Africa can be a challenge for anyone, whether you’ve never set foot on the continent or are a safari professional! It can also feel slightly more daunting if you’re embarking on a trip as a solo female traveller in Africa – but don’t let that put you off. We’re proud to say that the industry is full of inspirational ladies doing everything from working in camps to selling safaris to managing textiles cooperatives, and in aid of International Women’s Day on the 8th March, we picked their brains for some of their top tips for women travelling in Africa. Their suggestions had us nodding our heads in agreement and simply reinforced our belief that Africa is a continent for everyone and that it will always surprise and delight you – you just have to let it.
1. A note on what to pack
Mercedes Bailey, Asilia Africa
Always a hot topic when it comes to safaris, Mercedes (who spends much of her time travelling to Africa’s remotest corners!) had some good advice on what to pack in your safari suitcase – and what to definitely leave behind. First up, she advises leaving the short skirts and dresses at home. Not only are they often disrespectful to local cultures but you’ll be much comfier with long tops and trousers when bumping around in a 4×4 or on a walking safari. She told us that a light scarf or African kikoy was her absolute essential when travelling – use it as a wrap on chilly evenings, a towel, a head scarf or evening something to sit on – and that she’ll often throw in a pretty top or pair of earrings for the evenings when the khaki just gets too much!
2. Choose your toiletries wisely
Tara Walraven, Nomad Tanzania
Tara is currently living in Arusha in Tanzania and her advice for solo female travellers in Africa is to think about the toiletries you take with you. You won’t have a huge luggage allowance to play with if you’re flying on small planes to remote areas, so leave the heavy shampoos and body lotions behind. She told us that most camps have their own products and they are often made from natural, eco-friendly ingredients and are as good as they can possibly be for the beautiful environments you’ll find yourself in. Another good reason to leave those chemical-laden beauty products behind and a good excuse to do some research into some new, natural bottles for your sink and shower that you can use back at home too.
3. Bring the essentials
Leandi Pretorius, Gorah Elephant Camp
Leandi has managed safari camps and lodges all over Africa and certainly knows a thing or two about what to pack for a safari! Her advice for solo female travellers in Africa is to always make sure you have enough of the essentials – we’re talking sanitary products, any medicines you might need, a few first aid bits and pieces and even things like Kirby grips, hair ties and suncream. They may well be available in larger cities but if you’re staying in a remote camp you never know how far someone will have to travel to buy some paracetamol. Most camps have a small supply of the essentials so don’t panic if you get caught short – it just pays to have a few of the fundamentals in your bag already.
4. Don’t buy a new wardrobe
Arwen Sellick, Timbuktu Travel
Our very own PR guru Arwen told us that the one thing she had learnt from her trips across the continent was to most definitely not rush out and buy a whole new wardrobe! Yes, you’ll need a few items in neutral colours and a good-quality jacket will certainly come in useful, but don’t be fooled into buying a whole new safari outfit just because that’s what you’ve seen in the photos. A linen shirt, some cotton trousers and a light jumper will be just the ticket and whatever you do, don’t buy a new pair of walking or hiking boots just for the occasion – your comfortable trainers will do just fine, we promise. And you won’t have to worry about carrying blister plasters either…
5. Keep your wits about you
Mindy Roberts, Time + Tide
Africa seems to have developed a terrible reputation for being dangerous, particularly in the cities and towns. Whilst there are of course areas to avoid, just like any city in the world, Mindy’s advice for solo female travellers in Africa is excellent: don’t walk down dark streets at night and if something makes you feel uncomfortable, go to the nearest large hotel or restaurant and simply wait or ask them to call you a taxi. She also mentioned valuables and jewellery, saying that leaving them at home is the best thing you can do! And remember – large cities have generally had enough international influence to be used to solo girls exploring the world. People aren’t out to get you; you just need to have your wits about you.
6. Buy local
Kirstie Heslop, Tribal Textiles
We love Kirstie’s top tip about buying local wherever possible. If you’re in a city, you’ll undoubtedly encounter vast emporiums of curios that are often made in China (yes, really!) and are simply shipped in for tourists to buy. Instead of succumbing to the first thing you see, take a moment to think about where the item was made and if you can, support a local producer or artisan instead. Lots of safari camps and lodges have beautifully curated gift shops which are often stocked in partnership with local communities and benefit those that live in the area. Otherwise, ask around for the best local markets or cooperatives and even if they are a little more expensive, you’ll know your money is going to the right place.
7. Think about what you want from your safari
Rosie Opie, Nkonzi Bush Camp
Our lovely friend Rosie has a great piece of advice for solo female travellers in Africa and that was to think about what you want from your trip. If you’d like to take fabulous photographs, then pack all your equipment and make the most of the stunning photographic opportunities – but if you’ve never picked up a camera in your life, don’t do it now! Do a little research into the type of places you can stay too. If you’re looking for a real, back to nature experience, book a rustic little bush camp and fall asleep to the sounds of the wildlife. On the other hand, if you know you’ll feel more relaxed with a few luxuries around you (and there’s nothing wrong with that), choose a larger lodge for your trip. Everyone has different styles and wants, so stay true to yours.
8. Enjoy every moment!
Olivia Partridge, Natural Selection Safaris
We thought we’d leave Olivia’s words of wisdom until last because actually, there was never a truer phrase spoken. Travelling in Africa or going on safari may well be out of your comfort zone, but isn’t that the very reason we travel? As a solo female traveller in Africa, push yourself to experience things you might not at home, soak in the atmosphere and the new sounds and smells, and as long as you stay safe (and heed our advice in this very blog post), there’s nothing left to do but enjoy yourself and make memories that you’ll want to tell your grandkids about.
