Wilderness Trails Types, Benefits, and Experiences
A Wilderness Trail is one of the most immersive and profound ways to experience the African wilderness, offering a connection to nature that goes beyond the typical safari experience. While the concept of walking through the African bush has long been part of indigenous cultures, it was only later that walking safaris became a structured activity for exploration and understanding of Africa’s diverse landscapes. Today, these Wilderness Trails provide a respectful and meaningful way to engage with the land, allowing travellers to gain a deeper appreciation for Africa's rich ecological heritage.
At WildSide Trails, the approach to Wilderness Trail is intentionally minimalist, focusing on a deep, undistracted connection with nature. Participants live close to the ground, engaging in a multi-day journey that might involve either slackpacking or backpacking between selected camping spots. Each day, you move between campsites, carrying your essentials in a backpack or day pack, depending on the type of safari. The distances covered each day vary between 5km and 15km, depending on the trail's goals and the group’s fitness level.
Your day on a Wilderness Trail typically starts at dawn, when the first light of day begins to warm the horizon, and the bush comes alive with the sounds of birds and other wildlife. After a light breakfast, the group sets out on foot, guided by expert trackers and guides who are intimately familiar with the landscape. The morning walk is often spent tracking wildlife, observing the subtle signs of animal presence, and learning about the flora and fauna that make this ecosystem so unique.
As you walk, the guides share their deep knowledge of the bush, pointing out tracks, identifying plants, and explaining the intricate relationships that sustain the ecosystem. You might find yourself crouched in the shade of a tree, watching a herd of elephants in the distance, or quietly observing as a pride of lions rests in the midday heat. The pace of the walk is unhurried, allowing you to fully absorb the environment and experience the bush with all your senses.
By late morning, the group pauses for a break, enjoying a light snack and some rest before continuing the journey. The afternoon walk is typically shorter, leading to the next campsite, where the group sets up for the night. As evening falls, the campfire becomes the centre of activity, with stories shared, experiences recounted, and the sounds of the bush providing a natural soundtrack. Sleeping under the stars, with the distant roar of lions or the call of a nightjar, is an unforgettable part of the experience.
While driving safaris offer the advantage of covering larger distances and encountering more wildlife in a shorter time, they also tend to be more detached experiences, with the sounds, smells, and subtleties of the bush often obscured by the vehicle. In contrast, a Wilderness Trail immerses you in the environment, making you a participant rather than just an observer.
The slower pace of a Wilderness Trail allows for a more intimate and detailed exploration of the landscape. You become attuned to the small details that might be missed on a drive, such as the intricate patterns on a beetle’s back, the delicate flowers of a medicinal plant, or the soft rustle of a snake moving through the grass. Each step is a new opportunity to discover something extraordinary.
Furthermore, the absence of a vehicle means that the animals you encounter are often less disturbed, allowing for more natural and authentic interactions. There is a unique thrill in knowing that you are on foot in a land where wildlife roams freely, and this awareness heightens every sense, making each sighting more meaningful.
Safety is a top priority on any Wilderness Trail, and Wildside Trails follows strict protocols to ensure the well-being of all participants. Before setting out, guides provide a thorough briefing on the rules and safety procedures that must be followed. These include walking in a single file to minimise the group’s presence, maintaining silence to avoid startling wildlife, staying behind the guides at all times, following their instructions immediately, and never running, no matter the circumstances.
Communication in the bush is typically non-verbal, relying on a system of hand signals to convey messages without disturbing the natural environment. If you need to get the guide’s attention, it’s advised to use a natural sound, such as a whistle or a click of the tongue. This subtle form of communication ensures that the group remains as inconspicuous as possible, allowing for closer encounters with wildlife.
The guides at WildSide Trails are highly trained and experienced, with a deep understanding of the bush and its inhabitants. They are not only skilled in tracking wildlife behaviour but also in first aid and emergency procedures. Their role is to lead the group safely through the wilderness, sharing their knowledge and insights along the way, while also ensuring that the experience remains respectful of the natural world.
Wilderness Trail offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature on its own terms, free from the distractions of modern life. At WildSide Trails, this experience is designed to be both challenging and rewarding, pushing you to engage with the wilderness in a way that is both humbling and enlightening.
Living close to the ground, carrying your essentials on your back, and moving through the landscape at a natural pace allows you to experience the bush as it has been for millennia. The challenges of the trail - whether it’s the heat of the day, the rough terrain, or the simple discomfort of being away from modern conveniences - serve to ground you in the reality of the environment. In return, you gain a deep appreciation for the resilience and beauty of nature.
This journey is more than just an adventure; it’s a chance to reflect, slow down, and see the world from a different perspective. The connection you form with the land, the wildlife, and the people you share the experience with is profound and lasting.
In conclusion, Wilderness Trail at Wildside Trails offer a rare and transformative experience that goes beyond the typical safari. By immersing yourself in the rhythms of the African bush, you gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and your place within it. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or new to the concept of safaris, this journey promises to be one of discovery, reflection, and a profound connection with the earth.
