Travelling on a solo safari in Africa
Safari is a rewarding holiday for anyone wanting to travel alone. Whether you want to join a small group of like-minded travellers or have a tailor-made safari itinerary planned just for you, there are hundreds of possibilities.
Selinda Adventure Trail walking and canoeing safari in Botswana
In fact, of all the trips we organise, it’s probably only self drive itineraries we wouldn’t recommend to a solo traveller. All of us at Aardvark Safaris travel by ourselves from time to time and can speak from experience when it comes to planning African holidays for solo holidays.
Communal dining at Tanda Tula, Kruger, South Africa
Company – you’re not left on your own (unless you want to be alone)
If you are looking for company then one of the best things to consider is to join a small group, of typically no more than eight people. These safaris operate on frequent departure dates throughout the year and vary in length and style. There are some particularly good set departure safari itineraries in Namibia and Botswana. Other group trips focus on a particular activity – riding, canoeing or walking for example – and these are great options for solo travellers to join a group of like-minded travellers.
Riding at African Horseback Safaris Okavango Delta, Botswana
If group travel doesn’t appeal and you’d prefer a tailor made safari you can expect to enjoy lively company on safari. Game drives or bush walks with other guests are great fun, and sundowner drinks around the fire are a good place to chat about the wildlife sightings during the day. Meals are taken with other guests and the atmosphere is similar to that of an informal dinner party. Managers, guides and camp hosts are a hospitable bunch and are experts when it comes to making sure no one feels left out.
Group dining Linyanti Bush Camp Chobe, Botswana
Price
It is possible to find camps and trips that don’t charge single supplements throughout the year. Choose to travel in low or shoulder season (in many areas this is still a wonderful time to take a safari) and you’ll find more are happy to waive a single supplement cost. International, regional and internal flights are priced per person, so it makes no difference on that front whether you are travelling solo or with others.
Meeting gorillas in Rwanda
Safety
On a top end safari you’re met and handed on from one host to another. You’ll be collected at the international airport, shown to your onward flight or transfer to your safari camp where you will be looked after by your guide and host. At the end of your stay, they will hand you over to you next transfer and so the cycle repeats. You won’t be alone again until arriving at the international airport for your homeward flight.
Always with company, Little Makalolo, Hwange, Zimbabwe
What next?
We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday, or answer any questions about the best time for visiting Africa on a solo safari. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of safari from beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.
Hi
I am looking for a schedule as a solo traveller without paying single supplements with 3 possible schedules
1. Start Gabarone approx 26th Feb, finishing in Lusaka/Harare on the 16th March to include game reserves, Victoria falls, moderate level hiking. Budget approx $2,500
2. Start Namibia 17th Feb + above itinerary . Budget approx $3,000
3. Travel from Jo’berg on 17th Feb to arrive in Dar el Salam on 16th March with any suggestions you have on places to visit. Budget approx $3,000
Is it possible to give me 3 potential schedules within these budgets? My dates are fixed as they coincide with cricket tours in South Africa and Sri Lanka. I am OK with bus travel if it keeps the cost down and budget level hotels. I do not want to share dorms if possible but sharing with 1 other person in a twin would be OK. I would need WIFI where possible although I understand will not be available on the whole trip
Thanks
Mark
Dear Mark, Your enquiry has been passed onto a safari sales person who will be in touch shortly. Best regards
Renate