Namibia is the ultimate wilderness destination and while there are plenty of guided game drives and safari expeditions designed to take you right up close to some of Namibia’s endemic animals, nothing quite beats a walking safari.
Walking safaris in Namibia are steadily growing in popularity, as more and more eco-conscious travellers are attracted to the opportunity to become almost one with nature, by going on the sort of tour where every sound, scent, and sight comes alive.
Unlike the passive experience of vehicle-based safaris, walking safaris allow for a slower, more personal connection with the landscape.
Guided by expert local trackers, when on this sort of tour, you will get to learn the ancient skills of identifying wildlife spoor and interpreting signs of the wild.
It is an experience unlike any other, one that will have your adrenaline-pumping every step of the way.
Walking through the bush means always being alert, which adds something rather special to the whole experience. As with all safari destinations in Africa, when you are walking out in the wild, you never quite know if you will come across something around the corner or how it will react to seeing you.
But when you know a little something about tracking wildlife, identifying their spoor and knowing just how recently they have walked the very same path you have, you not only have an increased opportunity to see something incredible with an up-close encounter, but you will also be able to stay somewhat safer.
This blog is going to be your quintessential guide to a Namibia walking safari.
We’re going to be talking all about what makes a Namibia walking safari so special, the techniques used by local guides, how to track Namibia’s iconic wildlife on foot, and we’ll be sharing some tips for ensuring a safe, unforgettable adventure in one of Africa’s wildest, and most fascinating landscapes.
What to Expect from a Namibia Walking Safari
As you can probably imagine, a Namibia walking safari is a completely different experience from the typical game drive. A Namibia walking safari will often take place in private reserves or remote areas of national parks, where the land feels completely untouched.
For travellers who would like to connect more deeply with nature and experience the wildlife up close, there is truly nothing better than a safari such as this!
Walking the wilderness on foot is about as intimate, and as sensory-rich, as a safari can get.
Without the barrier of a vehicle, you’re going to have a heightened awareness of the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush around you and the slower pace of such a safari also allows for a more detailed observation.
You’ll be spotting a herd of antelope mere meters away or you’ll get down, close to the dirt, to examine the intricate patterns of animal tracks in the sand.
One of the main highlights of a Namibia walking safari is the personalised attention you receive from your expert local guides, who are often members of indigenous communities, who along the way will share their profound knowledge of the land and its wildlife. And since such safaris often include fewer people than a game drive, you’re also going to be able to engage more closely with the guides while you learn ancient tracking skills.
In every way, this sort of trip is unique and special, and while you might not see everything while on foot, the experience you have will be so much more rewarding. Besides, you can always do the guided game drive afterwards, as there is nothing stopping you from enjoying both experiences.
Learning Tracking Skills from Local Guides
One of the most remarkable aspects of a Namibia walking safari is the chance to learn tracking skills from the San who are Namibia’s indigenous people who have lived in harmony with the land for millennia.
Because of their ancient lifestyle and skills, the San have a deep understanding of the environment, using knowledge passed down through generations to track wildlife with incredible precision.
On a walking safari, San guides will share their expertise in reading the landscape, teaching you how to interpret the subtle clues left behind by animals. You’ll learn to identify spoor, which includes the footprints, droppings, broken branches, and other signs, that give away clues about not only the type of animal that has recently passed by but also its direction, age, and behaviour.
Tracking goes well beyond sight; it also involves using all the senses, such as recognising scents carried on the wind or noticing disturbances in the sand.
The ancient techniques the San use are particularly effective in tracking Namibia’s iconic wildlife, like rhinos, elephants, and lions. For instance, on safari, a guide can follow the faint rhino tracks through a dry riverbed, reading the depth of the footprint and the scattered vegetation to predict the animal’s direction, and hours later, the group will come across the exact same rhino they have been tracking.
The San are not the only guides who conduct walking safaris. There are other Namibian locals and incredible expert guides who have spent their entire careers caring for and walking through the Namibian wild and who now also offer such tours. When booking a Namibia walking safari, be sure to choose the right tour so that you will be guided by your preferred guide.
Tracks vs. Spoor: Understanding the Differences
Although they are terms that are often used to describe the same thing, there is a difference between tracks and spoor, and understanding that difference will give you a richer, more detailed wildlife tracking experience on your Namibia walking safari.
Tracks refer specifically to the footprints animals leave behind, and as you already know, each species has distinct prints that can reveal much about the animal. The size, depth, and pattern of the tracks are used by trackers to determine not only the type of animal but also its size, speed, and recent activity.
