11 Best Places To Solo Travel As A Woman (in Africa)
84% of solo travelers are women. Wow!
But let’s talk about solo female travel in Africa. It’s a big topic, right?
More and more women are packing their bags and hitting the road alone. And why not? Traveling solo is a chance to see the world on your terms.
This blog post is for all you adventurous women out there, especially those from the West and Europe, who are thinking about traveling solo in Africa.
We’ve put together the 11 best places to solo travel as a woman, in Africa, based on a set of rugged criteria.
Criteria for Selection
We looked at a few key things when picking the best places for solo female travel in Africa. Safety is a big one. We checked crime rates and talked to locals about their attitudes towards women.
Relating to crime, we considered:
Risk of scam
Risk of theft
Risk of harassment
Attitudes towards women
Global Peace Index (GPI)
We also looked at how easy it is to get around, the cost of living, and whether there are solo-friendly places to stay and things to do.
We also considered each place's unique experiences, from cultural activities to outdoor adventures.
Most importantly we considered the opinions of other female solo travelers who’ve been to these places and provided their independent reviews.
Top African Places To Solo Travel As A Woman
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is an attractive and diverse city, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the ocean, the mountains, and the cityscape. It’s a place where you can experience the history, culture, and nature of South Africa.
Is Cape Town Safe?
Cape Town may have a reputation for being unsafe, but it’s not as bad as some people think.
Based on all the criteria we took into consideration for this post, and all the solo female travelers who keep recommending Cape Town, we can conclude that the place is safe for solo travel as a woman.
Everything else is most likely stereotypical.
A few common risks are petty crime, violence, and natural disasters. To avoid them, you should stay in well-lit and populated areas, avoid walking alone at night, and lock your valuables in a safe place.
You can also join a group tour or use a trusted taxi service to get around the city (Uber or Yango).
Accessibility:
The official languages are Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa, but most people speak English.
The cost of living is moderate, and you can find a range of accommodation, food, and transportation options.
However, a few annoying challenges such as water shortages, power outages, and traffic jams could catch you off-guard.
Unique Experiences:
Visit Table Mountain, the iconic landmark of the city, where you can hike, cable car, or abseil to the top and enjoy the panoramic views.
Explore Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held. You can learn about the history and the struggle for freedom in South Africa.
Relax in the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, where you can see thousands of plant species, walk on the treetop canopy, and picnic on the lawn.
Shopping in the V&A Waterfront, the most popular tourist attraction in the city, where you can find everything from local crafts, fashion, and souvenirs to restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
Solo Female Travelers in Cape Town:
Jessica Nabongo visited Cape Town as part of her quest to become the first black woman to visit every country in the world. She wrote about her experience and tips on her blog, The Catch Me If You Can.
Kiersten Rich, who visited Cape Town and fell in love with the city. She shared her insights and advice on her blog, The Blonde Abroad.
“Cape Town is the perfect destination for you as a solo female, if you’ve traveled solo before, and You’re okay with not flashing your wealth.” Margeurite Bravay, Berlin & Around.
Pro-Tips:
You should also check the weather forecast and follow the safety guidelines for hiking, swimming, and wildlife encounters.
Learn some basic words and phrases in Afrikaans or Xhosa, such as hello, thank you, and how are you.
2. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tanzania has built a reputation as one of the best places to visit in Africa in recent years, bringing in over 1.7 million tourists last year.
Zanzibar is an island archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, where you can enjoy the white sand beaches, the blue water, and the palm trees. The main island is Unguja, while Pemba Island comes in as a close second.
It’s a place where you can learn about the history, culture, and spices of Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a great destination for solo female travelers who want to relax, discover, and have fun.
It’s a foodie’s favorite place because Zanzibar is all about food.
Safety:
Is Zanzibar safe for solo female travelers and all tourists who visit? The short answer is a resounding Yes.
Zanzibar is a relatively nice and accepting place, particularly for foreign visitors. Women are generally treated with respect; nevertheless, local men may make occasional verbal greetings or efforts at conversation.
