Best Safari Lodges In Africa That Don’t Charge A Single Supplement

Gone are the days where your travel plans are cancelled or incessantly pushed back to an unnamed date. The modern traveller is emboldened by flying solo, with more and more destinations catering to the lone adventurer than ever before – and Africa is no exception.

Safari holidays for solo travellers are becoming increasingly popular on the continent, and industry is fast adapting to meet the needs of a new market. Lodges and camps around Africa are increasingly waiving single supplement fees during specific periods throughout the year or offering safaris with no single supplement at all.

We've gathered a few of our favourite properties in premier wildlife regions that cater to solo travel in Africa. But before we dive into the list, let's answer a few questions:

What Is A Single Supplement Fee?

A single supplement fee is an extra charge added on when solo travellers book accommodation designed for two people. Lodges and camps typically price their stays on double occupancy and have to shoulder a hefty loss if not covered.

Why Are Single Supplement Fees Charged?

Safari lodges and camps are typically on a smaller scale than other holiday accommodations and offer limited space. As a result, they rely heavily on maximising revenue by accommodating two guests per room/tent.

When Can You Enjoy A Safari With No Single Supplement?

Many properties throughout Africa's top safari destinations waive their single supplement fee during the region's green season (this varies per destination), as this time of year sees fewer visitors. And with the growing popularity of solo travel to Africa, some lodges and camps are doing away with single supplements completely.

Why Should You Travel Solo To Africa?

  • Complete Flexibility: Plan your itinerary according to your travel tastes and interests without compromising or considering anyone else.
  • Personal Growth: Solo travel forces you out of your comfort zone, fostering the opportunity for transformation and self-discovery.
  • Local Connections: Solo travellers are more likely to engage with local people and other travellers, allowing meaningful connections to occur.
  • Unforgettable Moments: Collect memorable stories as you explore the most breathtaking landscapes and encounter iconic wildlife.
  • Mindful Travel: Without anyone else as a distraction, you'll be immersed and mindful in every moment on safari, truly soaking in your time in Africa and allowing for deep introspection and reflection.

 

Please note: The following information is subject to change without notice. Please get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts for the most up-to-date details.
Tanzania

Solo Travel In Tanzania

1. Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Serengeti National Park

A woman faces away from the camera wearing a hat while submerged to her shoulders in a pool overlooking a view of a valley | Go2Africa
Overlooking the view from the pool | Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Single supplement only applied from third single room on one booking

Explore the plains of the Serengeti from the comfort of Sasakwa Lodge, a turn-of-the-century-style luxury manor house ideally located to enjoy all that the region has to offer. The lodge is perched on the slopes of Sasakwa Hills and provides stunning sweeping views of the golden savannah, as well as incredible access to the Serengeti's abundant wildlife, including excellent Big 5 sightings and front-row seats to the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Highlights:

  • High-end, luxury lodge boasting picturesque views of the Serengeti plains
  • Stay in comfortable private cottages with their own plunge pool
  • Excellent year-round wildlife sightings, including the Big 5
  • Enjoy game drives, guided bush walks & optional hot-air balloon safari
  • Butler service ensures personalised care
  • Amenities include tennis, gym, spa, yoga, jacuzzi, archery & biking

2. Lemala Osonjoi Lodge

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The suite’s placement creates a private sanctuary for guests (rendered image) | Lemala Osonjoi Lodge

No single supplement applied in low and mid season:
Low season: 1 March-31 May
Mid season: 1 October-19 December

Lemala Osonjoi Lodge is ideal for solo travel in Africa, providing a unique base camp for exploring one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders. Located within arm's reach of the intact volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater, guests enjoy easy access to an epic biodiversity hotspot brimming with lush green vegetation and a variety of wildlife, including the Big 5 and popular plains game.

