If you were to pick up a map tomorrow and blindly point your finger at a destination, be sure you’ve chosen the map of Africa as there is no better place than an African safari to recharge, re-centre and reconnect with nature.

Picture yourself in the middle of nowhere (‘nowhere’ being the most picturesque safari lodge you’ve ever laid eyes on, of course), your ears adjusting to the surrounding orchestra of the bush; the chatter of the Southern Red-billed hornbill rising in crescendo, distant “wawa-ops” from a herd of zebra finding their way to a watering hole, followed by the grunts of Gnus following suite. You notice a few other guests distantly cocooned in their own experience, as the lodge staff expertly attend to your individual desires…

Welcome to your Solo Safari.

Why should you go on a solo safari?

More and more women, singletons and young professionals, are opting in for a solo safari experience. It’s becoming less of an excursion for retirees and more of a retreat experience in nature that women travellers want to immerse themselves in.

Travelling solo grants you the freedom to engage in what you please, it’s an opportunity to shape your experience to pursue your personal passions. If you’re a keen photographer, allow your safari to fulfil that creative exercise, or if you’re an enthusiastic birder, allow your guide to mould game drives for you to finally spot that lifer… a solo safari is a perfect experience for a little self-enrichment.

Even if you’re just looking for some introspection, going on a safari can be a life-changing experience that can give you a new perspective and lease on life. Once you realise that being a solo safari’er allows you to be fully immersed in a customised bush experience, you might never want to travel accompanied again. Take it from me, it’s life-changing.

Will I be left alone? (Do you like being left alone?)

Just like any lodge environment, the days are structured to allow you to engage in whichever activities float your boat, but will still nudge you into getting the most out of your safari experience. If you choose to go through your days with your own company (it’s bliss) or spark up a conversation with other guests, it’s completely up to you.

There will be times when being a part of a group is encouraged and you’ll probably want to exchange stories with guests after an afternoon drive. Wilderness adventures seem to bring like-minded souls together, so don’t be surprised if you make meaningful connections along the way; I’ve met some of my dearest friends solo’ing on the back of a game vehicle!

There’s nothing more exciting than reliving the adrenaline of a great sighting over a glass of vino or gnt and evening campfire.

Is there a good time of year for solo travellers?

From April to September is the preferred safari season, however, Africa’s magic is not seasonal. My favourite months are April – June and then September & November – even though the professionals recommend the drier months (June – August) because the landscape is less dense and allows you to see deeper into the bush for better and easier sightings. But as far as booking your trip going? When the mood strikes, book your trip!

Who will take pictures of me?

I know, if there wasn’t photo proof of me being there then it didn’t happen – so who shoots the photos of me?

On a solo safari you have to get your big girl pants on; meaning don’t be shy and speak up. You will never believe that guides and trackers are semi-pros at snapping pics of people on safari, and you might even find that if you break the ice, you’ll have a whole vehicle wanting a snap too!

I normally always take a photo of the space I want to be in first, when I’m sure that’s where I want myself I call upon the “human tripod” aka the guide and make him stand in the exact position and wait for me to get into frame. It’s almost a foolproof way of guaranteeing that your feet won’t be cut off and you’ll have that instagrammable moment.

They say the hardest this about travelling solo, is deciding where to go: but once you’ve chosen Africa, it’s the only place that’ll make you truly grow.