Tips for female solo travellers in East Africa
Women have of late adopted to the culture of travelling alone for work, business or leisure. For any female reading this, we can agree that there is a level of satisfaction and fulfilment that comes with taking time off! It could be from pressure at work, taking a break from motherhood or just getting away from the daily hassles and bustles of life.
Travelling alone as a female grants you the freedom to set your own pace and follow your instincts. With no group agenda, you have the flexibility to tailor your safari experience to your preferences. Whether you want to spend more time in a particular destination, choose specific accommodations, or indulge in unique activities, a solo safari with GoFurther 4×4 Car Rentals allows you the ultimate freedom to create your own unique travel story, with our support every step of the way.
Female solo travellers are on the raise in East Africa with so many establishments crafting personalised packages for solo travellers. While a solo safari provides solitude and independence, it also offers opportunities to engage with fellow travellers and create meaningful connections. In the past, going on a safari trip alone as a female posed many risks such as robbery, violence crimes, harassment and sexual assault. This has changed and become safer over the years with increased security points along major highways and tourist destinations.
However, solo female travellers may experience increased anxiety and stress due to safety concerns or cultural differences; but we can confidently say that it is safe to travel alone as a female in East Africa. This article brings you some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey:
Research Your Destination: East Africa has many destinations that a female traveller may pick interest in. To ensure that you have a good experience, you need to understand local customs, culture, safety concerns, and current travel advisories. Familiarize yourself with local laws, especially those regarding women and learning a few phrases of the local language can go a long way in building rapport and finding assistance if needed.
In regards to safety, avoid places near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo because of the ongoing civil wars. You should also avoid urban slums because of high crime rates like mugging and robbery; especially in the night. Uganda is heading for election season so you need to stay away from political rallies especially those of the opposition because they may get violent at some point. In Kenya, stay as far away as possible from the ongoing Gen-Z strikes especially in Nairobi since these also get really violent.
Choose Safe Accommodations: Look for reputable hostels, hotels, or homestays with good reviews, particularly from solo female travellers. Consider places with 24-hour reception and security. Hostels can be a great way to meet other travelers. Join group activities or tours to make friends. If you’re travelling with a rooftop tent vehicle, consider camping in designated camping sites in national park because they are safe and secure.
Plan your itinerary: Travelling alone in a new country as a female can be scary. It is very important to have your itinerary planned out with the help of local agents. GoFurther 4×4 Car Rentals helps you tailor personalised plans and packages to ensure a safe trip in East Africa. We operate in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda so we’re able to help you in whichever country you’re in; providing you with reliable vehicles and offering round the clock assistance. Contact us to help you plan your routes according to your interests, recommend hidden gems that are off the beaten path and provide any assistance along your journey.
Arrange for a driver at some point: Driving is tiring especially when it doubles with other activities. In countries like Rwanda, you can easily drive anywhere since the country is small and driving distances from Kigali to the safari destinations are very long. When it comes to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, we usually recommend drivers for some routes that are very long and rugged. The driver will not only drive you but will also act as your translator, guide and personal security. When it comes to crossing borders, GoFurther 4×4 Car Rentals offers you the best one way rental deals since we operate in most East African countries.
Pack Smart: Bring only what you need to keep your bags light. Moving around with so much luggage could be disturbing because women are not as physically strong as men. Consider packing versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, and don’t forget a small back pack for day trips.
Do not move at night! As a female, you’re taught that it is dangerous to move alone at night and this still stands in East Africa. Always make sure that you’re done with your day’s activities and are back to your accommodation by sunset. This helps you freshen up, relax and get rested for the next day and also prevents you from being in compromising situations.
Travel Insurance: Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft to give yourself peace of mind.
Do not move around with a lot of cash: Though East Africa is a cash based economy, it is advised to move with only the cash you’ll need that particular day. If someone spots you with a lot of cash, they might follow you and try to steal it from you. Alternatively, you can use other payment options like credit card or Mobile money when making transactions.
Share Itinerary: Inform a friend or family member of your travel plans, itinerary, and contact information. You may also regularly post on your social media accounts to keep your contacts updated.
Also Keep a travel journal or blog about your experiences. It can be a great way to reflect and helps to preserve memories.
Do not forget to keep your phone charged and use local SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi devices when traveling to stay connected. Always have local emergency contacts like police, towing, ambulance, local mechanics and your travel agent. You may never know when you’ll need them.
Stay Aware and trust your instincts: Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like excessive phone use especially when driving. If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, distance yourself. It’s better to be cautious than to take risks.
Dress Appropriately: East Africa is a very conservative region that values decency in clothing. Endeavour to Dress in a manner respectful of local customs; that is dress modestly. This helps you blend and also prevents you from attracting unwanted attention. Also, don’t wear flashy jewelry, watches or clothes as this may attract thieves.
Be careful with what you eat or drink: It’s great to meet new people, but maintain a healthy level of scepticism. Don’t share too much personal information with strangers, and when you visit a restaurant and want to use the washrooms, make sure you do not leave your food on the table because you don’t know what could happen. The same applies to drinks in a bar. Never leave your drink on the table to avoid getting drugged or spiked and make sure you limit your alcohol consumption in unfamiliar places.
Join Group Tours: For activities like hiking, cooking classes, or city tours, consider joining group tours geared towards solo travellers since it’s a safe way to meet new people.
To sum it up, females travel alone to enjoy their “me time” so endeavour to balance that with some social interactions. It is important to stay confident and focused on your itinerary but when your plans change, embrace the spontaneity and be open to new opportunities and experiences. Contact GoFurther 4×4 Car Rentals for a personalised itinerary and routes that we consider safe for a solo female traveller.
