Hidden Solo Travel Gems for 2025: Best African Destinations for Solo Adventurers
Solo travel is one of the biggest trends heading into 2025, and Africa is quickly becoming a favourite region for travelers who want culture, adventure, and authentic experiences. From peaceful beach towns to vibrant cities and nature-filled escapes, the continent is full of hidden gems perfect for solo adventurers. If you’re planning a solo trip this year, here are Africa’s best hidden solo travel gems for 2025, where to stay and how to book.
1. Coffee Bay, South Africa
Located on the Wild Coast, Coffee Bay is a paradise for laid-back solo travelers. With dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches, and a warm local culture, it’s perfect if you want a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Top things to do: Visit Hole in the Wall, join group hikes, take surfing lessons.
Where to stay:
• Coffee Shack Backpackers – famous for solo-friendly vibes, community dinners, and group tours.
• Ocean View Hotel – beachfront, relaxed, and safe for solo travelers.
2. Tofo Beach, Mozambique
Tofo is a hidden beach gem known for diving, marine life, and a welcoming backpacker community. It feels like a small village where everyone knows everyone, which is ideal for solo travelers.
Top things to do: Dive with manta rays, join local markets, take cooking classes.
Where to stay:
• Casa Na Praia – beachfront boutique stay.
• Love Dive Hostel – a social space great for meeting other solo travelers.
3. Magoebaskloof, Limpopo (South Africa)
This lush, misty region is perfect for nature lovers. With forests, waterfalls, lakes, and friendly locals, it’s peaceful and ideal for solo retreats.
Top things to do: Forest hiking, waterfalls, zip-lining, tea plantations.
Where to stay:
• Magoebaskloof Adventures Lodge – rustic, nature-surrounded lodges.
• Zwakanaga Lodge – cozy and safe for solo relaxation.
4. Stone Town, Zanzibar (Tanzania)
A blend of culture, architecture, and beaches, Stone Town offers a rich solo travel experience. It’s walkable, photogenic, and easy to navigate alone.
Top things to do: Spice tours, rooftop dining, dhow sunset cruises.
Where to stay:
• Tembo House Hotel – right on the beach.
• Beyt Al Salaam – modern, safe, and centrally located.
5. Livingstone, Zambia
Livingstone is perfect for solo adventurers who want thrilling activities but still value safety and friendly locals.
Top things to do: Visit Victoria Falls, scenic helicopter rides, bungee jumping (optional!), river cruises.
Where to stay:
• Jollyboys Backpackers – the best social spot for solo travelers.
• Royal Livingstone Hotel – for a more luxurious stay.
6. Maun, Botswana
Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta, offering wildlife experiences and peaceful natural surroundings.
Top things to do: Safari drives, mokoro boat trips, cultural village visits.
Where to stay:
• The Old Bridge Backpackers – popular with solo explorers.
• Thamalakane River Lodge – scenic riverfront stay.
Why These Destinations Are Perfect for Solo Travelers
• They are easy to navigate independently.
• They have strong solo-friendly communities.
• They offer safe accommodations and group activities.
• They combine affordability with unforgettable experiences.
Booking Your Solo Stay
One of the most convenient platforms to use is Booking.com, which allows you to compare prices, check reviews from other solo travelers, and filter for things like free cancellation, breakfast included, or properties with high safety ratings. Many solo travelers prefer this platform because it shows detailed photos, location scores, and honest guest feedback — making it easier to avoid unsafe or low-quality places.
When booking your stay, make sure to use filters such as:
• “Solo traveler reviews” to see what other solo guests liked or didn’t like.
• “Top reviewed” to find highly rated lodges and guesthouses.
• “In the city centre” if you prefer walkable, well-lit areas.
• “Free cancellation” so you can change plans without losing money.
It’s also always a great idea to read recent reviews (from the past 6–12 months). These help you understand the local environment, what the staff is like, how safe the property feels at night, and whether the accommodation matches the photos.
For social solo travelers, hostels and backpackers like Coffee Shack, Jollyboys, or Old Bridge are ideal because they offer group tours, shared spaces, and community events. For those who prefer privacy, boutique hotels and eco-lodges provide a peaceful environment with added security and comfort.
Finally, once you choose your accommodation, booking early is key — especially for destinations in South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Botswana, which get very busy during holiday seasons. Early bookings usually come with better room options and lower prices.
To make planning easier, you can find almost all accommodations listed above on Booking.com, which is one of the most popular platforms for solo travelers.
