What I wish I Knew Before I went on a Solo Safari as a Woman over 50

My first solo safari over 50

My Over 50 Safari Club

I remember the nerves I had before my first solo safari at 50 years old. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I am a seasoned traveller, and this was not my first rodeo in the world. I have been to 63 countries, and that number will increase to 67 by the end of 2026. 

I travel.

But, I travelled with my husband. Or I travelled with my children. In the past year I did several long-haul trips with my son to Asia and also my daughter to Zanzibar. 

But it was my time now. I turned 50. Mum died. This was supposed to be our last holiday together, but I was going it alone. So.

I did have nerves.

I was nervous and being in the midst of menopause, I was sweating like a pig. Every time I googled about “how to avoid mosquitoes,” the answers I got made me afraid - very afraid.

There were things like 

“Mosquitoes love sweat”

“Mosquitoes come out at nighttime”

“Mosquitoes bite”

“Mosquitoes love water”

ARGHHHH

I was a sweaty, hairy, hormonal 50-year-old  who cried at the drop of a hat, pin, bonnet ... you name it.

Tears came from my eyes faster than hailstones during a thunderstorm.  Or ash from a volcano.

I can’t think of the analogies now, but trust me.

I was nervous.

Also, because I was on a joining Safari. I paid for my own room with a single supplement. 

(Something that made me create a “no single supplement safari for women” but I will discuss that in another post. 

The topic now is "what I wish I knew before I went on Safari when I was over 50."

And to be honest.

There is a lot. 

I had questions for myself.

How not to look frumpy over 50, was a big one.

Sadly. On my first Safari, I DID look frumpy and hate those pictures so much. I dread sharing them. 

Looking frumpy and over 50 on my first safari!

Do You Dress Up for Dinner on an African Safari?

Well. I loved dressing up, and I wanted to know. But I was taking one 15kg bag, and I love packing lightly. Packing and dressing were my biggest headache and needless to say I got that wrong too. That's why I created a page on Safari Style for Women Over 50, which is read more than my itineraries and saved loads on Pinterest. 

So, I know I am not alone, and what to wear on Safari is a big concern for everyone! But coming back to the question - do you dress up for dinner on Safari?

Well I did. I wore a blouse. I also love jackets, and I did wear a jacket on the plane as I do like to dress up when I fly business. Basically the jacket and the white shirt saved me. 

This jacket smartened me up for dinner on Safari

The issue is that many people did not dress up. But at my age, even if I was alone. I still wanted to look nice.

I feel that when you travel you want that nice outfit. You want to feel good and look good, even alone. 

Love this picture of me alone in the 4x4 at the Mara Bush Camp

Would I be lonely on Safari alone as a woman over 50?

Yes, that was another question that crossed my mind. But I have the personality that I will talk to the wall if I had to. I hate people wearing headphones as I have had the best conversations with people on the train or bus in London.

I once met a man on the bus from Heathrow to Northolt and he told me that he had slept on London Bridge for 12 years, until a man that walked past him every day allowed him to sleep in his garage and then gave him a labourer's job. 

These human interactions are so important to me.

The Pilot Safari was so much fun - dancing after Reiki, drinking wine.. under the sunset

Solo vs Joining Group?

So, my first safari to Africa was a mixed joining group. Nice, but if I reflect, not the vibe I really wanted, and I was alone a lot.

My second safari was solo, and it was great, but I only did 3 days to ensure that I was not lonely. 

But to be honest, just flying to a country for a couple of days is not in my ethics.

I want to explore a country. I want to see the land. I want to be ethical and connect with the people. This does not happen in 3 days. For me, connection is vital and really discovering the country. 

Again that is why my trips are 7 days or 10 nights. But its a choice that you have to make. For me, I come to travel to live, learn and love. 

I need more time. 

Meaningful Interactions with everyone

Can you wear deodorant on Safari?

This was another one, as I did not know what to pack, and if it smelled, and I spent a lot of hours looking for the best type of deodorant. 

I found a cream body deodorant that was perfect, and the fact that it was for the whole body really helped me. The only thing is that I found this secret on my third safari, and on my first one, I felt a bit unclean.

Luckily, I took disinfectant wipes everywhere and used them when I suddenly started to “sweat.” 

In fact, it was about that time, when I decided to create a women-only safari in Kenya because I did feel uncomfortable with men there and me wiping my bits and bobs. 

Also, at my age, who do you talk to about these things! I didn’t want to scare the woman who was about to get married with tales of menopause. I would have liked to scream,

“Live your life now, while you don’t have crazy hormones.”.... But I held back. 

Yes. Even I can hold back!!

This Isana all body deodrant was a lifesaver in Africa

Another thought again was can you wear shorts on Safari? 

Look at the picture. I did even with my apple figure. 

Can you wear shorts on Safari if you are over 50? YES!

Apart from clothes and hygiene, what was my biggest takeaway for a solo female traveler on Safari who is over 50?

Well, I suppose that it was the adventure was great. I was over-worried, and I would never travel budget again.

I have comfort at home. I spend a lot on what I wear, and going on a budget Safari made me rethink my choices.

Lovely cup of tea in Samburu watching the world go by

I was on budget as I felt that I should not splurge in a developing country. 

Wrong.

You should splurge in a developing country to support the eco-system and ensure that everyone is well paid and looked after.

I have written a lot about this, but greenwashing is real and people will say anything to get you to spend money. I wish I had done my research on my first safari and created a better experience for myself and I wish I had like minded people around. 

Safaris For Women Over 50

Safari at 50: Real Style, Real Rain, and Real Adventure in Kenya – A practical look at dressing for safari when weather, travel days, and wildlife drives are part of the adventure.

Safari Outfits for 2026: Practical Outfit Ideas for Women – Simple outfit combinations that work for travel days, game drives, and lodge evenings.

Safari Style for Mature Women – Style advice, colours, and clothing choices that work well for women over 50 travelling in Africa.

What to Wear on Safari for Women Over 50 – A complete packing guide covering fabrics, layers, footwear, and practical clothing choices.

Best Waterproof Walking Boots for Kenya’s Green Season – Choosing practical footwear for rain, mud, and long safari days.

Ethical Travel and Tribal Jewellery – How traditional African jewellery connects culture, craftsmanship, and ethical travel.

African Jewellery and Womanhood – The cultural meaning behind jewellery traditions across Africa and why they matter today.

And finally my Safari Outfit- Women Over 50s Page.