women on wine (& 1 on tequila) searching for life’s answers!

WOW do I wish I had these tips before I ventured off to Africa.. Although I was not alone during the actual safari vacation I make the trek to Kenya from the US alone.  I must say it was very scary to arrive in a country all alone especially as a female (late at night) only to have a total stranger waiting at the airport with a sign with my name on it.  I had to trust that all would be fine… I can honestly say that my palms were sweaty and I kept my hand on the car door just in case I had to make open and jump…   I will that my adventure was amazing and that Kenya is a magical place.  The people were so kind and gracious and I look forward to returning.

Here is the link to my previous post with some photos!! http://www.wheresmydamnanswer.com/WP02/2008/05/25/my-out-of-africa/

Practical Tips for Women Traveling Solo to Africa

Compliments of Sandy Salle

Whether you need a break from the grind of daily life, are looking for a chance to reconnect with yourself, or are simply in need of a good adventure, traveling solo to Africa isn’t as scary or as difficult as you might think.

In fact, I believe it’s the best damn thing a woman could do for herself. Traveling solo to Africa is rewarding on so many levels-where else can you enjoy a good book while a herd of elephant congregates around a watering hole in front of you? Or spend an afternoon with people from all over the world, seeing cheetah stalk its prey?

Think you’ll be lonely, think again. You’ll never lack for companions and never be bored, and after a day or two, you’ll find yourself wondering why it’s taken you this long to step out on your own.

Now, ladies, before you go running off to the Serengeti or the banks of the Zambezi, here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning to travel solo to Africa.

1. Plan down to the last detail. To ensure you’re not left stranded and to ensure your safety, plan your transport, lodging, and other details well in advance. No matter where you go, the last thing you want is to be stuck somewhere without a phone, unable to reach the people you need to reach. Also, planning in advance means you’ll be able to see and experience everything you’ve dreamed of.

I suggest booking your trip through a reputable tour operator or hiring a private guide. Not only will they handle the details for you, but they also can advise the best places to visit or to avoid and help you plan a trip based on your needs and desires. If you plan on spending time in larger cities, such as Nairobi, Cape Town, or Harare, make sure you hire a guide who knows the city inside and out.

2. Dress appropriately. I’ve seen too many women travelers assume that what is acceptable in their community is acceptable in other cultures. Never assume. Do your research. If you are planning a trip to the coastal areas of Kenya where the population is Muslim, you need to know that the women are mostly covered and rarely seen in public. So the last thing you want to do-despite the heat and the tropical atmosphere-is to run around in a bikini top and shorts. Not only will you offend, but you’ll also stick out like a sore thumb.

While you should take into consideration cultural factors, it’s also important to dress for the elements. In countries such as Zimbabwe and Zambia, game drives and evenings can be chilly, so a fleece and or jacket is needed. During the day, I advise wearing sunscreen and a hat to prevent burning.

3. Pack Light. Ladies, we don’t need half the stuff we think we do. I always tell my clients to pack what they want, then remove half of the contents packed. Trust me, you don’t need nine pairs of trousers and two dozen tops. If you are planning a week-long safari, taking 2 trousers and a pair of shorts and 2-3 shirts is plenty. Many safari lodges provide complementary laundry services, so you don’t need to worry about lugging around dirty clothes.

4. Be aware. No matter how street savvy you might be, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. While you have little to worry about when staying at safari lodges, traveling in the larger cities requires you to be on guard.

I suggest not carrying a purse; instead, wear a money pouch around your neck. Again, dress appropriately and conservatively. If you receive catcalls or men whistling at you, ignore them and keep on walking. And, lastly, wear a wedding ring or something that resembles one. Wedding bands tend to deter interested parties from approaching you.

If you’d like help planning your solo African adventure, please contact Sandy Salle www.hillsofafrica.com.