Of course, many people around you will be curious and ask questions: ‘Is that even safe for a woman?’ HELL YEAH! Because after reading this piece and taking this info to heart, you’ll be ready to go. We are women, we are strong, we are simply THE BOMB, and we have all the power to do badass things.
1. Preparing for your trip to East Africa
You’re about to embark on a grand adventure, and proper preparation is key. Create bucket lists to turn your dreams into reality—so start writing! What do you want to see? What experiences are on your must-do list? Where do you want to go? What can’t be missed? Try to look up accommodation options in advance and read stories from other female travellers online. Write down useful tips, hostel names, and important phone numbers. You never know what the electricity or network situation will be like in the middle of the bush!
2. Be strong
We don’t need to ask whether you’re a badass—otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this. But as a woman in East Africa, it’s especially important to show it. Be that confident woman who knows what she wants. If people ask you things or suggest something you’re not up for, or if something doesn’t feel right—SAY NO. You know what you want and why you’re on this journey. Don’t let people or unexpected situations throw you off your flow. Stand your ground.
3. Take the culture seriously
You are the guest, and you’ll need to act accordingly. In East Africa, people hold on to tradition and take their culture seriously. To make your trip as unforgettable as possible, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the local culture and expectations. The first thing to consider is your clothing. It can be super HOT in East Africa, and since you’re on holiday, I get that hotpants might seem like a natural choice. But in Africa, they’re often seen as inappropriate—not just here, but in many places—especially in public. Always cover your shoulders and wear trousers, a dress, or a skirt that reaches your knees. You’ll notice the difference in how people respond to you! Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable as a female traveller in East Africa. Smoking is another key point. In many cultures, prostitutes were historically recognised by smoking in public—definitely not the impression you want to give. If you do smoke, do so discreetly and preferably indoors—though be mindful that smoking indoors is actually banned in many places in East Africa. If you’re unsure about what’s acceptable, just ask.4. A little white lie
Lying isn’t ideal—we can all agree on that. But as a woman travelling alone, especially with your striking foreign looks, you’ll stand out in East Africa. Without a man by your side, you’ll likely receive hourly marriage proposals, date invites, and offers for overnight stays. It’s wise to wear a ring and occasionally say that you’re married or that your husband is waiting for you at the hotel—unless, of course, you are up for an adventure. Whatever you choose, keep it safe!
5. Local transport
For the ultimate adventure, using local transport is a must—it’s often an experience in itself! However, it’s important to check the safest options in each region. For longer distances, there are usually larger bus companies that offer a reasonable level of comfort. It’s a good idea to ask about transport options at your accommodation. There’s always a way to get around, but be prepared for a different sense of time. Most public transport doesn’t run on a fixed schedule—it operates on the principle of full means go. You might find yourself waiting an hour (or more) until your minibus is packed (often overpacked) before it finally departs!6. When East Africa gets dark
Evening and nighttime aren’t the safest times to go exploring—so be mindful of that. If you want to go out and show off your Dutch dance moves, it’s best to take a taxi (special hire) and get dropped off directly at your destination.
7. Curiosity & common sense
Luckily, we women have a strong sense of intuition—so trust it when you travel. If something doesn’t feel right, just leave. East Africa is full of options and opportunities, so if you skip one thing, you’ll easily find ten other amazing experiences! Things can sometimes go wrong here—a traffic accident, an argument—but conflicts aren’t always resolved peacefully. If you sense tension on the street or in a club, or if a crowd starts forming, just walk away. And remember, you stand out here.8. Photos
We get it—photos are epic for your Instagram and for proving to all the doubters that you actually did it. But keep a few things in mind.- Stay respectful. Ask yourself: How would I feel if someone took a photo of me in this situation? If in doubt, just ask: Is it okay if I take a photo?
- Don’t take pictures of bridges, parliament buildings, the military, or the police. These are protected and not meant to be photographed.
- Some people might ask for money when you take their picture. It’s up to you how you handle this—I personally tend to be cautious, but I also understand where they’re coming from.
