| There is a certain quality, a certain mystique to | | | | the safari travel guests into locations where they |
| the landscapes and the magnificent wildlife found | | | | can enjoy better and closer views of the wildlife, |
| in Africa that simply draws people to that | | | | while at the same time assuring their safety to |
| wonderful land. Many people have long-standing | | | | the best of their abilities. Depending on the size of |
| dreams of finding a way to experience Africa | | | | the safari group, there may be several guides and |
| first-hand. Walking safaris are just one of many | | | | staff members who travel armed and ready to |
| types of safari holidays that people can take that | | | | defend and protect. |
| will allow them to soak up the unique and special | | | | With a walking safari there is the potential to |
| characteristics of African safari travel. | | | | encounter just about any type of wild beast or |
| A walking safari allows the adventuresome | | | | bird that is native to the area. A common sight is |
| traveler to truly get "up close" and "personal" with | | | | a giraffe grazing on the juicy, tender leaves up in |
| the wilds of this vast and amazing continent. | | | | the tree tops, an enormous elephant pushing over |
| Walking quietly through an African safari wildlife | | | | an old tree, an African savanna buffalo at a |
| park that is known to be inhabited by big game | | | | watering hole, or even scavengers picking over |
| and other wild animals is a completely different | | | | what is left of yesterdays kill. |
| experience that allows the visitor the opportunity | | | | A walking safari is not for everyone, though. In |
| to begin to feel as though they are part of the | | | | order to participate, you need to be physically up |
| overall wilderness experience. | | | | to the task of walking for hours in the heat of |
| This is quite a contrast to simply sitting in a | | | | the African plains or the humidity of the jungles. |
| vehicle and watching the scenery and wildlife pass | | | | While the pace is usually fairly slow and there are |
| by. Walking safaris have much more potential for | | | | many stops to listen, watch and observe the |
| interaction and more meaningful experiences out | | | | wildlife around you, it can still be a draining |
| in the tall grass of the savannas or in the tangled | | | | experience for anyone who is less than fit. |
| territory of the jungles. | | | | Anyone who is contemplating a walking safari |
| Of course, this also means that it is important to | | | | should be in good enough condition to be able to |
| have skilled, knowledgeable and experienced safari | | | | walk for several hours per day, and each |
| travel guides leading the walking safari. Indeed, it | | | | consecutive day, for the duration of the safari. |
| would be completely foolhardy to undertake such | | | | Walking safaris are really only appropriate for |
| an endeavor without a safari guide nearby and | | | | people who want to enjoy the highest level of |
| well-armed. And, this does serve to highlight the | | | | thrills and exhilaration during their travels. Even |
| fact that a walking safari can be more dangerous | | | | though the majority of walking safari tours end |
| because the participants are not protected by | | | | up being quite safe and mellow, the potential |
| vehicles, which can speed away from danger at | | | | always exists for a dangerous encounter. Anyone |
| high speeds. | | | | who prefers to avoid uncertainties and risks would |
| Instead, a successful walking safari relies on keen | | | | be wise to chose a different type of excursion; |
| observation skills that an experienced safari guide | | | | perhaps an African safari tour. |
| will bring to the expedition. Such guides will lead | | | | |