The Essential Guide to Solo Female Travel in Africa

Every part of the world has its own feeling and vibe. It’s not just the place but who you are when you’re there. However, it’s no surprise that the very location where humankind originated somehow feels so much like home.

The first time I landed in Africa, it was early in the morning in Johannesburg, South Africa, and as I made my way off the train and into a cab, I immediately started a lighthearted conversation with the driver, laughing and joking.

I love the friendly smiles, the genuine interest locals show, and the warm feelings I have when I return to beautiful Africa again and again. 

Over the course of my three visits, I’ve spent a cumulative 13 months in southern and eastern Africa, much of it solo. 

I’ve also invited Steph from Big World Small Pockets, a fellow solo Africa travel enthusiast who has journeyed across 22 countries on this continent, to share her experiences.

Between the two of us, we’ve got you covered in the areas of safety, our best picks of where to go for solo female travelers in Africa, what to pack, how to meet others, and top tips for volunteering:

Is Africa Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Having traveled Africa extensively as a solo female, I can definitely say that, in contrast to popular opinion, this is a safe continent to travel to!

Of course, you should take the usual precautions that you would anywhere in the world as a woman, but you really don’t need to feel apprehensive about travel in Africa.

If you are sensible by following golden rules like not going out alone after dark, not drinking too much, getting a local SIM card, and notifying people when you’re due to be back, you’ll mitigate a lot of unnecessary problems.

Don’t wear flashy jewelry and beware of exposing other electronics you may have on you, such as Apple watches (it’s probably best to take these off) or large cameras (use a neck strap to keep these safe).

You’ll also want to ensure your bags are close and secure (consider hiding your passport and cash in secure, hidden pockets) and consider buying a phone lanyard to keep your cell phone safely on you at all times.

Also remember to respect local customs and dress codes, especially in more conservative destinations such as Stone Town in Tanzania or Lalibela in Ethiopia.

You also don’t want to wander into unknown areas or accept invitations from strangers, and do make sure you use Uber or other rideshare apps in major cities across the continent. 

Any unwanted attention or hassle you might experience can usually be deflected by uttering a polite but firm “no,” averting your eyes, and walking calmly away.

You should also listen to guides wherever you are, as they’ll definitely understand the local vibe better. In national parks, always remain in the safari vehicle, and don’t dangle your limbs or belongings out so as to avoid any incidents.

Don’t forget to visit a health professional a few months before you depart for Africa and to get any necessary vaccinations, malaria medication, and basic first aid kits you might need well in advance.

You should also read about how to protect yourself from mosquito bites, heatstroke, and food or waterborne diseases in Africa — a filter bottle for water can be a great help here!

Ensuring you have travel insurance with good medical coverage is another good practical measure. I recommend SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Faye Insurance.

Of course, we can’t deny the huge amounts of poverty that exist across the continent, and therefore the disparity between most people who travel here and some of those who live here.

This fact does feed into crime rates, in particular pickpocketing, which is common especially on local buses and in markets. To avoid these, always carry possessions in a small shoulder bag or backpack and wear this on your front. Never walk around with valuables in pockets or leave your bag unattended.

You may also want to beware of scams that can happen at border crossings. Ensure you research the visa fee (if any) that you should be paying for the passport you hold and never pay any more than this, even if requested.

Also make sure you don’t use your camera at border crossings, airports or road blocks as the authorities may use this as a reason to fine you.

But being respectful, reasonable, and rational has a lot to do with travel safety, and I’m happy to say that in all my Africa adventures, I’ve never suffered any problems.

Best African Destinations for Solo Female Travelers 

1. Coffee Bay, South Africa

There are few places on planet Earth that I love more than Coffee Bay, which I passed through on my South Africa road trip and then returned to because I couldn’t get it out of my mind.

It’s so beautiful there, with rolling green hills on the coast and colorful rondavels (round huts) dotting the bluffs. 

If you like to go on long walks, surf, or just hang out in a lush paradise, there’s always something to do and someone around to do it with. 

I’ll always cherish the time I spent in Coffee Bay!

2. Kendwa, Zanzibar

Zanzibar in Tanzania is a special place. 

It is a pure melting pot of cultures, most evident in the winding alleyways of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are loads of fun things to do in Stone Town, from spice tours to seeing giant tortoises, so I advise you to spend at least 1-2 nights here.

After that, I recommend heading to the beaches of Zanzibar. There are a number of villages, each with its own character. However, the one I would recommend for a solo traveler is Kendwa, up in the north of the island. Saturday nights on this beach are legendary, and every month there’s a Full Moon Party (although it’s a much tamer affair than the ones in Thailand!).

3. Tofo, Mozambique

Tofo in Mozambique is one of the best places I’ve been solo — not just in Africa but in the entire world. 

Due to a complete lack of information online, I was initially afraid of going to Mozambique by myself, but it turned out to be the kind of place that attracts really cool and interesting people, some of whom I am still friends with years later.

Tofo has lots of activities, like scuba diving, snorkeling with will sharks, taking an ATV out to the sand dunes, and, of course, lounging in a hammock (which I did often, to be honest). 

