I’m going to level with you. I have only been to Africa once. The place was Morocco and the images, sounds, tastes and smells are seared in my memory to this day.
The vibrant indigo veils of the Tuareg men. The almost mystical sound of Gnawa music. The aromatic sweetness of a slow-cooked tagine. The acrid smell of the Chouara tannery in Fez.
My ambition is to explore much more of this vast continent but I have struggled to identify the best places in Africa for solo travellers. To help me identify the best African destinations for solo travel, I reached out to expert travel bloggers, drawing on their first-hand experiences of visiting this part of the world.
Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.
>>> Get inspiration to book your first solo trip to Africa with these dreamy quotations about travelling alone.
Best Africa Solo Travel Destinations
Cape Town, South Africa
By James of The Travel Scribes
The thick white cloud rolling over Table Mountain. World-class white-sand beaches around nearly every corner. And a vibrant, buzzing atmosphere that is almost palpable.
It can only be Cape Town, the cosmopolitan, melting pot of a city perched at the very tip of the African continent.
A destination that wins ‘world’s best city to visit’ at most travel award ceremonies, Cape Town is one of those cities that has to be on every traveller’s bucket list.
Best visited in the spring or summer months (October to March), the city offers so much for all types of visitors. It serves wallet-friendly food and has some of the world’s best wineries. Add to that its jaw-droppingly beautiful coastal roads like Chapman’s Peak Drive and its crowning glory, Table Mountain.
Get out and about on your Cape Town itinerary with a tour of the local townships or the famous colourful streets of the Bo-Kaap. Go shark cage diving with fierce great whites, market hop to find beautiful handmade wares or just spend your days flitting from one gorgeous café to the next, revelling in the sights and sounds of the continent’s favourite playground.
Reasons to visit Cape Town as a solo traveller
- It’s easy to meet people at bars, restaurants and hostels to find travel buddies
- The infrastructure is world-class, making it easy to get around
- Most locals are friendly. Even if you’re lost you’ll find your way around with their help
- It’s a relatively cheap destination by Western standards, somewhere you can travel better for less
Top tips for visiting Cape Town as a solo traveller
- Make sure to stay near the city centre to ensure you can visit all the key attractions
- Use ridesharing apps like Uber to ensure you are safe (do not use local shared taxis)
- Book the city sightseeing tour. It’s one of the best in the world and is a free bus pass too!
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
By Paulina of Paulina On The Road
If you’re looking for one of the best places to travel alone in Africa, visiting Cabo Verde is a must.
This West African nation brings you close to nature’s beauty, bringing out the landscape-lover in you. The Cape Verde archipelago is home to one of the most vibrant cultures in Africa and is blessed with green and beautiful landscapes everywhere. You can visit anytime as the weather is excellent all year round.
There are plenty of things to do in Cabo Verde for adventurers, from surfing the waves to hiring a quad bike and touring the island. Don’t leave Cabo Verde before trying the local cuisine (pork and grilled chicken are popular here).
Reasons to visit Cabo Verde as a solo traveller
- It’s relatively safe for solo travelling
- In recent years the infrastructure has been improved, allowing easier independent travel
Top tip for visiting Cabo Verde as a solo traveller
Prepare a holiday plan package beforehand. Contact travel guides to help you explore the archipelago’s highlights.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
By Linn of Brainy Backpackers
Chefchaouen, the blue city in northern Morocco, is a great place to travel solo in Africa.
It’s not as big and overwhelming as bigger Moroccan cities. The medina is just big enough – or some say small enough – that you can get wonderfully lost in the streets yet find your way home.
There are plenty of things to do in Chefchaouen. Take a day trip to the mesmerizing Akchour Waterfall or walk up to the Spanish church for the best views of the city.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities in the medina, allowing you to support the local economy whilst bringing home beautiful memories.
It is perfect to visit all year round, but in the summer months and at Easter week it gets busy, especially with Moroccans and Spanish tourists who cross the border to enjoy the stunning blue city during Easter week.
Reasons to visit Chefchaouen as a solo traveller
- Relatively safe
- Small medina so it’s hard to get lost
- Friendly locals
- Cheap local shopping
Top tips for visiting Chefchaouen as a solo traveller
- Try a local tajine for an amazing dinner experience!
- Shop in small local shops to support the local economy
- Learn some basic phrases in French
- Take time to get lost in the streets and really experience the little town
- Tap water is usually safe to drink in Morocco but bring a filtered water bottle to be safe
The Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
By Claudia of My Adventures Across The World
The Danakil is one of the most unique places on earth.