Street crime is very uncommon, though pickpocketing and pocketbook snatching occur on occasion.
You should also keep your valuables in a safe place, and don’t walk alone at night. You can also join a group tour or use a trusted taxi service to get around the island.
Accessibility:
You can get to Zanzibar directly from Europe, the US, or Asia, through international flights with primary airports being Abeid Amani Karume and the Julius Nyerere Intl Airport.
The official languages are Swahili and English, but most people speak Swahili.
Here are over 60 Swahili language phrases you can easily learn to make your stay in Tanzania a little more sweet.
Solo-friendliness:
Zanzibar has many solo-friendly accommodation options, such as hostels, hotels, and bungalows. You can also find many group tours and activities that cater to solo travelers, including snorkeling, diving, and spice tours.
Female solo Travelers teamed up to go on a fun dive trip in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, guided by experts of the Swahili Diver’s Center in Pemba.
Unique Experiences:
Visit Stone Town, the old part of the city, where you can see the architecture, the markets, and the museums.
Go scuba diving or snorkeling on Pemba Island, Zanzibar. Discover one of the world’s largest coral reef systems underwater in the Indian Ocean.
Discover incredible marine life you could only dream of in Pemba’s waters, with the help of the Swahili Divers, the oldest and safest dive center in the region (with modern-day dive equipment).
Explore the Jozani Forest or Ngezi Forest on Pemba, the only national parks on the island, where you can see the red colobus monkeys, the butterflies, the coconut crab, and the Pemba flying owl (Perfect for bird watchers).
Relax at Nungwi Beach, one of the best beaches on the island, where you can swim, sunbathe, and watch the sunset.
Shop in the Darajani Market, the largest market on the island, where you can find everything from fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat to spices, clothes, and souvenirs.
Solo Travelers You may Know:
Alyssa Ramos, a famous Spanish travel influencer, visited Zanzibar and loved the island. She shared her insights and advice on her blog, My Life’s A Movie.
Zanzibar, Picture perfect for solo travel.
Over 1.7 million tourists visit Zanzibar every year. So many of our visitors are solo female travelers. Come make the best memories in Zanzibar too, Africa’s top destination for beach holidays and scuba diving. Let’s help you get started!
3. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions and modern lifestyles coexist. It’s a place where you can explore the colorful souks, admire the stunning architecture, and experience the rich culture of Morocco.
Safety:
Morocco is generally safe for solo female travelers, with the country’s security system doing the best it can. Many female solo travelers have confessed to enjoying their time in Marrakesh, so it is super safe if you want to go.
However, you might sometimes get irritated by the constant hassle on the streets and markets. Everyone wants you to visit and buy from their stall.
Regardless, the better news is, that there are so many female travelers enjoying Marrakesh, so you can always team up with a buddy and get on exploring the city.
To avoid unwanted attention, dress modestly, wear sunglasses, and ignore catcalls. Keep your bag very close to you, probably don’t carry lots of cash, and adopt the “moving fast” habit so you don’t get overwhelmed with street calls.
To avoid being scammed, negotiate prices before buying anything, and by all means, do not accept offers from strangers.
Accessibility:
The official languages are Arabic and Berber, but many people also speak French and some English.
The cost of living is low, and you can find affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options.
Be prepared for some cultural differences, such as the conservative dress code, the Islamic customs, and the bargaining culture.
Unique Experiences:
Visit the Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square and the heart of the city, where you can see snake charmers, storytellers, musicians, and street food vendors.
Explore the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful botanical garden and museum that was once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, the famous fashion designer.
Relax in a hammam, a traditional Moroccan bathhouse, where you can enjoy steam, scrub, and massage.
Shop in the souks, and the labyrinthine markets, where you can find everything from spices, carpets, pottery, jewelry, and leather goods.
Female Solo Travelers Before You:
Becky the Traveller shares her experiences and tips for solo female travelers visiting Marrakech.
Gloria Atanmo, who visited Marrakech fell in love with the city. She shared her insights and advice on her blog, The Blog Abroad.
Pro-Tips
Don’t enter mosques or other sacred places without permission, and don’t take photos of people without their consent.
