Not all who wander are lost; some simply have wanderlust. Defined as a ‘strong desire to travel,’ we’re sure a lot of us can relate. Sometimes you just want to get up and immerse yourself in a new journey, see different people and learn about new cultures.

Solo travel can be daunting at the best of times, especially as a woman. There are so many things to factor in as you plan your trip that sometimes we find it easier (and safer) to simply stick to places we know.

Meet Katchie Nzama a.k.a The Solo Wanderer — a blogger and advocate for community-based tourism. She is also the founder of #AfricaThroughBeer, and uses beer to showcase some of the top festivals across the continent. Nzama was listed as one of the Top 100 women in Tourism in Africa by Akwaaba Travel – Nigeria and named one of the top 200 young South Africans 2016 by the Mail & Guardian.

We’ve been living vicariously through her blog as she travels through the continent. We were fortunate enough to have a chat with her where she talked about her experience of travelling across 35 countries solo, and offered some practical tips and insights to remember whilst you are on the go.

AMAKA: What inspires you to travel?

Katchie Nzama: The curiosity to learn. Being challenged by new environments and languages every day. Meeting strangers that become instant friends or family. 

A: Your moniker is the Solo Wanderer, how did that come about?

KN: I think everyone has a story of trying to plan travels [with] friends and it just never comes together. I’m not very patient so I always find a way to do what I want. So when friends would disappoint for various reasons, I just started going at it by myself. And that’s how I became The Solo Wanderer. 

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A: What are the three things you look at before going to a new place?

KN: Firstly, religion is very important. You want to be appropriately dressed at all times when you arrive in a country. Also, understanding that religion is practiced very different[ly] in each country. 

Secondly, currency and availability. Islands like Sao Tome and Principe depend on tourism but do not have ATMs for international travellers so you have to carry loads of cash or go inside the bank to try and get some cash. Then there are remote villages in other countries such as in East Africa which won’t have ATMs but have access to mobile money which you can upload while still at the city and it’s really convenient and safe. 

Thirdly, food. Nothing will teach you more about Africans than what they eat and how it is eaten. For example, the communal eating in North Africa where men and women eat separately. But those rules are broken when accommodating a lone traveller because as Africans everyone must eat and nobody must be denied food or watch others eat just because of their sex.

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A: What do you never leave behind?

KN: 1) My cell phone. I have to tweet through the funniest, traumatic, exciting and all the refreshing beers I find.

2) Hiking sandals. I believe these should be a staple in any traveller’s wardrobe. Comfortable, and versatile — you can climb a mountain in these or maybe even find yourself at a dignitary event. 

3) Money. 

Crossing the Continent

A: 2014 -2015 you travelled to 35 African countries using public transport including from Cape to Cairo with the aim to highlight the challenges of travelling Africa on an African passport. What was that journey like?

KN: In hindsight, going from Cape to Cairo was such an easy adventure. You can go from one country to the next, with easy and simple means of transport such as air conditioned buses with recliner seats or trains in some countries. You’ll find developed roads, other infrastructure, and an understanding of travel and tourism and receiving of travellers [sic]. 

West and Central Africa? Now that was very, very traumatic and tough. There’s no infrastructure except in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Every day you will fight military and other law officials because everyone expects to be bribed — every day was a new day to survive and fight. That was very hard and takes away so much from the other positive experiences — constantly needing to phone the government to get you out of unnecessary situations takes its toll on you. 

A: What are your favourite countries to travel around?

KN: I don’t have favourite countries. Each country presented a new experience and something maybe similar but different reason[s] for me to fall in love with. I will always look for water bodies in each country because the mermaid in me wants to be surrounded by water and go for a swim regularly. 

A: 5 tips for solo travel?

KN: 1) I understand anything you don’t know can be intimidating and scary but don’t deny yourself life experiences waiting on friends. You’ll make new friends wherever you’re going. Nothing will be as liberating when you look back and realise you have friends across the world and now you can travel without having to worry about accommodation costs (the most expensive part of travel). 

2) When you come from South Africa, you’re constantly always guarded because of the trauma of living with so much crime. When travelling, within reason, let down your guard. Those strangers are mostly there to help you. 

3) Do something that scares you every day.

4) Read restaurant menus. They are the best way to learn a foreign language. 

5) Drink beer or tea — whichever beverage is more celebrated in each country and pay close attention to the culture or tradition of how it’s prepared or served. 

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Post travel self-care

A: How do you unwind after a trip?

KN: I sit in my house in silence, making sense of my experiences and how they made me feel. Allowing myself to feel all those emotions at various intensities. Solo travels require a lot of emotional intelligence and being able to allow yourself and understand why you feel a certain way will go a long way in recovering and helping you understand people in their environments better. 

We’re certainly more open to the idea of solo travel and can’t wait to make our own treks across the continent. Remember, sometimes all you need to have a good time is your passport, wallet and a backpack. So live, laugh and let the adventures begin!