5 of the Best Solo Safari Hotels in Africa

Safari Lodges often appeal to a very specific market. You’ll find child-friendly lodges that are jam-packed with children’s programs and fun ways to introduce children to Africa. There are honeymoon destinations, those secluded lodges with bubbling Jacuzzis, private deck dinners and outdoor showers, but where does the solo safari traveler fall? It can be difficult to find a lodge exclusive enough that you can enjoy an intimate game viewing experience without feeling like the odd man out among the smooching couples. Here are our pick of the best safari hotels in Africa for single travelers.

Sanctuary Swala Lodge, Tanzania

Sanctuary Swala Lodge is located in one of Tanzania’s more private reserves; Tarangire National Park. With each room manned by a personal attendant, here the local guides really become your best friend as they teach you about the surroundings, the animals and their culture. Here the safari drives and walks are much more relaxed and intimate, meaning that you have time to stop and appreciate the smaller things, such as one of the 500 bird species found within Tarangire.

Photo courtesy of the Sancturay Swala Lodge

Kambaku Safari Lodge, South Africa

Kambaku Safari Lodge is located in the private Timbavati Game Reserve on the border of South Africa’s Kruger National Park.  Although game drives and bush walks are normally included in the rates, solo travelers may also choose to embark on a self-drive in Kruger National Park. Dinner is often served under stars in the traditional African boma where travelers can enjoy swapping bush stories of the day, allowing single travelers a chance to get to know other guests at the lodge.

Photo courtesy of the Kambaku Safari Lodge

Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia

Situated overlooking the spectacular Zambezi River, Thorntree River Lodge offers a unique experience where guests are encouraged to interact. A communal dining table means guests are forced to socialize, making it easy for single travelers to meet new friends.

Photo courtesy of the Thorntree River Lodge

Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Although not strictly a safari destination, Giraffe Manor is ideal for solo business travelers wanting to connect with nature. As the hotel is located just 20 kilometers from Nairobi city, business travelers to the area can enjoy the peace and quiet this lodge offers. Originally a private home, the Giraffe Manor is home to a resident herd of Rothschild Giraffes that are not shy to join you for breakfast or pop their head in the window to say hello as you wake up from your afternoon nap.

The Giraffe Manor

Phinda Game Lodge, South Africa

The Phinda Game Reserve is located within the lush wetlands of Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa. Along with offering a host of lodges for guests to choose from, Phinda also offers endless activities for any traveler to enjoy. Ensuring that boredom will never set in, you can enjoy game drives, riverboat cruises, canoeing trips, beach excursions, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, horse riding, cultural visits and bird watching excursions among a host of other activities.

 

Photo courtesy of the Phinda Private Game

Giraffe photo (top left) by Derek Keats