5 Day Animal Tracking Walking Safari in South Africa

Day 01

Arrival at the Selati Game Reserve, Transfer to the Wilderness Camp

Whether you are flying in or self-driving, your walking safari begins at the Selati Game Reserve headquarters, where you’ll meet your guides and receive an introduction to the adventure ahead. From there, you’ll be transferred into the reserve to a remote wilderness camp that will serve as your base for the next five days. Set in a secluded location, the camp is completely off-grid and carefully designed to minimise its environmental footprint, allowing you to experience the bush in its most natural state.

With just four intimate safari tents, the camp offers an exclusive and peaceful atmosphere. Each tent is comfortably furnished and equipped with the essential amenities needed after long days spent tracking wildlife on foot. Evenings are often enjoyed around the fire under open skies, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness creating an authentic and immersive safari experience.

Day 02 to 04

Walking safari in the Selati Game Reserve

Your typical day on this walking safari in Selati Game Reserve begins just before sunrise, when the bush is at its most alive. After an early wake-up call, you’ll enjoy tea, coffee, and a light breakfast while listening to the sounds of the African wilderness coming to life. Shortly after sunrise, you’ll set out on foot with your guides to begin your morning tracking experience.
As fresh spoor is located, your guide will explain how to interpret the tracks—identifying the species, estimating how long ago the animal passed through, and understanding its behaviour and direction of travel. Throughout the experience, you’ll receive ongoing mentorship, learning how to assess tracks, read subtle signs in the environment, anticipate animal movements, and move quietly and steadily through the bush. The focus is not only on finding wildlife but on understanding the intricate balance between animals, landscape, and ecosystem.

You’ll return to camp for lunch and a well-earned rest during the heat of the day before heading out again in the afternoon to search for new tracks. Each day offers a different experience, from trailing large mammals to observing smaller creatures and birdlife along the way. As evening falls, you’ll gather back at camp for dinner, sharing stories and reflecting on the day’s tracking encounters beneath a starlit African sky.

Day 05

Departure from the Selati Game Reserve

On your final morning in Selati Game Reserve, you’ll set out on one last animal tracking walk, making the most of the cooler early hours and the chance to encounter fresh tracks in the bush. It’s a final opportunity to put your newly learned skills into practice and soak up the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the African wilderness.
After returning to camp for breakfast, you’ll collect your belongings before being transferred back to the Selati Game Reserve headquarters, where your safari concludes. African Travel Gateway can assist with road transfers to and from the reserve, as well as arranging domestic flights if required, ensuring a smooth and seamless departure from your walking safari experience.

As you’ll be spending most days in the field during the safari, we recommend bringing the following items to ensure your walks are comfortable and enjoyable:

What to Bring:
Comfortable daypack (to carry water and snacks)
Refillable water bottles
Headlamp or head torch (with spare batteries)
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Notebook and pen for notes or journaling
Lightweight rain jacket – just in case!

Essential Wardrobe Items:
Well-worn walking shoes (broken in)
Ankle gaiters (recommended for bush terrain)
Neutral-coloured clothing (for blending into the environment)
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Flip-flops or sandals (for camp use)
High-SPF sunscreen
Personal toiletries