What is African Safari Group?

African Safari Group (ASG) is a luxury inbound safari travel specialist based in South Africa, founded in 2016. We plan bespoke safari experiences across Southern and East Africa for high-net-worth travellers from the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia, covering destinations including Sabi Sand, Kruger, Okavango Delta, Masai Mara, and the Serengeti.

Which safari destinations does African Safari Group cover?

African Safari Group covers all major safari destinations in Southern and East Africa, including Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta (Botswana), Masai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Chobe National Park, Amakhala Game Reserve, and many more across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania.

How does African Safari Group work?

African Safari Group provides a done-for-you safari experience. Our specialist consultants work with you from initial enquiry through to departure — advising on destinations, lodges, and timing, booking accommodation and flights, and supporting you throughout your trip. There is no obligation to book and no upfront costs for planning.

Is African Safari Group a licensed travel company?

Yes. African Safari Group is a registered inbound tour operator based in South Africa. Client holidays are protected under supplier-default insurance, ensuring bookings and payments are safeguarded in the unlikely event of a supplier becoming insolvent.

Who founded African Safari Group?

African Safari Group was founded in 2016 by Riaan Aggenbag, a South African entrepreneur and safari travel specialist. The company is co-founded and co-led with Dom Meulemans.

Solo Safari Guide: Is Africa Safe for Solo Travellers?

June 10, 2026

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Is Africa Safe for a Solo Safari?

Yes — a solo safari in Africa can be a safe and rewarding way to travel when you stay at reputable lodges and reserves and plan your itinerary carefully. The private game reserve and luxury camp model is inherently well-suited to solo travel: you are hosted in a small community of 8–20 guests, guided by experienced professional rangers, and looked after by lodge staff around the clock. Safety concerns are primarily around urban transit areas (which your safari itinerary will mostly avoid) rather than within safari lodges or national parks. Solo travellers represent a growing proportion of ASG’s clients, and the safari experience is entirely accessible and enjoyable alone.

Is Solo Safari More Expensive?

Single occupancy supplements are the main financial consideration for solo safari travellers. Most safari lodges charge a single supplement of 30–70% of the per-person sharing rate when you occupy a room alone. Some lodges charge full double occupancy regardless. Budget for a single supplement of approximately 50% of the per-person sharing rate when planning a solo safari. The total cost of a solo safari will therefore be significantly higher than the per-person rate on the lodge’s rack rate card — factor this in from the start.

Will You Be Alone on Game Drives?

Not usually. At most private reserves, solo travellers are paired with other guests on game drives — vehicles seat 6–8 guests and the experience is shared. Some lodges offer private vehicle hire for an additional fee (typically USD 200–500 per drive) for genuinely exclusive, unshared drives. At larger national parks (Kruger, Serengeti), self-drive or shared game drive vehicles mean you may share sightings with other vehicles. Genuinely exclusive solo game drives are a luxury add-on rather than the standard experience.

Best African Destinations for Solo Safari Travellers

South Africa: The most accessible solo safari destination. English is widely spoken, infrastructure is excellent, self-drive safaris through Kruger are entirely safe and independent, and the private reserve experience is very well-structured for solo guests. Cape Town adds an extraordinary city experience for solo travellers.

Tanzania: Solo travellers are common and well-catered for. Group tours and small-group safari departures are widely available, making it easy to join other travellers for shared costs. The Northern Circuit (Serengeti + Ngorongoro + Tarangire) is well-established for independent and group travel.

Kenya: Safe and accessible for solo travellers. The Masai Mara and its private conservancies are well-served by specialist operators who accommodate solo bookings without issues.

Safety Tips for Solo Safari Travellers

Stay at established, reputable lodges rather than informal guesthouses; book through a specialist safari operator who vets all accommodation; use airport transfers arranged by your lodge rather than freelance taxis; carry travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover; register your itinerary with your country’s foreign affairs department; keep copies of all travel documents in cloud storage; and share your itinerary with a trusted contact at home. Within safari areas and lodges, the risk level is extremely low.

Enquire Now — we design solo safari itineraries regularly and can advise on lodges known for welcoming solo travellers and managing single supplements fairly.