Why Safaris are great for Solo Travelers

Safaris are often associated with honeymoons, family trips or couples. But I’m here to tell you that going on Safari solo is just as amazing. I have often been on solo Safaris to go check out the places we recommend and destinations for Journey to Africa Safaris and they have been some of my most treasured trips!

Here are the reasons why.
Tips and tricks to planning a Solo Safari.

A happy, solo travelling Mefi in the South Luangwa, Zambia with Sandy at Sungani Lodge.

You won't be alone!
Although the idea of being on Safari by yourself conjures up images of you alone in the wilderness, in reality, Safari lodges—and particularly the ones I will send you to—are social and fun places. You will make friends with your guide, the camp staff, and other guests in your Safari vehicle (if you choose to share a vehicle for game drives). The camp managers and Safari guides are like hosts of a big home; they will welcome you, keep you entertained, and probably have a gin and tonic with you by the fire or join you for dinner sometimes!

Everything is organized for you.
Unlike other solo travel trips where you have to find your way around, decide where to go and what to do—which can get overwhelming—when you're on Safari, all of this is done for you! Sit back and enjoy as everything has been organized for you. From airport transfers to activities, everything will be arranged before your trip, so you'll be in safe, familiar hands throughout your entire Safari.

Alone time without feeling lonely.
Journey to Africa Safaris offer the perfect balance of peaceful solo moments and socializing at our places-to-stay. Your days are filled with shared adventures, and evenings wind down early with cozy gatherings around the campfire.

Your Safari Guides will become your lifelong friends! With Gibson in Serengeti, Tanzania.

Travel Tips:

• Book through Journey to Africa Safaris so that everything can be organized and I can send you to places and people I know and cherish. You will be well taken care of and safe with our trusted partners and ground handlers, most of whom we have been working with for over 10+ years.

• Go on Safari during lower season. This means cheaper prices for a solo traveller and lower visitor numbers. Your Safari will feel even more personal and special.

• Just take the plunge and book your Safari. Life’s too short to hesitate!

Mokoro Rides in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Night Game Drive on Safari

When on Safari, you spend a lot of time out searching for game during the day time. The best times are usually early in the morning when the temperatures are still cool and the animals are active… searching for breakfast. As the weather warms up from late morning to early afternoon time the animals, and maybe you too can enjoy some good siesta time. If siesta is not for you, go out and you will still find animals grazing or ‘lazing around’ – still enjoyable to witness. Of course there are some animals who can not rest – never a dull moment. They will get active again late afternoon when the weather cools down.

Most National Parks close around sunset. Private conservation areas don’t have any restrictions and you and your guide will decide when you want to enjoy a night game drive - this can be a last-minute decision. A few National Parks [Tarangire and Katavi, for example in Tanzania and most parks in Zambia] do not have those restrictions either but you do have to have a permit and we have to book a ranger hence we need to know in advance if you want to enjoy this experience.

My first night game-drive was in dark, stormy night of November 2011 in Tarangire National Park at Oliver’s Camp.

Covered in our raincoats, armed with a ranger and a brave wind-bearing spotter in our vehicle driven by Alex the camp manager at that time, we drove out looking for animals. We had night vision goggles to aid in our viewing. We saw three male lion brothers who were later heard roaring around the camp, vultures feasting on an elephant carcass, jackals and more. If it was not pouring, we would have had a two-hour ride heading towards the Silale swamp. Ours was cut short because of the rains. Still, oh what a thrill! 

I have had many more night game drives since then. It is not so much about the wildlife that is easier to see during the day, but the anticipation of spotting the wildlife and the sounds that accompany it in the night. And the rewards can be pretty spookily beautiful.

Take a spin with us at night.
There will be a few surprising things to stare at on your night game Safari.