Solo Woman Travel Boom: How to Safari Solo in Africa

A new wave of adventurers is charting their own course: solo women travellers. Industry research shows that while far more men take solo travel trips, a growing number of women travellers are feeling more confident in their solo safari travel choices.

Empowered by enhanced safety measures and bespoke travel services, more intrepid women are embracing the wild, from the sweeping Serengeti savannahs of Tanzania to the luxury lodges of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, redefining the safari experience with each solo journey.

“Over the past year, we’ve observed a significant increase in our solo female traveller travel requests, and our booking data corroborates this trend,” says Alice Lombard, Head of Sales for Discover Africa. Discover Africa has seen more than 100% growth in solo travel enquiries, with solo travellers accounting for 10% of all bookings year-to-date.

Growth in Female Travellers

“The majority of solo travellers are female, with estimates suggesting that around 70% are women. Additionally, at least 50% of these enquiries are last-minute, with most travellers looking to embark on their journeys within one to three months,” says Lombard.

“Many solo travellers in Africa have specific reasons for travelling alone. Their reasons for visiting include volunteer work or extending a business trip to explore more of the continent. Others are first-timers eager to experience Africa or celebrate special occasions like milestone birthdays,” she adds.

Online travel planning and independent research through social media platforms continues to be a go-to source for most travellers. However, the uptick in women taking small group tours to far-flung destinations is driven by confidence in enhanced safety measures and tailored travel services within the industry, suggests Discover Africa’s Head of Product, Murielle Vegezzi.

“We pride ourselves on working with trusted travel partners and designing safari itineraries that address solo travel safety concerns while still stimulating a sense of independence and empowerment for these trips, especially for women travellers,” says Vegezzi.

Solo Female Travellers Leading the Way

Heading off to far-flung safari destinations was a concern for U.S. traveller Ann*, who recently travelled to East Africa for a two-week trip and used Discover Africa to plan her entire experience. After a Zoom call to discuss her interests, the advisor provided a proposed itinerary with an estimated cost.

They communicated through emails, with the advisor handling all arrangements, including flights, airport pickups, hotel bookings in Zanzibar, and the four-day safari accommodations. Ann said she appreciated the prompt responses and the advisor’s personal WhatsApp number for any queries. “I was travelling solo, so having someone to help me in case I had any problems gave me such peace of mind. The trip went smoothly, with accommodations as advertised and an amazing safari experience,” says Ann.

Mona, another traveller from Germany, said she also found the services of a travel advisor beneficial when planning her first trip out to Botswana. “The tour from the beginning was well organised, super camps, the tents were perfect and cosy. As I was travelling alone, there were no problems and I was just feeling fine with the great staff,” she says.

How to Deal with the High Cost of Single Supplements

One challenge that solo travellers often face is the higher cost associated with travelling alone, particularly due to the single supplement fee that many accommodations charge, and this is where using an experienced travel advisor can have a significant impact. This is especially true for peak-season experiences like witnessing the river crossings during the migration, says Lombard.

“To mitigate these costs, we frequently advise travellers to consider off-season trips, as many lodges offer specials during the green season, including waiving the single supplement fee. However, for those set on high-season travel, it can indeed be quite costly.”

Vegezzi believes this is where the importance of organised small group travel comes to the fore. “A single traveller incurs a single supplement with the accommodation portion of the trip, but also taking into consideration the need to pay for two seats with most transfer flights to/from the camps, especially in East Africa. Even if the accommodation has no supplement, the transport cost itself makes it very expensive to travel on a private basis. A single traveller can then join an existing tour and alleviate the high cost of transport,” says Vegezzi.

Recommended Safaris for Solo Female Travellers

The rise in solo travellers, and solo female travellers in particular, underscores the vital role of tailored travel services to effectively plan a safari experience. It also highlights the opportunity to access certain specials to manage supplement costs and ensure the exciting experience of taking a trip to lesser-known destinations can be both safe, affordable, and exhilarating. With this in mind, these are three top curated safari experiences for women wanting to safari solo:

Botswana: Chobe, Okavango, and Makgadikgadi

This nine-day adventure through Botswana is perfect for solo travellers who want to experience the best of this southern Africa safari icon. The tour includes visits to Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Makgadikgadi Pans. With all transfers, internal flights, meals, and local drinks included, this journey offers seamless planning.

Luxury Highlights Cape Town, Kruger, and Victoria Falls

This 10-day luxury tour takes solo travellers through two countries, featuring Cape Town’s vibrant culture, a thrilling safari in the Lion Sands Game Reserve within Kruger National Park, and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. With included transfers, meals, local drinks, and lodge game activities, this itinerary puts southern Africa’s top destinations at your fingertips.

Best of Uganda Small Group Tour

This eight-day tour offers an unforgettable adventure in Uganda, featuring gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Highlights include a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and sundowners overlooking the Ishasha plains. With meals, transfers, and guided lodge activities included, it’s an ideal choice for solo travellers wanting a rich and immersive wildlife experience.

How to Prepare for Your Solo Trip

If you’ve been thinking about taking a solo safari to Africa, preparing for the experience requires a focus on safety and security, which remains a top priority for most female solo travellers. However, when selecting a new destination, thorough research and first-hand recommendations from our destination experts are essential.

These experts can help you choose destinations that align with your interests and ensure your trip is fulfilling. Travelling as a solo traveller as part of a scheduled group tour can also provide a strong degree of safety and security as your itinerary unfolds seamlessly with accommodation, transfers, and experiences all neatly included while still allowing you the freedom of being a solo traveller.

Safety Tips to Consider as a Woman Travelling Alone

As a woman travelling solo, you will need to show confidence through your body language and tone to deter unwanted attention and use assertive language to communicate your boundaries clearly.

Protect Your Documents, Cards, and Cash

When travelling solo, you need to be extra mindful of your possessions and keep your overall wits about you. No matter where in the world you decide to travel, keep these tips in mind:

• Be mindful of pickpocketing and theft in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
• Keep your valuables secure and consider using a money belt or safe.
• Be cautious when sharing personal information or leaving items unattended.
• Prioritise your safety and security when travelling solo.
• Make digital copies of your important documents and leave them with a trusted friend or family member.

Enjoying the Benefits of Solo Women Travel

Embracing solo female travel offers numerous benefits through a transformative experience that rewards with a sense of confidence and personal growth. You’ll feel empowered to take control of your life and develop a deeper self-awareness by expanding your empathy when meeting people from different walks of life. Taking a trip on your own can:

• Build a different sense of confidence, extending beyond your daily comfort zone.
• Help you overcome challenges and navigate unfamiliar environments, boosting your self-esteem.
• Provide opportunities to enjoy a sense of community with like-minded women.
• Enhance your social confidence by meeting new people.

If you’re ready for a solo safari planned through the safety of a trusted travel expert, contact our advisors today to start planning your experience. They can help you prepare thoroughly and choose a destination that aligns fully with your interests.