Female travel i Africa

Hi,
I'm a university student and this summer my friend and i are planning a trip along some of east Africa, namely Kenya and Tanzania and then flying home from South Africa.
Does anyone have any advice for female travellers? As we have had some sceptical response from people when we tell them we are going alone!
Thanks!

I just returned from a trip to Kenya by myself. I am female 30 yrs old. My advise would be: GO!!! It was an amazing adventure. I am wondering if you have a pre-planned itinerary? Or, are you "winging it?" This info can make all the difference in the responses you'll get.

Cheers,
Wendy

That makes me feel alot better, i think it would be the trip of a life time but various people have told us we are mad for doing it. We haven't started planning it properly yet, but do intend to plan an itinerary. Not a package trip though, something we have planned ourselves.
Did you experience many problems whilst out there? Is there anywhere you recommend going?
Thanks

I recently drove from the UK to Gambia and we met two mad welsh girls who were travelling all the way through West Africa by Land Rover to Togo.

They were great fun and having a blast!!

I have also travelled in east Africa and loved every minute of it. I am a bloke but would definitely say GO too - people will likely treat you with lots of respect and care for the main part.

You will obviously have to be wary of the usual dangers and keep your wits about you - we all have to do that regardless of sex.

I suggest you buy or hire from library a Lonely Planet and have a thumb through that - your route will ahve to go further than Tanzania to get you to South Africa. You could travel through Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique.

There are hepas of tour companies plying this route also - I know you are keen to travel independently but an overland truck trip is still a cool way to see Africa if you ahve not been before. Typically you camp,cook and wash up etc but they are cheap, see all the must see's and you get extra security.

If you decide to go it alone you will also have a blast!

Enjoy it!

Joey

I too will be travelling alone for 8 weeks at the beginning of September 2009. I am looking at a planned Safari but sort of lean towards the way I used to just wing it. Any advice? Book safari on arrival in Cape Town or from home online??? Just get there and see what happens until I have to fly out of Dar es Salaam??

I'd never thought about the overland route really as i assumed that independant travel liike this would be to risky. However i do agree that it would be a great way to experience it, do you know any names of companies or routes that are particularly notable?

Sometimes its better to just trust your personal instincts than worry about the fears of others. Although Africa seems off the beaten track to most people, you will be surprised at how many travelers you will meet wandering around out there. And yes, many of them will be women, and some of them will be entirely alone. Don't worry about it. You and your friends will be fine, and you will have an incredible experience with tons of laughter. An overland safari is a good option if you want a little handholding. Why don't you consider an overland from Nairobi down to Johannesburg and then travel around ZA on your own? Another popular route is Vic Falls Cape Town. I've traveled overland with Drifters and Kiboko and had great experiences with both. I've also traveled with friends without too many hassles. If you surf the forum entries, you will find TONS of overland company recommendations with lots of pictures out there as well. Good luck with all your planning and just go!

Just be aware of your own personal safety as you would when you're out at home, keep your money safely away, for example after using an atm put your money and purse away before walking away from the machine, remember that many people in East Africa are very poor so be respectful by not being flashy with expensive gadgets and jewellery, and be prepared to be approached a lot in the streets of towns. But seriously, if you're aware and responsible, you'll have nothing to worry about. And have fun, I hope you love it in Tanzania as much as I do!

I agree - in one word GO!! I went by myself on safari. Met other people on my trip and it changed my life. It is very safe in the bush camps. Just be sure to lock your room at night. I felt more safe there than parts of the US!

Traveling in Africa is cathartic you will love it.

Let me assure you that Kenya is very safe,what you have to do is to avoid walking at night alone and going to crowded places,otherwise,welcome to Kenya the Land of opulence.