Elewana’s Tips for Traveling Solo

December 7, 2019 - 6 minutes read

Solo travel is on the rise and women are leading the way. Almost two-thirds of travelers are now female, according to George Washington University School of Business, while Hostelworld saw a 45 percent increase in solo women’s bookings between 2015 and 2017.

But embarking on a solo adventure, whether a man or woman, can be daunting and at times challenging. However, Elewana goes out of its way to embrace the solo traveler and make them feel at home.

Elewana shares a few tips for so travelers:

Tip 1: Making the most of a solo safari

Be adventurous and explore, make the most of your visit by indulging in all your favorite activities, whether it’s a game drive, camel ride, village visit, experiencing new cultures or simply relaxing and unwinding with a soothing massage. It’s time to do what you want, when you want. You’ll be spoiled for choice while staying at the Elewana Collection.

Tip 2: Have fun learning a new language

Good solo travelers should at least be familiar with the conversational basics of the official language and everyday essential phrases in the places they are visiting. Travel + Leisure recommends some of the best translation apps for travelers. English is widely spoken in both Kenya and Tanzania, so no need to fret about having a conversation with local people. And the Elewana team can help you learn.

Tip 3: Some useful apps

There’s an app for everything these days, so have some fun trying out different ones that suit your needs. For instance, currency converters are useful to quickly determine the value of the local currency compared to what you know back home — try XE Converter. TripIt is great for planning a journey — it allows you to upload all of your flight and hotel information into one itinerary for sharing with friends and family so they can follow your adventure.

Tip 4: Try something new

Going solo provides a perfect opportunity to escape your comfort zone and try something different. Very few experiences compare with the excitement of visiting a new destination or a journey of discovery. Look out for bucket list experiences like taking a bush walk across the open plains surrounded by wildlife, floating high above the treetops in a hot-air balloon or mountain biking through the wild. The Elewana Collection offers a multitude of different experiences to enjoy for every type of solo traveler.

Tip 5: Safety always

Elewana takes safety seriously both day and night whether at a safari property or exploring the nearby wilderness. From the guides that lead morning and afternoon game drives to the askari (watchman) who escorts guests to and from their rooms, there’s always someone to look out for you.

Tip 6: What to bring

Elewana recommends adding the following to your safari packing list:

  • A fleece or thick sweater for early morning and evening game drives.
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket.
  • Swim and beachwear (most Elewana properties have a pool).
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Sunblock with high SPF.  Hat, moisturizer and lip-salve are also essential.
  • Strong insect repellent.
  • A good quality pair of sunglasses (tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light)
  • If you wear contact lenses, bring enough solution and a pair of eyeglasses in case your eyes get irritated.
  • Multi-purpose travel pillow for flying, game drives or any time you need a little extra padding.
  • A few good books to read.

Tip 7: Friendly & Professional Team

East Africa is renowned for its hospitality and each of the Elewana Collection properties has a friendly team of professionals who are there to assist you, from the veteran guides who share their knowledge and passion for Africa as you explore the surrounding area, to the waiters who serve each meal or bring your favorite beverage, to the general managers always available to ensure you have the best experience.

There’s always someone around if you desire some company and a friendly face if you want to chat. It’s not about being alone. Going on safari is an adventure and a time to meet like-minded people that share the same interests. There’s nothing better than sitting around a campfire in the evening sharing the experiences of the day, the excitement, the encounters and listening to others cherishing the same adventure.

Tip 8: Single rate supplement

The Elewana Collection offers competitive rates, especially when it comes to the solo traveler.

Single Room Policy:

  • 1st single room per booking and/or file = No single room supplement charge*
  • 3 or less single rooms per booking/file = contracted single rate applies
  • 4 or more single rooms per booking/file = double room rate applies

* Excludes Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge & Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar

For additional Travel Information, please click here.

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