What to do

Solo Safaris in Tanzania

A great place for travelling and meeting like-minded people

Itineary photo - Safari
Itineary photo - Safari

Traditionally, going on a safari has always been an expensive past time for those who are looking to travel on their own but, today, many of the properties have realised that this is an expanding market and, as such, they have started to cater more and more for solo travellers. On the whole, it is now possible to stay at many of the fly in properties in the south and west of Tanzania and only be asked to pay a small supplement, rather than the traditional, double price.

We are often asked if we offer group trips to Tanzania as, as a solo traveller, it is often as much a part of the trip to meet and share experiences with like-minded travellers. What we usually reply is that, while we don't arrange group trips as such, there are plenty of ways of getting into the bush and share the experience with others, without the need to pay fortune for the privilege.

We still tailor make the itinerary to suit you and your timings but, through years of experience with properties and locations, we can suggest certain properties that offer shared dining facilities, shared game viewing opportunities and give you a hosted stay.

The Northern Parks

In the main, due to the layout and pricing of the northern itineraries (as the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and other parks are set apart from each other there is usually the need for a private vehicle and, as such, it becomes very expensive for a solo traveller to cover these additional costs) we only tend to recommend the camps that offer a fly-in rate. These camps will then offer you game driving in their own vehicles and, as with the camps in the south, you can then avoid having to pay the expense of the full vehicle. It is, however, worth noting that many of these camps are more expensive and so a northern itinerary can tend to be a little more than you would be able to get in the southern parks.

The Southern Parks

The most marked improvement in solo rates in Tanzania has definitely been felt in the camps in the Selous Game Reserve and in Ruaha National Park. With communal dining, shared vehicles and lower prices than the camps in the north, the camps in the south have long been better disposed to the needs of a solo traveller and, as such, they have been able to adapt much faster. This area of Tanzania is certainly where we would suggest taking a look at first of all.

The Western Parks

The main reason that clients look at travelling over to the western side of Tanzania is in order to visit the much-vaunted chimpanzees in Mahale National Park and the raw beauty of Katavi National Park. Due to the distances involved in getting over here and the cost for the park fees to see the chimps, it is never a cheap prospect to head over here anyway but, of the camps that are here, it is still possible to stay in the camps for around a 50% surcharge.

Zanzibar and the islands

Finally, if you are keen to just take in a bit of sun, dive or wander through the alleys of Stone Town Zanzibar certainly offers a range of activities and properties that will suit a solo traveller. For those looking for a little evening activity, the island has a few hot spots to take a look at and a few properties where the idea is to integrate a little more with your fellow traveller.

The best regions for Tanzania Solo Safaris:

Our Top Five Tanzania Solo Safaris Lodges:

  1. Siwandu Camp

    Siwandu Camp

    The first of the camps catering to the top end of the market, Siwandu Camp (formerly Selous Safari Camp) offers great value for money and is ideal for those that want this level of luxury and service but without the price tag. Comparatively, it arguably doesn't live up to the safari standards of... More...

    Our rating:
    5
    User rating:
    5
    Price:
    3
  2. Kwihala Camp

    One of the newest additions to Ruaha, Kwihala Camp has, after a few years, managed to find its place. Originally sold as a high end, luxury tented camp, they asked a lot of money for a stay here, and it struggled. Today they have paired things down a little, or at least adjusted their prices to... More...

    Our rating:
    4
    User rating:
    5
    Price:
    3
  3. Tarangire Treetops - Bedroom

    Tarangire Treetops

    Tarangire Treetops is a cool and quirky property and is our pick of where to stay at the top end around Tarangire. It is true that it is not right inside the park and so doesn't feature as good game...but it does offer exceptional service and the chance to sleep in a baobab tree house which, in... More...

    Our rating:
    4
    User rating:
    4
    Price:
    4
  4. Lake Manze Camp - elephant in camp

    Lake Manze Camp

    Lake Manze Camp is set right in the heart of the best game area in the Selous, and is, arguably, one of the best value options in Africa! Set up around 4 years ago on an elephant run it has simply gone from strength to strength and, based on our ratings system, where the most expensive is not... More...

    Our rating:
    5
    User rating:
    5
    Price:
    2
  5. Mwagusi Camp - Bedroom

    Mwagusi Camp

    Without doubt our favourite camp in Ruaha, Mwagusi Camp is a rare occurrence these days...a camp where the owner is to be found almost year round, where the game is spectacular, where the food and service are impeccable and where you can truly feel at home. This balance of elements means that... More...

    Our rating:
    5
    User rating:
    5
    Price:
    3