This region of northern Ethiopia is located at the border with Eritrea and is full of dramatic landscapes, from the lava flows of Erta Ale Volcano to the salt desert and the colourful toxic lakes of the Dallol. It’s the home of the Afar people, a nomadic people that is just one of the many indigenous groups of Ethiopia.
Thought to be the cradle of humankind – it was in the Danakil that archaeologists found Lucy, the famous hominid skeleton currently on display at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa – this area is famous for its harsh living conditions.
Located below sea level, the average temperature here is 34 degrees Celsius. However, in reality, the temperatures rise much much higher, making it impossible for anyone to spend more than an hour or two outside.
Should you decide to travel to Ethiopia, you should add the Danakil to your itinerary.
Reasons to visit the Danakil as a solo traveller
- Ethiopia attracts lots of solo travellers
- As you are likely to visit the Danakil on a group tour you will have ready-made travelling companions.
- Friendly locals
Top tip for visiting the Danakil as a solo traveller
Due to a lack of proper infrastructure in this part of the country, the Danakil is best visited on a guided group tour. These tours depart from Mekele and last between three and four days.
Expect to pay in the region of $400 USD, which is inclusive of everything – basic meals, very basic accommodation (think a mattress on the floor and a squat toilet, no showers for three days), drinks, a driver, a guide and an armed guard.
Deadsvlei, Namibia
By Paula of Paula Pins The Planet
Namibia has so much to offer for any type of solo traveller, with amazing landscapes, very rich wildlife and also an opportunity for a cultural experience.
One of the must-visit destinations in Namibia is Deadsvlei and for a good reason.
It is a postcard vision of Namibia and a photographer’s paradise. The white salt pan with the dead camel thorn trees contrasts against the orange dunes and the desert blue sky, creating an unreal landscape.
Reasons to visit Deadsvlei as a solo traveller
- Very safe with an impressively low crime rate
- Easily navigable roads from the capital Windhoek
- Because Sossusvlei is one of the most visited places in Namibia, you will find many options for accommodation. The first thing to consider is your budget, as the options are from luxury lodges to simple campsites.
- It is a great fit for any budget
Top tip for visiting Deadsvlei as a solo traveller
The best time to explore Deadsvlei is at sunrise and sunset. You will avoid the crowds and the sunlight will help to make this place even more special by casting long shadows on the centenary Acacia trees and surrounding dunes.
Garden Route, South Africa
By Rose of Where Goes Rose
One of the best places for solo travel in Africa is the Garden Route which runs along the southern coast of South Africa. After exploring the vibrant city of Cape Town, you can depart for the Garden Route.
The Garden Route can be travelled on a backpacker’s budget with plenty of affordable hostels and lots of free activities like hikes and beach days. It can also be enjoyed in a more luxurious style, with safaris and boutique resorts.
Regardless of your travel style, a few of the best places to stop are Mossel Bay for its beaches and hikes, Wilderness for its outdoor activities like kayaking, Knysna for its pretty harbour and scenic bike rides and Plettenberg Bay for snorkelling with seals.
Don’t miss Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg or Tsitsikamma National Park near Storms River since these are some of the most naturally beautiful places along the Garden Route.
Reasons to visit the Garden Route as a solo traveller
- It’s safe
- It’s easy to meet other travellers
- For opportunities to see wildlife
Top tip for visiting the Garden Route as a solo traveller
Travel with the Baz Bus, a service designed to take travellers along the highlights of the Garden Route, dropping them at their accommodation. It’s an affordable service since it doesn’t include activities or guides, just a driver who picks you up and drops you off every few days.
Kasane, Botswana
By Fiona of Passport and Piano
Kasane in Botswana is a fantastic place to visit if you want to go on safari. The town is reasonably small, but it has everything you will need in terms of shops, tour companies, and restaurants.
Kasane also has an airport with direct flights to Johannesburg.
Reasons to visit Kasane as a solo traveller
- It’s one of the safest places in Africa
- You can drive around Chobe National Park yourself. The Chobe Waterfront route is popular, although there are set times that self-drivers can enter the park, so check ahead.
- You can take a trip to Victoria Falls in Zambia.
- Most people speak English.
- There are some fantastic lodges in which you can stay.
- The wildlife is stunning, and there is a good chance that you’ll see The Big Five. Chobe National Park is known for its large herds of elephants and cape buffalo.
