Traveling solo seems like a distant idea. It screams the world ‘challenge’ and ‘unfamiliar’. However, traveling solo as a female can lead to many surprises and positive things. It can broaden your horizon, test your boundaries, and make you say, “I can do it!” So, exploring the world as a female solo traveler is highly recommended for all the fearless queens out there. Then, we know why you are here! You are likely searching for ‘solo travel Africa’ to level up your trip.
Africa is an extravagant continent to explore. It has a dazzling beauty that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Vast golden savannah, endless deserts, verdant jungles covered in mystery, and elegant mountains are what Africa has to offer. You might have heard myths about traveling to Africa that make you have goosebumps. However, let’s do a myth-bust and start planning your awesome trip to Africa with this Solo Travel Africa Guide for Female Travelers!
Safest Countries to Visit in Africa for Women
Africa has tons of beautiful places to visit. The natural beauty, incredible wildlife, and magnificent culture of Africa are something that you shouldn’t miss. Thus, some countries are perfect to start if you are a female traveler who dreams of going on a solo trip to Africa. Besides the fact that they are astonishing, these countries are relatively safe and friendly to tourists. Check out these safest countries to visit in Africa to put on your solo travel bucket list!
Malawi
Pristine and laid-back, Malawi is a hidden gem in Africa. It offers enchanting natural beauty, ranging from misty savannah to glimmering lakes. Moreover, Malawi has become more charming because of its people and culture. People in Malawi are very friendly and welcoming. You won’t find it hard to smile back at them! For that reason, Malawi is one of the safest countries to visit in Africa for solo female travelers.
Mauritius
If you want to travel solo to Africa, I highly recommend visiting Mauritius. Sunny, peaceful, and friendly – some words describe Mauritius. This vibrant country boasts picturesque beaches, delightful flavors, and charming yet laid-back towns. Moreover, Mauritius is a multicultural country. For that reason, accepting differences and being friendly is something Mauritians excel at. Thus, remember to be respectful while traveling to the country.
Namibia
This Southern African country is one of a kind. Namibia becomes world-famous for the Namib Desert, which offers breathtaking scenes and an unreal setting. Thus, there is another reason to visit Namibia. This country is recognized as the safest country in Africa, with very low rates of crime. Moreover, Namibia has many facilities you can enjoy as a tourist. So, if you are going on solo travel to Africa as a woman, Namibia is fantastic to visit.
Rwanda
Safe and secure, that is what Rwanda looks like. This landlocked country is generally relaxed and humble, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Although often overlooked by tourists, Rwanda has one of the best activities to do in Africa.
Thousands of mountain gorillas call the lush jungles of Rwanda ‘home’. Therefore, you can see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As a solo female traveler, you can join guided group tours or book a private guide to see the gorillas.
Solo Travel Tips for Female Travelers
So, are you taking a dauntless step to go for a destination you want finally? You go, girl! Then, if you are going for a solo travel to Africa, here are some tips that you can note down. It is important to stay safe, respectful, and cautious during traveling as a female solo traveler. Last, but not least, remember to have a lot of fun!
1. Be confident
I feel this should be your motto in and outside of traveling, especially for solo travel as a female! Having confidence is one of the best keys to ensuring you have enjoyable travel days. Don’t doubt your decisions and trust yourself a little more than usual when navigating yourself through a new destination.
2. Plan the first night
At a minimum, be sure to book a place to sleep on the first night of every destination during your trip. It’s important you give yourself daylight time to find your hostel or hotel to avoid any unwanted interactions while you walk around trying to find your sleeping spot. Avoid arriving at night.
3. Keep quiet
The fact is that solo travel as a female to third-world countries is quite dangerous, therefore, you should think of your accommodation as your safe spot. To be safe, don’t tell people where you are staying, even if they seem trustworthy or nice. If they ask, give them a roundabout answer without giving it away, for example, “I am staying close to the center.”
