Why a Solo Safari in Africa Could Be Your Most Memorable Trip Yet

How to Make the Most of a Group Safari as a Solo Traveller

1. Sign up for a short safari first to see if it’s for you. A week or 10 days is enough time to adjust to being on your own in a group and for the group to bond. Anything shorter, and your group won’t bond – the couples will keep to themselves. Anything longer could be pure torture if it doesn’t work for you. 

   

2. Arrive a day or two early. This gives you time to adjust to jet lag, acclimate, recover from your journey, and get a feel for your new environment. I always have a day to myself before a tour to walk around the departure city on my own. Do this, and when you meet your group, you will be refreshed, feel confident, and already a little in the know. It will also give you a couple of local stories to tell (this really helps me get past my natural shyness). 

   

3. Make an effort. It’s a cliché, but whatever you put in, you’ll get back out. You don't need to be the life and soul of the party, but be friendly and interested in your travel companions. Break the ice by asking them about their hometowns and previous travels. Learning everyone’s names quickly will endear you: usually, it’s the solo travellers who know who everyone is first, as couples talk to each other more than to the rest of the group. 

   

4. Pick a different seat every day. Do you know how everyone chooses a seat in the minivan on day 1 and sticks to it for the entire holiday? Well, shake it up by sitting in a new place daily yourself. It’s not only a great way to meet everyone else, but you’ll be encouraging others to do the same. 

   

5. Contribute to the group. Do something to make the trip more fun for everyone else. On one tour, I initiated a tacky souvenir Secret Santa competition, which gave everyone a little project to work on. You might also want to introduce the group to your favourite card game (I always travel with a deck of cards), or drinking game, or conduct a fun awards ceremony on the last night. 

   

    
6. Be flexible. Relax, go with the flow, and enjoy it. Focus on the fantastic things you are seeing and experiencing, rather than on the guy who is always late to the bus. Be open to suggestions and ideas from your travel mates – they might introduce you to something you’d never have come across on your own. 

   

7.  Recognise the upsides of travelling alone and revel in them. You don’t have to deal with a cranky partner or relationship drama. You have the luxury of just looking after yourself, which really does free you up to experience your trip more. Travel on your own, and you will have far more meaningful interactions and connections with people. 

For more tips and insights about Solo Travel in Africa, watch Essential Solo Travel Tips for Safety, Confidence & Adventure with Steph Parker and Lauren Melnick on YouTube.

You’re more approachable than if you’re in a couple or group – and that’s a good thing. Solo travellers gravitate towards each other. If there’s another person on your safari, it’s likely that you’ll get to know each other quite quickly. Seasoned solo travellers spot each other instantly and are old hands at striking up conversations. I’ve always come back from solo trips with more new Facebook friends and email addresses than if I’ve travelled with a partner or friend.