- The sunsets across the Chobe River are phenomenal, illuminating the sky in an array of reds and oranges.
Top tip for visiting Kasane as a solo traveller
Carry some local currency and US dollars. Although most places will take credit cards, as the internet is not reliable card machines don’t always work.
You can pay in US dollars but you will get your change in local currency. The exchange rates do get confusing, so if possible pay in Pula (local currency). That way you’ll know that you are getting the correct change.
Knysna, South Africa
By Ella of Many More Maps
If you’re searching for a destination in Africa with lots of beautiful natural landscapes, a bunch of other solo travellers and a place that makes you feel safe, look no further than Knysna, South Africa.
Located on the stunning Knysna Heads, most visitors to Knysna are there to hike to the top to watch the sunset and sunrise and to spend time in a chilled-out waterfront town.
Another reason Knysna is so popular with travellers is that there are countless free things to do here.
Surrounded by forest, hiking trails, beaches and the tranquil Knysna lagoon, there’s plenty to keep you occupied as you ease into travel in South Africa. Plus, if you want to surf, the surfing hotspot of Buffalo Bay is just a short drive away
Reasons to visit Knysna as a solo traveller
- There are only a few hostels in Knysna so there’s a close-knit community of solo travellers
- You can reach most Knysna tourist hotspots by yourself for little money
- Great infrastructure for independent travel to nearby destinations. The hugely popular Plettenberg Bay is just a short bus journey away.
- Affordable accommodation and food, much cheaper than Cape Town
Top tip for visiting Knysna as a solo traveller
- Hire a bike for the day to cycle around the exclusive Thesen Island, hang out on the beach and visit the Knysna Heads.
- Don’t skip out on the Knysna Waterfront. They serve some of the best oysters in the world.
Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
By Lara of Both Feet On The Road
Most people only visit Uganda to admire the last of the endangered mountain gorillas. However, this beautiful green country, nicknamed the Pearl of Africa, has a lot more to offer than just wildlife. And the stunning Lake Bunyonyi is a perfect example of other destinations in Uganda!
Reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi as a solo traveller
- Lake Bunyonyi is the most developed (non-safari) destination for tourists in Uganda, which makes it safer for solo travellers to visit
- Besides being safer, it is also a place where you will meet other travellers
- It is also one of the more affordable places to visit in Uganda
- As you get around the lake with boats operated by locals, there’s a perfect opportunity to meet and chat with local people.
- It is the only bilharzia, hippo, and crocodile-free lake in Uganda. In other words, it’s the only lake in which you swim safely in Uganda
Top tip for visiting Lake Bunyonyi as a solo traveller
Contrary to what many people think of Africa and Uganda, it can get quite chilly. Lake Bunyonyi is located at an elevation of 1962 meters. Especially at night, temperatures can drop significantly, so make sure you bring something to keep you warm.
Lesotho
By Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan
The tiny mountain kingdom of Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa and gets overlooked by most travellers. But that’s their loss because Lesotho is packed with stunning scenery and plenty of fun things to do.
Pretty much all of Lesotho’s attractions are natural ones, so you’ll want to treat the capital, Maseru, as a transport hub and head out into the countryside as quickly as possible. There you’ll find several laidback tourist lodges that offer outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
Reasons to visit Lesotho as a solo traveller
- As a very small and primarily rural country, Lesotho is much safer than most other countries on the continent
- When staying at one of Lesotho’s lodges, it’s easy to arrange activities as a solo traveller. The staff will place you with other visitors to create a small group.
- Communal lodge dinners provide a great opportunity to make friends
Top tip for visiting Lesotho as a solo traveller
Stay at Malealea Lodge. They work closely with the local community and invest in various projects that benefit the residents of the nearby village. They can also arrange activities that will allow you to get to know the local villagers and gain a better understanding of their way of life.
For example, you can visit a local farm or have your fortune told by a sangoma (a traditional Basotho doctor with magic powers). It’s also possible to have lunch with a local family in their home, or even stay with them overnight.
Malawi
By Michelle of Intentional Travelers
Malawi, a small country surrounded by Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania in East Africa, is one of the very best African countries for solo travel.
Lake Malawi is Africa’s third-largest lake and occupies the majority of the country. With dense forests and rolling mountains in the North, and plateaus and expansive valleys filled with wildlife in the South, Malawi has some of the most overlooked scenic landscapes in the world.
