Jaci's Lodges is excited to offer specialised guided walking safaris in Madikwe. With our walking-trails-qualified guide Paul, you can enjoy a three- to four-hour walk through the Madikwe bushveld.

While walking, your senses are finely tuned to every sound and smell, offering a completely different experience to being on a game drive – you may not see as much in terms of larger animal species, but you will learn so much more about the relationship between flora and fauna, making it an unforgettable experience.

 A well-known field guide has been known to say, "Taking a game drive is like watching a movie, while walking in the bush is like reading a book."

What to expect while walking

Walking is all about the smaller things the bush has to offer, things you would normally miss seeing while out on a game drive, such as animal spoors and dung, small flowers and plants, bird calls, mammals, the aromatic smells of herbs and shrubs, and so much more.

You will be walking in Big Five/Top 10 territory, so if you are really lucky you might encounter some of the larger mammals while on foot. But normally you can get closer to them when on a vehicle. If you encounter one of the Top 10 on a walk, your guide will move you to a safe viewing distance, from where you can really appreciate these animals in their natural habitat (feeling vulnerable is not such a bad thing as it puts your life back into perspective).

We recommend a reasonable level of fitness as walks could vary between 5km and 10km over the three to four hours. You walk as fast as the slowest person in the group, so don't worry about having to keep up with your guide. Book your walking safari now.

What to wear on a guided walk

Neutral-coloured clothing

Shorts in summer and long trousers in winter

Comfortable, closed walking boots and socks (seed gaiters if you have, but not essential)

Wide-brimmed hat

Sunscreen/sunblock

What to carry on a guided walk

As little as possible – your guide will carry a first-aid pack, water, radio, loo paper, etc

A small daypack

Camera – small and compact with great zoom

Binoculars

Restrictions

A recent medical certificate is required, stating you are fit to walk three to four hours in a wilderness area:

If you have any pre-existing medical condition

If you are over 60 years of age

Children up to 15 years of age are not allowed to walk in Madikwe