Written by the Paramount Gorilla Expeditions team, based in Uganda, as a practical guide to solo safari travel.
Safari lodges and camps price by the room, so a solo traveller on a private itinerary usually pays a single supplement to cover the room that would otherwise be shared. The amount varies by camp and season. Safety is rarely the concern people expect, because on safari you are almost never alone.
The single supplement
The supplement reflects the fact that room rates are set for two people. It differs from camp to camp, and some camps reduce or waive it in quieter months, so we show it clearly in your quote. See what a safari costs.
How to reduce the cost of solo safari travel
- Join a scheduled small-group departure, where you share a vehicle and often have a room-share option.
- Travel in the green season, when some camps lower or waive supplements. See green season safaris.
- Share a private vehicle with other travellers. See private vs group safari.
Is solo safari travel safe?
The safari circuit is one of the more straightforward regions for solo travellers, including solo women, because you are with a guide or small group inside managed camps for the whole trip. That is a very different situation from independent backpacking.
- Arrange airport transfers in advance.
- Choose camps with staff present around the clock.
- Do not walk alone after dark, even in a fenced camp. The risk at night is wildlife, not people.
See is East Africa safe to visit? and check government advice before you travel.
Small-group departures
Our Small-Group Discovery: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar runs on set dates with a maximum of 6 guests (14 days, from $8,900), and solo travellers are welcome. Sharing the vehicle and guide keeps the cost down and gives you company at dinner, while still feeling far more personal than a large tour.
Gorilla trekking on your own
Gorilla treks are always done in small ranger-led groups, so solo trekkers simply join a group on the day. The permit costs the same whether you travel alone or with others; it is the lodge supplement that changes.
How we help
We arrange solo trips regularly and can match you with small-group departures to lower the cost. See first-time safari planning and insurance.
Plan solo safari travel with us
Official park fees are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Kenya Wildlife Service, TANAPA and the Rwanda Development Board. We confirm the current fees for your dates in every quote.
Solo travellers should be reachable; our SIM card East Africa guide shows how to get data on arrival.
Solo travellers meet more people; our Swahili phrases for travellers guide helps with the first words.
For the Tanzania advice country by country, read our guide to whether Tanzania is safe to visit.
Travelling alone and being called mzungu? Read our mzungu guide.