Traveling alone is, well, awesome.
When you are exploring the world on your own, you are in control. The agenda, the meals, the activities, they’re all for you to decide. The world is your oyster, and that can be extremely liberating for some.
The Future is Female
Recently, there has been a sharp increase in solo travel worldwide, and more so for women. Studies reveal that more and more women are deciding to pack their bags and hit the road. Alone: (see more).
Experts say this trend is a result of women feeling increasingly safer and more empowered to travel alone and chase learning opportunities, self-improvement, and personal growth adventures.
These are all things Viewers Africa Safari stands for.
Recently, more and more female travelers are approaching Viewers Africa Safari, to help craft them an experience of a lifetime in Tanzania: to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, embark on their safari dreams, learn about our human cultural origins, or just relax and recoup with a trip to Zanzibar Island.
Whatever the flavor of adventure, Tanzania Target Safaris supports the empowerment of women, as well as here in our office—50% of our staff is female!
The following post focuses on all things female travel. Previously, we’ve addressed the merits of solo travel, but here we’ll discuss why Tanzania is the best destination for solo women. We’ll also provide safety tips and end with three of the best places for females to travel in Tanzania.
Here’s Why Tanzania is the Best Country for Solo Females…
Sure, you could always travel to France and eat a baguette under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. You could always fly to Spain and sample tapas or be chased by bulls. But what about watching two million wildebeest flood the Serengeti at sunset? What about getting lost in a flood of pink flamingos as they take flight en masse, only to make your heart skip a beat? What about scaling to the “Roof of Africa,” 19,341 foot (5,895m) Mt. Kilimanjaro, to complete one of the highest non-technical hikes on Earth? If any of this excites you, more than baguettes or bullfights, then continue reading.
Tanzania is hot right now. Here, you get millions-year-old volcanoes, world-class beaches, lions and elephants, jungle and desert, culture and culinary delights.
Tanzania overflows with awe. In just a small amount of time you can experience a large amount of mind-blowing things.
For the female solo traveler, most of these experiences are safe and accessible. Here’s why: safaris are all guided, and most of are small group tours. This means you will be paired with other travelers (there’s always private tours, too!) and you will have a guide with you the whole time. This is also true for any Kilimanjaro trek.
The Essential Tips for Women Traveling in Tanzania:
Travel Light. This is probably our favorite travel tip of all time: the lighter you go, the richer the experience. This is particularly true for solo female travelers, as you’ll be shuffling in and out of airports and safari vehicles, and the less stuff you have to keep track of, the more focused you’ll be on your safety and security. Here is a great resource we found on the adage: “travel light, travel free.”
Think Modest. For Tanzania, modest dress is particularly important for female, but this does not exclude males. It’s best to choose clothing that isn’t wildly revealing. This is a good rule of thumb when traveling in the more conservative parts of the world.. In Zanzibar, bikinis and beach attire are more acceptable.
No to Dark, Yes to Direct. Most Tanzania Target Safaris clients will be quickly whisked off to safari, Kilimanjaro, or private beaches, but there’s always time to shop and visit urban markets, too. We always recommend people to return back to accommodations before nightfall, and this is particularly important for women. We also encourage females to be very direct and straightforward if any storefront owner or merchants approach them on the streets. Saying “NO” firmly is advisable.
Choose a Reputable Guide. This is probably the most important piece of advice. Because Tanzania will drop you into a whole new world, full of novel sights and sounds, a reputable and experienced guide will be your primary resource for staying safe and secure on the road. Every one of our Viewers Africa Safari guides carries a wellspring of experience, and they will ensure that you are taken care of.
Top 3 Places to Travel in Tanzania as a Solo Traveler:
1 – Zanzibar. The paradise beaches, the whiter-than-white sand of the Spice Islands offers female travelers an ideal venue to let their hair down, grab that tattered novel, and spend some time under the sun. We can organize several days for you at a private accommodation, where everything is taken care of. Note that Zanzibar Island is 99% Muslim, so if you do plan to visit Stonetown (which you absolutely should!) it’s advised for both men and women to cover knees and shoulders. Again, modesty wins. Here are some packages to consider.
2 – Serengeti / Ngorongoro. There’s no other way to put it: the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit is just mind-blowing. Join a 5-7 day small group tour and experience some of the most incredible landscapes and wildlife on the planet. As a package tour, all accommodations and guides will all be organized well in advance, safe and secure, ideal for the solo traveler.
3 – Tarangire National Park. Ask any one of our guides and they’ll tell you that Tarangire is one of their favorite stops on safari. Why? Think elephants and baobab trees. In the park, you’ll find some of the highest densities of both. Several Viewers Africa Safari safari packages, like the 7-day Tanzania Classic include Tarangire. The best time to visit this special place is June to October.
Bottom Line?
With solo female travel to Tanzania, it all comes down to choosing the right outfitter, one with a flawless reputation for safety, customer support, and satisfaction. For over 30 years, Tanzania Target Safaris has been organizing small group tours and tailored private adventures for thousands of solo travelers. We know the best accommodations, beaches, and places to maximize your independent experience.