Highlights:

  • Contemporary luxury lodge situated on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater
  • Visits in low and mid-season offer breathtaking views of the lush greenery
  • Year-round safari destination provides great animal sightings at every period
  • See the Big 5, eland, zebra, wildebeest, and other iconic game
  • Enjoy Maasai-guided walks and private lunches along the crater rim
  • Game drives, guided bush walks, and optional hot-air balloon safaris
  • Indulge in amenities like yoga sessions, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym & a la carte restaurant

3. LABA Fanjove Island Lodge

Fanjove Private Island

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Dining area at sunset | LABA Fanjove Island Lodge

No single supplement applied in low and mid season:
Low season: 1 February-14 March | 1-30 June | 1 November-19 December
Mid season: 1 September-31 October | 10-31 January

End your solo travel to Africa by rewarding yourself with a barefoot luxury experience on a private tropical island off the coast of Tanzania. LABA Fanjove Island Lodge is elegant and comfortable and leaves almost no footprint on the landscape due to the traditional building materials. After searching for Africa's iconic animals in the untamed bush, relax and replenish yourself on soft, powdery-white beaches for the ultimate solo safari-and-beach getaway.

Highlights:

  • Chic, Crusoe-style lodge on a private island
  • It is a perfect post-safari location in paradise
  • Eco-friendly lodge with light footprint, rainwater harvesting, and solar power
  • Scenery comprises pristine beaches, warm water, and lush rainforest
  • See bottle-nosed and spinner dolphins, endangered green turtles, and migrating humpback whales
  • Enjoy activities like sandbank picnics, snorkelling, kayaking, sunset dhow cruises, scuba diving & slow walks around the island

4. Swala Camp

Tarangire National Park

SanctuarySwala-Camp_boma
Spend time at the boma | Swala Camp

No single supplement applied in low season:

  • 3 January-31 March
  • 1 November-20 December

A canopy of large acacia trees in a remote pocket of Tarangire provides the perfect hideaway for Swala Camp. Sitting on the edge of the Gurusi wetlands and boasting picturesque views of the rolling savannah below, Swala promises an intimate, private safari experience for solo travellers. The camp's location is perfect for connecting to the untamed wilderness of Tarangire and spotting all your favourite African animals from both the comfort of your room and on game drives and guided walks.

Highlights:

  • Intimate, private safari hideaway in Tarangire National Park
  • Enjoy an authentic, under-canvas tented safari
  • Reliable sightings of elephants from the comfort of the lodge
  • Tarangire River attracts a range of wildlife, making it perfect for game viewing
  • Explore Tarangire's plains on game drives and on foot with trained guides
  • Incredible game viewing throughout the year
Kenya

Kenya Accommodation With No Single Supplement

5. Lewa House

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Take a swim in a natural waterfall-fed pool | Lewa House

No single supplement applied in regular season:

  • 5 January-31 March
  • 1 May-30 June
  • 1 September-31 October
  • 1 December-19 December

Solo travel to Kenya is a rewarding experience, no matter which destination you visit, but none more so than Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. This wildlife-rich region is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to an abundance of animals, including the Big 5 and a quarter of Kenya's black rhino population. Rustic yet elegant, Lewa House sits undisturbed atop a hill with a unique vantage point that overlooks panoramic views of Mount Kenya, the Mathews Range, and Ol Olokwe Mountain, making it the ideal base from which to explore one of Kenya's premier safari destinations.

Highlights:

  • Stylish, thatched cottages provide a comfortable stay in Lewa
  • Enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding mountain ranges from the wraparound garden
  • See the Big 5, particularly the endangered black rhino
  • Visit Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve, a well-preserved archaeological site
  • Game drives & guided walks provide excellent sightings year-round
  • Stays at Lewa House support conservation efforts for rhinos and zebras
  • Amenities include a swimming pool and gym

6. Governors' Camp

Masai Mara National Reserve

An elephant stands by a game vehicle while a hot air balloon floats in the background | Go2Africa
Iconic safari experiences in Kenya | Governors’ Camp

No single supplement applied:

  • 1 January-30 June
  • 16 December-31 December

Enjoy a classic safari with no single supplement while staying at Governors' Camp, an authentic under-canvas tented accommodation sitting on the forested banks of the Mara River. Ideal for the traveller seeking a down-to-earth, rustic getaway in nature, Governors' Camp offers the perfect retreat in a pristine location that offers both uninterrupted views of the incredible Masai Mara landscape and enviable access to the abundant wildlife.

