The term solo travel usually sparks scenes of travelers backpacking Europe fresh out of college, or someone looking to reinvent their life. Many make the assumption that solo travel entails getting away from everyone, distancing yourself in some remote area of the world. But in most cases, solo travel is simply packing your bags on your own, for an adventure to make new connections with nature, others, and even yourself. So to be clear, you do not have to be recently divorced or carry a fresh diploma in hand to qualify as a solo traveler. People from all walks of life can find joy in exploring on their own – it’s all about selecting the right destination.
Solo safari in South Africa
For me, this destination was South Africa. The year was 2011, and I was craving an adventure in between the spring and fall semesters. So I planned my summer around an internship opportunity I received to work in South Africa. I was based in Pretoria, right in the middle of the busy capital city, working at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. There my routine centered around animal husbandry, caring for two very different native species – South African fur seals and African spotted eagle owls. During my internship, I daydreamed of seeing the African wilderness, swapping the zoo out for the wild. I quickly began planning a getaway from the city to the world-famous Kruger National Park, just a 5.5-hour drive from Pretoria.
Staying at Skukuza Rest Camp
The day my internship ended, my supervisor was kind enough to drive me to Kruger. She only stayed the first night, but I was far from stranded. I was based inside the expansive Skukuza Rest Camp. This campus is managed by South African Parks and is located in the southern region of the 7,000 square-mile national park. Skukuza is flanked by the Sabie River, where guests can view wildlife right from the comfort of camp. I was fortunate enough to observe numerous antelope, a herd of elephants, and even a leopard stalking prey along the sandy riverbank. Skukuza’s accessibility and visitor amenities make it wildly popular with both South Africans and international visitors. Skukuza Rest Camp is also quite affordable, compared to other safari camps, making it a top option for budget-savvy travelers. During my visit in 2011, my bungalow only cost 1,470 rand per night which was equal to $85 US dollars. For a solo traveler staying at Skukuza was an ideal location since I had access to restaurants, even groceries, and could plan excursions right from camp.
But of course, the main activity in Kruger is game drives! Skukuza offers visitors the option of sunrise, sunset, or night drives – or all of the above! While the vehicles are much larger than most safari jeeps, I enjoyed sharing the experience with so many other excited people. Of all the drives I got quite the thrill from the night excursion, it certainly served the most unique wildlife. In just one night I saw a black rhino, spotted eagle owl, civet, and even an aardvark. Here are my thoughts on what to expect from an ethical night game drive! The other unforgettable experience was an afternoon bush walk led by South African Parks field guides. Not even five minutes into our walk and we come upon a pride of lions resting in the grass. It was my first ever lion sighting, and it was beyond humbling to observe them on foot – of course from a safe and ethical distance.
Top 3 reasons to Safari Solo
1. Unlike other solo travel destinations, on safari you are never truly alone. From the moment you check-in, your safety and enjoyment is top priority. With the exception of tucking yourself in at night, you’ll be in the company of other like-minded folks keeping their eyes peeled for rhinoceros sightings. Safari operators flawlessly fill your days from dawn till dusk with activities.
2. Finding yourself in the African wilderness gives you an immediate sense of camaraderie. Even if you’ve traveled alone to get to the bush, once you’re there everyone acts as one cohesive unit. Conversations centered around the day’s sightings draw everyone closer around the campfire. The people sitting next to you don’t remain strangers for long. Having shared authentic experiences from watching wildlife will bring people together in no time.
3. All travelers seek the pleasure of unwinding, but in the bush, you will find yourself not only unwound but reconnected in the most powerful way. Until you’ve fallen asleep to the rumbles of hippos or a distant lion’s roar, you can only dream of what that sense of wonder is like. All the more reason to begin planning your safari adventure now!
Reimagine solo travel, and picture yourself decked from head to toe in khaki, peering through your binoculars at a herd of zebras. This is the solo travel I hope that everyone can experience someday, a true journey for wildlife.
