I recently had the opportunity to visit several camps in Hwange National Park and, even better, to go on bush walks at many of them. Walking amongst the flora and fauna of the African bush is an incredible experience and Zimbabwe offers some of the continent’s best walking; particularly in Hwange and Mana Pools.
There is nothing quite like the first few footsteps on a walk in the bush. As you take your first few steps away from the safety of the camp or a vehicle an incredible awakening of your senses occurs. You become aware of the crunch of your footsteps on the crust of dry ground, the smell of wild basil and sage brush, the feeling of the wind upon your skin and it’s direction. As you go further you become acutely aware of how these senses matter as you could easily come across large and potentially dangerous animals.
Zimbabwe is well known for its rigorous guide qualification process and on all walking safaris you are accompanied by a guide armed not only with a firearm but with a wealth of experience and knowledge to ensure that there is no reason to use it!
The point of a walk is not to provoke or enter any animals comfort zone. Rather a walk seeks to show you the bush in a new light- to experience the myriad ‘small things’ that could pass you by on a drive. During my walks in Hwange I have wondered in awe at iridescent beetles and newly blooming lilies, frozen at the alarm call of a bird, sought out orchids with blooms smaller than my finger and learned much about the landscape, animal tracks and plants.
You are forced to live in the moment whilst walking in the wilderness, and to me, this is the ultimate joy. With senses alert and the wonders of the natural world around you, no longer can you worry about trivialities such as next week’s grocery shop or the unanswered mail in your inbox…
In today’s world of Facebook notifications and constant communication, this is such a gift- the ultimate way to unwind by unplugging and be reminded of your natural place in the world. If you love nature and want to experience and connect with it on ground level there can be no better experience than walking in the wilderness.
Images and Text by Sarah Kerr
