We had set out on our morning walk in one of Zimbabwe’s most wildlife-rich national parks, Hwange, and we had already had some great sightings — elephants at a distance, a few requisite baboons and a bachelor herd of impala.
Walking has to be one of the most thrilling and adventurous ways of exploring the African bush. It was with all senses on alert that we spotted it. A leopard tortoise. Happily waddling along the track in front of us, oblivious to our presence as it continued ahead on the newly damp earth, then stopping to munch on fresh, green shoots… Being quite a rare find, and more likely seen from on foot, we felt lucky to have spotted just one of the “Little Five”.
Zimbabwe’s largest national park is wonderful walking territory…3.4 million acres of sandy soils, grasslands, acacia woodlands, and teak forests, Hwange boasts one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, especially elephant and buffalo, with over 100 mammal species and over 400 species of bird. The Hide Safari Camp is located within its own private concession in Hwange, which means it can offer a wide range of exciting activities. When you take a hike in the bush with your guide, at a slower pace, and with all the lesser details in focus, you can really connect with your surroundings and feel your soul sing… this is the perfect opportunity to track lion spoor, step over bright red velvet mites, watch a dung beetle in action, follow a beautiful butterfly or sit on a warm rock with a lazing lizard.
Neil Fairlie, the resident photographer at The Hide, loves to join safari walks from camp with his camera slung over his shoulder. “On foot, it’s easy to quickly get down low on the ground for that special shot. No matter what the subject, down low gives a wonderfully dramatic angle looking up and captures big sky or tree canopy backgrounds.” Most walking safaris set out early in the morning, while it’s still cool and then, on return to camp, you can tuck into a hearty post-hike lunch and follow through with a well-deserved siesta. A late afternoon game drive complements the morning walk, allowing you to safely get up close to the bigger wildlife species.
“Nothing but breathing the air of Africa, and actually walking through it, can communicate the indescribable sensations.” – William Burchel
(Main Image by Neil Fairlie)
Contact The Hide
Web. www.thehide.com
Email. reservations@thehide.com
Tel. +263 4 498835-6
