East Africa is a welcoming, safe destination for solo travellers. With a private vehicle and guide you set your own pace, while gorilla treks, boat trips and lodge dinners bring natural company. Costs per person are higher alone because vehicle and guide costs are not shared, and some lodges charge single supplements, but permits cost the same. Our published solo prices start at US$250 for a day trip and US$2,633 for 4 days.
Key takeaways
- East Africa is safe and welcoming for solo travellers.
- A private guide means total flexibility.
- Gorilla treks and boat trips are shared, so you are never isolated.
- Single supplements apply at some lodges; permits cost the same.
- Solo women travellers are common and well supported.
Travelling alone on safari gives you complete freedom: you decide how long to stay with the elephants, how early to start and when to rest. Far from being lonely, solo safaris are often sociable, with shared treks, boat trips and conversations around the campfire.
Why go solo
- Your pace: stay at sightings as long as you like.
- Your interests: focus on birds, primates, photography or culture.
- Your budget: choose simple, mid-range or luxury lodges without compromise.
- Personal attention: your guide becomes your companion and teacher.
Costs for solo travellers
Travelling alone costs more per person because the vehicle, fuel and guide are not shared, and some lodges charge a single supplement. On the other hand, permits and park fees are the same for everyone. Our published prices are for solo travellers, for example from US$250 for the 1-day Mabamba shoebill trip and from US$2,633 for the 4-day shoebill and gorilla safari. See our safari cost guide.
Ways to reduce costs
- Travel in the low season, when Uganda’s gorilla permit is US$600.
- Choose community-run or budget lodges, which are often the most welcoming.
- Use shared transfers where available, or fly to save days on the road.
Safety and wellbeing
East Africa is welcoming and safe for solo travellers who take normal precautions. In the parks you are always with your guide or rangers. In cities, use transport arranged by us, keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone at night. Solo women travel with us regularly, and we choose lodges and guides with care.
Lodge dinners are often communal or at nearby tables, which makes it easy to meet other travellers. Many friendships start around the campfire.
Social moments on safari
- Gorilla and chimp treks: shared with up to seven other visitors.
- Boat trips: the Kazinga Channel and Murchison launches are shared, with lots of conversation.
- Lodges: sundowners, campfires and communal dinners.
- Community visits: meeting local guides, artists and families.
Best itineraries for solo travellers
- Short and focused: the 4-day shoebill and gorilla safari.
- Classic Uganda: the 8-day gorilla, wildlife and primates safari.
- Big cats: the 3-day Masai Mara safari in Kenya.
Practical tips
- Share your itinerary with someone at home; we provide emergency contacts.
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance details.
- Bring a power bank and a local SIM card for staying in touch.
Choosing lodges as a solo traveller
Look for smaller lodges and camps where guests eat together or the staff make an effort to include you. Community-run lodges, such as Ride 4 A Woman in Buhoma, are especially welcoming, and owner-run camps often have a sociable atmosphere. Some lodges waive or reduce single supplements in the low season, which we check for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to go on safari alone?
Yes. You are accompanied by a professional guide, stay in well-run lodges and visit protected areas. Use normal city precautions in Kampala, Kigali and Nairobi.
Is a solo safari more expensive?
Per person, yes, because the vehicle and guide cost is not shared and some lodges charge a single supplement. Permits and park fees cost the same.
Will I be lonely?
Rarely. Gorilla treks, boat cruises and lodge dinners are shared with other travellers, and guides become great companions.
Is it safe for women travelling alone?
Yes. Many solo women travel with us, and we choose lodges and guides with this in mind.
Can I join a group?
We specialise in private trips, but we can let you know if other travellers are on similar dates for shared activities.
Can I trek gorillas alone?
Yes. You join a group of up to eight visitors assigned to a gorilla family, so you are never on your own in the forest.
Do solo travellers get the best seats?
On a private safari, you have the whole vehicle to yourself, so every seat is a window seat and you can move around freely for photos.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