Being so small, Malawi can be traversed fully in just a week or two. The best times to visit are March through June, October, and November.
Reasons to visit Malawi as a solo traveller
- As Malawi is popular with solo travellers, you can easily find others to travel with
- Friendly locals. They may want to sell things to you but harassment is not common
- Long-distance buses are relatively comfortable (not necessarily the case with mini-buses, though)
Top tip for visiting Malawi as a solo traveller
Malawi is usually ranked among the safest countries in Africa year after year. Common sense best practices like taking a taxi instead of walking alone at night, asking directions from local women and not flaunting valuables in public will suffice for solo travellers.
Marrakech, Morocco
By Nicole of EatLiveTravelDrink
Marrakech, Morocco is one of the best destinations for solo travellers in Africa. The city is rich in historic architecture and delicious food, the people are warm and welcoming, and it is budget-friendly.
One of the best times to visit Marrakech is in November.
You will avoid the scorching heat of the summer months and its high price points. However, it will be warm enough to enjoy walking around and swimming if your lodging has a pool.
Some of the top experiences to have in Marrakech are to stay in a Riad, get wonderfully lost exploring the Medina and visit Le Jardin Secret. Eat everything – dates, couscous, tagine, crepes, and get the mint tea – explore Majorelle Garden and visit Jemaa El-Fnaa.
Reasons to visit Marrakech as a solo traveller
- It is a busy city and easy to get help or directions from anyone
- The residents are extremely friendly and helpful
- Easy to navigate – the Medina is the focal point – but you can get lost in there. Just ask someone for directions
- Budget-friendly – even luxury lodging can be easy on the wallet
- Staying in a Medina will allow you to stay in a smaller place that is usually run by a family, and they will be of great assistance to you
Top tip for visiting Marrakech as a solo traveller
The Medina can be crazy but enjoy it. Say no to sellers if you don’t want anything, try all the foods, look at all the beautiful doors and take it all in.
Mauritius
By Emily of Wander-Lush
Although it is typically thought of as a honeymoon destination, Mauritius has a lot to offer solo travellers. Beyond the idyllic beachfront, this is a diverse and complex nation with a fascinating history.
Apart from relaxing on the beach and partaking in water activities (including diving and snorkelling), you can also find a lot to do in Mauritius’s green interior. One of the most popular things to do on the island is to visit Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.
Trekking, quad biking and other adventure activities are available in the national parks.
Cultural travellers will love exploring Mauritian traditions including local cuisine, music and dance, and religious rituals. A street food tour is a must, as is dedicating a day to roaming the local markets and shopping for handicrafts.
Reasons to visit Mauritius as a solo traveller
- Mauritius is one of the safest countries in Africa. Crime is very rare and it’s safe to walk around alone.
- As well as luxurious waterfront bungalows, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options suitable for solo travellers, including hostels and guesthouses.
- Travelling solo, you can have more freedom to set your schedule and explore beyond the beach.
- There are plenty of join-in tour options available if you want to meet other travellers along the way.
Top tips for visiting Mauritius as a solo traveller
Book a couple of day excursions in advance before you arrive to make exploring the island easier. Don’t underestimate Mauritius’s size – things are quite spread out – so hiring a motorbike or car is also a good option.
Meknes, Morocco
By Eva of Not Scared of the Jetlag
Morocco is one of the best places to travel alone in Africa as it is easily accessible and has so much to offer.
Meknes is the smallest of the four imperial cities and should not be missed on any Morocco itinerary. It is an interesting city with a lot of history.
The medina of Meknes dates back to the early 11th century and you can find amazing riads, one of the most important Quran schools and many artisans here.
From 1672 to 1727, Meknes was the capital of Morocco and the Ville Imperial was built to show off the Sultan’s wealth. You can find his mausoleum and his huge horse stables and granary in this part of the city.
The best time to visit is from September to March, as the summer months tend to be very hot.
Reasons to visit Meknes as a solo traveller
- The city is small, so it is unlikely to get lost and you won’t need to depend on the help of strangers to find your way
- It is not on every tourist’s radar, so no big crowds
- It is also very walkable, no need to take public transport
- You will find no harassment by sellers in the souks, especially in comparison with Marrakech and Fes, making it perfect for souvenir shopping
- Great accommodation options in one of the many riads
- Meknes is easy to reach by train or bus, with good connections to Marrakech, Casablanca and Fes
- There are great day trips in small groups to meet people, e.g. Volubilis
Top tips for visiting Meknes as a solo traveller
- Learn some basic French or Darija (Moroccan Arabic). But generally, the locals are very happy to communicate with hands and feet and big smiles.
