Walking is a fabulous way to learn more about the bush

Make no mistake about it, we love game drives. Ranging across the wide expanse of magnificent wilderness that is the Manyeleti Game Reserve in an open safari vehicle is a thrill that never gets old. No two game drives are alike, and you get to explore vastly different regions and biomes on drives, but if it's a deeply immersive and entirely different bush experience you're after, it's hard to beat walking.

At Pungwe we offer bush walks, subject to conditions, in the early mornings as this is the best time to explore on foot, when the heat of the day has yet to build up and it's more comfortable to head out into the wide green yonder. 

We say "subject to conditions" because sometimes in summer, when the grasses get high and the bush is really thick, it's not  easy, and t safety could be an issue. Of course, the weather plays a role too, so when you arrive for your stay, our manager and guides will chat to you about what you'd like to do and let you know whether walking is possible. 

If a walk or two is on the cards, then it's an activity not to be missed. Walking gets you access to the things you miss on a game drive - the small, often overlooked but hugely fascinating plants and animals that play critical roles in maintaining the eco-systems of the reserve and contribute to the rich biodiversity around us. 

Walking is thrilling because you feel very different about the African wilderness when you're navigating it on foot, suddenly becoming very aware of  everything around you, with your senses becoming finely tuned to the smallest of sounds and unusual smells you miss on  a vehicle. Your guide will introduce you to amazing plants , stopping to explain interesting facts about them and sharing traditional uses that have been passed down over the generations. 

You'll also learn about unique symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationships between plants and animals and the adaptations both make to live in an often challenging environment that's prone to extremes of temperature and drought. 

One of the best things about walking is learning to identify animal spoor and what tracks tell us about animal behaviour. You'll also find out how fascinating dung is and what information can be gathered from it (as well as what lives in it and depends on it!) Getting to know more about the insect world and how important insects are in a healthy eco-system is also a bonus of walking. 

Walking helps you to piece together the puzzle of how the African wilderness actually works as you get the chance to delve deeper into the operational systems of an eco-system and get a glimpse of the wonderful way everything is connected and interwoven and mutually dependent. 

Of course, it's also wonderful exercise and gives you the chance to burn off some of the amazing breakfasts, indulgent afternoon teas and wonderful three-course dinners you'll be treated to during your stay! 

So please chat to us if you'd like to do a walk during your stay! If it's possible, it's a real bucket list experience!