{"id":8495,"date":"2019-02-19T07:50:46","date_gmt":"2019-02-19T07:50:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=8495"},"modified":"2025-05-05T13:48:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T13:48:55","slug":"top-tips-for-solo-female-travellers-in-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/top-tips-for-solo-female-travellers-in-africa","title":{"rendered":"Top tips for solo female travellers in Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Africa can be a challenge for anyone, whether you\u2019ve never set foot on the continent or are a safari professional! It can also feel slightly more daunting if you\u2019re embarking on a trip as a solo female traveller in Africa \u2013 but don\u2019t let that put you off. We\u2019re 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\u2019s 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 \u00a0and simply reinforced our belief that Africa is a continent for everyone and that it will always surprise and delight you &#8211; you just have to let it.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8497\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/naboisho-camp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8497\" class=\"size-large wp-image-8497\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/asilia-Naboisho-Camp-masai-mara-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Top tips for solo female travellers - naboisho camp\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/asilia-Naboisho-Camp-masai-mara-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/asilia-Naboisho-Camp-masai-mara-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/asilia-Naboisho-Camp-masai-mara-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/asilia-Naboisho-Camp-masai-mara-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/asilia-Naboisho-Camp-masai-mara-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8497\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Credit: Asilia&#8217;s Naboisho Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>1. A note on what to pack<\/h2>\n<p><em>Mercedes Bailey, Asilia Africa<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Always a hot topic when it comes to safaris, Mercedes (who spends much of her time travelling to Africa\u2019s remotest corners!) had some good advice on what to pack in your safari suitcase \u2013 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\u2019ll be much comfier with long tops and trousers when bumping around in a 4&#215;4 or on a walking safari. She told us that a light scarf or African kikoy was her absolute essential when travelling \u2013 use it as a wrap on chilly evenings, a towel, a head scarf or evening something to sit on \u2013 and that she\u2019ll often throw in a pretty top or pair of earrings for the evenings when the khaki just gets too much!<\/p>\n<h2>2.\u00a0Choose your toiletries wisely<\/h2>\n<p><em>Tara Walraven, Nomad Tanzania<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Tara is currently living in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/arusha-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arusha<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/tanzania-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tanzania<\/a> and her advice for solo female travellers in Africa is to think about the toiletries you take with you. You won\u2019t have a huge luggage allowance to play with if you\u2019re 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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8507\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8507\" class=\"size-large wp-image-8507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=950,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/time-tide-kakuli-bush-kamp-Dropbox-south-luangwa-zambia-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Top tips for solo female travellers - kakuli bush camp\" width=\"900\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=593,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/time-tide-kakuli-bush-kamp-Dropbox-south-luangwa-zambia-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=950,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/time-tide-kakuli-bush-kamp-Dropbox-south-luangwa-zambia-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=247,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/time-tide-kakuli-bush-kamp-Dropbox-south-luangwa-zambia-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=297,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/time-tide-kakuli-bush-kamp-Dropbox-south-luangwa-zambia-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=506,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/time-tide-kakuli-bush-kamp-Dropbox-south-luangwa-zambia-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8507\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Credit: Time + Tide&#8217;s Kakuli Bush Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>3. Bring the essentials<\/h2>\n<p><em>Leandi Pretorius, Gorah Elephant Camp<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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 \u2013 we\u2019re 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\u2019re 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\u2019t panic if you get caught short \u2013 it just pays to have a few of the fundamentals in your bag already.