In recent years, solo female travel has experienced a surge in popularity, with more women seeking immersive and transformative experiences beyond traditional destinations. Africa, once perceived as a challenging location for solo travelers, is now becoming a favored choice for adventurous women. From the wildlife-rich plains of Botswana to the dense forests of Uganda, female explorers are carving out new travel narratives that go beyond relaxation and into deep cultural and personal enrichment.
The story of 92-year-old Rosemary Sieber, who visited Botswana’s Chobe Game Lodge in 2020, exemplifies the growing appeal of solo female travel in Africa. Rather than a simple safari experience, she found herself tracking elephants with Africa’s first all-women guiding team, the Chobe Angels, and forming deep connections with the local community. This trend is mirrored in search data, with Google searches for “solo female travel” increasing by 131% since 2023, according to Nkuringo Safaris. The travel operator also reports that nearly a third of their bookings now come from solo female travelers.
Recognizing this shift, companies like Desert & Delta Safaris have curated experiences tailored to solo female travelers. Their newly launched Empowering Women Journey offers a 10-night itinerary that combines safari adventures with cultural immersion, sustainability, and leadership encounters.
The itinerary begins at Chobe Game Lodge, where solo female travelers are guided through Botswana’s breathtaking landscapes by the renowned Chobe Angels. Next, at Savute Safari Lodge, guests meet inspiring women like Gorata Nyame, a former special education teacher who rose to become the general manager of a prestigious safari lodge.
Beyond wildlife viewing, the experience fosters cultural engagement. At Nxamaseri Island Lodge, guests learn traditional basket weaving from local artisans before embarking on an overnight journey to Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for ancient rock art. Here, San Bushmen storytellers share their deep-rooted connection to the land, allowing travelers to experience Africa’s heritage in an intimate setting.
Sustainability is also a key focus. Guests visit Ruth Lunza Mangisi, a farmer who employs solar-powered technology to prevent elephants from raiding her crops, highlighting innovative conservation strategies. The journey concludes in Maun, where travelers celebrate with Botswana’s female entrepreneurs, including the founders of Okavango Gin, a company that supports rural communities through sustainable business practices.
According to James Wilson, Director of Sales and Marketing at Desert & Delta Safaris, solo travelers are never left feeling isolated:
“When you come to our lodges as a single traveler, you’re never just placed at a table on your own you become part of our extended family.”
This inclusive atmosphere is crucial in making solo women feel both safe and welcomed.
One of the primary concerns for solo female travelers in Africa is safety. However, travel experts argue that while security is important, women are seeking more than just a “safe” trip—they want an enriching adventure.
For example, Nkuringo Safaris has seen an increase in solo female travelers participating in gorilla trekking expeditions through Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. While the experience is physically demanding and takes place in a remote setting, it has become a top choice for adventurous women.
Lydia Eva Mpanga, founder of Nkuringo Safaris, emphasizes that firsthand accounts are essential for inspiring confidence in potential travelers:
“Women need firsthand accounts from other women that’s what ultimately builds confidence.”
Many solo female travelers, like Codi Land from Texas, have found such experiences deeply rewarding:
“Gorilla trekking was the most incredible solo traveling experience I’ve ever had. It’s a rare, intimate opportunity to be face-to-face with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.”
Beyond gorilla trekking, Nkuringo Safaris integrates cultural visits, conservation education, and immersive wildlife encounters, allowing women to connect with Africa in a meaningful way.
Solo female travelers are not just consumers; they are also influential ambassadors for African tourism. According to Virtuoso, women allocate 34% more of their travel budget to experiences that offer personal growth and purpose. Their influence extends far beyond their trip, as they often share their journeys online, inspiring others to follow suit.
“They’ll post a gorilla selfie before their plane lands home,” says Mpanga, highlighting the power of word-of-mouth recommendations in this market.
As a result, travel advisors and tour operators are increasingly recognizing the importance of building trust among solo female travelers. Recommendations from women who have personally explored Africa hold more weight than generic safety assurances.
“A solo man’s five-star review doesn’t reassure like a woman’s does,” Mpanga explains.
Women like Codi Land exemplify this growing trend. She booked her Uganda gorilla trek after reading blog posts from other solo female hikers who had navigated Bwindi Impenetrable Forest alone.
As women continue to embrace solo travel, Africa is poised to become an even more popular destination. Tour companies are responding with tailored experiences that combine adventure, culture, and sustainability while ensuring safety and inclusion.
With immersive itineraries like the Empowering Women Journey and Nkuringo Safaris’ Uganda expeditions, solo female travelers are proving that Africa is not just a place to visit it’s a destination to experience, learn from, and fall in love with.
As the trend grows, more women will undoubtedly follow in the footsteps of those who have ventured before them, transforming Africa into a top choice for solo female adventure travelers worldwide.