Highlights:

  • A classic safari camp experience that doesn't forego modern comforts
  • See the mega herds of the Great Migration (in season)
  • Reliable sightings of elephants, lions, and leopards
  • Tranquil setting on the banks of the Mara River
  • Game drives, guided bush walks & optional hot-air balloon safari
  • Cultural interactions with traditional Maasai people
Uganda & Rwanda

Uganda & Rwanda Safaris With No Single Supplement

7. Gorilla Forest Camp

Bwindi National Park, Uganda

Woman and guide on a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda.
Trek through the rainforest in search of primates | Gorilla Forest Camp

No single supplement applied:

  • 3 January-31 March
  • 1 November-20 December

One of the best exotic safari experiences for solo travellers in Africa can be found in Uganda's Bwindi National Park. Gorilla trekking is often described as a life-changing encounter that won't soon be forgotten. Spending time with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is made all the sweeter when staying at Gorilla Forest Camp. Seamlessly blending remote beauty with modern luxury and style, this elegant, tented accommodation provides the perfect respite after a day of trekking through Uganda's dense rainforests.

Highlights:

  • Stylish, modern under-canvas tented accommodation that doesn't compromise on luxury
  • Enjoy stunning views of the forest canopy from the camp's lofty perch
  • Occupies a stunning, remote location in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Easy access to Bwindi's gorilla trekking trails
  • Gorillas are often seen walking around the camp
  • Scenic nature walks take you to volcanoes, jagged valleys, waterfalls, lakes & dramatic mountain ranges
  • Spend time with local Batwa communities on cultural visits

8. Virunga Lodge

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Virunga-Lodge-Volcanoes-Safaris_3
Incredible views of the Virunga Volcanoes and volcanic lakes | Virunga Lodge

No single supplement applied in low season:

  • 1 March-31 May
  • 1 October-14 December

If you're enjoying solo travel in Rwanda, Africa's premier gorilla trekking destination, then the charming, eco-friendly Virunga Lodge is for you. Perched above plots of farmland and the glistening volcanic lakes, Ruhondo and Bulera, with the iconic volcanoes and rolling hills as its backdrop, the lodge delivers the most breathtaking views over the national park. Add to that a peaceful atmosphere and modern conveniences, like spa treatments and massages, and you have the perfect respite after a day of tracking gorillas and golden monkeys

Highlights:

  • Comfortable mountain lodge boasting incredible 360-degree views of Virunga
  • Track gorillas and golden monkeys
  • Summit the extinct volcanoes
  • Visit the grave of renowned primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey
  • Reward yourself with a relaxing massage after trekking through the jungle
South Africa

Solo Travel To South Africa

9. The Winchester Hotel

Cape Town

Exterior view of hotel | The Winchester Hotel

No single supplement applied in low season (Classic Room only):

  • 1 May-31 August
  • 1 October-14 December

No solo travel in South Africa is complete without a few nights in Cape Town. The vibrant city is packed with attractions and experiences, ranging from scenic hikes up Table Mountain to shopping sprees in the V&A Waterfront to tasting award-winning varietals in the Cape Winelands – even the most discerning vagabond is spoilt for choice. While here, few properties rival the central location of The Winchester, a chic, luxury hotel settled in the sought-after Sea Point neighbourhood, providing easy access to several major travel hotspots.

Highlights:

  • Ultra-chic hotel based in the heart of Cape Town
  • Located across the popular Sea Point Promenade
  • Enjoy Sunday jazz brunches in the hotel's beautiful courtyard
  • Easy access to several major attractions, including the V&A Waterfront
  • Within arm's reach of the blue flag beaches, Camps Bay and Clifton
  • On-site facilities include a heated swimming pool, restaurant, bar, spa, gym & curio shop

10. Dulini River Lodge

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Kruger Private Reserves

DuliniRiverLodge-SwimmingPool-DeckPatio
Swim as the sun sets | Dulini River Lodge

No single supplement applied during:

  • 10 January-1 April
  • 1 November-30 November

Take advantage of a Kruger safari with no single supplement at Dulini River Lodge, an exclusive property located in the highly regarded Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Enjoy a classic Big 5 safari that promises delectable culinary experiences, world-class personalised service, and fantastic year-round game viewing.