Try to learn some basic words and phrases in Arabic or French, such as hello, thank you, and how much. This will help you communicate better and show respect.
4. Botswana
The country of Botswana is one of the best places to solo travel as a woman this year because it is not only beautiful, it is pretty safe.
Botswana is known for stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and friendly locals.
Low Crime Rates: Compared to other regional countries, Botswana has relatively low crime rates.
Friendly Locals: The people in Botswana are generally friendly and helpful, which contributes to the overall safety of the country.
Safety Measures: Travelers are advised to avoid walking alone at night, especially in secluded areas, and to stay in well-lit and populated areas.
Reputable Transportation: Using reputable transportation options and avoiding unlicensed taxis is another safety tip for travelers in Botswana.
Traveler Experiences: Many solo female travelers have shared their positive experiences of traveling in Botswana, stating that they felt safe during their visit.
Tlotlo Theo Pule (@tlotlo_pule) is a popular influencer based in Botswana who shares her experiences of the country’s lifestyle, fashion, and photography.
5. Accra, Ghana
Accra is the capital and the largest city of Ghana, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere, the beautiful African beaches, and the music. It’s a place where you can experience the history, culture, and art of Ghana.
Accra is a great destination for solo female travelers who want to have fun, discover, and connect.
(Meanwhile, if you’d like to stay connected to loved ones while you turn Accra upside-down, consider getting e-sims from online marketplaces — to get unlimited connectivity with ease.)
Safety:
Accra is generally safe for solo female travelers. Stree harassment, a concern for many solo female travelers, is extremely low in Accra.
The people are super welcoming, but everyone goes about their business, and at least, people will let you enjoy the place in peace.
Many solo female travelers have shared their positive experiences of traveling in Accra, stating that they felt safe during their visit. Ghana is also among the most peaceful countries in Africa, according to the Global Peace Index.
Just remember to keep your valuables in a safe place, and don’t walk alone at night.
You can also join a group tour or use a trusted taxi or Uber service to get around the city (Yango and Uber are the available taxi options in Accra).
Unique Experiences:
Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where you can see the mausoleum, the museum, and the statue of the first president of Ghana and the leader of the independence movement.
Shop in the Art Centre, where you’ll see all sorts of local crafts, including masks, drums, and paintings.
Explore the Makola Market, the largest and busiest market in the city, where you can find everything from clothes, shoes, and bags to spices, fruits, and fish.
Relax at Labadi Beach, the most popular beach in the city, where you can swim, sunbathe, and listen to live music.
Pro-Tip:
Be respectful of the local culture and tradition. Don’t take photos of people without their consent, and don’t touch or feed the animals.
6. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt, is a city that’s rich in history and culture. It’s a destination that attracts many solo female travelers each year.
Here’s why:
Welcoming Atmosphere: Many travelers have reported feeling incredibly welcomed in Egypt. The first word most locals learn in English is “welcome,” which you can expect to hear often.
Traveler Experiences: Despite some challenges, many solo female travelers have reported having rewarding experiences in Cairo. They’ve shared that traveling in Egypt was an incredibly rewarding experience, but also a difficult one.
Influencer Experiences: Several travel influencers have visited Cairo and shared their experiences. For example, Mayar Elghety, an actress and travel influencer, shares fun holidays from around the globe on her Instagram.
Rowida Qassem, who won Miss Egypt Tourism International, is a travel influencer in Egypt. She shares in-the-moment content highlighting nightlife on her Instagram.
Safety Precautions:
While Cairo is generally safe for tourists, solo female travelers should be cautious, especially at night. It’s always best to avoid walking alone after dark, stick to populated, well-lit areas, avoid commuting alone, and limit nighttime excursions whenever possible
Accessibility:
Cairo is easy to reach from many countries. The official language is Arabic, but many people also speak English and French.
The cost of living is a little higher compared to other African countries, but you can find cheap accommodation, food, and transportation options. If you’re up for luxury, you’ll find some of the most luxurious resorts in the world in this very city.
