South Africa is a wonderful travel destination for solo travellers with plenty of activities available to them. It boasts an incredibly rich culture and offers different experiences for travellers of all kinds.
As it’s wise to avoid traveling during political rallies or periods of instability in a country, be sure to consult your hotel or hostel for up-to-date information.
Victoria Falls
South Africa is an ideal choice for solo adventure holidays, offering everything from safari tours and hikes to exciting sports activities that will get your blood pumping. Plus, its stunning beaches and jaw-dropping landscapes will leave you in awe; whether you choose Cape Peninsula living or visiting private game reserves there will always be adventure activities waiting.
Are you searching for an unforgettable way to witness Victoria Falls? Consider taking a microflight above them in order to witness its majestic waters from above – with its spray reaching 40 meters tall it makes for an impressive sight.
For an unforgettable waterfall experience, plan a visit between September and October when water volumes tend to be lower – you’ll get more of an opportunity to view its rocky base beneath the falls! Or head across to Zambia’s Mosi-oa Tunya National Park where you can walk across Knife-Edge Bridge and get up close with its rushing waters.
Cape Town
South Africa is a solo traveler’s paradise, with plenty of attractions that cater specifically to them. Restaurants and cafes that specialize in serving single travelers as well as cultural, shopping and nightlife offerings abound here. However, some areas should be avoided due to safety considerations; such as Camps Bay and Bantry Bay as well as parts of Woodstock and Bo Kaap should be largely avoided for this reason.
Solo women traveling alone in this city should adhere to normal safety precautions, such as staying in safe areas and avoiding wandering alone at night. Furthermore, they should avoid flashing cash or valuables around and always inform family and friends of their whereabouts.
Cape Town is an excellent city to visit on your own for a solo journey, especially if you are an enthusiast of food or wine. It offers several top-rated restaurants and bars as well as some of the world’s most stunning beaches, like Table Mountain or Cape of Good Hope. Also popular activities are visiting Boulders Beach’s penguin colony; driving along Chapman’s Peak; or participating in winery tours offered in Stellenbosch or Franschoek.
Garden Route
The Garden Route is an idyllic coastal road trip that traces South Africa’s southern coast, boasting natural beauty, charming small towns and top hostels in South Africa. Perfect for both adventure seekers and relaxation seekers alike, the Garden Route makes an excellent South Africa self-drive holiday or small group tour destination.
Garden Route visitors should aim to visit between October and April for optimal conditions; when temperatures are warm but not overbearing and days are long and sunny; rainfall tends to be less prevalent at this time of year compared to any other time.
Hermanus, the coastal holiday town with the world’s premier land-based whale watching experience. From here you can also enjoy swimming at Grotto Beach and dining at Lizette’s Kitchen; plus many of Hermanus’ premier wine farms such as Hamilton Russell Vineyards with an excellent Pinot Noir offering.
Sossusvlei
Namib-Naukluft National Park is an extraordinary desert landscape filled with picturesque desert landscapes and fascinating wildlife that have adapted to harsh conditions, from dunes to clay pans – there’s so much to discover and experience when visiting alone as a traveller! A world in its own, with remarkable desert landscapes and abundant fauna making up its world..jpeg)
Climbing Dune 45 for breathtaking views over Sesriem Canyon and Deadvlei is an absolute must, while Solitaire also deserves your visit thanks to its bakery offering world-famous apple strudel. May to October is considered winter/dry season – temperatures tend to remain more comfortable with less chance of precipitation!
South Africa is ideal for solo travelers, particularly if they enjoy urban attractions like museums, galleries and theaters. You can also join a one-day safari to search for leopards, warthogs and other species in savannah grasslands or private game reserves – and take the Baz Bus as this main mode of transportation provides added safety when travelling solo.
Namibia
Cape Town and its nearby wine region is the ideal location for solo travelers looking to meet new people while taking in all that South Africa has to offer. Backpacker hostels here boast lively communal areas and offer inexpensive group tours of local sites of interest.
Experience South African adventure at its finest during a safari through Kruger National Park! Get up close with real life characters from Lion King, or opt for a luxurious game lodge to truly experience nature in all its beauty.
South Africa boasts a relatively low crime rate, but it’s wise to take precautions nonetheless. Avoid walking alone at night in urban centres and stick to safe neighborhoods for optimal protection from bag-snatching and car theft, petty crime such as bag-snatching is widespread, use only taxis recommended by your accommodation and regularly monitor credit card statements for suspicious activity if travelling solo in South Africa. For advice about travelling solo contact the closest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as same-sex relationships may not be widely accepted in certain regions of South Africa.