Dorine Reinstein
The single supplement has long been a deterrent for solo travelers looking for an African safari adventure. However, with a growing demand for solo travel experiences and the cruise industry setting a precedent by eliminating single supplements, the African safari industry is slowly, carefully starting to change its tune.
Solo travel is on the rise in 2024, with younger generations leading the charge. The "2024 Global Travel Trends Report" by American Express Travel reveals that 69% of respondents are planning solo trips this year, and that three-quarters of those who are planning solo vacations are millennials or Gen-Zers.
One hefty single supplements are a key stumbling block for travelers who are
keen to explore Africa alone.
Some major players are
spearheading change. Wilderness Safaris is waiving single supplements for portions of the 2024 and 2025
seasons to encourage solo travelers to experience Africa's wild beauty.
Craig Glatthaar, head of sales for the Americas at Wilderness, pointed out that safari accommodations typically factor in costs for two guests
sharing a room or tent.
"We've waived the single supplement at certain
times of the year to make it easier for more solo travelers to
experience an African safari and also to be able to leverage seasonal
advantages," he said. "Optimal safari experiences aren't solely determined by high
seasons. Green or low seasons (typically the months November to March)
offer different wildlife sightings and more affordable rates, making
them ideal for solo travelers."
• Related: Tour operators meeting demand for solo travel
Other players like Sabi
Sabi Bush Lodge in South Africa, Great Plains Selinda Camp in Botswana
and Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp in Tanzania have also waived the
single supplement during certain periods. The Serena Lodges and camp
also does not apply single occupancy fees during the April/May periods,
while Kwando Camps in Botswana offers heavy discounts for the single traveler, as
well.
Sherwin Banda, the president of African Travel, said that after noticing a significant number of solo travelers interested in the company's LGBTQ+ focused Pride safaris, it was decided to offer some departures without single supplements. "The safety needs of solo travelers are similar to those of the LGBTQ+ community," Banda said. "Both groups appreciate traveling in small groups, with like-minded guests, fostering camaraderie with a sense of fun and adventure. We offered some departures with no single supplement, providing a great opportunity for solo travellers to explore without incurring extra costs."
However, while some of the bigger operators have begun
scrapping single supplements in some cases, the remote and exclusive nature of many
luxury tented camps makes this a trickier proposition for some. The
nature of these lodges, often exclusive with limited rooms, makes it
difficult to absorb the cost of a single traveler occupying a room meant
for double occupancy.
"Many lodges operate small, non-mass market
camps where peak season subsidizes the quieter months," said Raza Visram of AfricanMecca, U.S.-based tour operator that works with smaller lodges (as well as the bigger ones). "A single traveler in a room does cost them 50% of the revenue,
and with five to 25 rooms, the costs would be too high for camp owners to
bear when a single supplement is not applied."
Why safaris for singles?
Single supplement or not, operators feel that the solo travel movement aligns perfectly with the spirit of adventure that draws people to Africa. Visram noted that Africa is an excellent experience for
solo travelers because they can join small, scheduled group safaris that
ensure they'll never feel alone.
Glatthaar said it's easy to see why Africa is a great destination for solo travelers. "An African safari is typically planned with all services, from the meet-and-greet to the transfers, accommodation and activities, all booked and confirmed in advance, so this gives solo travelers complete peace of mind that they will be taken care of from start to finish," he said. "This doesn't compromise the sense of adventure and discovery, though. The diverse landscapes and experiences of Africa not only offer iconic wildlife and cultural experiences but also the opportunity to reconnect with nature and with yourself."
Lindy Rousseau, Singita's strategist, agreed with Glatthaar.
"Being in a luxury safari lodge is quite different from being in a city hotel, it's extremely nurturing for guests travelling solo," Rousseau said. "Life is laid-back in the bush and a lot less regimented. We're seeing an increased confidence in solo travelers who simply want to slot into the rhythm of the experience on offer."
• Related: Riviera River Cruises makes a play for solo travelers
And it's not only millennials and Gen Z travelers who are keen to explore
Africa in small groups. According to Jim Holden, president of Holden
Safaris, there's a growing demographic of mature single women travelers
looking to join travel groups on safari.
Of course, traveling alone inevitably raises safety concerns. But Visram highlights that solo travelers can get around multiple African countries easily thanks to reliable regional airlines, and most safari operators provide seamless transport and 24/7 support.
Loneliness can also be a concern for travelers, but Mefi Alapat from Journeys to Africa insists that this is hardly ever the case in Africa. "You are never really alone," Alapat said. "You have all the transfers taken care of, the safari guide with you and the camp crew who can make you not feel alone. I know this as I like to travel solo on safari when I am going to visit new places or go back to check on places I use."
While the challenge of eliminating single supplements persists, the trend toward more inclusive pricing is clearly gaining momentum on the continent.