative guiding, where guides began to incorporate storytelling, insights about local culture and ecological education into the walking safari experience. This deepened the connection between guests and the wilderness, adding to the overall experience!
Norman Carr built his last and final safari camp in 1985, but his legacy lived on, far surpassing the decades that followed…
As Norman Carr’s influence continued, others took up the mantle. In the 1990s, Zambia’s walking safari expanded to new areas such as the Lower Zambezi National Park – just a stone-throw away from Royal Zambezi Lodge! The Lower Zambezi region has dramatic escarpments and lush floodplains as far as the eye can see, providing a unique and breathtaking backdrop for bush walks.
By the mid-90s, conservation and tourism pioneers worked to uphold Carr’s legacy – combining a mix of traditional guiding techniques with a focus on modern sustainability.
The walking safari of today carries the original DNA of Norman Carr’s vision but has evolved to make sure visitors feel as comfortable as possible – including new technologies, safety protocols and luxury features.
Modern-day walking safaris such as our bush walks focus on core components such as:
Walking in the bush allows you to experience the wilderness on its own terms. This more intimate form of exploration gives you the chance to closely study all of the fascinating details that make up the ecosystem including plants, spoors, burrows, nests and even the tiniest creatures that might go otherwise unnoticed!
Every sight, sound and scent feels unfiltered and intimate whether that’s the call of a distant Pearl Spotted Owlet or the rustle of a lizard in the undergrowth.
In the capable hands of experienced guides, such as our lovely safari guides at Royal Zambezi Lodge – many of whom were born and raised in the bush – this sensory journey is both safe and captivating.
The Zambian walking safari is also a platform for unexpected and thrilling encounters. While big game like elephants and lions can provide dramatic moments, some of the smaller, more elusive creatures can be just as memorable. You may spot a rare snake basking on a rock or dangling silently from a branch… while guides provide rich insights into their behaviour, often curing even the deepest seated fears of snakes!
Our highly trained guides are walking encyclopedias of Zambia and its diverse ecosystems out in the beating wild. They’ll teach you how to move cautiously through the bush, how to read key signals from animals, and how to identify exotic and native plants such as the Dichrostachys Cinerea – or ‘sickle bush’ believed to ward off evil spirits!
Part of the magic of modern walking safaris is how they allow you to blend into the background of the bush! Accompanied by a trusty guide, any initial perceptions of danger quickly fade as you venture the savannah on foot. Dressing in natural hues helps you remain inconspicuous, allowing you to approach wildlife in its undisturbed state.
By the time you return to camp, your senses are heightened, your appetite for lunch or a cold beer is sharpened and your spirit feels fully alive!
Walking safaris have evolved since Norman Carr’s day, but the spirit remains the same: to explore the wilderness on its terms. Zambia is still the epicentre of this well-loved tradition, with the South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi offering some of the most renowned routes in Africa.
At Royal Zambezi Lodge, we ensure that every bush walk is conducted with the utmost respect for the environment and its inhabitants. Our guides are well-trained to prioritise the well-being of wildlife, maintaining a safe distance, reading animal behaviour carefully, and ensuring our presence does not disrupt their natural routines. By treading lightly and moving with awareness, we provide an experience that is not only immersive for our guests but also safe and harmonious for the creatures that call the bush home.
Our walking safaris aim take you into the heart of the Lower Zambezi, a vast expanse where wildlife is free to roam and the Zambezi River glimmers like a silver thread.
If you’re interested in our 2025/2026 rates and are looking for the ultimate walking safari, get in touch!
+260 97 0010124
+260 96 674 8249
IN HOUSE
AUSTRALIA
Africa Reps*
+61 (0) 410 22 55 80
[email protected]
http://africareps.com.au.
*contact ONLY for marketing information NOT reservations.
+260 97 0010124
+260 96 674 8249
IN HOUSE
Africa Reps*
+61 (0) 410 22 55 80
[email protected]
http://africareps.com.au.
*contact ONLY for marketing information NOT reservations.
