There’s a new wave of excitement in the world of travel as solo female adventurers set their sights on Africa. As reported by Mail & Guardian, women now dominate the realm of solo travel, comprising 71% of solitary explorers according to Virtuoso, a global travel brand. The surge in interest is evident from the 131% increase in Google searches for ‘solo female travel’ last year in comparison to 2023.
While destinations like Italy, Spain, and Portugal continue to captivate solo travelers in Europe, Latin America and Asia are also gaining popularity. However, it’s Africa that seems to be emerging as the next frontier for adventurous women seeking authentic and immersive experiences.
Antoinette Turner from Flight Centre South Africa notes that countries like Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa are becoming hotspots for solo female travelers. She emphasizes the allure of Africa lying in its vast open spaces and untouched authenticity which offer a refreshing escape from crowded tourist hubs.
As Kgomotso Ramothea, CEO of ATTA® points out, there is a growing trend towards women-only safaris aiming not at excluding men but rather providing flexibility for women to explore Africa at their own pace and on their terms. The emphasis is shifting towards tailored experiences that combine adventure with cultural immersion and moments of tranquillity.
According to Ramothea’s insights shared by Mail & Guardian:
“ATTA® has just published a whitepaper on Africa’s untapped tourism niches,
and women-only safaris features prominently.”
Turner echoes this sentiment by highlighting the need for operators to customize diverse experiences catering to individual preferences rather than assuming one-size-fits-all offerings. She envisions safe yet flexible itineraries beyond traditional safari experiences.
For instance:
“Rwanda offers vibrant city tours in Kigali – considered one of
Africa’s safest cities for solos.”
Flight Centre’s latest Global Travel Survey conducted in January 2025 reveals that female travelers prioritize safety, preparedness, freedom, flexibility alongside “time to just be.”
Turner emphasizes the importance of research and preparation when venturing into solo travel adventures:
“Hop onto solo travel message boards,
research your destination thoroughly…”
She recommends aligning with reputable partners specializing in solo travel to maximize trip satisfaction. With an increasing number of dedicated women-centric travel companies surfacing (up by 230%), more women are seizing African escapades designed around eco-friendly principles offering enriching experiences.
In conclusion:
“It’s fantastic witnessing more women embracing African adventures,” says Turner.
The allure lies not only in discovering new landscapes but also in fostering sustainable tourism practices while savoring unique cultural encounters along the way.
Attribution:
[Mail & Guardian](https://mg.co.za/partner-content/2025-05-16-solo-female-travellers-set-their-sights-on-africa/)
