A walking holiday is good for both body and soul, it’s the way our ancestors travelled and the speed is exactly suited to the human psyche. It is also a lovely way to spend time with friends and family.

ZAMBIA - FOR SLOW SAFARI

Walking safaris were the original safari and remain the purest form. Away from the comfort of the 4WD safari vehicle your senses suddenly awaken, allowing you to take in and explore the smaller aspects of savannah life – birds, grasses, insects and animal trails. The South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is said to be the birthplace of walking safaris and here you'll still find some of the continent's best on-foot experiences. Luwi Bushcamp is typically used as the first camp on a Norman Carr walking itinerary that will combine two or more of the Norman Carr bushcamps along the course of the Luwi River. Since this is one of the Luangwa’s truly remote bushcamps there are only a few roads in the area and most of the game-viewing is on foot. The advantages of the camp’s location soon become apparent, the closest people to you are those at Nsolo, Luwi’s sister camp some three hours walk downstream. The Bushcamp Company operates six exclusive rustic bushcamps in the remote south of of the park, each its own distinct character, whether built of reed and thatch at the edge of a lush watering hole (Bilimungwe Bushcamp) or perched beneath billowing canvas on the shores of a winding river (Chindeni Bushcamp). Remote Africa Safaris operate four intimate camps, built entirely by local villagers using natural materials. Upstream from the parent camp Tafika, Chikoko Trails is comprised of two camps that are excitingly only accessible on foot: Chikoko Tree Camp and Crocodile River Camp.

AUSTRALIA - FOR 'GOING BUSH'

Arkaba Station in the remote Flinders Ranges of South Australia offers guests the opportunity to discover rugged beauty and wonderous bird and wildlife on the four-day three-night Arkaba Walk. Traversing an ancient landscape and private wildlife conservancy, you'll be immersed in the story of the land. Framed by the rugged wall of Wilpena Pound and the red-hued ridges of the Elder Range, the Arkaba Walk (maximum 10 guests) is inclusive of two night's camping in deluxe swags on one of the signature star beds and one night in the 1850's Arkaba Homestead. As you arrive hot and dusty into camp, you are offered chilled hand towels; as the night cools, warm "bush showers" come with an unmatched view of the surrounding landscape and you'll find a hot water bottle in your swag. Every dinner is a three-course, chef-prepared feast, served at tables spread with white linen, glassware and bottles of South Australian wines, under lanterns hung in the trees. Remarkably, sleeping turns out to be the highlight of the trip for many and your bed is a 'swag' - the bedding of choice for generations of Australian pioneers, a canvas envelope that is comfortable and waterproof, and also protects from the elements. Sleeping under the stars wrapped up in a cosy swag surrounded by raw, open landscape...well there could hardly be a more Australian experience. The final night is spent in the comfort of historic Arkaba homestead where another Australian life and story is revealed. The Arkaba Walk runs from mid-March to mid-October each year.

INDIA - FOR INNER JOURNEYS OUTDOORS

Up in the Himalayas you can retrace the footsteps of many an explorer, Buddhist follower and writer seeking adventure, enlightenment and solitude. The Shakti Village Walks tagline “Inner journeys…outdoors” resonates deeply with us and is to date one of our best travel experiences. The hiking can be as gentle or strenuous as you like, the main aim is to encourage you to slow down and appreciate the simplicity of life in the mountains and connect with your surroundings. The four different locations each provide different authentic experiences; you can trek the Himalayas with experienced guides and stay in luxury tents (a.k.a. 'glamping'), take guided walks throughout remote villages and stay in traditional village housing, or travel between villages via river rafting the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Shakti is a shining example of integrated rather than mass tourism, and it is a privilege to be accepted and live as part of the simple, unspoilt community. This is the place to escape the modern world - there is no internet, no TV, no phone signal, and light is provided from solar lanterns and candles. Being on top of the world certainly gave us a clearer perspective on life when we visited, and the air was so pure we wanted to bottle it up and take it home.

NAMIBIA - FOR BIG SKIES

Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world and is home to some incredibly dramatic scenery, unique and abundant plants and animals, infinite sunshine, star-filled nights, and an eclectic blend of African and European cultures. There is simply no better place to escape the daily grind. Tok Tokkie Trails are a collection of superbly crafted walking safaris which offer a unique insight into the hidden world of the Namib desert, five hours south-west of Windhoek. Their most popular trail is a three day walk for a maximum of eight people. Days are spent walking through some of the world's most stunning scenery - the desert is slow to reveal its secrets: travelling on foot you'll get to see a whole lot more of its hidden life, there is time to notice the wildlife and the hidden flowers, time to hear the bird songs, smell the variety of aromas and feel the breeze on the skin, until gradually the senses become more active. At night you sleep out under some of the clearest night skies in the world. It's wildly beautiful, inspirational and educational.