Solo travel is on the up and women are leading the way. Almost two-thirds of travelers are now female, according to George Washington University School of Business, and 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 but when staying at an Elewana property we go out of our way to embrace the solo traveller and make them feel at home. We share a few tips for those planning to travel alone;

Tip 1: Single rate Supplement

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

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

Tip 2: Making the most of a Solo Safari

Be adventurous and explore, make the most of your visit by indulging in all your favourite activities, whether it is a game drive, riding a camel, visiting a local village and experiencing new cultures or simply relax and unwind with a soothing massage. It’s time to do what you want when you want. There are so many different experiences to enjoy while staying at the Elewana Collection you will be spoilt for choice.

Tip 3: Have fun learning a new language

Good solo travellers should at least get familiar with the conversational basics of the destinations’ official language; the everyday essential phrases. Travel + Leisure recommended some of these Best Translation Apps for Traveller. English is widely spoken in both Kenya and Tanzania so no need to fret about having a conversation with someone and the Elewana team can help you learn. These few words will get you going and elicit wide smiles of appreciation:

• Hello = jambo / hujambo / ​salama
• How are you? = habari gani
• Fine (response) = nzuri
• Goodbye = kwa heri / kwa herini (more than one person)
• See you later = tutaonana
• Nice to meet you = nafurahi kukuona
• Welcome = Karibu
• Goodnight = lala salama

Tip 4: Some useful Apps

There is an App for everything these days so have some fun trying out different ones that suit your needs. One in particular is a Currency Converter, to quickly find out what the value is of the local currency compared to what you know back home - try XE Converter. Another useful App is TripIt for planning your trip - upload all your flight and hotel information into one itinerary, this can be shared with friends and family so they can follow your journey.

Tip 5: Try something new

Time to get out of your comfort zone and try something different, although if it’s traveling to Kenya or Tanzania for the first time then you have already ticked this box and you are in for such a treat. Very few experiences compare to the excitement of visiting a new destination and a journey of discovery. However, if you have travelled to East Africa before then find an experience that you have always wanted to do, whether it is 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, whatever experience excites you then do it. The Elewana Collection offers a multitude of different experiences to enjoy for every type of solo traveller.

Tip 6: Safety Always

Our Guests safety is paramount day and night, whether in the property or exploring the wilderness nearby, we have a team of people to look after you from the Elewana Guides that take you out on morning and afternoon game drives to the askari’s (watchman) that escort you to and from your room. 

Tip 7: What to bring

When planning a trip we recommend you add the following to your packing list;

• A fleece or thick sweater is recommended for early morning and evening game drives.
• Lightweight waterproof jacket.
• Swim and beachwear (Most of the Elewana properties have a pool).
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Sunblock with high SPF.  Hat, moisturizer and lip-salve are all essentials.
• 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 & a pair of glasses in case your eyes get irritated.
• Multi- purpose travel pillow when flying, on game drives or any time you need a little extra padding for your lower back, behind your neck or just to lean on.
• A few good books to read

For additional Travel Information, please click here.

Tip 8: 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 Guides that will share their knowledge and passion for Africa as you explore the surrounding area, to the waiters who will serve you at each meal or bring you your favourite beverage to the General Managers always available to ensure you have the best experience. There is always someone around should you like some company and a friendly face if you want to chat. It’s not all about being alone. Going on safari is an adventure and a time to meet like minded people that share the same interests. There is nothing better than sitting around a campfire in the evening sharing one experience of the day, the excitement, the encounters and listening to others sharing the same.