Solo Female Travel in Africa: Alie’s Guide to Exploring the Continent Alone

Alie has spent 5 years exploring Africa solo. Here’s everything she wants first-time solo female travelers to know.

Originally from Rhode Island and now living just outside of Cape Town, Alie is a photographer and nomadic traveler. Her work takes her to incredible places and is all about ‘exploring where the wild things are’. Through her Instagram account, @alieinafrica, she shares the wonders of her travels with the rest of the world, encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones and experience unfamiliar landscapes, wildlife, cultures, cuisines, and so much more.

We sat down with Alie to find out what she loves about traveling alone and her experience navigating African adventures as a woman.

What is the best African country to visit for a woman traveling alone for the first time?

That’s a simple one for me. Nothing beats the infrastructure and accessibility of South Africa, especially for someone traveling solo for the first time. It’s super easy to organize shuttle services and domestic flights are relatively affordable which means reaching your dream destination, whether it’s Cape Town or Kruger, is a breeze.

You’ll often hear people say that Cape Town is like Europe in Africa, so I think it’s a good starting city for those unfamiliar with the continent and wanting to find their feet. It’s really easy to meet people and make friends in Cape Town and I’ve often planned trips up the Garden Route or to Namibia with people after connecting with them in the city.

Tanzania is another great country to start in if you are keen to do volunteer work. You can meet other travelers while volunteering and book trips together from there.

Is there a feeling that you keep coming back to when traveling alone?

At the end of the day, the only person you can truly rely on is yourself. It may sound bleak, but it can also be empowering. Being alone is a fear for so many people but it makes you self-reliant and reminds you that you are more capable than you think.

It’s like running a marathon. The race seems like such an impossible distance but through the training and preparation you realize that you can go further than you imagined. Solo traveling is like that.

Ironically, because you have to be self-reliant you also have to rely on strangers. There is no room to feel embarrassed or judged because you have to ask questions and you inevitably make friends.

How do your friends and family back in America feel about you traveling alone?

Most of them think that anywhere outside of their home country is scary and they don’t understand that an experience can be incredibly rewarding even if it’s unfamiliar. My family often sends me lists of reasons why I shouldn’t go here, or I shouldn’t go there. That’s why documenting my travels through my Instagram is so important to me. I get to show my friends and family – and thousands of strangers on the internet – the beauty and generosity of so many African places and cultures.

What is your go-to response when people ask why you’d want to visit African countries alone?

I understand that it’s difficult for people with years of assumptions about Africa to build a clear mental picture of the amazing people and places I’ve experienced. It’s also hard for me to break down all the nuances of this continent to someone with these assumptions. Again, I think that’s why I love my social media page so much – it’s such a great place to ‘show and tell’ how my reality is different to their beliefs.

Do you have any planning advice for women wanting to feel safe and organized when arriving in an African country?

I think the main thing is to be prepared, even if you’ve just planned out your first couple of days. Make sure your transfer to your accommodation is organized as that’s one less thing to think about when you arrive.

Researching some of the cultural norms of your destination is also important. If you’re travelling to somewhere in East Africa, for example, you need to dress more modestly so bring a shawl or sarong to cover up.

Do you ever feel like having to plan in advance ruins the spontaneity of a trip?

Mostly, I just plan the basics for when I arrive. I’ll have an idea of where I want to go from there or maybe have one or two spots booked. Often my best recommendations or experiences have come from chatting to locals or other travelers. Once I’m comfortable at my hotel or hostel, I like to reassess my next steps.

What’s one of the best things about traveling alone?

Everyone enjoys nature in their own way. If I’m alone on a trip, I don’t have to worry that I am keeping someone waiting while I stare at a cool bird for 45 minutes.

On a more serious note, nothing beats driving through Kruger on the back of a game vehicle. Even if I’m surrounded by other guests, witnessing a beautiful South African sunset or spotting a crazy wildlife sighting is something so special to share with strangers. It’s sounds so cheesy but experiencing these small joys with others, especially if you come from different worlds or speak different languages, is such a wonderful reminder of our shared humanity.

I find driving through the bush very meditative, and I can sit for hours just absorbing the landscape around me. Doing this solo is truly something special.

Give us your top tips for a woman planning her first solo trip?

Talk to everyone. Be open to new experiences and try to be a Yes-Woman as much as possible.

My second tip is to always keep safety in mind. Don’t be all-consumed by it but make smart choices and don’t be afraid to lie about your big scary 6 ‘4 husband arriving in a sec if you ever feel unsafe.

What country has surprised you the most on your adventures?

I was blown away by the friendliness and hospitality in Mozambique! I love how relaxed and easy going the people and culture are.

What type of accommodation do you prefer to stay in when traveling by yourself?

This completely depends on the type of trip. I love staying in hostels or co-living spaces when I’m in big cities because it’s the easiest way to meet people. Boutique hotels are good for this too.

On safari, I love small lodges. It’s so nice to chat with other guests in more intimate spaces. For example, Rhino Post in Kruger National Park has this awesome shared dining table where all the guests sit together each night for family-style dinners. It’s such a great way to connect with new people and share your sightings from the day.

Do you ever feel lonely on your trips?

Nope. I think being surrounded by other travelers helps. The more I travel, the more comfortable I am in my own company, and I really value my alone time.

Any tips for connecting with other travelers?

Like I said, talk to everyone. And remember that we’re all in the same boat. Everyone feels awkward sometimes, everyone is shy talking to strangers. Go to events, put yourself out there, and reach out to people on social media. You never know – you might connect with someone who becomes your adventure buddy for your next trip!

If you could only choose one essential packing list item, what would it be?

I haven’t seen anyone talking about this, but I feel like the world needs to know – the Sea to Summit inflatable pillow. It’s my one creature comfort when away from home.

To end off, what’s the best meal you’ve ever had on one of your Africa adventures?

I still think about this fresh seafood in Mozambique, especially when it’s braai-ed! On my latest trip, the chef sourced all the produce from local fishermen. I had the most incredible dinner of tuna, prawns and crayfish and then had it all again for breakfast the next morning because there was so much!

Africa’s sunsets, the wildlife, the strangers who become friends over a shared dinner table, the quiet magic of the bush at dawn – none of this is reserved for the brave or the fearless. It’s waiting for anyone willing to book the ticket.

Solo travel will push you, surprise you, and remind you of something you may have forgotten: you are more capable than you think. So pack that inflatable pillow, silence the doubt, and go. Your next adventure is just one Yes-Woman moment away!