Solo Travel

Travelling solo does not mean you're always alone - unless you want to be

Traveling on your own is one of life’s joys. Not tied down by compromise or limited by the preferences of others, single travelers are free to safari on their own terms. Freedom of choice is the new luxury!

Here are a few things to dwell on before you contact us to craft your dream solo safari:

Single supplements:

This is probably the biggest downside of solo travel.

Most rooms or tents accommodate two guests sharing - and that is how the owners determine their profitability per night. If you are on your own, then the revenue from the second person is lost - and so most establishments will charge you a premium - referred to as a ‘single supplement’ to make up some of the difference.

Some establishments will reduce or even waive the single supplement, but usually only when there is lower demand for accommodation or a last-minute need for bookings.

Think about travel date flexibility to access lower solo travel prices. Green (off-peak) season rates often extend into the weeks at the beginning and end of the traditional peak season - meaning prime game viewing at lower prices. Also, ask our safari consultant to look out for last-minute rates (which do pop up even during the peak season).

Consider booking in advance to grab any early-bird specials or single supplement reductions (which may only be available for one room).

SOLO or solo?

Some solo travelers prefer a SOLO experience, while others want the option to choose when and what to share with others. Each of these preferences comes with logistical or cost implications. For example:

  • Enjoying the exclusive use of a game-drive vehicle and guide gives you the ultimate freedom to plot your day, but it will cost significantly more.

  • Many experiences offered to lodge guests involve sharing with others—for example, a. walk, mokoro or boat outing, and balloon safaris. If you are asking for a totally exclusive experience, the lodge offers it at no extra cost and is full at the time. If the experience is a paid optional activity, such as bush or birding, then your choice of exclusivity will again cost significantly more.

  • Meals at your lodge can be a communal experience with other guests or an evening at your table or in your room/tent. The choice is yours, and there is usually no extra cost.

  • Some costs on a safari are fixed - which means that the more people you have in your group to share the costs, the lower the price of your safari per person. Examples include drivers, guides, vehicle transfers/car hire, and chartered flights.

Another important solo travel issue to discuss with your safari consultant is whether you are comfortable with the possible presence of young children at the same camp/lodge/tour.

Trip types and camps/lodges that suit solo travellers

  • Tailor-made safaris are crafted just for you, based on your wishes and budget. They can be privately guided or not, depending on the nature of the trip and your needs.

  • Group scheduled departures - these safaris usually start and end on fixed dates and are designed for a group traveling with a guide. Most people booking these safaris have not met beforehand. Smaller groups (4 to ten people) are better for solo travelers because joining conversations and making new friends is easier.

  • Small camps and lodges are better for solo travelers because it’s easier to join conversations and make new friends than when you face large groups of bonded friends. Staff at smaller camps and lodges are usually more attentive and observant about these things.

  • Walking safaris are an excellent option for single travelers. Group sizes are small, and the experience is intimate and social.

  • Mobile safaris are also good for solo travelers. You will spend lots of time with a small group of people in a variety of vehicles and camps/lodges.

Women on safari

Going on a safari is an adventure of a lifetime but for single women, traveling alone or in a group can be daunting. It is important to acknowledge that women have different concerns and needs regarding travel than men, and taking precautions and planning can make all the difference.

Having crafted countless awesome safaris for our female clients (solo travel and groups) and received 5-star feedback, we thought we would share some of the best advice gathered over the years.

THIS ADVICE IS FOR WOMEN TRAVELLING ALONE OR WITH FEMALE COMPANIONS

Health and hygiene

Health and hygiene are concerns among women travelers. When traveling to remote destinations, personal hygiene supplies may not be available. We recommend camps and lodges that provide suitable disposal facilities.

Pack appropriate clothing for the climate, including long sleeves and pants to protect against insect bites and sunburn. Bring mosquito repellent and high-factor sunscreen—and use them liberally. Bringing a water bottle and avoiding drinking local tap water is also a good idea.

