AN AFRICAN ADVENTURE: EXPLORING AFRICA AS A SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER
Ever seen the maps most travelers use to show the countries they've visited? Notice anything interesting? I have - Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and South America are always well plotted on these maps. But they never seem to include Africa...why? My guess: a lack of accurate representation. And for the few that do visit, it's almost always for volunteer work or safari adventures. Neither of which are bad - there's just so much more to see and experience!
Africa is in dire need of rebranding and to be captured through inspired eyes. I wanted to be part of that rebrand by sharing my personal stories and genuine experiences as a solo female traveler throughout the continent. So I decided to quit my corporate finance job and move back and travel throughout the continent. To make it all happen, I saved up, sold all of my belongings, and took a major leap of faith. I know, I know - you think I'm crazy.
You're probably wondering why I'm doing this. And for me, the answer is simple: Africa needs more Africans to tell the world her story. To experience her endless offerings firsthand and capture her diverse beauty accurately. And most importantly, to create content that inspires and informs on how you too can come experience it all for yourself.
When I found out I would be working with THE prestigious Ritz-Carlton on a California adventure, I knew I had to bring Nils along with me.
To get the best of the experience, you’ll need at least 3 days.
Since basing myself in Senegal and sharing my experiences online, I've consistently received emails and messages from people asking for tips and information about HOW to actually plan a trip in Africa.
WANDER GUIDES
Searching for unique experiences off-the-beaten path? Want to explore like a local? Use these curated city guides for tips and recommendations on the best places to eat, explore, and experience each destination.
There are some places I’ve visited that feel like a distant dream. That can only really be experienced, no matter how beautifully captured through writing or photography. Lamu is definitely one of them.
Now designated a UNESCO world heritage site, Gorée is an ironically beautiful and picturesque island on which children splash on boogie boards, and Senegalese and foreigners alike soak up the sun.
Nicknamed "The Mother City", Cape Town is arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic cities in the world.
Johannesburg or Joburg and Jozi as it is locally referred to, has become one of Africa’s most vibrant creative hubs and largest point of entries for newbies to the continent. While some may choose to bypass Joburg in favour of coastal holidays and undisturbed beach sand, I urge everyone passing through South Africa to take some time to explore Johannesburg. The city has a lot to offer, especially for those who wish to indulge in all that is trendy. So read ahead for my quick local guide to help you know the best neighborhoods to explore, where to eat, what to do, and how to get around. Take it from me - I live here!
If ever you find yourself in Zanzibar, Stone Town is likely where you'll start. And while some travelers choose to skip spending much time here in favor for Zanzibar's more well known and gorgeous beaches (I made the same mistake the first time I visited a few years ago), I highly recommend you spend at least two days exploring this beautifully enchanting old town.
It's hard to believe that this amount untouched and uninhabited nature exists just a stone's throw away from the hustle & bustle of Dakar.
Stepping into Chaouen's labrinyth of dizzying blue alleyways felt like taking a step into another world.
Rich in history and culture, the city carries strong remnants of past colonial times and once served as the French colonial capital of West Africa and city capital of Senegal.
COMMUNITY STORIES
Read interviews, stories and experiences from our community members and get inspiration for your next adventure.
Travel is often revered as a personal exploration of interests, new discoveries, and the liberation of rest and leisure. We jet off to Timbuktu in attempt to escape the monotony of routine, for a change of scenery, educational adventures, business, volunteering, or anything in between. However, we must acknowledge that for most people, the process of making these voyages a reality is a luxury in itself — not just monetarily; it can be determined, facilitated or impeded, by what passport you hold.
Being a Northern California native, my love for Oakland developed in college when I found myself living in close proximity to the Bay Area.
Originally from Ghana, Nana's studies brought him to China where he has lived for a number of years. Here he shares with us his recommendations from a local's perspective. If you are considering travel to the country, this is a must read...
Garvin Reid is a passionate traveler and photographer whose career in academia brought him to Abu Dhabi. Read on as he gives us an insider’s perspective on what this region has to offer...
Founder of the travel blog Lively Journey, Moulaye Diarra is a creative who's pursuit of beauty and excitement has led him to various countries outside of his residence in Paris. Follow him as he explores a little-known island off the coast of Central Africa: São Tomé and Príncipe.
Karen specializes in international law and has a deep passion for travel and sustainability. Thus her alias, The Black Voyager, is quite a fitting name. Read on as she shares what she recently discovered about her ancestral country, Ghana.
TRAVEL RESOURCES
Browse my travel resources for practical advice on the how of making travel happen.
As the platform continues to grow and evolve, I've noticed there has been an increase in the level of curiosity you guys have in who I am as a person and what I do for work.
The excitement that comes at the thought of boarding a plane on a new adventure is unparalleled. The jitters, the thirst for the unknown, or simply the relief of returning home–all captures part of the beauty of travel. But novelties aside, the journey leading up to the check-in counter requires much though and preparation.
With the ease of information at our fingertips, there’s a wide range of apps out there that can the process of travel less stressful, and enhance the experience of your trip.
Whether you'll be luxuriating in first class, or staying budget friendly in economy – airfare can get pretty pricy. That being said, there are a number of tricks of the trade that can help you minimize costs.
Do you always find yourself struggling to figure out what to pack for your trips? You're not alone. Whether you are an experienced traveler or jetting off for the first time, determining what to take and what to leave can be overwhelming.
EXPLORE ALL REGIONS
Dive in and get inspired to take life by the horns, seek meaningful experiences, and expose yourself to all of the richness that exists throughout the world.
I mean, how often do you get to visit paradise in absolute luxury?!