Explore the Rainy Season Adventures

5 Best Things to Do When Travelling Solo in Southern Africa’s Rainy Season

Travelling alone doesn’t have to mean missing out on shared adventures. Between November and February, Southern Africa enters its green (rainy) season — a time when wildlife flourishes, rivers rise, and the landscapes come alive with colour and energy.

It’s also the perfect period for solo travellers, students, volunteers, and single business professionals visiting Zambia, Botswana, or Zimbabwe to explore more authentically — with fewer crowds and richer experiences.

Here are five unforgettable things to do if you’re travelling solo during this season.

1. Chase the Power of Victoria Falls

At its peak flow, Victoria Falls — known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders” — is a spectacle of raw natural power. The rainy season transforms the falls into a roaring curtain of water that can be heard kilometres away.

Solo travellers can explore the Victoria Falls Rainforest trail, cross the Knife’s Edge Bridge, and photograph the endless spray clouds that form natural rainbows. It’s one of those rare places where you can experience solitude and awe at the same time.

2. Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

A Zambezi River sunset cruise is one of the most relaxing and social experiences for travellers on their own. As the river drifts past hippos, elephants, and birdlife, it’s common for solo guests, interns, and professionals on short breaks to chat, unwind, and share stories.

Most cruises include snacks, drinks, hotel transfers, and a licensed guide, making it a stress-free way to experience the wild without needing to plan much. It’s also ideal for photography — especially in the green season when the skies glow orange and gold after afternoon rains.

3. Go on a Walking Safari

For those who prefer a more active and educational experience, a Walking Safari offers unmatched insight into Zambia’s ecosystems. Unlike a traditional game drive, this guided walk lets you explore the bush up close — tracking animal footprints, identifying bird calls, and understanding how plants, insects, and wildlife coexist.

Led by certified safari guides and armed rangers, each walk lasts about 2–3 hours and includes safety briefings, park permits, and water refreshments. It’s an ideal choice for solo travellers or professionals looking to spend time in nature while learning from local experts.

4. Discover Local Art and Cultural Markets

During the rainy season, the cities and towns of Southern Africa come alive with culture. In Livingstone, the Maramba Market and Livingstone Art Gallery are must-visits for those wanting to experience authentic local creativity. You’ll find hand-carved wooden crafts, woven baskets, traditional textiles, and original artworks — perfect souvenirs that also support local artisans.

Many solo travellers and volunteers find these markets great for conversation and connection — a way to engage with communities beyond the safari trails.

5. Take a Cross-Border Day Trip

Travelling through this region makes it easy to combine multiple destinations. From Livingstone, it’s possible to take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana — famous for its dense elephant herds and river safaris — or to Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe for a different perspective of the falls.

Cross-border trips are fully guided and include visas, transport, park fees, and lunch, so you can explore safely and efficiently even as a solo traveller.

Travelling Solo? You Don’t Have to Safari Alone

Here’s something most travellers don’t realise: many safari operators require a minimum of two people to confirm a trip. That often leaves students, volunteers, and solo professionals paying extra or missing out entirely.

That’s why African Safari Experience created the Student & Solo Traveller Special (November 2025 – February 2026) — designed to connect like-minded adventurers who want to explore Zambia’s wild side without the two-person restriction.

When you sign up:

  • We match you with other travellers sharing similar dates and interests.

  • You can join shared game drives, walking safaris, or cultural excursions at group rates.

  • You’ll get flexible travel dates, early access to departure schedules, and direct support from our local team.

Whether you’re a student on break, a volunteer spending a few weeks in Livingstone, or a business professional with a weekend to spare, this campaign is your invitation to explore, connect, and experience Southern Africa’s beauty — together.

Ready to Join the Herd?

Fill out the form below to connect with fellow explorers, match with a safari group, and start planning your journey into the wild. This rainy season, turn your solo plans into an unforgettable shared adventure filled with stories worth telling.