10 Amazing Things To Do Alone In East Africa
Travelling with our families, friends, or travel groups is always fun, but tourists can enjoy some activities alone, or opt for solo travel where they get to spend some time without the company of others, getting to do whatever they desire. On a trip to East Africa, here are 10 amazing things that one can do all alone!
- Walk around Stone Town
The winding streets of Stone Town can be explored alone, as one can reflect on everything he/she sees, and can fully absorb the beauty of the region’s architecture and rich history. One can take pictures at the Old Fort, or interact with the friendly locals.
- Volunteer at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
In Nairobi, Kenya, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is home to baby elephants and rhinos! These young elephants are orphans, so the rehabilitation center cares for them till they are fit to return to their natural habitat. The trust has been able to nurture and protect around 150 infant elephants. Tourists can feed them, and even pay to adopt them and fund their rehabilitation process.
- Enjoy a safari at the Serengeti
Exploring the Serengeti is a great option for solo travellers and backpackers, as they can avail the affordable prices and enjoy a safari all on their own. The region is home to hippos, zebras, wild dogs, leopards, hyenas, rhinos, gazelles, elephants, herons, crocodiles, monkeys, cheetahs, wildebeests, and giraffes.
- Cultural Tour to a Maasai Village
Cultural tours can enrich any trip to East Africa. If this is done alone, the visitor can interact with indigenous tribes to form meaningful connections. They can meet the village Chief, take a walking tour of the village, taste delicious traditional food, and enjoy traditional singing and dancing performances. One can also watch rituals and learn local skills such as hunting, usage of local tools, and fire preparation!
- Bird watching at Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is a tranquil and peaceful location, where guests can connect with the natural environment and relax. Travellers can ride a boat, or lie on the grass as they watch beautiful and exotic birds such as flamingoes, hornbills, ibis, eagles, herons, blue naped mousebirds, kingfishers, and little bee-eaters.
- Watch the Great Migration
The Great Migration of around two million wildebeests is one of the most spectacular sights that a traveller can witness. One can watch the herds cross the river, spot the newborns, or see predators on prey action during the game season! Tourists can sit and watch the herds grazing, and enjoy the serene moment.
- Shop at the Maasai Market
Shopping is best done alone, as one can take his/her time and buy whatever they want. Buying from local vendors allows one to learn about the local lifestyle of the region, and support the economy. Tourists can find brass earrings, local paintings, wood carvings, handmade jewelry, East African fabrics, beaded masks, Maasai spears, and hand-made crafts! Bargaining with the sellers can be a very interesting experience!
- Go backpacking in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a backpacker friendly location as it offers cheap food, affordable lodges, and low price activities that allow one to have fun while staying on a budget. Backpackers can relax on pristine beaches, enjoy sailing, scuba diving, and kayaking adventures, discover the culture, or explore Stone Town.
- Visit a spa in Zanzibar
Many lodges and retreats in Zanzibar have spas where you can relax and de-stress, and get treatments such as manicures, skin care remedies, beauty treatments, pedicures, and massages for the back, arms, legs, and face. Many spas also have swimming pools and bars when one can relax and indulge!
- Visit the National Museum of Tanzania
Museum visits are best done alone, as tourists can take time to explore and observe whatever they are more interested in. The National Museum of Tanzania is home to a sacred fig tree, old wood carvings, ancient Chinese pottery, fossil discoveries and archeological artefacts, prehistoric rock art, ancient relics and coins, paintings of important figures such as President Nyerere, indigenous ebony masks, a car that once belonged to George V, artefacts from colonial rule, and ethnographic collections on indigenous Tanzanian cultures.
