Vintage Destinations

Your Walking Safari Specialists

Walking Safaris are the most authentic African experience available without question. As trails guides and qualified teachers/educators with our own camps, we are passionate about walking in the bush. We have gone out from our own camps, to find across Africa, the prime walking safari locations and camps available within these regions. An important part for us is the walking guides available to you, who meet the standards we expect. The guides are responsible in 'opening' the door for you, to have your walking holiday experience, be your holiday of a lifetime.

We wish to highlight in the coming notes and pictures, some historical points of interest, and give recognition to people for their personal contributions to the world of walking safaris. Through consulting with us, we will match you with the most fitting experience, suitable to you, as individuals. We carefully select camps and guides, that complement your individual interests, tastes and personal requirements. To this end, we will give you our very best suggestion, given our consultation process we undertake with you. We work very closely with clients, educating, leading, and encouraging you, to find the best solution. Putting the proper time in, is rewarded in a successful safari.

History of Walking Safaris
Before the advent of cars, walking in the bush in Africa was the only choice, other than horse and cart as time progressed and roads or rather 'tracks' became established. This is where the roots of todays walking safaris in Africa were born.

I feel a classic example, of a true Vintage epic journey, was the first ever Cape to Cairo traverse of the African continent by Grogan, in whose stories are recounted in a novel by Edward Paice called 'Lost Lion of Empire'. This book is a must read for anyone who really enjoys reading about the era of early exploration and settlement in Africa. A walking safari greater than any other.

Another historical account of personal interest and fascination to me, is that of Sir Stewart Gore-Brown, who brought many of his personal valubles from England, from a large family estate, to where he endeavoured to successfully build, in a remote corner of now Northern Zambia, his dream English mansion; Shiwa Ngandu. This is a location I enjoy visiting, and staying, with guests. The point been, that these Victorian paintings, fine china and furniture, along with many family possessions, had to be carried by foot, accross virgin Africa, literally in the footsteps of Livingstone. Livingstone had made notes to himself, about this very spot, to which Gore-Brown went to find, having read the notes, and chose this location for his estate. These are truly walking safaris in the raw, and to which we now hark back, to the good old days, wishing to re-create these times. Our ability to create a fantisy journey, out of what must have been a harsh and dangerous exercise at the time, is a joy to us now.

Walking Safaris and Tourism
Norman Carr first started operating safaris in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia, in the 1940’s. His company has survived him and today Norman Carr Safaris operates 5 camps in the South Luangwa region. Ideally the bushcamps are combined with walking, creating a individualised expedition through one of Africa’s most un-spoilt and game rich National Parks; South Lunagwa National Park.

The concept of walking safaris, has been lead by Norman Carr, thoughout the large surge of growth in tourism, over the last 60 years. To not require the use of vehicles on your safari, is indeed a great step forward, in the concept of eco-tourism. We at Vintage Destinations, are taking every step to support this style of safari.


Norman Carr on Safari in the 1950's

Norman Carr Safaris operate four bushcamps, situated in very remote areas, of the South Luangwa National Park. Walking safaris are not strenuous and are conducted at a pace determined by our guests, usually lasting up to 3 to 4 hours. They are led by fully qualified guides and armed game scout. Norman Carr Sararis also have one Lodge that is open year round.

	Norman Carr with his two lions
	Norman Carr with his two lions (When they got a little bigger)

Here are the catagories available for Hiking and Walking in Africa:

A) Traditional Walking Safaris - Take place in National Parks with a wildlife, landscape and photographic focus, where walking is the central means of transport/activity for the safari, or for at least one portion of the overall tour.
B) Soft walks can be combined into any safari.
C) Hiking Expeditions - Experience and live the great Mountains of Africa: Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya, The Drakensburg Mountains and more... Many weekly trips depart for these destinations at various prices and with numerous options for support. Ask us for details.

Contact us for a consultation to discover the best walking safari or hiking expedition options for you.