Highlights:

  • Stylish luxury lodge boasting incredible river views in a private reserve
  • Game drives and guided bush walks promise incredible wildlife sightings
  • Keep an eye out for the Big 5 around the reserve
  • Photographic safaris available for photography enthusiasts
  • Spacious suites feature private plunge pools and outdoor showers
  • Dine on delicious meals in the open-air boma, dining room, or out in the bush

11. Singita Lebombo Lodge

Kruger National Park

Singita Lebombo Lodge daybed in luxury suite in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Sleep under the African night sky in outdoor starbed | Singita Lebombo Lodge

No single supplement applied

By far one of the Kruger's most opulent properties, Singita Lebombo Lodge appears to be suspended in the air, looming above the winding N'wanetsi River. Its secluded location in a rugged part of the national park promises a private, exclusive safari experience punctuated by breathtaking moments of encountering roaming wildlife.

Highlights:

  • Sophisticated, Afro-chic retreat in a private spot in Kruger National Park
  • Observe the Big 5 and other plains animals on game drives and guided nature walks
  • Excellent views of the N'wanetsi River and Lebombo Mountains
  • Additional activities include archery, swimming, gyming & spa treatments
  • Indulge in gourmet fine dining paired with vintages from a private wine cellar
Botswana

Botswana Safari With No Single Supplement

12. Sable Alley Camp

Okavango Delta

Exterior view of luxury suite | Sable Alley Camp

No single supplement applied in green season:

  • 10 January-31 March

Explore the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta during your solo travel to Botswana from the comfort of Sable Alley Camp. Overlooking the permanent floodplains, Sable Alley occupies a particularly game-rich region of the Delta. Whether on foot, boat or land cruiser, a stay here promises incredible wildlife encounters – in fact, more often than not, you won't need to leave camp to see elephants and buffalo herds passing by.

Highlights:

  • Luxury tented camp located in a game-rich region of the Okavango Delta
  • Enjoy a private and exclusive wildlife safari
  • Watch wildlife from the comfort of camp as they drink from the nearby waterhole
  • Reliable sightings of predators like lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, and hyenas
  • Explore the waterways on a mokoro (traditional canoe)
  • Spot-lit night drives and off-roading make for exciting game drives
  • Spend a night under the African sky in the star beds

13. Jack’s Camp

Makgadikgadi Pans, Kalahari Desert

Jack-s-Camp-
Exterior view | Jack’s Camp

No single supplement applied in low season:

  • 10 January-31 March

Trade Botswana's floodplains and bushland for the arid desert landscape of the Kalahari – a region that might surprise you with its array of wildlife. The best place to explore this magical region is from the collection of spacious, elegant tents of Jack's Camp. Situated in the unique, remote setting of Makgadikgadi Pans, this iconic safari camp brings a stylish, old-world glamour to one of the largest salt flats in the world – once a pre-historic lake approximately the size of Switzerland. Indulge in old-time romance from the lap of luxury in a transcendent region.

Highlights:

  • Traditional safari camp exuding old-world charm without foregoing modern comforts
  • Explore the remote and arid, yet beautiful, landscape of the Kalahari Desert
  • Spot wildlife like genets, Cape hares, honey badgers, brown hyenas, Kalahari lions & porcupines
  • Interact with a family of habituated meerkats
  • Get close to nature with a sleepout on the saltpans
  • Enjoy game drives, quad bike (ATV) excursions & horse riding
  • Gain valuable insights through cultural experiences with San Bushmen
  • Amenities include a swimming pool, private plunge pools, a vintage billiard room & a viewing deck

14. Tuludi Camp

Okavango Delta

web_Tuludi-Sky-Suite-Sky-Deck
Spend a night under the stars in the Sky Suite | Tuludi Camp

No single supplement applied in low season:

  • 10 January-31 March

Tuludi Camp occupies a prime location in the legendary Khwai Private Concession of the Delta, boasting the most incredible views of the surrounding floodplains and riverine forests. Enjoy classic safari experiences in all their forms, from 4×4 games to immersive nature walks to tranquil water-based explorations. And no matter which time of year you choose to visit, a visit to Tuludi promises year-round action.

