On foot, you experience nature on its own terms.
Away from the noise of modern life, your senses sharpen. You notice the lion tracks in the sand. You feel the gentle wind shift. You hear the alarm call of an oxpecker, carried through the trees.
Moving at a human pace, you become part of the landscape rather than a spectator. You reconnect with your environment. And often, with yourself.
To make this commitment tangible, The Long Way donates €1 to the African Parks Network for every kilometer walked on trail. These contributions support the long-term management and protection of some of Africa’s most important ecosystems and wildlife populations.
In this way, you contribute directly to conservation, simply by walking the long way.
Makuleke stretches along South Africa’s north-eastern frontier. Here, the two great rivers cradle one of Africa’s most spectacular and diverse landscapes: mountains and gorges in the west giving way to open plains, shimmering pans, ancient baobabs, and sweeping fever tree forests in the east.
The land pulses with an ever-changing abundance of life: large seasonal concentrations of elephant and buffalo, and some of the finest birdlife South Africa has to offer.
8 – 15 August 2026 (7 nights)
Makuleke, Kruger National Park, South Africa
the Okavango River fans out into the heart of the Kalahari Desert, forming an intricate network of channels, lagoons, and islands that support an exceptional diversity of wildlife.
Remote and largely untouched, the Delta is one of the world’s last true wilderness areas. Exploring this area on foot, without encountering another person, is a privilege few will ever experience.
25 July – 1 August 2026 (7 nights)
Xaxaba Concession, Okavango Delta, Botswana
After a first night in a comfortable tented camp, you head into the wild for six days. Guided by two highly experienced trails guides, you carry only what you need, walking through places inaccessible to most.
By day, you move through the landscape quietly, noticing the smallest of creatures, while sometimes finding yourself face-to-face with the largest. At night, you sleep in the open, without tents, at pristine locations chosen along the way. Every participant takes part in the essentials of trail life: gathering wood, cooking over fire, and standing watch under the stars.
Upon return to camp, welcome comforts await: a hot shower, the coldest beer you’ll ever taste, and above all, time to sit, reflect, and let the experience sink in before stepping back into the human world.
On trail, safety and wellbeing are paramount. Each expedition is led by two highly experienced Trails Guides, ensuring constant awareness of both the landscape and the group. A comprehensive first-aid kit is carried at all times, along with reliable radio communication for emergency contact.
Sleeping locations are carefully selected, and a standing watch is maintained throughout the night to ensure both safety and peace of mind. Water availability is continuously monitored and sufficient supplies are carried, allowing you to focus fully on the experience.
Above all, the trail is approached as a shared responsibility: guides and participants look out for one another, creating a calm, supportive environment in which wilderness can be experienced safely and respectfully.
Mees
“One of the most unique experiences I have ever had in my life. It helped me think through numerous personal considerations and topics, using nature as a guide.”
Duco
“Last summer I had the adventure of a lifetime in Botswana — five nights under the stars, walking through the bush, and exploring the Delta by boat. Being completely offline felt like a true luxury. Willem organised everything to perfection.”
Alessandro
“Willem promised me an unforgettable experience, and he sure kept that promise. Camping out under the stars with just a mattress and mosquito net in the Okavango, with the booming sounds of hippos seemingly only metres away, and close (yet always safe) encounters with big game and elephants delivered an amazing adventure. I truly enjoyed the knowledge and collaboration with expert local guides, vital for identifying hundreds of birds. I wish it had never ended, but I’m glad I can always come back.”