Another unexpected benefit was the cheaper prices for a single traveler staying in bungalows. I have never been to a country where I didn’t have to pay the same price for a double as two people. It was always significantly less because I was the only person in the room. It didn’t make sense to me, but I wasn’t asking questions!

4. Jinja, Uganda

I absolutely love Jinja in Uganda, a beautiful country with friendly people, gorgeous green hills, and dark orange soil. Due to its position on the banks of the Nile, it’s the adventure capital of East Africa and attracts a lot of backpackers, volunteers, kayakers, and adrenaline junkies. 

I spent a couple of weeks staying in the small village of Bujagali, just outside Jinja Town. On any given night there was something going on and a steady stream of people passing through.

But it is also a great place to meet the locals. Every afternoon, when it started to get a little cooler, I would play netball with the girls in the village and would often get invited to dinner at their homes.

5. Lake Kivu, Rwanda

The Lake Kivu area in Rwanda is a beautifully peaceful place – well worth a few days stay if you’re keen to unwind.

I was pleasantly surprised by the number of other travelers I met while staying in the Home Saint-Jean hotel, which sits on the Lake’s shore, just outside the town of Gitesi. 

Many of them were volunteers of some sort (which is a trend you’ll see repeatedly in Africa), though some I met were solo travelers passing through.

One of the best activities to enjoy here is a boat trip around the nearby islands of Lake Kivu.

If you’re on a budget, joining a group is the way to go and, usually, you can find other travelers keen to crew up in the common area of the Home Saint-Jean hotel.

6. Taghazout, Morocco

Morocco is a country with a bit of a reputation when it comes to solo female travel. That said, I had no problems there whatsoever, despite covering quite a bit of the country, including Marrakech, the coast, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert. However, I know that isn’t the experience for all women, some of whom often complain about the aggressive local touts and catcalling.

One place I found to be particularly lovely was the village of Taghazout. I actually stayed just down the road in Tamraght but would venture to Taghazout for dinner. It’s a mecca for surfers and, as such, draws a fun crowd. 

There are plenty of surf schools that cater to everyone from beginners to pros too if you want to join them. Staying at a surf school also means that you are pretty much guaranteed to make some friends. Some schools combine catching waves with practicing yoga too.

7. Cape Maclear, Malawi

Known as “the warm heart of Africa,” Malawi is one of the most beautiful places in Africa and great for a solo traveler.

The hub of the tourist activity tends to lie on Lake Malawi, also known as the Lake of Stars, due to the lights of the fishing boats that sit out in the water in the evenings. It’s grand for scuba divers, as the lake is home to more species of freshwater fish than any other in the world.

Cape Maclear, on the southern part, is ideal for solo female travelers. The beachy, laid-back vibe tends to attract a lot of cool people, including independent overlanders and backpackers, so there’s always something going on and someone to hang out with. 

8. Chobe National Park, Botswana

If you’re thinking of going on a solo safari in Africa, Botswana is a fine place to start! It’s one of the safest countries on the continent, boasting political stability and a strong, robust economy. Relatively low levels of corruption have meant that it has developed good infrastructure and public services, such as roads and medical access, all making solo travel easier. Plus, English is widely spoken in Botswana, and accommodation options tend to be fantastic.

Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s most popular and is easily accessible from Kasane International Airport within a relatively short drive (short for Africa, anyway!) Choose from comfortable lodges or camping options here, which will give you the best chance of spotting the Big Five from land game drives at dawn or sunset river cruises at dusk.

Known for its huge elephant population, Chobe National Park is one of the safest places to tick a huge number of large animals off your list in Africa!

9. Sossusvlei, Namibia

Famous for its sky-high sand dunes, otherworldly landscapes, and incredible desert scenery, Namibia gets my vote as one of the continent’s safest countries, making it ideal for solo female travel. It’s politically stable and fairly well-developed economically, which means it has good infrastructure, roads, and medical services. 

It also has one of the lowest population densities in the world, due to its arid landscapes, as well as an incredibly low crime rate. In addition, its predominantly desert climate means that malaria and tropical diseases are less of a risk in Namibia. 

However, when considering solo travel here, it’s worth bearing in mind the country’s vast size and that some of the places you’ll be visiting are extremely isolated and remote. That’s why I think a super place to head is Insta-worthy Sossusvlei, a petrified forest in the desert. You’re bound to find other travelers there. After all, who can resist snapping this amazing sight in the stunning light?

Dune 45 nearby is the perfect place to climb for amazing sunrise views.

10. Kilifi, Kenya

From the majestic Mount Kenya to world-class safaris, from sprawling savannas to pristine Indian Ocean beaches, there’s so much to see in Kenya, it’s no wonder that many solo adventurers flock here every year! 

As one of the most developed countries in East Africa, Kenya has excellent infrastructure and communication networks, as well as a highly developed tourist industry, so it’s well set up for all sorts of travelers. 

For all these reasons, Kenya is a fairly well-trodden path for solo female adventurers, and locals will be used to travelers in all popular tourist destinations, including my favorite: Kilifi!

