Why A Walking Safari?
Before developing a walking safari in Botswana, I considered going on safari. I perceived it as more of a passive and sedentary kind of travel involving excessive eating and minimal physical activity. Being an enthusiast of hiking and mountains, I struggled to envision myself trying to maintain focus through binoculars while being jolted around on jeep tracks. I had been informed about the issues of overcrowding in popular safari destinations like Tanzania and the Okavango Delta, where safari guides would maneuver jeeps for a quick glimpse of the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, African buffalo, rhino). The idea of tourists vying for animal sightings and pushing their boundaries was enough to deter me.
The Original Walking Safari Company in Botswana
Back in 2017, I discovered Walk Botswana Safaris, one of the pioneering mobile walking safari operators in Botswana. It was evident to me at that moment that this was a unique experience worth pursuing. I started imagining a different kind of safari, where encounters with wildlife might not be as close, but where the focus would be on understanding the intricate connections and harmony of nature. An experience where you could pause at any moment to study animal tracks, insects, tree bark, and birds, learning about their interactions for survival and reproduction on our planet. This type of safari is the real deal - a journey that heightens your senses to their fullest. You find yourself constantly alert, scanning your surroundings, detecting the most potent scents, and listening intently to every rustle. It becomes clear that establishing trust with your guide and fellow adventurers is crucial for a successful expedition.
It is crucial to understand the rigorous process of becoming a licensed walking safari guide in Botswana. Carrying a firearm while walking in the bush is a necessity for safety reasons. However, the government is selective in granting permits to guides with firearms to avoid trigger-happy individuals or those lacking experience. As a strong advocate for conservation and borderless wildlife zones, WBS refrains from harming animals unless absolutely necessary. Plus, as our guide Gareth said to us once, “I hate shooting animals because it requires a lot of paperwork.” Needless to say, WBS passed the litmus test for this permit, but not many do.
Encountering Lions by Foot
During our recent safari with Walk Botswana, we had the opportunity to truly test our trust in our guide, Gareth. After discovering fresh lion tracks early one morning, Gareth informed us that we were on our way to Lion Island to locate the "two big boys". His dedication to bringing his clients up close to these predators on foot without intruding on their territory is a skill he has honed since childhood. Walking closely behind Gareth, we felt completely confident in his abilities, our hearts racing as we neared lion island. As we approached, we could hear the lions roaring and an elephant in distress from a safe distance, causing Gareth to halt in his tracks.We listened, observed, and eagerly awaited Gareth's decision. After much deliberation, he finally declared, "let's go find them"! Although I briefly hesitated and felt a pang of fear, as we cautiously approached the animals on foot, a sense of trust and unity washed over me. I trusted Gareth's experience, skills, and competence to lead us in a safe and responsible manner before these magnificent creatures. His goal was to inspire us with awe and wonder for the remarkable wildlife and natural beauty that surrounded us, and he certainly succeeded. Walking through the bush, absorbing the profound silence, vastness, and experiencing the respect and admiration for our place in this world, was truly a an awe-inspiring experience.
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