Solo Travelers

Cool places, friendly hotels & tours where you won’t feel like the odd one out

Overview

So many solo travel choices open up when you’ve only got yourself to answer to. With no-one else’s quirky habits and irrational fears to take into consideration, you are free to choose on a whim. And travel exactly as you please. What is overlooked are the annoying downsides for Solo travellers in Africa. From safety considerations, to the considerable extra cost of transfers and private guides. As well as the dreaded single supplements

We’ll always do our best to get intrepid solo travellers where they want to go. But sometimes the logistics and costs simply don’t add up. From our experience, we find that there are some places, and ways of travelling, that work better than others for solo holidays in South Africa.

Below we outline some safaris & friendly hotels in Africa where solo travelers will feel at home.

Top Tips & Trips for Solo Travellers in Africa

The above article gives a candid low-down on the best ways to travel. And it also showcases some possible safaris which you might like to consider.

Solo travellers - Sand Rivers Selous

Solo Holidays to South Africa

There’s no reason not to travel around South Africa independently. But we reckon that the driving distances make a pure self-drive slightly daunting for most people. (Though it could be an option for a few days.)

That leaves other modes of transport. Unfortunately, there is surprisingly little choice in group tours. Some of the Garden Route tours have guaranteed departures which single people can join. But you are unlikely to be able to get to the more remote or unique areas without paying a heavy price for a private tour or transfer.

The answer may be to join some scheduled tours in Cape Town. Or take a multi-day tour along the Garden Route. Then add a safari to a small lodge, which is a convivial activity by its very nature?

Another great option is to combine some scheduled day tours in Cape Town with private transfers to a convivial country lodge which offers a range of activities in-house?

Solo travellers - singita sweni

Accommodation for Solo Travellers in Africa

So which lodge or hotel should you choose? The selection below features hotels and game lodges in South Africa where the single supplement ranges from a welcome 'zero' (yay!) To not more than 25%-30%.

However there are many other wonderful options which could also work for you. These are small, friendly lodges where the owners are very hands-on and happy to chat. Sometimes they meet their guests for evening drinks. At others dining is around a communal table. Often there are activities on offer where you can meet other guests if you wish to. Chat to us about your needs.

Safari Trips for Solo Travellers in Africa

A safari is a sociable experience by its very nature. Guests from around the world, and all walks of life, tend to mix easily on game vehicles. Dining is often around a communal dining table. And you are united by a common interest in the natural world. Thus, most of our game lodges would be good for single travelers. Especially the ones mentioned below which don’t charge much of a single supplement.

Handy Tip: Consider Botswana, Zimbabwe or Zambia in Green or Shoulder season

We don't  specifically mention camps in Botswana, Zambia or Zimbabwe because many don't have single supplements outside of peak season. So there are simply too many to mention!

Solo travellers - Tarangire

Safari Trips for Solo Travellers to Botswana or Namibia

In Botswana, and Namibia, mobile safaris with no more than eight other guests are also a great option for single travelers. They offer a more rounded understanding of the country, its landscape and its people than fly-in safaris. Though far from cheap, the ‘per night’ cost is lower than lodge accommodation. Comfort levels are high and the trips are fully serviced. With camp assistant taking care of all the chores. But, as with all group travel, mobile safaris will appeal most to those who are flexible and adaptable. Especially about departure dates!

At the opposite end of the spectrum, if you have a lower budget but more time, then a small group camping safari will get you to most of the ‘must-see’ icons of the country. These can be semi-participative trips so less luxurious than our normal suggestions. But they could be ideal for more easy-going travelers?

Solo travellers - Fish River Canyonn

Zambia Or Zimbabwe  Trips for Solo Travellers

The relaxed and authentic safari ambience in Zambia and Zimbabwe means that these are wonderful destinations for solo travellers. Add to that the focus on walking safaris and getting out of the vehicle - by boat, canoe or on foot. And it all adds up to a good recipe for those travelling alone.

Solo travellers - Nyamatusi Camp, Mana Pools

Solo Travel in Kenya

The small and friendly safari camps on Kenya's private ranches attract lots of solo travelers. Many of the camps charge no supplement. Plus the popularity of the country means that most flights are charged ‘per person’ rather than ‘per chartered plane’.  We’ve run into lots of single people in the Kenyan camps, from wildlife artists to off-duty models.

Highlights

  • A safari is a sociable experience by its very nature. The shared sightings get re-lived over coffee and around the camp-fire.
  • Safari activities are typically shared with others so there's naturally people to chat to about the experience.
  • No single supplement is charged in the green & shoulder seasons in The norm in Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana. ie all months except July to October.

I am so glas we used this travel agency!

"I am so grateful to Conrad and Cedarberg Africa for helping us have the trip of a lifetime to South Africa! " Mrs Sylvia & Family

Outstanding & First class

"We are back from our trip to SA and having had just the best time ever. Everything slotted into place perfectly and all the accommodation and activities you booked for us were outstanding. Couldn’t have been bettered, you chose very well! Stands out as one of the best trips we’ve ever had. Virtually everything went like clockwork and we had a fantastic time. You did a brilliant job and the info pack was first class. The best organised holiday we have been on. We will defintely go back to Africa " Mr& Mrs Cott, UK

1st class

"We have had Sonja with Cedarberg plan our trips for years and they have all been excellent. The properties she has chosen for us have all been 1st class and exactly what we wanted. Many were a giant puzzle of flights, drivers and lodging reservations and they all fit together perfectly. " Mrs Marianna Willis
 

Ginny Russell

Co-founder & Director

Hi I'm Ginny, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

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Did you know
  • Single SupplementsMost safari camps in Zambia & Botswana have no single supplement outside of Peak Season
  • Private ToursVery Expensive for Solo Travellers

Accommodation

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Once more million thanks for organizing and supervising our trip of the lifetime.

"Once more million thanks for organizing and supervising our trip of the lifetime. I am glad with choose to stay in multiple lodges and locations as every one of our five stops was absolutely unique. Service and staff were outstanding everywhere. transfers were very smooth and easy. food quality matches Michelin restaurants. And game was superb! I personally enjoyed viewing at Bateleur in Kruger the most , as relatively open spaces gave us the opportunity to see all Big five in no time. Chobe in Botswana was second favorite but mostly because of boat cruises. Lukimbi accommodation, and Sanctuary kitchen were winners in those categories, respectively.
Victoria falls definitely not to be missed, canopy tour and heli ride were cherries on the cake.
Retrospectively I would probably not make any changes to out itinerary! Mr & Mrs Yuly "
Mr & Mrs Yuly

Exceeded our expectations

"From our first phone call, our requirements for the holiday were quickly and efficiently met and the overall standard of accommodation booked for us met and, in some cases, exceeded our expectations. All the transfers worked well and directions to our hotels were accurate and simple to follow. The information booklet supplied was very helpful. " Mr B Smith

Excellent bespoke itineraries

"Milandi puts together excellent bespoke itineraries, is proactive and provides excellent customer service " Mrs Jessie, UK