Situated on the coast, near a river mouth, this town has quite a progressive, liberal, and bohemian tourist scene, based around the amazing accommodation Distant Relatives, which is an affordable and socially conscious ecolodge. It’s a good place to meet other travelers and tourists. You can also enjoy loads of great day trips from here or just lounge by the pool.

English is widely spoken across Kenya, which makes solo travel much more manageable and sociable as well, but, as in any destination, taking standard precautions — like avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of your surroundings, and not carrying large amounts of cash — are key to staying safe. It is also important to dress modestly and respect local customs.

How to Get Around in Africa

In some parts of Africa, such as Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Kenya, and South Africa, you can use trains to get around. This can be a fast, comfortable, and enjoyable experience.

However, across most of the continent, the main mode of transport is bus. From coach companies such as Greyhound in South Africa to CTM in Morocco, they usually travel longer distances and offer relative comfort for very good prices.

For those making short journeys or looking for some great vibes, rattling local buses are an ideal way to see the continent and soak up the local flavor.

You can also rent a car and drive overland through large parts of Africa. This works well if you’re traveling with others and is especially common in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. Self-drive safaris are plentiful, and having your own wheels can provide flexibility and good value for money.

Finally, you can also use planes as a means to get around Africa. Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Nairobi in Kenya, Casablanca in Morocco, and Johannesburg in South Africa act as large international airline hubs, where it’s easy to find international and regional flights to most parts of eastern, southern, and western Africa.

You can also fly between destinations in many larger African countries, such as South Africa and Kenya. This can be an expensive way to get around, but it does make seeing a lot more possible if you’re on a short timeframe.

How to Meet Other Solo Female Travelers in Africa 

Another way to get around Africa, and a great option if you’re still feeling apprehensive about traveling this continent alone, is overland tours. Essentially a small-group, vehicle-based tour with a local guide and driver, overland tours take you on expertly crafted itineraries to some of the must-see highlights in a region.

For me, overland tours offer more than just a means of transport; they provide safety in numbers, absolutely invaluable local knowledge from guides and drivers, and an opportunity to connect with fellow adventurers who will share your passion for exploration! 

I’ve met some seriously incredible people on them too! Whether that’s because travelers attracted to this type of adventure are of a certain disposition, or because Africa gets into the blood of some really interesting people, there’s no denying the conversations, company, and banter are always A-grade on these trips! 

There’s also a huge range of overland tours to choose from, including starting and ending locations all over Africa, although they are most common in the southern and eastern parts of the continent. This means that whether you have 10 days or 12 weeks to explore parts of Africa, there’s bound to be an overland option for you! 

I’ve found African Budget Safaris to be an amazing resource for affordable overland tours and safaris in Africa, with loads of ideas on its travel blog.

What to Pack for Africa

The best types of clothes for Africa are lightweight, thin, breathable, and durable. Layers are your friend and neutral colors work best.

I often just wear shorts or harem pants and a T-shirt with a thin scarf around my neck plus a sunhat and sunglasses. Sturdy shoes are a must, along with sandals and trainers.

A thin waterproof jacket can also be a good idea, especially if you’re here in the rainy season, along with swimwear and a sarong to enjoy those gorgeous beaches.

Insect repellent and sunscreen are musts too!

Click here for my comprehensive Africa packing list.

Volunteerism in Africa

Many who visit the African continent go with the intention of volunteering. You’ll meet people there who are connected with the Peace Corps, MSF, Oxfam, the Red Cross, or the UN.

If you want to volunteer in Africa, then it’s really important to consider your skill set and the ethics of the organization you sign up with. Questions to ask yourself before volunteering include the types of skills you can offer based on your current set, experience, passion, and interests. 

I recommend reading The Problem with Little White Girls before deciding to volunteer in Africa, and also looking for programs that empower the local community, rather than keep them dependent on foreign aid. I’d also consider volunteering with a social enterprise, rather than a charity, and recommend doing your research on them. 

It’s a great idea to reach out to previous volunteers and ask whether, in their experience, they feel their efforts made a genuine impact.

If you’re paying to volunteer, don’t be afraid to ask where the money goes and what positive effects the organization is having on the community.

Stay away from any programs that offer placements working directly with orphans. Orphanage tourism has become a big business, but it’s one that is constantly debated for ethical reasons.

To find some good volunteer opportunities, I recommend that you check out Idealist.org or Grassroots Volunteering.

Solo Female Travel in Africa

Africa truly is an adventure and one that would be a pity to miss just because you don’t have anyone to bring along with you. 

Though I was admittedly scared more than a couple of times when heading to Africa on my own, my fear is always replaced by that warm welcome and amazing connection that I feel each time I’m there.

If you take the plunge too, I’m sure you won’t regret it!

Happy travels in Africa and beyond, ladies!

For more on how to prep, how to save up and make your money last on the road, how to stay safe, how to travel for cheap or free, and how to make your gap look stellar on your résumé, check out the guidebook for solo female travelers with tons of tips and case studies from over a dozen solo female travelers and myself.