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Nadine Mather and Chloë Loubser
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2019: The rise of solo travel in South Africa
Solo travel is a popular choice amongst travellers and South Africa is perfectly suited to explore. Locals are very friendly and will often go out of their way to make single travellers feel at home. Cape Town, in particular, is suited to those who relish urban attractions, whether it be museums, galleries, and theatres or bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Private reserves are probably better suited to single travellers than national parks and other public sanctuaries; they tend to offer a more hands-on personalised service.
Solo travellers tend to gravitate towards more urban attractions than couples. Cape Town is a must for solo travellers, and it is a good base for exploring the gorgeous Cape Peninsula and Winelands and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Table Mountain. Many solo travellers prefer not to self-drive, which makes it difficult to explore areas like the Kruger Park and Garden Route unless you join an organised tour. Private game reserves such as Sabi Sand and Phinda are particularly well-suited to solo travellers.
Hop on, hop off
An excellent way for solo travellers to explore South Africa is by using the combination of the Baz Bus and the many backpacker hostels that are scattered around its cities and other main sites of interest. The Baz Bus is an affordable hop on, hop off bus service that connects Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, and several other popular places of interest, and its clientele is dominated by single travellers who are receptive to making new friends and meeting like-minded travel companions on the road.
Rent a car
Alternatively, solo travellers could opt for booking a rental vehicle with car hire South Africa and carpooling to their desired destination as a group.
Join a group
At a more luxurious level, most private reserves operate group game drives and many also encourage guests to dine together, which makes it easy for solo travellers to mingle.
Go small
In the middle range, solo travellers seeking personalised attention should consider booking into small B&Bs and other owner-managed lodges rather than larger and more institutional hotels.
Stay safe
There are no risks specific to solo travel in South Africa, but single women, in particular, should apply the usual common-sense precautions such as not walking alone in cities at night, and avoiding deserted beaches. Additionally, it is advisable to notify family and friends of your whereabouts during travels.