Safety

Another concern for women traveling on safari is safety. Is Africa a safe place to travel? Yes, it is. If you take the usual precautions, you would take them anywhere else. Crime incidents against tourists are extremely rare, particularly in remote areas - but some areas must be avoided (our travel consultants will provide all necessary advice).

  • It is essential to choose a reputable tour operator (hello ;-) and to research the country and area you will be visiting;

  • Be aware of the local customs, laws, and potential risks;

  • Stay in safe accommodation and avoid traveling alone at night;

  • Leave a copy of your travel itinerary & passport with loved ones at home. Be sure to check in now and then with them so they know your whereabouts and that you’re safe;

  • Keep an eye on your bags at all times when en route between camps/lodges, and use a lock on your luggage;

  • In the unlikely event of being harassed by male strangers, a polite “No thank you” or “I’d prefer some alone time” will usually suffice. If not, ask for assistance from your guide or lodge manager;

  • Portray yourself as a confident and experienced traveler. Usually, only those who look vulnerable (or lost) receive unwanted attention.

Luggage types and weight restrictions

Although international flights may permit hard suitcases and higher luggage weight allowances, the small planes fly into remote bushveld locations don’t. The luggage holds require soft luggage and cannot carry as much weight. So it’s essential to plan your luggage and wardrobe and to pack wisely. For example, you will only need three pairs of shoes - a smart pair for traveling and hotels, supportive walking shoes for activities, and sandals for poolside and lodge time. Remember to leave room for the spoils of your shopping while on safari - all those gifts and curios. Your packed luggage should be light enough for you to carry, even though there are usually drivers/guides and lodge staff members who will do that for you. Ask your safari consultant for these details about your chosen safari.

Hand luggage

Remember to pack a water bottle, basic toiletries, medication, toothbrush, and toothpaste, our hand luggage to accommodate snacks in the airport, and road transfer time and unexpected travel delays.

Laundry

Most camps and lodges offer a 24-hour laundry service, so you can easily cut down on that safari wardrobe. Be aware that washing is usually done by hand and drying is by the sun - so don’t pack delicate items as they may be damaged. Speaking of delicates, you must wash your undies - for cultural reasons, camp staff is not expected to perform that chore. You will find washing powder in your tent/chalet for this purpose.

Spa treatments

Increasingly, lodges and camps offer spa treatments. Many have spa centers, and others have mobile spa equipment and staff who visit you in your room. Ask your safari consultant for these details about your chosen safari. 

Retail therapy

Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of retail therapy while on holiday? Not all camps/lodges have a shop, and many airport shops are over-priced or only offer mass-produced curios. Ask your safari consultant about shopping opportunities at your chosen lodges, and consider visiting a local village, city market, or shopping center during your safari. 

Bathrooms and toilets at remote camps/lodges

African city hotels and guesthouses will have all the amenities you have at home. And the majority of camps and lodges also offer comfortable bathrooms and toilets. 

However, you should know that some remote seasonal camps or so-called ‘bush/fly camps’ offer rustic facilities. By ‘rustic’, we mean no bath, and the shower is a ‘bucket/safari shower’ - a canvas or tin bucket with a tap filled with warm or cold water (your choice) on request. The water is heated over a fire or wood-fueled stove. Typically, a bucket shower will hold about 15 liters of water - enough to feel fresh and clean after a long day out. Ask for a refill if required. 

Most bush/fly camps provide the usual throne toilet with flushing water, but some offer ‘long-drop/pit toilets’ with the usual throne - where no flushing water is involved.  

The shower and toilet area for bush/fly camps are usually enclosed by reeds or canvas for privacy and are usually en-suite to your tent/chalet. 

What about going to the loo during game drives? If you need to go, don’t be shy - ask your guide to stop for a toilet break. You are probably not alone - others will be feeling the same need or are keen to grab the opportunity to stretch their legs. Your guide will stop the vehicle in a suitable area and check for dangerous wildlife before pointing you toward a private bush - boys on one side of the vehicle and girls on the other. There will be a loo roll stashed away in the vehicle.

Gabriele Brown