Solo travel offers individuals an opportunity to reconnect with themselves; gain confidence and independence; and meet like minded travellers. There’s a misconception that solo travel is lonely. But here’s the thing: solo travel means SOLO, it doesn’t mean alone. This adage especially rings true where safaris concerned. Going on safari in a private reserve is an all inclusive experience, where you are looked after by guides and hosts, and offered abundant opportunities to connect with others. Solo travel is your chance to engage in a bit of self-discovery while simultaneously enjoying a wealth of unique experiences. It’s a specific type of travel that requires a brave mind and adventurous spirit.
Because you are solo but never alone, safaris in private reserves offer a fantastic launchpad into the world of solo travelling. Our Sun Destinations team regularly goes on assignments and educationals to our Kruger camps on solo trips, and can certainly guide you to a camp that best fits your personality and solo travel needs. Some of our camps don’t have a single supplement, which benefits solo travellers on a budget. When you book your solo safari with Sun Destinations, you’ll be provided with our emergency numbers and the camp numbers to ensure you always have a point of contact.
Top Reasons Why Safaris to Kruger are perfect for Solo Travel
Your activities and meal times are group adventures
The price you pay for your safari experience in a private reserve is all inclusive. Our camps and lodges enjoy remote wilderness locations, which means there’s no popping down to the shops for essentials. Your rate includes all meals, activities, teas & coffees, and accommodation. All activities are scheduled, which means everyone in camp heads out together in the same vehicle (or two) on game drives. The same principle applies for bush walks. When it comes to meal time, everyone dines together. You’ll find there’s either a dining table set-up,
The only time you are alone on safari is during your downtime and when you’re in your room. During the downtime on safari, you are required to remain in the confines of camp. This gives solo travellers a sense of safety and freedom. Depending on the camp, you can opt to hang around the poolside soaking up the African sun, have a drink at the bar, read a book in the lounge, or hit the gym (Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside).
Opportunity for personal growth and transformative experiences
Africa is a place for soul searchers and wilderness seekers. Going on a solo safari is a way for you to embrace solitude and clear your head. It allows you to change course in your personal life, while making future goals. Being in the bushveld is immersive and reminds us of what’s important in life. Listening to hyenas, choir of birds, and lions contact calling is astark reminder that we are a part of the wilderness.
When we get back to basics and in touch with our essence, we thrive. We know people who’ve sat under Marula trees discussing business ideas, recreated their love of art, and walked away from toxic relationships. The wild will transform your mind without even trying. Go on a solo safari if you’re looking for personal growth opportunities.
The Kruger is accessible from major cities
Our camps are easily accessible from major cities. It really boils down to your budget as to how you’d like to travel. There are many options available.
Flying: The small Hoedspruit/Eastgate airport serves the area of Klaserie, Olifants West, and Balule camps. There are connecting flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to this airport. Usually, the camp will come pick you up from the airport. Alternatively, you can organise car hire from the airport. Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside is served by the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Car hire: For the more adventurous and independent safari solo traveller, car hire is a fantastic option. We have detailed directions for each of our Kruger camps and lodges from major cities, and from the closest safari towns to the reserves. If you do hire a car, you can only drive to the camp and cannot self-drive around the reserve. Car hire is to get you from point A to point B. Self-drive is only possible in the Kruger National Park. It’s roughly a 6-hour drive from Johannesburg to the Kruger.
Transfers: Another option is arrange a private or scheduled transfer from Johannesburg. These transfer usually depart first thing in the morning from OR Tambo airport. It’s worthwhile overnighting at an airport hotel and then taking a hotel shuttle bus to the point where the transfers depart from. Solo travellers have a range of hotels from which to choose (you would need to book this leg of your trip direct).
Guides take care of you
You’ve got a friend in me! You safari guide isn’t just there to track wildlife and find your dream species. They escort you to and from your room at night, sit with you at dinner, and “babysit” you for the duration of your safari. You can ask them an array of wildlife related questions and get them to track a specific species that you want to see. Many deep and lifelong friendships are made with safari guides. And dare we say it, some solo travellers find a romantic connection and end up leaving their lives to become safari guides!
Everything is at your own pace
Don’t want to go on drive? No problem – skip it and have a lie in. Want to learn Shangaan? Spend time around the campfire with one of the trackers and learn a new language. Interested in birding? Read a bird book from a safari library and spend time discovering whether it’s a juvenile Martial eagle or brown snake eagle that you’ve just spotted. Fancy that Amarula and hot chocolate drink? Have another—in fact, have five! Solo travel is about you, and offers a liberating sense of freedom.
Solo traveler-friendly accommodations within the Greater Kruger
Africa on Foot: Why? There’s nothing better than connecting with other guests on a bush walk first thing in the morning.
Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails: Why? A scheduled hiking/walking trail with a group of intrepid adventurers is an unsurpassed experience.
nThambo Tree Camp: Staying in a treehouse style chalet on stilts with your own private balcony for chill time.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside: You’ll never get bored. There’s a curio shop and a gym on-site.
Nambu Camp: Because you deserve good food, campfire chatter and specialised sundowners!
Bundox River Lodge: Looking to recreate some epic Out of Africa moments? You deserve the luxury of Bundox—it’s on the river!
Sausage Tree Safari Camp: Have you seen the sun loungers around the pool overlooking the entire bushveld? What a place to unwind!
Nyala Safari Lodge: The boma overlooking the floodlit waterhole is the perfect place to do some soul searching…while watching elephants.
Ezulwini Game Lodges: Solo travellers will LOVE the wine cellars, private plunge pools and elevated wooden skywalks.
Phuti Camp: Ideal for solo adventure-lovers looking for something rustic and authentic.
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