4. Blend in
It’s unfortunate we have to worry about such things, but one of the easiest ways to attract negative attention is to wear clothing that gives off the wrong ideas or that makes you stick out as a tourist. Most of the time, the attention we get is warm and inviting, but it is always best to stay safe and be aware. I recommend trying to blend in with the locals, dressing conservatively, or wearing simple clothing to avoid being singled out as a potential target.
5. Meet other women
You will be surprised to see that you are not alone and a lot of other women embarked on the same journey through Africa. Please take this opportunity to meet them and share the same exciting experience hand in hand. You can build strong friendships with women all around the world that you may never have had the chance to meet before.
6. Stay connected
Well, solo travel as a female does not mean that you are completely isolated. Keep family and friends rest to ensure you are safe and have the time of your life. Letting people know where you are acting as an extra safety blanket – while friends and family can follow along, you also leave a safety trail and reassure everyone you’re safe and enjoying your travel days.
7. Keep possessions to a minimum
We know how nice it is to have all electronics on hand while traveling, but you must remember this is only going to attract more attention from thieves. Try to avoid flashing these items around and only take them out of your bag when it’s absolutely necessary. Perhaps it’s a good idea to leave the laptop at home if you can manage without it.
8. Avoid too much alcohol
This one may be obvious, but let this be a friendly reminder. Enjoying a drink or two with a new travel buddy is great, but it can quickly turn dangerous if you overdo it. Drink in moderation and always be aware of your surroundings. If, by chance, you do overdo it, never walk home alone and have a walking buddy to get you to your hotel safely.
You Learn that Experiences Count More in Life than Material Goods
Living out of a suitcase alone is liberating as you are in control of what you have with you and nothing else. You don’t have space to buy things, you don’t need things, and your days are packed with indescribable experiences – environmental, cultural, social, and historical sensory explosions.
Your Journey is Neither Circular Nor Linear
On your return, you will not be the person you were when you left home. Your planned journey will probably develop many unexpected directions as you meet super people, discover new sights to see, and find things have changed uncontrollably.
Learn to go with the flow in Africa.
This is your time! Spend your travels how you want to. From relaxing in a pool with your favorite snacks and drinks to doing that long-awaited bucket list experience!
Africa Becomes Addictive, Compulsive and More-ish
Once you have travelled Africa, you will never want to leave, and you will already be planning your next trip when you return home. It’s the foundation for humanity, our home, and where we want to be.
It’s a Proper Refreshing Holiday with Time to Reflect
It is a time to slow down, be alone, look inside your soul, and see what you need in your life from now on. It is a time to be free of baggage and worried thoughts, to meet other cultures, see beautiful and maybe shocking things, and rethink life.
It’s a Top Life Challenge
It means being brave and stepping away from that comfort zone called home. Be ready to catch public transport, stay in strange lodgings, meet weird and wonderful people, and have your heart and mind opened to change.
Traveling on your own is fun, challenging, vivid, and exhilarating. Realizing that you have what it takes to be your own guide is a thrill known only to solo travelers!
Freedom in its Deepest Meaning
Be free, be alone, and make decisions on your own. When things go wrong, please do something about it. When things go right, rejoice!
You have Complete Control of all Aspects.
No one will make the decisions you need to make, so you are in control of your travel destiny. Book your itinerary and go, but be open to change, and remember that you can only control so much on this trip. You have complete financial control, too.
Africa is Thrilling, Unpredictable and Remarkable
You can plan, and you can be there, and you will always be surprised. There is a challenge and a thrill around every corner in Africa, and there are fabulous vistas to photograph and remember.
Africans are Friendly, Fascinating, and Enlightening
It is wise to have your wits about you as a solo traveler in Africa, but most Africans are simply glad to meet you and find out about you. They will flash their friendly white smiles at you and invite you to chat or give you food and a beer. There is so much to learn in Africa about just being in the moment; stop rushing and let life lead you. Things do take longer in Africa, and many things don’t work as you would expect them to in the first world!
Traveling as a solo woman can be a mixture of emotions, but it’s an exciting experience. On the other hand, it is always lovely to meet other solo travelers while traveling.
Check out Urth Expedition and find your dream trip!