Would you go to Cape Town on your own?

[EachandEveryone]

I’m 56 on that cancer cycle watching and waiting before my next treatment. I have aches and pains but I’m feeling well just not well enough for a hiking holiday. Ideally I would love to go to Cape Town and take some trips from there. I’ve been looking. At Exodus etc but they are coming up at 3 grand for a week to camp on a safari. Without flights! I’d like to do the wineries and see the animals but I couldn’t afford to do both through them, does anyone know if it’s possible to book through an agent in SA or would you 100 percent book everything through a company here? I was going to treat myself and fly business but the flights seem to be overnight there and back so it wouldn’t really be worth it would it?

is there any other country you would suggest? Anything nearer to home? I will be travelling alone.

Nowhere where animals are treated badly. I couldnt see stray animals everywhere it would ruin my holiday.

Not bloody likely.

I haven't been to SA since 2011, but I probably would if I had good plans in place.

Could you scrap the business class and use the money for a group tour instead? Tours are expensive, but if you don't drive and want someone else to do all the arranging then they are worth it imo.

I've often gone to places and then booked independent tour guides to take me to certain places. This is what I did in Russia, which worked well.

Namibia is a good option if you still want the safari element, or perhaps Tanzania. Argentina or Chile for winelands. Canada. Scotland. Iceland. Italy is lovely and can do easily by train - lovely vineyards of Tuscany and fab cities. Spain - Seville, Granada, Cordoba, or the north for coast and walks.

What specifically do you want to do? With not driving it will probably be easier to identify a city or two you can train between and then do some day trips from each.

I've been to South Africa 3 times, the last time I was staying with friends just outside Cape Town but spent a good bit of time in the city on my own while they were at work. I stuck around the V&A Waterfront and it was fine.

I also joined a brilliant 3 day guided Garden Route tour with a company called Bokbus. I was early 30s at the time and worried I'd be the oldest among a load of backpackers; in reality I was 3rd youngest, with a solo and a couple in their 40s and a Singaporean couple in their 60s!

The tour included a night at a game lodge, which wasn't exactly Kruger (I've been there on a previous trip) but was certainly a nice taster.

I've also been to Costa Rica and done a group tour, sadly that company didn't survive the pandemic, but it also offered plenty of adventure and wildlife.

how about Croatia? Is there anywhere in europe that you haven't been to? Scandinavia is great for spas / relaxing and very safe.

or Bulgaria?
agree with a group tour

I'd lean towards Europe. Italy, Spain, Germany, Croatia or Slovenia, perhaps. I also like Turkey, but I'd probably do a tour to cover a lot of sites.

Or perhaps Japan if you want a long haul. Great trains, lots of side trips.

Have you done north of San Fran? Like Oregon/Washington/Seattle, possibly up to Vancouver?

Or maybe Toronto and Montreal?

I'm South African and I totally would go !!! Unless you're planning to roam the streets alone and have zero common sense you'll be fine!

If you're nervous join a tour group but don't miss out on a beautiful country and bucket list experience!

To clarify I mean join tour groups there - so day trips to wine lands , penguins, safari etc ca a bit package gig

Ive been on my own and would definitely do that again that was fine.its an amazing place.

I would definitely go to Cape Town if I had money, its on my bucket list. My mom went there with her sister, and they had a blast. Every country has its bad side, people just focus on the negatives. You should go, you will have a great time. Or go to Botswana or Namibia, I can give you some contacts, you will have an amazing time.

I have a family member with cancer. Have been to CT many times and yes I would go on my own. Please check you can get travel insurance before you book anything. Would recommend InsureWith as specialist insurers

If you're interested in Africa and safari, I can recommend these:
https://yellowzebrasafaris.com/

If none of their planned trips suit, give them a call to see what they can do for you.

I recommend Zambia for safari (high game density, few visitors) but it is expensive. Worth it if you can afford it though.

I'd go to Cape Town on my own without any hesitation. Choose your location carefully. (whereas I'd never go to Jburg on my own).

I personally wouldn't go to Cape Town alone. I have never been but I would have concerns that it's not safe.

See, this is the problem with MN. People with no idea of the reality giving shit advice.

I've been twice as a solo woman traveller to Cape Town and never had a problem.

You probably get more danger in your local town.

Believe me my local town is far safer than Cape town! And yes I know S.A and Cape Town very well. I'm married to a South African who went to UCT. We been many times and he still has lots of friends who live there. I would not travel around there alone.

Yes I’ve been going every December-January for the past 7years. I’m South African, late 40’s female but have lived in the UK for nearly two decades. Very occasionally stay with family or friends but most of the time I’m by myself.

I went there in my own when I was early 20's you'll be fine.

I've travelled extensively. Cape Town is not safe for an unaccompanied females imho.
Thats the only place I have felt unsafe and I've been to some very sketchy places