Highlights:

  • Small, intimate camp providing an exclusive luxury experience in the Okavango Delta
  • A stay at Tuludi contributes to the development of the local community
  • The camp is set in a prime location on a private reserve
  • Awe-inspiring views of the shimmering floodplains and majestic riverine forest
  • Nearby waterhole provides armchair safari moments of visiting elephants & big cats
  • Water-based safaris on motorboats or mokoro
  • Avid photographers and birders delight in guided bush walks
  • Excellent year-round game viewing, especially of predators
Namibia

Namibia Properties With No Single Supplement

15. Shipwreck Lodge

Skeleton Coast

Exterior view of luxury suite | Shipwreck Lodge

No single supplement applied in green season:

  • 10 January-31 March

Visiting the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast is like being transported to an otherworldly magical landscape thought to exist only in science fiction. Littered with the relics of ships and skeletal remnants of marine life that were victims of the sea, this stunning stretch of coastline is best explored from Shipwreck Lodge. Taking inspiration from its location for more than just its name, the lodge's architecture blends elements of the coastline's history to create a breathtaking architectural design. When venturing beyond the lodge, let your inner archaeologist loose as you inspect the centuries-old debris, while game drives around the national park yield fascinating animal sightings of desert-dwelling elephants, giraffes, and even desert-adapted lions and brown hyenas.

Highlights:

  • Stay in the only lodge in Skeleton Coast National Park
  • Be captivated by otherworldly, breath-taking scenery
  • Luxury, elegant lodge inspired by its surroundings
  • Thrilling animal sightings on game drives
  • Guided nature walks get you up close to the unique flora
  • Excursions to the interior dunes of the Namib Desert
  • Exciting activities like quad biking & scenic flights along the coast
  • Tour the shipwrecks and skeletal remains that give the lodge its namesake
  • Interact with the Himba, a traditional nomadic tribe from Namibia

16. Kwessi Dunes

NamibRand Nature Reserve

9Kwessi-Dunes---Cooling-off-at-the-pool
Cool off in the swimming pool | Kwessi Dunes

No single supplement applied in green season:

  • 10 January-31 March

Seamlessly blending the best parts of traditional and modern African elements, Kwessi Dunes is often described as a quirky yet comfortable lodge, perfectly encapsulating the essence of its surroundings. Although this beautiful lodge is surrounded by seemingly endless desert plains, there is much to enjoy in this part of the NamibRand. The most noticeable of which is its status as the only Dark Sky Reserve in Africa – making it the absolute best location for taking in the Milky Way Galaxy.

Highlights:

  • Old-world safari charm meets modern luxury at Kwessi Dunes
  • Located in Africa's only Dark Sky Reserve – perfect for stargazing
  • Spend a night under the Milky Way in your private stargazer room
  • Stay within arm's reach of the famous Sossusvlei dunes
  • Explore the desert region on hot-air balloon rides, quad bikes, on foot, horseback or on classic 4×4 game drives
  • Game drives yield sightings of unique wildlife
  • Climb Big Daddy dune & visit the Deadvlei clay pan

17. Etosha Mountain Lodge

Etosha National Park

10Etosha-Mountain-Lodge-Main-area-and-swimming-pool
View from the main deck | Etosha Mountain Lodge

No single supplement applied in green season:

  • 10 January-31 March

Standing tall against a dolomite hill in Namibia's biggest private game reserve, Etosha Mountain Lodge offers a thrilling safari experience in an untouched wildlife conservation area. Herds of elephants and the rarely spotted endangered black rhino are common sightings when out on game drives through the rolling savannah grasslands.

