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Tips for solo female travelers in Africa

Ladies – how many times have you had to hear that females cannot travel solo? Quite a few times, hey? Well we tend to disagree, because as much as any man out there, solo female travelers can also be on high guard, have a sharp intuition and be aware of her surroundings.

It is not unusual to have paranoid feelings or have your family discourage you from travelling alone. But you should know that you are as safe anywhere as you would be in your own home. Just be cautious, be smart and be confident. Many women are doing it and so can you.

Safari in Serengeti

Here are some tips that may help you on your travels to Africa:

Trust your instincts:

If you are caught in a situation where you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, trust your gut and leave. Do not worry about the image it will portray because ultimately, your safety comes first! That being said, you should also not forget to stay positive, in that, not everyone is going to harm you.

Kilimanjaro bike tour

 

Most people are friendly and welcoming. Tanzanian people, for example, are the nicest and warmest people you will meet.

Be aware:

Staying alert at all times is something that goes without saying. You cannot simply get intoxicated or get too friendly with strangers when you are in an unfamiliar territory. Its also important that you dress appropriately – do not wear provocative clothes when you can easily avoid that. Last but not the least, be really careful about carrying money. You may find many pick-pockets especially on busy streets. Therefore, roll your money up and hide it well or just avoid carrying to much cash. PS- Not all places in Tanzania accept debit/credit cards.

Learn the local language:

In Tanzania, for example, majority of the people speak in Swahili. Therefore, English may help you with a few things but if you really want to get things done then learn a bit of the local language. Bargaining in the local language is a great weapon while shopping 😊

safari-in-Tanzania

Plan your commute:

Commuting has got to be the most important aspect in travelling. We advise that you have an airport pick-up sorted out way before arrival. This can be arranged with your local tour agency. This is because sometimes the taxis take advantage of foreigners and additionally, you could be landing in the middle of the night. Small towns like Moshi in Kilimanjaro do not have Uber services – so plan how you will move around way in advance.

Communication:

Try to be online often and keep your loved ones updated during your travels. Many prefer to buy a local SIM card when Wi-Fi is not available all the time.

The world may seem scary when you are on unfamiliar grounds, but it really is not. Earth is your home- it is OUR home.

Thought of the day: “You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” -Miriam AdeneyReport this ad

About the Author
Our Marketing Manager is responsible for our online presence and bookings. She will most likely be the first person to reply to your request. Before moving to Tanzania, she was travelling through East Africa and has been employed in the tourism industry since 2008 in marketing and tour guide positions. Favorite place in Tanzania: Usambara Mountains and Serengeti National Park.

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