Solo Woman Travel Boom: How to Safari Solo in Africa.

Solo Woman Travel Boom: How to Safari Solo in Africa: There’s a fresh wave of adventurers out there, and they’re making their own way: solo women travelers. 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.

Growth in Female Travellers

“Most solo travellers are women, with estimates indicating that about 70% fall into that category.” Lombard mentions that over half of these enquiries come in at the last minute, with many travelers wanting to start their trips in just one to three months.

“Many solo travellers in Africa have specific reasons for travelling alone. People are visiting for a couple of reasons, like doing some volunteer work or maybe just extending a business trip to check out more of the continent. Some folks are new to this, excited to dive into the African experience or mark special moments like big birthdays,” she adds.

Online travel planning and independent research through social media platforms continues to be a go-to source for most travellers. It seems that more women are choosing to join small group tours to exciting destinations, and this trend is really about feeling confident in the improved safety measures and personalized travel services available, according to Murielle Vegezzi, the Head of Product at Discover Africa.

“We take pride in collaborating with reliable travel partners and crafting safari itineraries that focus on solo travel safety while also fostering a sense of independence and empowerment for these journeys, particularly for women travelers,” says Vegezzi.

Solo female travelers are paving 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 chat about her interests, the advisor shared a proposed itinerary along with an estimated cost.

They kept in touch via emails, with the advisor taking care of everything—flights, airport pickups, hotel bookings in Zanzibar, and the four-day safari accommodations. Ann mentioned that she really liked getting quick responses and having the advisor’s personal WhatsApp number for any questions she had. “Since I was traveling alone, it really put my mind at ease knowing there was someone to help me if I ran into any issues.” 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.

Dealing with the high cost of single supplements can be a bit tricky, right?

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. Lombard mentions that this is particularly the case for peak-season experiences, like seeing the river crossings during the migration.

“To help with these costs, we often suggest that travelers think about going during the off-season. Many lodges have great deals during the green season, like 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.

Great Safaris for Solo Female Travelers

More and more people are traveling solo these days, especially women, which really highlights how important it is to have travel services that cater specifically to planning a great safari experience. It also points out the chance to grab some special deals to help with supplement costs, making sure that the thrill of visiting those hidden gem destinations can be safe, budget-friendly, and super exciting. So, keeping that in mind, here are three fantastic safari experiences for women looking to go 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.

Check out the luxury highlights of Cape Town, Kruger, and Victoria Falls!

Join this amazing 10-day luxury tour designed for solo travellers! You’ll explore the vibrant culture of Cape Town, experience an exciting safari at the Lion Sands Game Reserve in Kruger National Park, and marvel at the breathtaking 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.

A family group of gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

Getting Ready for Your Solo Adventure

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. When picking a new destination, it’s super important to do your homework and get some solid recommendations from our destination experts.

These experts can help you choose destinations that align with your interests and ensure your trip is fulfilling. Going on a group tour as a solo traveler can really offer a sense of safety and security. Everything from your itinerary to accommodation, transfers, and experiences is all taken care of, so you can enjoy the journey while still having the freedom that comes with traveling alone.

Safety Tips to Consider as a Woman Travelling Alone

Tips for Solo Woman Travel Boom: How to Safari Solo in Africa. 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.

Keep Your Documents, Cards, and Cash Safe

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:

Just a heads up, keep an eye on your belongings in busy places and popular tourist spots to avoid pickpockets and theft.
Make sure your valuables are safe! You might want to think about using a money belt or a safe.
Be cautious when sharing personal information or leaving items unattended.
Make sure to put your safety and security first when you’re traveling alone.
Make digital copies of your important documents and leave them with a trusted friend or family member.

Embracing the Perks of Traveling Alone as a Woman

Traveling solo as a woman comes with a bunch of perks, giving you a chance to grow and feel more confident in yourself. By meeting people from different walks of life, you’ll really start to feel empowered to take charge of your life and grow your self-awareness through empathy. Going on a trip by yourself 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 really help you get ready and pick a destination that matches your interests perfectly. Do not miss out on Solo Woman Travel Boom: How to Safari Solo in Africa.