Calling all solo travellers! Summer is inviting you on a season of adventure.
Pretoria Botanical Gardens/Juanita Swart/Unsplash
Across South Africa many activities are naturally designed for independent explorers who want to enjoy the season at their own pace. Who says you have to wait for others to have fun? From guided urban walks to scenic paddling routes and hands on workshops, the country offers countless ways to experience meaningful moments without needing a companion.
Nature activities
Solo travel thrives when the itinerary is shaped by personal curiosity. Early mornings can start with quiet trails that reward those who rise with the sun. The Pipe Track above Camps Bay remains one of the most popular solo friendly routes in Cape Town because it offers breathtaking Atlantic views while still feeling safe due to consistent foot traffic. In the Drakensberg a sunrise ascent to the Witsieshoek viewpoint above the Amphitheatre provides a powerful moment of solitude while still keeping to a clear path.
For wildlife lovers birdwatching in summer is a highlight. The Rondevlei section of the Cape Flats Nature Reserve is known for easy viewing hides where solo visitors can settle in quietly and watch herons, pelicans and seasonal migrants. In KwaZulu Natal the uMkhuze section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park is another favourite with its canopy boardwalk and Fig Forest trail that invite slow exploration. The summer season also brings excellent opportunities for butterfly spotting in the lowveld especially around Mbombela where guided butterfly walks introduce visitors to vibrant local species.
Water-based adventures
Water based adventures offer both calm and independence. A solo kayak hire on the Knysna Lagoon gives you the chance to paddle through still water with views of Thesen Island and the Heads. Beginners can book a short introductory session before heading out on their own. On the West Coast the Langebaan Lagoon provides gentle conditions for first time stand up paddlers and rental shops offer quick lessons that help build confidence. Lake Eland Nature Reserve in KwaZulu Natal also offers peaceful fishing spots where solo anglers can spend unhurried hours by the water.
Cultural experiences
Cultural and urban activities suit solo travellers because they combine structure with freedom. In Johannesburg the Maboneng Precinct offers guided street art tours led by local creatives who explain the stories behind the murals and introduce visitors to community projects. Cape Town’s Zeitz MOCAA provides a full morning of exploration and solo travellers can join a scheduled gallery talk before wandering through the exhibits independently. In Durban the Victoria Street Market offers an immersive cultural experience filled with spice stalls, handcrafted goods and street food vendors that welcome casual solo browsing.
Food and wine
Food focused experiences work beautifully for individuals. Many wine estates in the Cape Winelands offer solo friendly tasting flights including Creation Wines in the Hemel en Aarde Valley where visitors can join a scheduled tasting and stay on for a vineyard walk. For a more casual summer treat the Oranjezicht City Farm Market invites solo travellers to enjoy fresh produce, smoothies and artisanal snacks while sitting at communal tables that encourage conversation. In the Midlands Meander a solo lunch at Blueberry Café comes with wide valley views and a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes lingering.
Wellness and mindful escapes
South Africa’s growing wellness scene provides restorative options for those travelling alone. Forest bathing sessions at Platbos Forest in Gansbaai offer guided sensory walks that help visitors slow down and reset. At the coast Muizenberg hosts outdoor sunrise yoga classes on the beach during summer. The Cederberg also offers meditation friendly spaces at retreats like Traveller’s Rest where guests can join gentle morning sessions or simply enjoy quiet time among the rock formations.
Hands-on solo experience
Creative activities are ideal for solo travellers who enjoy hands on experiences. At Montebello Design Centre in Newlands you can join a ceramic workshop and create a small piece to take home. In Pretoria the Pretoria Botanical Garden offers photography walks that help solo visitors improve their skills while exploring the plant collections. In Parys on the banks of the Vaal River art studios often host beginner friendly painting mornings where travellers can drop in and spend a few peaceful hours creating something personal.
Adventure activities
Adventure activities also accommodate solo visitors. The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour welcomes individual bookings and provides a supportive group environment without requiring prior planning with friends. In Mpumalanga the Graskop Gorge Lift offers a solo friendly combo pass that includes the forest walk and suspension bridge which can easily fill a morning. For those who want a light challenge the Lion’s Head route in Cape Town offers a scenic early morning hike where solo trekkers can enjoy panoramic city views while remaining close to fellow hikers.
With so many solo friendly activities across South Africa, your summer can become a season of discovery filled with experiences that feel complete on their own.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: 5 peaceful summer destinations in small town South Africa
