The last few years have seen a spike in numbers within a very specific traveller group – the solo female traveller. Aiming to unpack both the East Africa experience as a destination for women travelling alone, as well as the travel experience offered by Asilia, I spoke to three women who had recently retuned from safaris booked with Asilia.
The three ladies, Susan from the US, Claudia from Switzerland, and Caitlin from the US, all view themselves as experienced solo travellers. While Claudia has been travelling alone for over 20 years, Caitlin took her first solo international trip in 2022 but since then has enjoyed extensive international travel. Susan put it best as, “I’ve always had a wanderer’s heart and found at a young age, if I waited for someone to travel with, I would never get out of my own town.” Susan and Claudia had both travelled to East Africa before, but this was a first-time experience for Caitlin.
As a solo female traveller, what are some of the concerns you have when considering a holiday?
Susan – Safety first. Being female, I think it’s natural for women to have a more heightened awareness for safety in everyday life along with travel. Self-sufficiency is second. I try to make sure if I find myself in a situation, I have the means to get myself home.
Claudia – When travelling on my own I plan very accurately and will book everything in advance. So, for example, if I am continuing to Zanzibar, I will have planned all the accommodations and the first transfer, before I have even left home. I am very careful about all the transfers.
Caitlin – As a solo female traveler, one of my top concerns when I plan an international trip is safety, both during my travel time and at my ultimate destination. I like to make sure that my planning is sufficient so that I know I always have a safe mode of transportation arranged.
For a female travelling alone, I imagine there must be an element of trust involved, or a need for the sense that you are in safe hands. How was this sense of safety conveyed by Asilia?
Susan – The checking in with me along both my booking journey and the time on the ground in East Africa, from start to finish was very reassuring. I was made aware that my safety was of utmost importance.
Caitlin – I believe what made me feel the most comfortable was having all of the elements of my trip planned out and organised well in advance. For me, when traveling to a new country, the part I’m typically the most nervous about is getting from the airport to wherever it is that I am staying. With Asilia, someone was there to meet me upon my evening arrival in Nairobi, transport me to an overnight hotel booked by Asilia, and transport me to the airstrip the next day. Not having to figure out or arrange transportation upon arrival in a new country makes the process much more comfortable and safer.
“I am travelling solo because I am strongly convinced that you see and learn much more, when you are travelling solo. Your eyes and ears are more open if you are not distracted with another traveller.” – Claudia
Some people may be afraid to travel to East Africa alone out of concern for their safety. Did you ever feel unsafe on the ground?
Susan – No, from the time I stepped off my flight I had an escort to assist and guide me.
Claudia – I have never felt unsafe on the ground in Tanzania.
Caitlin – I stayed at Rekero Camp and I never felt unsafe during my time there. All of the staff at Rekero Camp were extremely friendly and someone was always available to escort me to and from my tent in the mornings and after dinner. I liked that the staff always made sure I was safely zipped into my tent before leaving at night. I also liked knowing that I could radio the staff at any time should I need anything
Was there anything during the enquiry and booking process that you think should have been done differently to help create the sense of safety and security for a single female traveller?
Susan – In my experience everything was done right. I was treated like an intelligent, independent, self-sufficient person. The team explained to me why certain protocols were performed to ensure my safety.
Claudia – For me, no changes are necessary. For other female travellers it might be reassuring, if you communicate clearly that they will be picked up from the airport by an Asilia representative. Additionally, mentioning that you have a fair number of female employees working as guides could also convey a positive message.
Caitlin – No. Simone was extremely helpful throughout my booking process and answered all my questions, big or small.
What was it about Asilia that persuaded you to book and travel with Asilia?
Claudia – I usually ask other guests or guides about recommendations for other countries I plan to visit. In South Africa, 2016, a guide in Sabi Sands recommended Asilia for Tanzania. He emphasised that Asilia has some of the best guides, which is important to me as I am very keen on getting as close to wild animals as possible but also want them to be respected. My first trip to Tanzania was in November 2017, to two Asilia camps (Jabali Ridge and Roha ya Selous).
Caitlin – When I was researching online, I looked at 2 to 3 travel operators within Kenya when planning this trip. I submitted enquiries to them all but decided on Asilia fairly quickly based on the excellent customer service provided, the properties, locations, availability, and perceived value. Simone reached out and made planning the details of my trip totally seamless. He was able to recommend a camp with last-minute availability and took care of planning all the details, including airport meet and greets, transfers, and hotel reservations for before and after my stay at Rekero Camp. When traveling alone, having all the details worked out from the airport to the lodge provides a sense of comfort and security that makes it a more enjoyable experience. That’s why I booked with Asilia’s Rekero Camp.
“I would definitely recommend Asilia camps for first time solo female travellers. There are camps at every safari experience level. The guides and camp managers have the experience to gauge your comfort level so they can provide you with a fantastic memorable experience.” – Susan
You have another trip planned with Asilia later this year, so I assume we must be doing something right! What is that “something”? What is it about the Asilia experience that has you coming back again?
Susan – Asilia has beautiful camps in places I haven’t been and there are animals I haven’t yet photographed. The Asilia team is always great, and their smiles are contagious!
Claudia – I always felt respected and even specially appreciated as a repeated guest. On my journey last November, I had my own guide at all three destinations. This was absolutely wonderful. When I asked in the end, why I had this luxurious situation, the response was: for a repeated guest Asilia tries to offer this. A big thank you! And, of course, there are also other reasons why I really feel happy about Asilia: you offer and encourage women interesting working opportunities, do a lot for the local communities and are aware about the environment. I feel this is truly important for Asilia and not just a “lip service”.
What advice would you give to other women looking to travel alone to East Africa?
Susan – Research where you want to go, check with reputable travel companies, and before booking any accommodation do some research to make sure they are reputable and not a scam. Check out booking agencies and see if they book with these accommodations. See one that’s interesting? Follow them on social media, see what is being said and how they respond to negative comments.
Claudia – Choose well, research the places you would like to see and with which organisation you do that. Prepare yourself well, read a lot about history and people. And last but not least: Respect others, be open minded, learn more about yourself and from others for your future life.
Caitlin – For women looking to travel alone to East Africa, I would recommend planning your trip with a travel operator who will take care of all of the small details for you. When planning this trip to Kenya, I essentially only booked my flight into and out of Kenya, with the rest of the transport and lodging booked on my behalf by Asilia. It made the trip logistically easier and made sure I had a secure method of transport arranged in advance.
“I felt totally comfortable as a female solo traveller at Rekero Camp. The camp staff, my guide, and the camp security were all respectful and kind.” – Caitlin
If you’re considering a solo safari to East Africa and are unsure where to start, get in touch with us today, even if it’s just to chat through your concerns and answer any initial questions.