<\/p>\n<h2>4. Don\u2019t buy a new wardrobe<\/h2>\n<p><em>Arwen Sellick, Timbuktu Travel<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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\u2019ll need a few items in neutral colours and a good-quality jacket will certainly come in useful, but don\u2019t be fooled into buying a whole new safari outfit just because that\u2019s what you\u2019ve seen in the photos. A linen shirt, some cotton trousers and a light jumper will be just the ticket and whatever you do, don\u2019t buy a new pair of walking or hiking boots just for the occasion \u2013 your comfortable trainers will do just fine, we promise. And you won\u2019t have to worry about carrying blister plasters either\u2026<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/wizard\/start?action=StartTheWizard&wId=001\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"10000001\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Start the wizard<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_8504\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8504\" class=\"size-large wp-image-8504\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/nomad-Sand-Rivers-Selous-Lodge-selous-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Top tips for solo female travellers - sand rivers\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/nomad-Sand-Rivers-Selous-Lodge-selous-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/nomad-Sand-Rivers-Selous-Lodge-selous-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/nomad-Sand-Rivers-Selous-Lodge-selous-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/nomad-Sand-Rivers-Selous-Lodge-selous-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/nomad-Sand-Rivers-Selous-Lodge-selous-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8504\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Credit: Nomad&#8217;s Sand Rivers, Selous, Tanzania<\/p><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h2>5.\u00a0Keep your wits about you<\/h2>\n<p><em>Mindy Roberts, Time + Tide<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s advice for solo female travellers in Africa is excellent: don\u2019t 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 \u2013 large cities have generally had enough international influence to be used to solo girls exploring the world. People aren\u2019t out to get you; you just need to have your wits about you.<\/p>\n<h2>6.\u00a0Buy local<\/h2>\n<p><em>Kirstie Heslop, Tribal Textiles<\/em><\/p>\n<p>We love Kirstie\u2019s top tip about buying local wherever possible. If you\u2019re in a city, you\u2019ll 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\u2019ll know your money is going to the right place.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_8508\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/lodge\/san-camp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8508\" class=\"size-large wp-image-8508\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/8-natural-selection-san-camp-Activities-makgadikgadi-pans-botswana-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Top tips for solo female travellers - san camp\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/8-natural-selection-san-camp-Activities-makgadikgadi-pans-botswana-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/8-natural-selection-san-camp-Activities-makgadikgadi-pans-botswana-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/8-natural-selection-san-camp-Activities-makgadikgadi-pans-botswana-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/8-natural-selection-san-camp-Activities-makgadikgadi-pans-botswana-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/02\/8-natural-selection-san-camp-Activities-makgadikgadi-pans-botswana-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-8508\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Credit: Natural Selection&#8217;s San Camp, Makgadikgadi, Botswana<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>7. Think about what you want from your safari<\/h2>\n<p><em>Rosie Opie, Nkonzi Bush Camp<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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\u2019d like to take fabulous photographs, then pack all your equipment and make the most of the stunning photographic opportunities \u2013 but if you\u2019ve never picked up a camera in your life, don\u2019t do it now! Do a little research into the type of places you can stay too. If you\u2019re 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\u2019ll feel more relaxed with a few luxuries around you (and there\u2019s nothing wrong with that), choose a larger lodge for your trip. Everyone has different styles and wants, so stay true to yours.<\/p>\n<h2>8. Enjoy every moment!<\/h2>\n<p><em>Olivia Partridge, Natural Selection Safaris<\/em><\/p>\n<p>We thought we\u2019d leave Olivia\u2019s 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\u2019t 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\u2019s nothing left to do but enjoy yourself and make memories that you\u2019ll want to tell your grandkids about.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/africa-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"10000000\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/timbuktu-general-african-safari.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center bottom data-country-id=\"10000000\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"General Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/timbuktu-general-african-safari.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=center bottom data-country-id=\"10000000\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"General Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Design your own trip<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Choose a destination, pick your properties and we'll do the rest<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Design a trip<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The practical, the interesting and the downright useful<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":8496,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112,176],"tags":[2139,40,42,3214,131,4455,3985,1344,65,4459,4458,4456,1519,145,96,2504,4457,100,3662,1092,4454],"class_list":["post-8495","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-top-10s","tag-adventure","tag-africa","tag-african-safari","tag-african-wildlife","tag-arusha","tag-asilia","tag-big-five-safari","tag-family","tag-gorah-elephant-camp","tag-natural-selection-safaris","tag-nkonzi-bush-camp","tag-nomad-tanzania","tag-planning-guides","tag-pre-departure","tag-tanzania","tag-timbuktu","tag-time-tide","tag-tips","tag-tribal-textiles","tag-what-to-pack","tag-women"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - 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