Highlights:

  • Beautifully designed lodge located in Namibia's biggest private game reserve
  • Reliable sightings of elephants and endangered black rhino
  • Remote, exclusive safari experience that offers the perfect escape from modern life
  • Explore the rugged terrain on game drives, spot-lit night drives & guided bush walks
  • Escape from the African heat with a dip in the swimming pool
  • Catch sight of passing wildlife from your private viewing deck
Zambia & Zimbabwe

Solo Travel In Zambia & Zimbabwe

18. Thorntree River Lodge

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Dine on the floating boma | Thorntree River Lodge

No single supplement applied in green season:

  • 1 January-31 March
  • 1 December-31 December

A visit to Victoria Falls is a must-add destination to your solo travel in Africa, and to experience one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World from the opulent Thorntree River Lodge is an opportunity you can't afford to miss. Set just 20 minutes away from the renowned waterfall on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Thorntree is ideally placed to enjoy everything that Africa's adventure capital has to offer.

Highlights:

  • Ultra-luxury lodge just upstream from the famous Victoria Falls
  • Incredible views overlooking the Zambezi River
  • Thrilling activities like bungee jumping, canopy tours & helicopter flips
  • Water-based adventures on the Zambezi include sunset cruises, kayaking & fishing
  • On-site facilities like a swimming pool, gym, spa, wine cellar & boma
  • Each suite features a private plunge pool and viewing deck
  • Visit Maunga Village to see the positive impact your stay has on the local community

19. Somalisa Camp

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Somalisa-Camp
Enjoy the main area of the camp | Somalisa Camp

No single supplement applied in green season:

  • 1 January-31 March
  • 1 December-31 December

Bask in the natural beauty of Hwange National Park, immersing yourself in the acacia-dotted landscape while enjoying the finer things in life. Somalisa might offer under-canvas tented accommodation in a remote, unspoilt part of Africa, but this elegant camp is far from rustic. Customised suites adorned with copper bathtubs and every modern comfort sit on raised, split-level wooden decks that overlook an elephant-frequented drinking hole. Few properties in Hwange match the level of service and pure luxury provided by Somalisa.

Highlights:

  • Award-winning luxury camp boasting breathtaking views of the ancient floodplains
  • Spot thirsty elephants from the comfort of your tent as they visit the waterhole for a drink
  • Spot an array of wildlife on game drives, night drives and guided bush walks
  • Travel back in time with copper bathtubs and log-burning fireplaces in each suite
  • On-site facilities include a swimming pool, bar, library, and curio shop

20. Nyamatusi Tented Camp

Mana Pools National Park

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A curious elephant outside a suite | Nyamatusi Tented Camp

No single supplement applied in green season:

  • 1 January-31 March
  • 1 December-31 December

Set amongst the looming figures of sausage and mahogany trees, Nyamatusi occupies a perch on the banks of the Zambezi River. Designed to be small-scale and intimate, the camp promises an authentic view of the old, untouched Africa without foregoing the luxuries we've become accustomed to in the present. The harmonious blend of uninterrupted views of the river and distant escarpment, the tranquil seclusion of the location, and the indulgent comfort of the contemporary suites provide the perfect respite after a day of traversing Mana Pools' rugged terrain in search of Africa's iconic wildlife.

Highlights:

  • Stay in one of Mana Pools' most extravagant camps
  • Eco-conscious accommodation that implements sustainable practices
  • Each suite features air conditioning, a private plunge pool & outdoor deck and shower
  • Spot a wealth of wildlife, such as cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, and leopards
  • Enjoy picturesque views of the passing Zambezi River
  • Activities include guided nature walks, canoeing, boating, and classic game drives
  • Delight in the on-site amenities, including a swimming pool, private wine cellar, viewing deck & sunken firepit

Ready To Plan Your Solo Travel To Africa?

Take the leap and start planning your African safari with no single supplement with someone who knows the continent inside and out. Get in touch with our Africa Safari Experts to begin crafting your greatest adventure.

Kirsten Delcie
Written By