By Naila Aroni 

Female solo travel is rapidly on the rise thanks to safer and more inclusive travel industries. The search for ‘female solo travel’ on search engines has expanded by 62% since 2019 while travel companies exclusively catering to women have grown by 230%. Although the experience is initially daunting, travelling solo can be one of the most rewarding experiences a woman can have. As travel writer and best-selling author, Marcia DeSanctis, writes in her book, A Hard Place to Leave: Stories from a Restless Life, “There’s a restorative power of these stretches of time spent alone, immersed in some other landscape, lost in another language, absorbed in a new culture. Solitude leads me to a better version of myself.” 

The African continent’s rich history and majestic scenery make it a stellar solo travel haven. While African countries often don’t make the shortlist of solo-travel guides, Youtube videos and travel blogs suggest that more and more women are interested in intra-African travelling. Given that comfort while travelling is a top priority for women solo travellers, we’ve put together a well-researched list of African cities you can visit based on criteria such as attractions, transport, affordability and safety. That way, you can make your solo travel dreams a reality and experience what the continent has to offer in a safe and sustainable way.

Cape Town, South Africa

Situated at the base of Table Mountain is Cape Town. The city is otherwise known as “the fairest cape” and is truly a magical destination. Wherever you wander, you will always be surrounded by a backdrop of iconic scenery and breathtaking beaches. It’s the perfect destination if you want to experience the best of South African food, fashion and buzzing music and nightlife courtesy of the beloved amapiano music. Moreover, it’s a top destination for women to solo travel to because of the wide variety of affordable accommodation and easily accessible travel.

What to do: Exploring the Cape winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek is a must-do day trip. It’s easy to navigate and book through travel companies who offer designated drivers and guides. We would recommend visiting vineyards such as Warwick Wine Estate or Spier Hotel and Wine Farm which host sumptuous picnics for you to enjoy on the estate. 

Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya is a nature-lover’s dream destination. Its capital city, Nairobi, is the cosmopolitan haven under the sun, home to some of the best architecture on the continent – surrounded by lush greenery. As Kenyans are known for being warm and friendly, it’s a great destination to visit if you’re travelling solo or looking to make friends on your visit there.

What to do: the coolest thing about Nairobi is its accessibility to wildlife. It’s the only capital city in the world which boasts of having a national park. Located on the outskirts of the city centre, visiting Nairobi National Park on a game drive is a must-see. Yet, Nairobi has so much more to offer than wildlife. It’s home to a popular art and nightlife scene with clubs such as the popular Alchemist Bar or Nairobi Street Kitchen which are unmissable if you love clubbing. 

Accra, Ghana

Located along the Atlantic coast, Accra is the port city that offers an unforgettable holiday experience of rich history, delicious cuisine and gold-sand beaches. As Accra  is one of Africa’s most popular destinations for Africans across the diaspora during the December season, it’s an ideal location for exploring the city on your own while also looking to meet fellow solo travellers.

What to do: One of the top attractions in Accra is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park which pays homage to Ghana’s first president who steered the country towards gaining independence. Guided tours are also available if you’d like an in-depth overview of Ghana’s pioneer of independence. Ghana is also one of the largest producers of cocoa globally. After touring the park, we would recommend visiting Aburi Botanical Gardens to visit the cocoa farms and learn about how cocoa was first introduced to Ghana.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is an ideal candidate for women’s solo travel. The city is best known for its historic Arabic and French architecture and bustling markets. With an increasing influx of tourists, the city has become even more friendly and accessible for those travelling alone. A solo traveller's pro tip is to visit during the off-season in November when accommodation and flights will be cheaper in comparison to summer, and additionally, avoid the scorching and unforgiving heat. 

What to do: The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the landmarks in Marrakesh. If you love architecture, visiting the mosque is a must-see considering that this landmark has shaped and influenced the architecture in the city since it was erected in the 12th century. Additionally, day trips and overnight excursions from Marrakech are widely popular. We would recommend taking a day or overnight trip to visit the Atlas mountains with a tour company where you can spend the day hiking and cooling off in the waterfalls below. 

Dakar, Senegal

“Teraanga” is a Wolof word that translates to “hospitality”. It’s a word that encompasses the Senegalese way of life which is characterised by warmth, generosity and community. From cuisine, music, cinema and fashion, Dakar is a perfect entry point into the land of Teranga that will welcome women solo travellers. It’s one of the easiest African cities to navigate through as you can get around most places in public transport. Secondly, it has no extreme weather conditions, making it suitable to travel all year round during “off-peak seasons” when accommodation and flights will be cheaper. 

What to do: Seeing the African Renaissance Monument is worthwhile when you’re in Dakar. The stunning bronze statue, which is the tallest African statue, symbolises Senegalese independence as well as celebrating Africa’s liberation from colonialism. If you live for epic scenery, Lac Rose (aka Lake Retba) located 45km from central Dakar, is truly a sight to behold. The lake is naturally pink as a result of the salt content as high as 40%, meaning you can’t sink if you swim in the lake. It’s easy for solo travellers to visit if you hire a taxi to take you on the 45 minute ride there and bring you back.

Santa Maria, Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a breathtaking volcanic archipelago off the coast of West Africa that is best known for its friendly culture and peaceful islands. Solo travel to Cape Verde is becoming increasingly popular due to its affordability, all-inclusive resort and flight and accommodation packages that make it easy to travel to. If you love beach holidays and always wanted to explore an island solo, this is the ideal destination for you.

Things to do: Santa Maria is an island that’s best known for water sports. Windsurfing is a popular pastime on the island. There’s also a professional kitesurfing school on the island making kitesurfing a popular activity for both beginners and pros. If you enjoy nightlife, September is the perfect time to travel to the island to attend the Santa Maria Beach Festival. It’s an affordable activity with tickets costing as little as £10 which is a bargain considering a lineup of food, art and music that will keep you entertained from dusk till dawn.