Solo safari-goers don’t have to share limited hot water for bucket showers in the bush — Photo courtesy of Samara Karoo Reserve
A bucket list mainstay steeped in tradition, an African safari isn’t an entry-level trip. It requires significant research, especially if you’re traveling alone and planning (and paying for) everything yourself. How do I know? I’ve been on so many solo safaris my closet is full of khaki, and my smartphone is full of selfies with the “Big 5” — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo — in the background.
In addition to logging countless game drives, I’ve canoed through croc-infested waters in Zambia, walked with bushmen in Botswana, flown in a helicopter around Rwanda, and most recently, learned all about the importance of pollinators on my first flower safari — yes, that’s a thing — in South Africa. Soon, I’ll be in Tanzania, cycling across the Serengeti.
Travelers can see up to 900 species of plants on the 4×4 botanical safaris at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve — Photo courtesy of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Of course, I haven’t always been a solo safari expert. From forgetting to wear long pants (which made my legs fair game to an army of fire ants) to booking a package at a place that operated more like a zoo, I’ve done plenty of things I regret. Most importantly, I don’t want you to make the same mistakes. So, if you’re planning your first solo African safari, here’s what you should know.
How to budget for an African safari
Lion cubs are some of the beautiful beasts at Natural Selection’s Tuludi Camp — Photo courtesy of Natural Selection
Many people think they can’t afford African safari packages. But the truth is, there’s something for almost any budget. In South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, I’ve stayed at Royal Malewane, a game lodge owned by The Royal Portfolio, where rates start at $3,000 per person per night, all-inclusive. I’ve also paid $175 per night, all-inclusive, to celebrate Christmas at Aquila Private Game Reserve, just two hours by car from Cape Town.
Generally speaking, if you can drive to a camp, it will be cheaper. Expect to pay substantially more if it requires a charter flight from a town or city to a camp’s private runway. However, these remote lodges typically offer private game drives and indulgent amenities like complimentary minibars, turndown service, and swimming pools. Plus, I also think the food is better.
Royal Malewane spoiled me with six-course dinners paired with expensive wines. At Aquila, 150 guests ate from the same basic buffet. The only complimentary drinks were water, tea, and coffee.
There’s no fighting for a front row seat when you’re the only guest on a game drive at Puke Ridge in Zambia — Photo courtesy of Katie Jackson
Since solo travel is on the rise, some tour operators, like Singita, are waiving single supplements — the surcharge applied to a traveler who travels alone but stays in a room that fits more than one passenger — to attract parties of one. In two weeks, I’m cycling in the inaugural Wagora MTB Ride, one of Singita’s special events that brings solo travel groups together.
Other companies, like Samara, Natural Selection, and Wilderness Destinations, don’t charge single supplements at specific camps during the low season. You’ll find the best value for solo travelers who want luxury at Zambia’s Puku Ridge, where single supplements are not applicable and rates start at $1,234 per night. I spent about a week at this intimate semi-tented camp in South Luangwa National Park, enjoying private game drives, a plunge pool, and creature comforts like air-conditioning — a must during October when I visited.
Who was voted the best?: Best Adventure Tour Operator (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
Which countries are best for an African safari?
Experience hippos and crocs at eye level on a mokoro safari at Jao Camp in Botswana — Photo courtesy of Katie Jackson
In my experience, the best countries for African safari trips are South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Each country offers something unique, so book accordingly. I went on my first solo safari in Zambia because it’s relatively safe compared to neighboring countries. It has a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department, whereas South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania all have Level 2 travel advisories.
For a safari that mixes land adventures with water-based excursions, I traveled to Botswana, which boasts the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of the world’s rarest species.
At Samara Karoo Reserve in South Africa, staff doesn’t mind setting up a white tablecloth picnic for a solo traveler — Photo courtesy of Samara Karoo Reserve
South Africa is for safari-goers who want to experience a city or beach at the beginning or end of their trip. Spend a few nights living in luxury at Cape Town’s Cape Grace before heading into the bush for bucket showers. In 2022, I did a Kruger National Park safari that included four nights in Mozambique, where I snorkeled and SUPed in the Indian Ocean. Tanzania and Kenya, meanwhile, are ideal for travelers wanting to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.
If your bucket list includes Victoria Falls, consider Zimbabwe, also home to Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking safaris are popular here, and travelers can take advantage of a “stay four nights, pay for three” package at the Molori Mashuma tented camp.
It’s worth noting that Namibia, too, offers safaris. Once a rhino research field station, Damaraland’s Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp opened in 2024 and welcomes guests who want to track the rare black rhino on foot.
What not to do on a safari in Africa
Many safari guides like hosting solo travelers because it’s easier to get one person closer to wildlife — Photo courtesy of Samara Karoo Reserve
The worst thing you can do on an African safari is ignore your guide. When you arrive, your guide will explain the rules: don’t stand up in the vehicle without permission, don’t walk around unsupervised after dark, and never touch wildlife. I’ve been on safaris where curious cats have gotten so close to our Land Cruiser that I could have petted them — but I didn’t. Also, don’t forget sunscreen, and avoid wearing bright colors. They can scare animals away.
Caroline Hunt, Scott Dunn senior travel consultant for Africa, cautions against overpacking. “Travel light with a soft duffel,” says Hunt, a native of Zimbabwe.
Most small planes that fly to camps in Africa don’t allow hard-sided luggage or overweight bags due to safety regulations. For example, Grumeti Air doesn’t allow luggage with rigid sides. Weight limits can be stricter as well. While a checked bag on a trans-Atlantic flight from the U.S. to Africa can weigh up to 50 pounds, on Grumeti Air, you’re limited to 34 pounds.
Tips: How to book an ethical safari: 10 things to consider
Best safari operators
Solo travelers who stay at Pondoro Game Lodge can go out on patrol with the Black Mamba anti-poaching unit, the world’s first all-Black, all-female unit — Photo courtesy of Katie Jackson
I believe the best safari operators focus on conservation, not cash. They don’t cut corners to save money if it hurts the environment. They spend more to be sustainable and give back to the community. For example, Pondoro Game Lodge, in the Greater Kruger, collaborates with the Black Mambas — the world’s first all-Black, all-female anti-poaching unit.
At the luxury safari camp Tswalu Kalahari, a sustainability officer will explain the lengths the camp goes to to minimize its carbon footprint. The camp publishes an annual impact statement that shows how the business prioritizes sustainable conservation through nature-based tourism.
Students mingle with guests at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve’s on-site Green Futures College — Photo courtesy of Katie Jackson
To find ethical safari operators, look for those that have won industry awards. Because ethics are subjective, don’t be afraid to ask the property questions prior to booking to ensure their principles align with yours. When I stayed at Aquila, I was disappointed to learn that their animals are fenced in and fed by humans. Had I done my homework, I would have splurged for a more authentic experience where wildlife is truly wild.
The cheapest safari operators usually lack the funds to hire sustainability officers or invest in local communities via foundations like South Africa’s Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. The highlight of my stay was Touring Grootbos’ on-site school, where residents of the neighboring township learn important life skills and take accredited courses to help secure employment.
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