Solo Women Travel in Tanzania
For decades, Tanzania has been a popular destination for safari-goers, from first-time visitors to repeat travelers. Families, especially those with the youngest guests, find this country a safe and captivating place to visit. But there has been a recent growth in the number of female visitors – yes, solo women.
Women, apart from being caregivers and cornerstones of most families, also want to explore the world alone. Tanzania is a safe country replete with tourist attractions of every kind, from the Great Migration in the Serengeti to vibrant societies like the Maasai. In this blog, we’ll explore Tanzania solo female travel in detail.
But first, let’s start with the core question. Is Tanzania safe for solo women travelers?
The answer is yes. Tanzania is incredibly safe for women on solo travel. It has a friendly political climate, with no gunshots recently reported. The only shootings happened in 2020 on the Mozambican border, in the Mtwara region, when a terrorist gang emerged before being silenced within two weeks. Since then, Tanzania has been safe. And the best thing is that we don’t plan safaris to this border. Your safety is our top priority.
How to stay safe during your Tanzania safari?
In every country, no matter how safe it is, there are norms you must follow to be safe out there. Tanzania is no exception. Especially for solo women, walking alone at night can be dangerous. And with secluded or abandoned streets, the danger is extremely high. So, if you want to walk at night, we advise you to fit into a group (of like-minded people) or to do so with a guide.
When going to a public beach or taking a dala-dala (public minibus), never flash any precious things like gold rings, beads, smartphones, or cash. Petty thieves are always around, sometimes alone or in distraction groups, coming to you as helpful strangers. Any time you feel you’re in danger, trust your instincts. Walk away. Use a trustworthy private transport like a registered taxi. Use apps like Uber and Bolt to order.
When visiting local communities, dress modestly. Tanzania is home to a conservative community, especially along the coast and in Zanzibar. Therefore, putting on tank tops or any clothes that leave shoulders, thighs, or knees open is considered rude and inappropriate. You may be treated harshly (you can see it in their looks and reception). Things change when the holy month of Ramadan sets in. Eating and drinking out becomes an offense, as does immodest dressing.
In the wild, rules are the same. Staying quiet, not feeding the animals, and listening to your guide. And the dress codes? Avoid putting on skirts: they are less practical in the wild, for a walk (you may get trapped), hopping in and out of the safari vehicle, and when there’s high-speed wind. The last rule is bringing a peaceful and calm mind, ready to absorb and being patient.
Planning your safari.
Another challenge comes during the planning process. Should I have planned it on my own? Or should I hire a tour operator? Honestly, we recommend hiring a trustworthy operator to reduce all the planning stress. There are plenty of aspects to consider before you confirm your plan: female-friendly lodges and camps, best destinations for your interests, and budget… so, an experienced operator will be of much help. (We can help you).
That doesn’t mean you’re leaving everything. Instead, you collaborate with your tour operator to make sure they have chosen the right accommodation, keeping in mind that the camp can elevate your experience or drain it. That depends on your destination. We’ll get to that later. Your operator also has to make sure you visit the right place based on your budget.
Best destinations for solo female travelers.
That depends on your interests. And whether it’s your first time visiting Tanzania or it’s a repeat trip. We’ve carefully picked the two best destinations for solo women travelers. Let’s explore them.
Serengeti rewards both first-timers and seasoned travelers. Imagine witnessing the Great Migration from the comfort of a colorful balloon. Think driving in an open vehicle through the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley, ticking the boxes (Big Five, big cats…). The Serengeti, a vast wilderness mainly comprising endless plains, teems with countless plains animals like wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and lions.
Being the most visited park, Serengeti has many camps suitable for females on solo trips. Stay at the Four Seasons Serengeti, Grumeti River Lodge, One Nature Nyaruswiga, or at the female-led Dunia Camp by Asilia, or Lamai Camp by Nomada Tanzania. You can also stay in luxurious camps in private concessions where park rules don’t apply. These include Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Mwiba Lodge, and &Beyond Klein’s Camp.
- Zanzibar.
Tanzania has its very own’ beach paradise’, Zanzibar, an idyllic archipelago off the Indian Ocean coast. If you love water sports, give yourself enough time to stay here. In addition, you will dive into some of the fascinating histories and cultures in the world. Stone Town, an old living town known for its ancient architecture, busy streets, and markets, is worth a walk.
For calm-water beaches, head to the northern tip of the island, where you’ll find Nungwi and Kendwa. They are sometimes busy, especially from June to October, but we’re sure you’ll like the crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and vibrant nights. If you love tides and ocean currents, then set off for the eastern coast on Paje, Jambiani, and Matemwe beaches or Kizimkazi to the south.
Bottom line.
There’s so much to see in Tanzania for women on solo trips. Plus, we are here to help you plan your perfect trip. We’ve guided many trips, with 25% being for solo females to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Let’s help you with the planning process. Call our experts.
