Leon Varley Walking Safaris

About Leon

Leon Varley has been leading walking safaris in Zimbabwe's finest National Parks since the early 1980s and is one of Zimbabwe's most experienced guides. His experienced Ndebele trackers and support team have been with him almost as long.

Leon's knowledge and experience of the Zimbabwean bush is second to none, being one of the first professional guides to qualify in post-independence Zimbabwe, with over 35 years experience leading walking safaris and an intimate knowledge of the landscapes and wildlife of the region.

Together with his wife, Mags, Leon formed Backpackers Africa in 1986 and pioneered the development of walking safaris in Chizarira, Hwange, Kazuma and Zambezi National Parks.

Leon's 'local patch' covers an extensive area, from his home in Victoria Falls in north-west Zimbabwe, including Hwange National Park, where he lived and worked for many years, and Chizarira National Park, his favourite walking wilderness area on the middle Zambezi escarpment. He also guides trips to other National Parks in Zimbabwe, as well as leading private guided safaris to select destinations in neighbouring countries and across southern Africa.

As well as all the major National Parks in Zimbabwe, Leon also leads private guided safaris to selected destinations across sub-Sahara Africa, exploring the source of the Zambezi in Zambia or the floodplains of the lower Zambezi in Mozambique, to the heights of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Contact us direct to discuss options for privately guided safaris to the destinations of your choice.

Contact Us

Interested in a walking safari with Leon? Contact us for more information.