For example, the wide, round footprints of an elephant are easy to distinguish from the deep, clawed imprints of a lion.
Spoor, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes tracks but also encompasses other signs of an animal’s presence. This can be anything from droppings, fur, and feathers to broken branches, disturbed soil, or even scent markings. Together, these clues form a trail that expert trackers use to piece together the movements of wildlife.
For example, by following both the footprints and freshly broken branches, guides can figure out the direction of a herd of elephants and by looking at the droppings along the way, the guides can also find clues about how recently the animals passed through.
Tracking Namibia’s Most Popular Wildlife
Namibia is home to stacks of animal species, as well as all sorts of reptiles and other critters and creatures that will leave a mark as they move across the soft desert sands. But most who sign up for a walking tour have a few specific animals that they hope to see, up close in the wild.
On a Namibia walking safari, some of the most popular and exciting animals to track include:
- Desert Elephants
These elephants have adapted to Namibia’s harsh desert environments, making them a unique species to encounter. Their large footprints and the destruction they leave behind (broken trees and disturbed sand) make them relatively easy to track.
- Black Rhinos
Namibia is one of the last strongholds for the critically endangered black rhino. Tracking these majestic creatures on foot is an exhilarating experience, especially in regions like Damaraland, where they move around freely. Their large, rounded footprints and dung piles are common spoor.
- Lions
Namibia’s lions, particularly the desert-adapted lions, are a sought-after species. Their large, round tracks and territorial markings are important clues for trackers. And spotting a lion’s spoor on foot will always add an element of excitement and danger to your walking tour.
- Leopards
Leopards are elusive and hard to spot, but their distinct round paw prints and territorial markings (scratch marks on trees and scent markings) make them an exciting animal to track.
- Giraffes
Giraffes are surprisingly quiet despite their size, making tracking them a unique challenge. Their distinct, large hoof prints and the vegetation they browse (such as acacia trees) are key signs to follow.
- Antelopes (Oryx, Springbok, Kudu)
Namibia is home to several species of antelope, each of which leaves behind distinct hoof prints as they walk through the bush and sand.
Unusual Spoor and Tracks to Avoid
While tracking wildlife on a Namibia walking safari, you may encounter unusual spoor left by less common or nocturnal creatures. For example, you may encounter the subtle imprints of small nocturnal animals like porcupines or genets, snake trails slithering across the sand, or the distinct claw marks left by aardvarks. Birds also leave unique tracks, especially around waterholes or nesting areas, where you might spot the three-pronged footprints of ostriches or waterfowl.
However, when you spot certain tracks, it is best to approach the area with extreme caution.
Fresh predator tracks, such as those of lions or leopards, should be approached with care. Knowing how to identify these tracks is important, as large predators can be extremely dangerous if surprised at close range. The large, deep paw prints with visible claws often indicate the presence of a lion, while a leopard’s more compact, rounder track suggests a smaller but equally dangerous cat.
Uncommon spoor, such as deep claw marks on trees or disturbed soil, may also indicate territorial markings, especially from species like rhinos or leopards. This signifies that the animal is asserting its dominance and is likely nearby, making it critical to stay alert.
In addition, signs of snakes, such as shed skins or snake trails, should prompt extra vigilance. Animals like these, along with large predators, are always best observed from a distance.
Safety Tips for Namibia Walking Safaris
Namibia’s walking safaris might be incredibly exciting but to ensure a safe and unforgettable adventure, it’s essential to adhere to the following safety tips:
- Stay Close to Your Guide – Your guide is your expert on the terrain and wildlife. Always stay within their sightline and follow their instructions. They have years of experience walking through this wilderness and can identify potential hazards.
- Encountering Dangerous Animals – If you encounter a dangerous animal, such as a lion or elephant, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Back away slowly and quietly, keeping your guide between you and the animal. Never attempt to approach or provoke the wildlife.
- Be Mindful of Your Surroundings – Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of wind direction, noise, and scent. These factors can influence wildlife behaviour. Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that might startle animals.
- Dress Appropriately – Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Long pants and long sleeves can protect you from thorns and insects. Bring a hat to shield yourself from the sun.
- Stay Hydrated – Namibia’s climate can be harsh, with high temperatures and limited water sources. Carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during long walks. You should also take the time to understand the environment’s limitations and plan accordingly.
Always keep in mind that although your guide will do their best to keep you safe, the wilderness is a beautiful but unpredictable place, and respecting its inhabitants is a must if you want to ensure that your experience is both safe and rewarding.
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A walking safari is without a doubt one of the most epic adventures you will ever have! If you are ready for such a trip, have a look at our selection of Namibia tours.