I had an absolutely incredible time on this trip! Traveling solo, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but from the moment I arrived in Cape Town I felt welcomed, comfortable, and completely looked after. One night in Cape Town enjoying a taste of local cuisine, then off to Botswana the next day to begin the real adventures.
The safari camping experience was everything I hoped for and more. I spent 8 nights camping in the bush across three different campsites, surrounded by incredible wildlife and some of the most beautiful landscapes, sunrises and sunsets I've ever experienced. Each campsite had its own character, and moving from one to the next made the adventure feel like a real expedition.
I have to give enormous credit to the entire camp staff. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes, setting up each campsite before we arrived and then taking everything down and moving on to the next location. Watching how much work went into creating a comfortable camp in the middle of the wilderness gave me a whole new appreciation for their dedication. One of my favorite traditions happened on the last night at each campsite. The staff would gather together and sing songs to honor our stay and celebrate the time we had shared, while also looking forward to welcoming us at the next campsite. It was such a warm, genuine, and memorable gesture. As a solo traveler, those evenings made me feel like I was part of something much bigger than just a safari group.
A huge part of what made the safari so special was our amazing safari guide. With more than 15 years of experience, his knowledge of the animals, birds, and landscape was incredible. He was always looking for opportunities to put us in the best possible position to see wildlife, and his patience and experience really paid off. Thanks to his expertise, I was fortunate enough to see the Big Five as well as the Ugly Five! He was incredibly knowledgeable and could identify and explain so many different animals and birds. You could tell he genuinely loved what he was doing, and his enthusiasm made every game drive that much more exciting. I was constantly amazed by how much he could spot that I would have completely missed.
And I have to give a very special shout-out to the chef, who was absolutely top notch! She prepared three delicious meals every day, and it was honestly hard to believe what she was able to accomplish without electricity. The food was fresh, varied, beautifully prepared, and far beyond anything I expected from a camping experience. I certainly didn't feel like I was roughing it when it came to the food!
The camping itself was unforgettable. Waking up to the sounds of the bush — hippos the first night, lions roaring the last night — sitting around the campfire in the evenings, and knowing there was a whole wilderness just beyond my tent made every day feel like a true adventure. There was something incredibly special about being completely immersed in nature and away from the distractions of everyday life.
But the adventure didn't end after the 8 nights of camping. I extended my trip for another 3 nights at Victoria Falls, staying at a beautiful, luxurious lodge. It was the perfect way to finish an already incredible journey. Seeing Victoria Falls from both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides was absolutely spectacular. Each side offered a different perspective, and being able to experience both made the visit even more special. After eight nights in the bush, the luxury of the lodge was a wonderful change of pace while still keeping the sense of adventure going.
Looking back, this was so much more than just a safari. It was an unforgettable journey filled with incredible wildlife, amazing people, spectacular scenery, fantastic food, adventure, and genuine moments of connection. As a solo traveler, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
Five stars from me — I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. Already planning my return visit.
— John B.September 2026 · ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