Tips for solo travellers

“Sometimes, the best way to fully experience a place is alone. There’s a restorative power of these stretches of time spent alone, immersed in some other landscape, lost in another language, absorbed in a new culture. Solitude leads me to a better version of myself.” Marcia DeSanctis

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

Travelling on your own is one of life’s joys. Not tied down by compromise or limited by the preferences of others, single travellers are free to safari on your 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 your AG 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).

Some travellers share a room with another traveller to avoid single supplements.

Discuss these issues and options with one of our safari experts

SOLO or solo?

Some solo travellers prefer a totally 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 bush or birding walk, mokoro or boat outing and balloon safaris. Asking for a totally exclusive experience will involve careful planning if the experience is offered at no extra cost by your lodge and the lodge is full at the time. If the experience is a paid optional activity 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 own 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 Africa Geographic safari consultant is whether you are comfortable with the possible presence of young children at the same camp/lodge/tour.

Whatever your preference, let your AG safari consultant know beforehand so we can make the arrangements.

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 travelling with a guide. Most people booking these safaris have not met beforehand. Smaller groups (4 to ten people) are better for solo travellers because it’s easier to join conversations and make new friends

• Small camps and lodges are better for solo travellers 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 travellers. Group sizes are small, and the experience is intimate and social

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

Women on safari

Also read Our guide for women on safari

Finally

Here is another resource with general Safari advice - not covered above

Which of our safaris are friendly for solo travellers?

All of the safaris we offer are suitable for single travellers, with some tweaking to suit your specific expectations