Why go on safari alone?
A solo safari is your trip, entirely. You choose how long to stay with the lions, when to stop for photographs and when to rest. With no one else to consider, you get your guide's full attention — and around the fire at a lodge or camp, it is easy to meet other travellers.
Private or group-joining?
There are two ways to do it:
- A private safari: your own vehicle and guide. Complete freedom, but you carry the full cost of the vehicle and guide alone.
- A group-joining safari: you share the vehicle with other travellers on fixed dates and routes. Far cheaper for one person, and sociable — but less flexible.
Compare them in group joining or private tours.
What a solo safari costs
Safari prices are usually quoted per person sharing — two people sharing a room and a vehicle. Travelling alone, two things change:
- Single supplement: most lodges and camps charge extra for one person in a room. Some waive it in the low season — ask us.
- Vehicle and guide: on a private safari these costs are not shared, so the price per person is higher. Joining a group spreads them out.
To keep costs down, travel in the green or shoulder season, mix lodge levels, or join a group for part of the trip. See what a safari costs.
Is it safe to go on safari alone?
Yes. On safari you are with your guide whenever you leave the lodge, and lodges and camps have trained staff and security. Solo women travellers go on safari in Tanzania all the time. In towns, take the usual city precautions — use trusted transport, keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone at night. More in our safety guide.
Tips for solo travellers
- Tell us what matters most — big cats, birds, photography, culture — so we can plan the drives around you.
- Choose lodges with communal dinners or a fire pit if you would like company in the evenings.
- Pack light: no one to share the luggage with, and light aircraft have weight limits.
- Bring a power bank and keep your phone charged; Wi-Fi is limited in remote camps.
- Share your itinerary and our contact details with family at home.
Good trips for one
A 4–6 day northern safari — Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti — suits most solo travellers, and a few days on Zanzibar make a relaxed finish. Browse our Tanzania safaris or tell us your dates.
