Alone, But Never Lonely: What It’s Really Like Traveling Africa Solo (And Why I’d Do It Again)
When I told people I was travelling solo across Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia, their responses landed somewhere between impressed and horrified. “Alone? Through Africa? Are you sure it’s safe?”
But here’s the thing: I wasn’t really alone. Not for long, anyway.
I joined Acacia Africa’s overland tour with nothing but a backpack, my old high school sleeping bag, a camera bag bursting at the seams, and a nervous flutter in my chest. It was the kind of adventure that sounded epic and slightly reckless—and turned out to be one of the most grounding experiences of my life.
Why Solo Travel in Africa Feels Scary (But Is Worth It)
There’s something vulnerable about booking a solo travel adventure in Africa. You wonder if you’ll connect with anyone. If you’ll feel safe. If you’ll regret the whole thing before you even unzip your sleeping bag.
But by the time we hit the road in our big overland truck, I knew I had made the right call. Six women from different countries, age ranges, and life phases came together on this trip. Some were retired. Others, like me, were figuring out their next chapter. I’d just quit my job as a digital strategist and needed time to be out in the wild, away from laptops and KPIs, just to remember what clarity felt like.
We played cards under the stars, swapped stories while chopping carrots for dinner, and laughed over the things you can only laugh about when you’re sweaty, tired, and slightly delirious from the road. It wasn’t a party trip. It was a soul-reset.
Highlights of My Overland Safari in Southern Africa
Victoria Falls, Zambia: The mist from the falls was so thick it drenched us like rain—and nobody cared. We laughed our way across the bridge, soaked to the bone and taking in the breath-taking view of water cascading over the falls.
Chobe River Cruise, Botswana: Sundowners with elephants bathing in the golden light. We floated past hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo, barely speaking because the beauty demanded silence.
Chobe Game Drive: We saw nine lions on our very first drive. Cubs napping, lionesses on alert. At one point, they walked right up to our vehicle. No fences, no other vehicles. Just us and the wild.
Elephant Sands, Botswana: Having to camp three metres apart so that elephants could roam freely past your tent, and waking up to the most spectacular fiery sunrise of purples, pinks, reds, and oranges.
Okavango Delta, Botswana: Reaching the camp via Mokoro (a traditional canoe) and getting a lesson in how to steer one myself—I failed gloriously. I also swam in the crystal-clear Delta with a guide, which I’ll never forget.
Zelda’s Guesthouse, Namibia: Watching thunderclouds light up the horizon while camping beside a watering hole, then walking with the Khoi San and learning how much knowledge they carry in every root, tree, and plant.
Windhoek, Namibia: Our final stop, where we had dinner at Joe’s Beer House and toasted to an unforgettable trip.
Tips for Solo Female Travellers in Africa
Book with a trusted overland operator:
Acacia Africa made everything feel safe and simple. The tents were high-quality and easy to pitch and take down (we got good at it). The truck was comfortable. The guides were absolute pros and helped us understand these incredible countries.
Food allergies? No problem:
I’m gluten-intolerant, and Crispin (our guide) and Zef (our driver) went above and beyond—even baking me gluten-free bread over a fire in the middle of nowhere.
Bring your essentials:
A headlamp, power bank, and backup chargers are a must. Things break. Things disappear. You won’t always be near a shop.
Cash is king:
I made the rookie error of bringing no cash and relying on ATMs (which meant high bank fees). Bring USD and/or some rands (they’re accepted in many spots).
The camp routine is part of the magic:
We took turns cleaning, cooking, and washing up (a four-step dishwashing process with disinfectant included). It kept us healthy and bonded us fast, so don’t shy away from this bonding opportunity.
Don’t skip the extra excursions:
Trust me—these are the moments that stick with you. The adventure pass is worth every cent.
Final Thoughts: Why I’d Travel Solo in Africa Again
Solo female travel in Africa sounds intense. But with the right people and the right setup, it’s just pure magic. You learn to make new friends. You fall in love with the endless wild roads. You realise how much you needed to disconnect to reconnect.
I came for the wildlife. I stayed for the sisterhood.
And yes, I’d do it all again tomorrow.
Ready for your own adventure? Explore our Zambia, Botswana & Namibia Overland Tours
and start planning your journey today.
Written by Acacia Africa traveller, Charné Munien @sponte_ney_ity