An 80-Year-Old's Solo Safari Adventure Across Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa

Embarking on a solo journey to Africa at any age is no small feat. So, when a client called wanting a bucket list, solo trip to Africa for her 80th birthday, which was only a few months away, I was hesitant but intrigued. She had very specific experiences and destinations in mind, which meant a custom itinerary. Given my love for planning African safaris, I accepted the challenge. Sally's adventure was extra special due to her husband's illness, preventing him from joining her, which made my responsibility even greater. The resilience of this woman, determined to travel alone for the first time at her age, was inspirational. This is her story — and mine — of navigating an unforgettable safari across Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Understanding the Client

During our initial consultation, I learned about Sally’s passion for wildlife — specifically giraffes, elephants and penguins — her preferred travel style and her unwavering non-negotiables. “I want comfort, safety and unforgettable wildlife encounters,” she declared. Crafting her itinerary was both thrilling and meticulous, ensuring each stop met her high standards and requirements. She relied on me to select game lodges and experiences tailored to her desire for "Out of Africa" moments, including meeting local villagers and having as many close encounters with her favorite animals as possible.

I chose the world-renowned Masai Mara Reserve to kickstart her journey. The Zebra Plains Collection, a tented camp suggested by the tour operator, turned out to be perfect! Sally loved every minute, texting me that she “nearly lost her mind” during her first encounter with elephants on a game drive. She visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to “meet” giraffes and baby elephants up close and personal, immediately adopting one of each.

Worries and Initial Lack of Communication

I was on edge from the start as initial communication issues with the tour guide worried me, especially when I couldn’t confirm her safe arrival at the lodge in Kenya, even after calling the "emergency" numbers. Once I finally made contact, the journey began in earnest.

Mid-Journey Surprises and Adaptations

Her next stop was Zimbabwe, and it wasn’t smooth sailing. She wanted to see Victoria Falls, and participate in an elephant art safari with Wild Horizons, since she loved elephants and painting. Unfortunately, the tour guide booked a Zambezi River cruise instead of a Vic Falls tour and failed to inform me that the elephant safari required a minimum of four people, information the tour operator knew a week prior but didn’t communicate. I had to arrange a rushed Victoria Falls tour myself and find an alternative elephant encounter. Despite her initial disappointment, Sally loved the elephant encounter. She stayed at the Palm River Hotel, which she described as “absolutely magnificent.”

Sally’s last evening in Zimbabwe was magical. It started with drumming lessons in the boma, then African dancing and a delicious meal with friends she had made along the way. The next morning, she left for South Africa.  

The Final Leg: South Africa

In South Africa, she stayed at the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg, where I booked a rejuvenating spa experience for her before she headed to Thornybush Lodge.

For this part of her trip I worked with a different TO, who was very responsive and texted Sally to let her know to contact him if she needed anything, BEFORE she even arrived in South Africa.

Although Thornybush Safari Lodge was almost fully booked, I managed to secure a spot for her as it was one of her “non-negotiables" as all her friends raved about it. The lodge exceeded her expectations, from the outdoor shower, a bath with a view, to thrilling animal encounters and an outdoor spa treatment. She texted, “Picture soft rustling of leaves mingling with the distant call of wildlife!”

Adventures and Experiences

• Kenya: Masai Mara Nature Reserve. Despite initial challenges, Kenya was magical. Watching lions laze under the sun or walk right up to the vehicle, evenings in the luxurious tented camp and enjoying dinners under the stars created unforgettable memories. To celebrate her 80th birthday, the lodge manager presented her with a beautiful cake, and the Maasai warriors performed a traditional dance around the table.
• Zimbabwe/Victoria Falls: The grandeur of Victoria Falls took her breath away. She described the majestic falls as “a curtain of diamonds in the sun.” Walking along the trails, the spray soaking her skin and the thunderous water left an indelible mark. She was thrilled with the elephant encounter, and the boma experience was the cherry on top.
• South Africa/Thornybush Safari: South Africa presented its own thrills. Close encounters with leopards, elephants and rhinos made each safari drive more exhilarating than the last. The guide and tracker at the lodge provided exceptional service, turning each outing into an exciting experience.
• Cape Town: Art, penguins and personal touches. Before heading home, Sally spent a week at the magnificent Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town. She indulged in a private art tour, visited spectacular local sights, including Boulders Bay and the penguins, and marveled at the breathtaking views from Table Mountain. She also spent a day wine tasting at the renowned vineyards in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.  

The Emotional Journey: Courage and Celebration

Traveling solo, especially for the first time at 80, was an emotional rollercoaster. She oscillated between sheer delight and moments of solitude. Her stories of courageous exploration included reflections of her husband, who would have loved to experience this with her. Despite the challenges, she celebrated her birthday trip with newfound friends.

Reflective Insights: Lessons Learned

I emailed every hotel and lodge Sally stayed at to inform them about her solo bucket list trip for her 80th birthday and requested VIP treatment at no cost to her. Each one responded with something special, from a bottle of champagne to cupcakes, with a heartfelt note and of course the Maasai warriors’ traditional celebration. While the trip turned out fabulously, I realized that these solo custom trips might be rare undertakings for me in the future. It would take a special client like Sally to persuade me to live in two time zones — hers and mine — with lots of handholding, for weeks again. However, the sheer joy and inspiration from her courage made every moment worthwhile.