- Don’t hesitate to just say no (or la in Arabic) if you don’t want something.
Northern Senegal
By Chris of Punta Cana Travel Blog
Everything north of the Gambian border is considered the Northern part of Senegal, which is a diversified area with many different things to do.
The highlight of a Senegal itinerary should include the capital and its attractions in the surrounding (Île de Gorée and Lac Rosé), the city of Saint-Louis, some of the beaches in Senegal (for example in Saly or south of it) as well as one of the national or nature parks.
Personal highlights in Senegal have been a visit to the slavery island of Île de Gorée, the pink lake close to Dakar and a safari in the Fathala Wildlife Reserve.
Reasons to visit Northern Senegal as a solo traveller
- The Senegalese are amongst the friendliest and most helpful people in the world. If you have any questions while travelling alone, just ask them.
- If you are new to Sub-Saharan Africa, Senegal is one of the easiest countries to travel to. You don’t need a car, you can go nearly everywhere by public transport.
- Senegal is safe by African standards, so you can easily explore cities and areas on your own.
- If you are looking for a cheap safari in Africa but don’t want to stick to a full group itinerary, Fathala Wildlife Reserve close to the Gambian border is a perfect option. You can see giraffes, rhinos, antelopes or zebras for less than 100 USD, even if you are going alone.
Top tip for visiting Northern Senegal as a solo traveller
Head towards Fathala Wildlife Reserve to use this opportunity for a super cheap and impressive safari. While other safaris in Africa can easily cost 300 USD and more (or might even not be possible at all when travelling alone), this is a bargain.
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
By Mariza of HOPONWORLD
When considering a solo adventure in South Africa, most travellers gravitate towards Cape Town. But just a few hours east of there is the beautiful seaside village of Plettenberg Bay.
Sandwiched between mountains and the ocean, Plett is a popular spot among beachgoers, nature seekers and adrenaline junkies.
While it is quite a small place, there is so much to do and see, from surfing and relaxing on sandy white beaches to hiking forest trails to visiting the nearby sanctuaries.
The weather in Plett is mostly pleasant, with temperatures ranging between the mid-twenties and upper thirties. That said, winter (Jun-Aug) can be quite cold and rainy, which is probably not ideal for a beach vacation.
Reasons to visit Plett as a solo traveller
- It’s a very laidback place and generally quite safe. Like elsewhere in South Africa, it’s best not to walk around alone at night
- Since it’s a popular holiday destination, it’s well geared towards tourists
- Accommodation is easy to find, and there are a handful of well-established hostels in the centre of town
- Plett has an amazing food scene, with stacks of restaurants and bars offering epic seaside views
Top tips for visiting Plett as a solo traveller
- Try not to visit during Easter or the December school holidays as it’s usually quite crowded.
- During whale season (June to November), it’s not uncommon to spot these gentle creatures frolicking near the shores.
- If you’re not driving from Cape Town, make sure to rent a car in George (the closest airport) to explore the area at your own pace.
Serengeti, Tanzania
By Rai of A Rai of Light
There are countless reasons for the solo traveller to visit a country as unique as Tanzania.
A land of unmatched beauty, the region is home to some of the most well-known parks and attractions in Africa. Consequently, safaris and wildlife-related activities are the reasons most people visit Tanzania.
At the top of this list is a visit to the Serengeti National Park. This vast ecosystem, spanning over 12,000 miles, comprises an abundant and diverse range of fauna and flora.
Wildlife viewings are almost guaranteed at any time of the year, but a trip around the movement of the great migration between July and October is highly recommended.
Reasons to visit the Serengeti as a solo traveller
- In one of the safest countries in Africa, the Serengeti is safe to visit as long as the rules and guidelines set out by the park staff and rangers are followed.
- The best part is that all of this comes at an affordable price, with costs often comparable to backpacking in other developing countries.
- As one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, the region has the infrastructure and groundwork to cater for the solo traveller.
Top tips for visiting the Serengeti as a solo traveller
The best option in terms of getting to meet other travellers, and for a value-for-money trip, is to join a safari tour.
Much like anywhere in the world, an open mind, a little common sense, an open mind and some planning is well placed to make a solo trip here an enjoyable and safe experience.
