Book excerpt: South Africa has a unique set of characteristics that make walking safaris in big game areas one of the safest and most rewarding outdoor experiences: a huge expanse of protected habitat richly populated with wildlife; excellent tourism facilities; a favourable climate; and expertly trained trail guides. Seasoned hikers, Hlengiwe Magagula and Denis Costello describe more than 50 guided walks across 22 parks and reserves in South Africa – from short dawn and dusk walks and multi-day outings from a base camp to backpacking trails that span several days. Facilities range from ultra-luxurious to ‘wild camping’, either in tents or under the stars. Also included is a series of first-hand accounts that vividly illustrate the magical experience of exploring the bush on foot. An advisory section gives a rundown of when to go, what to pack, what to wear, and the dos and don’ts of walking in areas with big game. Both a practical guide to walking in the wild and a lodestar to the wonders and restorative powers of the natural world. Sales points: Multiple trail types, durations and difficulty levels to suit all needs; experts’ selection of safe, affordable walks led by professional guides; practical advice, inspiring first-hand accounts, and full-colour images.