Unique Experiences:
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, the oldest and the most famous of the ancient wonders, where you can see the pyramids, the sphinx, and the valley temple.
Explore the Egyptian Museum to discover some of the world’s most unique and ancient artifacts. It’s why Egyptology is a thing.
7. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa is the capital and the largest city of Ethiopia, where you can enjoy the culture, the food, and the coffee. It’s a place where you can experience the history, religion, and art of Ethiopia.
Safety:
Friendly Locals: The people in Addis Ababa are generally friendly and helpful, which contributes to the overall safety of the city.
Reputable Transportation: Using reputable transportation options and avoiding unlicensed taxis is another safety tip for travelers in Addis Ababa.
Traveler Experiences: Many solo female travelers have shared their positive experiences of traveling in Addis Ababa, stating that they felt safe during their visit.
You should also keep your valuables in a safe place, and don’t walk alone at night.
Unique Experiences:
Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the most important church in Ethiopia, where you can see the architecture, the paintings, and the tombs of the former emperors.
Explore the National Museum of Ethiopia, where you can see the fossils, the artifacts, and the paintings of Ethiopian history and culture.
Relax in the Fendika Cultural Center, where you can enjoy the traditional music, dance, and poetry of Ethiopia.
Shop in the Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa, where you can find everything from spices, grains, and coffee to clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Solo Female travelers you may know:
Gloria Atanmo, who visited Addis Ababa and loved the city. She shared her insights and advice on her blog, The Blog Abroad.
Annie Chen3: Annie shares her experiences and tips for solo female travelers visiting Addis Ababa on her blog.
PTWIN PTWIN4: PTWIN is a popular influencer based in Addis Ababa who shares her experiences of the city’s lifestyle, fashion, and photography.
8. Dakar, Senegal
Dakar is the capital and the largest city of Senegal, where you can enjoy the beaches, the music, and the fashion.
While other destinations might offer higher safety rankings, Dakar's unique blend of cultural immersion, welcoming atmosphere, and growing solo female travel scene make it a compelling choice.
Safety:
Dakar has strong contenders for a spot in the top 10 safest and most enjoyable destinations for solo female travelers in Africa.
While it boasts undeniable cultural richness and a lively atmosphere, safety aspects require cautious consideration.
Relatively safe environment: Compared to many other African countries, Senegal enjoys a reputation for stability and relative safety. Dakar, the capital, generally reflects this, especially during the day in populated areas.
Welcoming locals: Senegalese people are known for their warmth and hospitality, and Dakar is no exception. You'll likely encounter friendly interactions and helpfulness from locals.
Growing solo female travel community: Dakar is increasingly attracting solo female travelers, and you'll find resources and communities specifically catering to their needs.
Accessibility:
The official language is French, but many people also speak Wolof and other languages.
Unique Experiences:
Visit the African Renaissance Monument, the largest statue in Africa, where you can see the bronze sculpture, the museum, and the panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Explore Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can learn about the history and the legacy of the slave trade in Senegal and Africa.
Relax at Ngor Beach, one of the best beaches in the city, where you can swim, surf, and enjoy the sun and the sand.
Shop in the Sandaga Market, the most famous market in the city, where you can find everything from clothes, shoes, and bags to fabrics, jewelry, and souvenirs.
9. Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali is the capital and the largest city of Rwanda, where you can enjoy the green hills, the clean streets, and the friendly people.
It’s a place where you can experience the history, culture, and development of Rwanda.
Kigali is a great destination for solo female travelers who want to learn, explore, and connect.
Safety:
Kigali is one of the safest cities in Africa. Here’s why:
Low Crime Rates: Kigali is known for its low crime rates compared to other major cities. It’s well-policed, with 24-hour patrol units.
Friendly Locals: The people in Kigali are generally friendly and helpful, which contributes to the overall safety of the city.
Safety Measures: Travelers are advised to avoid walking alone at night, especially in secluded areas, and to stay in well-lit and populated areas.
Traveler Experiences: Many solo female travelers have shared their positive experiences of traveling in Kigali, stating that they felt safe during their visit.
