East Africa is home to some of the most amazing tourist destinations in the world. Tourists can go to vast safari parks such as the Maasai Mara, Volcanoes National Park, Arusha, and the Serengeti. They can visit stunning lakes such as Lake Victoria, Lake Manyara, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha, where they can enjoy boat rides, birdwatching, and picnics! The beaches of East Africa are tranquil and pristine, and popular locations include Paje Beach, Nungwi Beach, Pemba Island, Mafia Island, Kendwa Beach, Coco Beach, and Chumbe Island. For solo travellers, this heavenly region is an ideal place to visit. However, solo female travellers might have some concerns and reservations regarding planning such a trip. Here is an essential guide that can help solo female travellers plan an extraordinary trip to East Africa!

• Where to go?
  • Kendwa beach is an excellent location for solo visitors as they can meet people from all over the world during Full Moon Parties. The island is home to a number of beach villages where tourists can go for cultural tours. They can also engage in exciting and fun-filled activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and going on a spice tour!
  • The National Museum of Tanzania in Dar Es Salaam is a great place to visit, as solo travellers can explore the history and heritage of the country. They can find a sacred fig tree, ancient Chinese pottery, prehistoric rock art, ancient coins, fossil discoveries, archaeological artefacts, indigenous ebony masks, artefacts from British and German colonial rule, and ethnographic collections on indigenous African cultures!
  • Jinja is one of the best tourist spots in Uganda. Located on the banks of the Nile, it is a great place for backpackers, solo visitors, and adventure lovers. Tourists can enjoy the stunning view of the lush green hills and dark orange soil. This is a great place to interact with the locals!
  • The busy and bustling city of Nairobi in Kenya is a must-see location for solo travellers. They can go to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which is a sanctuary for baby elephants! These young elephants are orphans, so the rehabilitation centre cares for them till they can return to their natural habitat. Tourists can volunteer to take care of the baby elephants, feed them, and even pay to adopt them and fund their rehabilitation process.

• Solo travellers can also explore Forodhani Night Food Market in Stone Town, Zanzibar, where they can meet locals, and try delicious foods such as mshikaki, Ugali and Nyama Choma, Uji, Mandazi, Chipsi Mayai, Kuku Paka, biryani, pilao, Samaki, Mtori, and Zanzibar pizza.
• For solo travellers who are interested in backpacking, Zanzibar is a backpacker friendly location. Tourists can find affordable accommodation, cheap food, and low price tours. They can relax on pristine beaches, enjoy sports such as sailing, scuba diving, kiteboarding, fishing, and kayaking, and interact with locals. Many tours on Zanzibar’s beaches form groups, so solo visitors can use this chance to meet people from all over the world.

• Important tips
  • While East Africa is generally safe, solo female travellers should take precautions to ensure that they have a safe and comfortable trip.
  • Solo travellers are advised to pack light, so their baggage can easily be carried. They must pack necessary clothing, an extra layer to protect from harsh weather, important medicine, sunscreen, insect repellant, batteries, electronics, credit cards, comfortable walking shoes, and all necessary documents such as ID, insurance documents, and passport, etc.
  • Solo travellers should carefully pick their guides and accommodation, ensuring that the company they stay with is reliable.
  • Many camps and lodges charge single travellers less so it is possible to avail significant discounts. By booking beforehand, visitors can enjoy lower prices, and avoid unnecessary hassle and inconvenience later!
  • Female travellers should plan well, so they are prepared for any issues and inconveniences, without their safety and security being compromised.
  • Female solo travellers should keep self defense mechanisms such as pepper sprays and tasers, as long as they are allowed in the region. They should also learn basic self defence to avoid uncomfortable situations.
  • One should stay extremely alert, and avoid any place or person that seems questionable. Solo travelers should not disclose the location of their stay to any stranger, nor give up any other sensitive or personal information unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.
  • Solo travelers should try to have a stable connection at all times so they are never isolated, and can share their location with a trusted contact.