Sossuvlei, Namibia
By Campbell & Alya of Stingy Nomads
The red sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia are one of the most spectacular and best-known natural wonders in this amazing country.
The name has mixed origins and translates into “dead-end marsh.”.
Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan surrounded by gigantic red sand dunes and is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park in the south of the Namib Desert. The name Sossusvlei usually refers to all the surrounding marshes and sand dunes in the area that are visited together.
There are a couple of landmarks not to miss in this park. The otherworldly 80 meters high Dune 45, formed from five-million-year-old sands, is one of the most famous images of Namibia.
Sossusvlei itself is about 66 km past the Sesriem gate and the last part can only be travelled by 4×4 vehicle. Most visitors camp at Sesriem, but there are some luxury resorts to stay in surrounding the park.
Two or three-day tours to Sossusvlei are popular from Windhoek. Often you will be a group of adventurous travellers camping together, taking in the beautiful Namib Desert landscapes and travelling across one of the oldest deserts in the world.
Reasons to visit Sossuvlei as a solo traveller
- Camp with and meet other like-minded travellers
- Choice of affordable and luxury accommodation
- Safe with a very low crime rate in the desert
Top tips for visiting Sossuvlei as a solo traveller
The best time of the year to visit Sossusvlei is in autumn (from March until May) or spring (from August to October).
For amazing photos try to get out there with sunrise or sunset when the shadows make the dunes spectacular.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
By Derek & Mike of Robe Trotting
One of the best destinations in Africa for a solo traveller is Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
While the country of Zimbabwe has experienced periods of instability, the area of Victoria Falls is extremely tourist-friendly. The resorts, businesses and activities in Victoria Falls are safe and well-developed.
The best time to visit Victoria Falls is when the water flows are their strongest. This is after the rainy season from February to May. If you visit during the dryer period some additional activities are available like white water rafting and the Devil’s Pool, a natural rock swimming pool on the waterfall’s ledge.
Many of the best things to do in Victoria Falls revolve around the powerful waterfall that defines the landscape. You can hear the thunderous flow of water from anywhere in the city.
The best way to view the falls is from Victoria Falls National Park. Another place to view them is the Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe over the Falls Gorge.
You do go through border patrol to reach the bridge, but it does not require a visa or even a stamp if you are crossing on foot to view the bridge. On the bridge, you can also enjoy activities like the Victoria Falls zip line, bungee jumping and bridge swing.
Reasons to visit Victoria Falls as a solo traveller
- It’s a bit of a tourist enclave in ZImbabwe, so travellers can feel at ease
- The tourist infrastructure is great and all resorts have their own generators
- There is no shortage of things to do in Victoria Falls
Top tip for visiting Victoria Falls as a solo traveller
In Zimbabwe cash is king (bring USD from a neighbouring country). However, most businesses in Victoria Falls accept credit cards
Is it Safe to Travel Solo to Africa?
There are a lot of myths swirling around the wisdom – or not – of travelling solo to Africa. This is a diverse continent and that diversity extends to its countries’ safety profiles.
Some African countries are stable and safe for female solo travellers, including Namibia, Malawi and Morocco. But it is worth giving a wide berth to Mali, Chad, Somalia, South Sudan and Libya, for example.
Africa may not be the easiest destination for your first solo vacation, but it sure will be rewarding.
Solo Travel to Africa on a Group Tour
That said, it’s safe to say that this is probably not the best continent in which to cut your teeth as a rookie solo traveller. For a solo trip to Africa in a more supported manner, consider joining a small group tour. This can also be useful if you are planning to visit more than one country.
For some locations – The Danakil in Ethiopia, for example – this may be a necessity but there are other benefits of a group tour as a solo traveller. There are lots of group travel companies out there but two companies that I have used and can recommend are Exodus Travels and Explore Worldwide!
You’ll have an expertly curated itinerary and you often gain valuable insights into the country, the people and the culture. Generally, there’s safety in numbers. Finally, if you fear solo travel loneliness, there’s the reassurance of ready-made travel companions.
READ THESE NEXT:
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.
This is amazing and so inspiring, thanks for allowing me to be part of this list of stunning places. Africa is an incredible Continent, and every trip I go, my bucket list gets longer. I find Africa to be one of the most beautiful places in the Planet, but also, safe to travel as solo female travelers. Also, the people are extremely nice and friendly. I truly recommend a trip to any country in Africa at least once in a lifetime.
Thank you so much Paula. From a personal point of view, all of your contributions have inspired me to see more of Africa!