Solo Travelers You may know:
In terms of foreign or African travel influencers who have visited Kigali, here are a couple of examples:
Raïssa Mata (@msmata) is a popular influencer based in Kigali who shares her experiences of the city’s lifestyle, fashion, and photography.
Carly from “Carly’s Adventures Afar” shares her experiences and tips for solo female travelers visiting Kigali on her blog.
Accessibility:
The official languages are Kinyarwanda, English, and French, but most people speak Kinyarwanda and English.
Unique Experiences:
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you can learn about the history and the impact of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and pay respect to the victims.
Explore the Inema Arts Center, where you can see the art, music, and dance of Rwandan artists and join their workshops and events.
Relax in Kigali Heights, where you can enjoy the shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the modern mall and the rooftop terrace.
You can also find many group tours and activities that cater to solo travelers, such as city tours, genocide memorial tours, and gorilla trekking tours.
Shop in the Kimironko Market, where you can find local products, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish, as well as fabrics, baskets, and pottery.
10. Seychelles
Seychelles is a safe destination for solo female travelers. Seychelles is an archipelago off the eastern coast of Africa known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and abundant wildlife1.
It’s a popular destination for solo travelers due to its friendly locals, well-developed tourism infrastructure, and relatively low crime rates.
Crime Rate: The crime rate in Seychelles has been decreasing. In 2021, the crime rate was 4.70, a 44.94% decline from 2020.
Anecdotes from Solo Female Travelers: Solo female travelers have reported feeling safe in Seychelles, with locals being nice and helpful.
Petty Crime: Petty crimes such as robberies, break-ins, and theft against tourists are quite low. The very few occurrences are non-violent and occur due to the opportunities presented.
Treatment Towards Women: The government has taken measures to prevent discrimination and promote the rights of women.
Police Security: The Seychelles Police Force is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the people of Seychelles and visitors alike.
Safety at Night: The main areas, such as Victoria, Beau Vallon, and Anse Royale, are relatively safe at night, with a visible police presence.
Please note that while Seychelles is generally safe, it’s always important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions when traveling.
Some of the must-visit places in Seychelles include Mahe Island, Praslin Island, and La Digue Island. Of course, Seychelles is home to some of Africa’s best islands.
11. Mauritius
I recommend considering Mauritius as a safe place for solo travel as a woman. Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean known for its beaches, lagoons, and reefs.
Here’s why it’s a great choice for solo female travel:
Safety: Mauritius is often ranked as one of the safest countries in Africa. The crime rate is relatively low compared to other countries, and violent crime is rare.
Friendly Locals: The people in Mauritius are known for their friendliness and hospitality, which contribute to the overall safety of the country.
Ease of Travel: English is widely spoken in Mauritius, making it easier for travelers to communicate. The country also has a well-developed infrastructure, including reliable public transportation and multiple accommodation options for all budgets.
In terms of anecdotes from solo female travelers, many have shared positive experiences about traveling in Mauritius. These travelers have reported feeling safe and welcomed during their visit.
However, like any other travel destination, it’s important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Why Visit Mauritius?
Mauritius is a popular destination for solo female travelers for several reasons:
Natural Beauty: Mauritius is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and abundant wildlife. The island offers a variety of landscapes to explore, from lush forests and waterfalls to colorful coral reefs
Cultural Diversity: Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Africa, India, Europe, and China. This diversity is reflected in the island’s cuisine, music, and festivals.
Activities: Whether you’re interested in water sports, hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply relaxing on the beach, Mauritius has something to offer every traveler.
Ease of Travel: English is widely spoken in Mauritius.
Final Thoughts
Enjoyed our recommendations? Which of these amazing places for solo female travel are you going to explore first? We hope you enjoy your travel in Africa.
Zanzibar is picture perfect for solo travel.
Over 1.7 million tourists visit Zanzibar every year. So many of our visitors are solo female travelers. Come make the best memories in Zanzibar too, Africa’s top destination for beach holidays and scuba diving. Let’s help you get started!
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Regards, Nicole & Patrick and the 3 kids
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