Walking Wild

Walking Wild is not your typical safari -- no game drives, no cool sundowners and definitely no fences. Instead, it’s 605 km of dust, sweat and unforgettable moments as an unlikely group of strangers sets out to walk the entire length of Kruger National Park.

Over six stages and three years, they walked from Crooks’ Corner in the far north to Malelane in the south, averaging 20 km a day with heavy backpacks and only the wild for company. Led by two armed guides, they braved blistering heat and violent storms. At night, as hyenas nosed their tents and lionesses strolled right through camp, some slept soundly -- others lay wide-eyed, waiting for dawn. They drank from murky trickles in dry riverbeds, navigated thick riverine bush teeming with hippo, buffalo and crocodiles, and slowly learned to read the bush -- from the smallest antlion to the distant roar of a lion.

But Kruger’s wilderness is not without its challenges. Poachers -- both criminal syndicates and those in search of bushmeat -- move in the shadows, rivers bring pollution from beyond its borders, and conservation battles rage on.

Walking Wild captures the magic and the madness of life on foot in one of the world’s most iconic national parks. It’s a story of adventure, camaraderie and deep immersion in the wild -- a journey that leaves no one unchanged. Walking Wild is a testament to resilience, discovery and the deep connection between people and nature. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Kruger beyond the safari vehicle, this book is your ticket to the trail.

Jose A Neves is an accomplished corporate executive, sportsman and father. A Nomads golfer and endurance athlete -- which includes completing 10 Ironman events -- Jose heard about the opportunity to hike the length of the world-famous Kruger National Park, and he felt compelled to accept the challenge. Walking Wild is the personalized account of his 605 km backpacking journey through the world-renowned wildlife destination. Jose worked for 22 years in leadership positions within the Coca-Cola system in three southern African countries. He is now the Non-Executive Director of the Africa Resource Centre.