The South Africa Walking Safari
14 days / 13 nights
South Africa
An Extraordinary South Africa Adventure on Foot
Ker & Downey's two-week South Africa Walking Safari welcomes travelers who want to experience the wild at ground level. Trek through various ecosystems, including safari reserves, coastlines, and ancient rock sties. As one of Ker & Downey’s most compelling South Africa adventure packages, it offers a rare balance of wilderness, history, and comfort, well off the beaten path.
Journey at-a-glance:
- Day 1 - 3: Marakele National Park
- Day 4 - 8: Garden Route
- Day 9 - 11: Cederberg Mountains
- Day 12 - 14: Cape Town
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Your South Africa walking safari first begins in the dramatic Waterberg region at Marakele National Park. This malaria-free reserve plays host to the only Big Five walking safari trail South Africa offers.
Here, guided walks replace traditional game drives by safari vehicle. Instead, you will track wildlife on foot on guided walking safaris through the game reserve.
Along the way, you will learn to read the South African bush. Each step of your safari walk reveals new details, from animal spoor to medicinal plants. Meanwhile, the scenery shifts from mountain gorges to riverbeds and open plains boasting plenty of bird species.
You will also explore ancient Stone Age cave paintings hidden within the landscape. Spend evenings at Marataba Mountain Lodge, where comfort and wilderness exist in perfect harmony.
Then transition from bush to coast as your journey continues along South Africa’s iconic Garden Route. The highlight here is the renowned Oystercatcher Trail, a fully catered coastal walking experience.
Over several days, walk along golden beaches and rugged cliffs on one of the more unique safaris in South Africa. Moreover, pause to explore tidal pools, spot seabirds, and taste wild oysters fresh from the rocks. At the same time, your guides share insights into the region’s unique ecosystems and coastal heritage.
Each day finally ends with fireside dinners and cozy lodge stays. As such, this portion of the South Africa walking safari blends physical activity with relaxation and natural beauty.
Then your South Africa tour ventures inland to the remote Cederberg Mountains, one of the most ancient landscapes on Earth. Retreat to Bushmans Kloof, set within a private nature reserve surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
While here, daily guided walks lead you to extraordinary San Bushman rock art sites. These archaeologist-led excursions reveal paintings that date back thousands of years—some older than the pyramids. As a result, this region offers one of the most meaningful cultural experiences in any South Africa adventure package.
Between walks, enjoy the stillness of the mountains, spa treatments, and refined dining inspired by the surrounding wilderness.
Finally, conclude your South Africa walking safari in Cape Town in the shadow of Table Mountain. After days of exploration on foot, this final chapter focuses on comfort, culture, and choice.
Stay at the elegant Cape Cadogan, ideally located for discovering the city’s highlights. Spend your days at leisure or opt for privately guided excursions. For example, explore nearby beaches, botanical gardens, or historic neighborhoods. Or, relax and enjoy Cape Town’s vibrant food and art scene.
This allows time to reflect on your visit to South Africa, while enjoying one of Africa’s most vibrant cities.
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Customize Your South Africa Walking Safari
This immersive journey showcases one of the most enriching South Africa adventure packages. It therefore proves ideal for travelers who value movement and meaningful connection to place.
Contact a Ker & Downey Travel Designer to personalize your own South Africa walking safari. In the meantime, learn more about seasonal considerations across Southern Africa. For even more travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
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