Fauna Journal / October 9, 2025
Safaris for Solo Travelers
It’s increasingly popular for travelers to seek out adventure on their own – for personal growth or for the ease of going solo, without being beholden to anyone else. Unfortunately, it can be challenging for solo travelers to find an affordable trip, because most camps set rates based on two people sharing. This means that those traveling alone (or the third person in a group) will pay a single supplement that is at least 50% more than the standard rate. Don’t panic, though – there are some lodges in Africa we love that cater to solo travelers by offering standard rates. Here are some of my favorites.
While I typically steer clients toward private conservancies to avoid the crowds of Land Rovers that can overwhelm the Maasai Mara experience, Angama Mara stands as a notable exception to the rule. This stylish luxury lodge sits dramatically atop the Mara escarpment, delivering some of Africa’s most incredible views across the iconic plains. The property features spacious tented suites designed with contemporary styling and expansive sitting decks for taking it all in. The camp works best outside of the Great Migration season or as a spectacular finale to a Kenyan safari.
No single supplement year-round.
Situated on the former ranch land that has been transformed into the 62,000-acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lewa Wilderness provides solo travelers access to the grassy plains and rolling hills of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau beneath Mount Kenya. The conservancy serves as a sanctuary for over 70 animal species, most notably protecting approximately 270 of Kenya’s remaining rhinos across this critical wildlife habitat. Expert Maasai guides lead solo guests on a variety of adventures, including traditional game drives, horseback rides, and walking safaris. Beyond the adventure, the property has some of the best rooms and safari cuisine in all of Kenya.
No single supplement in the shoulder seasons of January, February, June, September, and October.
Lemala is one of our favorite safari camp circuits in Tanzania, because it offers a remarkably high-quality camp for a reasonable price. Solo travelers can stay at Lemala Camps across northern Tanzania, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Parks. Their Mpingo Ridge Lodge in Tarangire is a particular standout and our favorite to book in the park, no matter the budget. The panoramic view from the Ridgeline across the park is simply spectacular.
No single supplement in the shoulder seasons of February, June, October, and November.
These pioneering family-owned safari camps define the luxury safari in Zambia, and each offers a slightly different experience in Lower Zambezi National Park. Chiawa is somewhat more luxurious, while Old Mondoro is more intimate, located in a remote part of the park. Both camps offer spectacular Zambezi River views and sustainable alternatives to traditional plunge pools. The camps excel in the activity diversity the park is known for, providing solo guests access to game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, boating, and fishing experiences led by some of the region’s most skilled guides.
No single supplement year-round.
Robin Pope Safaris helped pioneer walking safaris in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park and now operates a range of excellent camps across Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. They aren’t traditionally luxurious, as many camps use simple canvas Meru tents. However, they offer all the comforts you need, including comfortable beds and bucket showers, and they pride themselves on the excellent guiding this part of the world is famous for. Their camps can be combined into a nice regional circuit, and they are perfect for the adventurous solo traveler looking to have a fantastic time without breaking the bank.
No single supplement year-round.
Kings Camp is a classic family-owned luxury safari lodge in South Africa’s Timbavati Nature Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park. The six standard suites, one family suite, and two honeymoon suites are all done in a glamorous Out of Africa Style with private pools. They are all clustered around a waterhole, so you can watch animals from your room, or close up at the underground hide. The camp enjoys a superb riverfront location along the Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati, which is one of our favorite private reserves. You get the proximity to Kruger that the popular Sabi Sands offers, but it is a little more laid-back.
No single supplement year-round.
One of the most popular collections of camps in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Reserve is Sabi Sabi. Their four luxury camps are scattered across a large private concession and offer different takes on the safari experience — from the ultra-modern, luxurious Earth Lodge to the intimate, classic Little Bush Camp. You can never guarantee wildlife sightings on safari, but in the Sabi Sands it’s not uncommon to see all of the “Big 5” on a single game drive.
No single supplement year-round.
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