Solo Travelers

So many 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 sometimes overlooked are the annoying downsides for Solo Travellers in Africa. From safety considerations, to the 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 travellers 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 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 well could be an option for a few days in the Cape.)

That leaves other modes of transport. Unfortunately, there is surprisingly little choice in group tours. Some Cape & 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. Finish it off with a safari which is a convivial activity by its very nature?

Another option is to combine some scheduled day tours in Cape Town with private transfers to a convivial country lodge in the Cape which offers a range of activities in-house? Examples include Grootbos, Lekkerwater or Cederberg Ridge.

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. But most of these camps don't have single supplements outside of peak season. So there are simply too many to mention!

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 travellers. 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!

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 Travel in Kenya

The small and friendly safari camps on Kenya's private ranches attract lots of solo travellers. 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.