Product development must be data-driven. So, in honour of International Women's Day coming up soon, we're celebrating female empowerment across the world, particularly in travel. Solo female travel is booming, according to a 2023 report by Condor Ferries, 84% of solo travellers are women. As increasing numbers of women feel empowered to explore Southern Africa alone, it’s worth understanding the reasons behind this trend and how the travel trade can better cater to this growing market.
Small Camps Offering a Family Feel
Solo travel is no longer about isolation. Many lodges and camps across Southern Africa offer intimate settings, typically with fewer than ten rooms. Communal dining experiences, shared activities, and personalised hosting ensure that solo travellers can connect with fellow guests and rarely feel alone. This creates a welcoming, home-away-from-home atmosphere where friendships are easily formed.
Safety: A Key Consideration
Safety remains a top priority for female solo travellers, and Southern Africa offers reassuring options. Countries such as Botswana are widely regarded as safe travel destinations, particularly due to their remote lodges, which are far removed from the hustle and bustle of cities. The presence of well-trained guides, secure accommodations, and structured itineraries provides added peace of mind, making these destinations ideal for solo female explorers.
Small Group Tours: The Best of Both Worlds
For those who want to travel independently but still crave companionship, small group tours provide the perfect balance. Places like Namibia, with its vast and remote landscapes, are best explored with an organised safari group. These structured trips connect like-minded travellers while ensuring safety, expert guidance, and seamless logistics; all key factors for solo travellers seeking adventure without the stress of planning.
Connecting with Local Women
One of the most empowering aspects of solo female travel is the opportunity to engage with local women. Across Southern Africa, female guides, business owners, basket weavers, chefs, and conservationists are making their mark in the tourism industry. Seeing women in these roles not only enriches the travel experience but also fosters a sense of shared empowerment and cultural exchange.
Breaking the Barriers around Single Supplements
Historically, solo travellers have been penalised with single supplements, making trips unnecessarily expensive. However, many lodges and camps now waive these fees, particularly in the low and shoulder season, or allocate at least one room per property where the supplement is not applied year-round. This shift makes solo travel more accessible and financially viable, encouraging more women to take the leap.
Time to Rethink Your Product Offering?
With solo female travel on the rise, now is the perfect time to refresh your product range and marketing approach. Are you effectively promoting your Southern Africa destinations, accommodations, and experiences to cater to the female solo traveller? If you’re interested in putting something together, let’s talk.