Should I do a tour or is it safe to travel alone?

I have seen a route I would like to travel in Africa but as a 24 year old girl travelling alone I am not sure if it is safe...the route covers Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and a small part of South Africa. The only thing worrying me is that this is an overland/camping tour and a few people have told me negative things about these sorts of tours. But would it be safe to do these parts of Africa alone? Would appreciate any advice/tips from travellers who have experienced either travelling alone in these areas or have been on an overland/camping group tour.

I have done a group tour in SE Asia which I enjoyed (was my first time travelling), also travelled alone in Indonesia which was great, so I have some experience.

Thanks so much

Sarah Reply to this

And follow all the safety advice in the Lonely Planet books about the various countries. Doing so has kept me safe on my solo trips so far. I find their advice to be very good and accurate, judging from the stories I heard from other unaware travellers who got in trouble. Reply to this

We have traveled all over the world including South America. Even though nothing happened to us, Africa scared us and is a dangerous place - just ask the people who live there. They do not have gates, high fences, razor wire, guard dogs, and security companies for nothing. We flew from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, drove from Joburg through Kruger and Swaziland to Durban, flew from Durban to Capetown and back to Joburg. Tours give you more security than being independent, but be extremely careful no matter what you do. Reading your SE Asia account you are no longer naive about world travel, but you will stand out in Africa which is not a good thing. Be Careful! Reply to this

South Africa is probably more dangerous than other countries in Africa. For example, the level of security described by Don does not exist in Ethiopia, nor did I see it in Rwanda or the northern areas of Tanzania either. Nairobi is the only place I visited that had a South African style seige mentality.

Just letting you know that in East Africa, any woman walking into a bar is a target because of the perception of the type of women who frequent bars. In Ethiopia, the only women you will find in bars (apart from Addis Ababa) are prostitutes, whereas in Kenya (except for Nairobi) a woman who drinks alcohol in public is seen as being a 'lower' character. This information was told to me by local women in both these countries, so it is very reliable. The rule for females in Eastern Africa is this - never walk into any bar, as you immediately portray yourself as someone who is "easy" (for want of a better word.) To put it another way, unless you are staying in a hostel/hotel with an attached bar, your trip to East Africa is likely to be a "dry" experience. Reply to this

I have traveled alone to a number of African countries. However I've generally been in cities or on public buses, etc. not traveling alone and camping. Also I'm older and that does generate a certain level of respect and solicitousness. For the most part I've felt very safe and welcomed. Although I must say people frequently express disbelief that a liitle old lady is bumming about the world alone. I do think Jo'burg is a problem but not sure about the rest of South Africa. I envy you ... it seems a wonderful adventure and with care, why not. Reply to this

I really envy you - what a fantastic opporunity!! PLEASE come and visit Africa - you won't be disappointed........ Interestingly enough - as an "African", I found travelling in Europe and the USA more scarey than anywhere in Africa!! I would recommend a proper tour, as it is safer and much more fun than travelling alone - ENJOY!! Reply to this