Whether it’s a cruise on an ocean liner or an African safari experience, the solo travel trend has been on the rise for a while now and is showing no signs of slowing. The solo traveller knows the time to travel is now – no more waiting for one day to start ticking things off your bucket list.
Similarly, solo travel is perhaps the best way to have a so-called calm-cation, where it is all about rest and relaxation, and truly disengaging from the hustle and bustle of daily reality. Solo travel is the ideal opportunity to embrace your interest in the rare birds of South Africa or engage (from a safe distance!) with the animals found in Kruger National Park.
As with any travel experience, you want to make the most of it, and while the goal certainly is not to over-plan or over-schedule, approaching your solo trip thoughtfully can go a long way in ensuring a memorable experience.
Plan well
Even though you don’t need to take anyone else into consideration, it’s still a good idea to plan your solo travel. A good plan actually allows one to be more agile and is the best way to ensure good use of time. Make sure to build plenty of free time into your itinerary too.
Miguel Farinha, Hotel Manager of Kruger Gate Hotel, says they regularly welcome solo travellers to the property. “Our advice to guests is always to make time to simply be – it’s the best way to draw in the magnificence of the Kruger National Park. And if that means ‘scheduling’ time to do so then it is advisable.”
The one activity you do want to make sure you schedule though is a safari game drive for some of the best Kruger Park sightings, Farinha adds.
Planning should be seen as a rough guideline that merely ensures the big boxes are ticked, like knowing the basics about your destination, and making sure your accommodation and transfers are taken care of.
Meet & mingle
Solo travel need not mean going it alone the whole way. You may want to consider options such as joining a tour group or merely socialising with other guests at the accommodation. Kruger Gate Hotel lends itself to this option very well. “The hotel is large enough to never feel isolated even if you are alone. Similarly, it is easy to also be ‘anonymous’ and just do your thing if that’s what you want. It’s really a best of both worlds scenario here at Kruger Gate Hotel. Solo travellers have the option of interacting with others, should they wish to, for example by joining a shared game drive,” Farinha shares.
This kind of “hybrid solo travel” offers travellers the flexibility to be part of a group when they want and to go off on their own when they need a bit of “me-time”.
It also caters to one of the biggest concerns any traveller has when considering travelling alone – safety. Solo but not alone travel allows people to easily connect with locals, immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy activities with people who share the same interests.
Embrace it as the privilege it is
Travel is a privilege and doing it alone is arguably even more so. It’s an opportunity for reflection, for personal growth and a great way to recharge.
“As one of the best places to stay in Kruger National Park, we love to see guests simply enjoying the Kruger National Park, and . And while game drives and massages at the spa and drinks on the pool deck is a must, so is taking the time to simply do nothing – or to read, or look up at stars at night, or look out for the elephants that may or may not come to the river for a drink on a given. When you’re alone it’s all about you and the wonders of Kruger,” Farinha concludes.