Solo Travel Soars: Cape Town Emerges as a Top Destination for Independent Explorers

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Solo travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more people looking to embark on personal journeys of self-discovery and adventure. Coordinating schedules with friends or family is now a thing of the past, as travelers turn to the internet to research solo-friendly destinations and pack their bags for exciting solo escapades.

The Study

A recent study by UK-based adventure tour operator Explore! analyzed Google search data from the previous 24 months to identify the most popular destinations for solo travelers in 2023. The study categorized the destinations by continents, revealing Cape Town as the second most sought-after location for solo voyagers in Africa, closely trailing behind Mauritius.

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Top Destinations

Mauritius experienced a 147% increase in interest for solo travel over a 12-month period, with Cape Town close behind, seeing a 144% surge in interest. Cairo secured third place with a 108% increase, followed by Seychelles at 45%, and Nairobi rounding out the top five.

The Methodology

To compile the list, Explore! initially gathered data on over 580 destinations worldwide. The company then used Google Keyword Planner to determine the total number of global Google searches that included each destination and the phrase “solo travel” between April 2022 and March 2023. These findings were compared with the total number of global Google searches for the same criteria from April 2021 to March 2022. By calculating the difference in annual search totals for each destination, the study identified which locations experienced the most significant percentage jump in search volume interest.

Why Cape Town?

Cape Town is a vibrant destination that blends natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture. From Table Mountain and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to Robben Island and Bo-Kaap, there is no shortage of attractions for visitors to explore. The city also boasts a thriving culinary scene and world-class wineries.

Furthermore, Cape Town’s strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those seeking to forge new connections and immerse themselves in local culture. The city’s abundance of guided tours, workshops, and cultural experiences cater to solo travelers, offering opportunities for personal growth and unforgettable memories.

The Future

As solo travel continues to gain momentum, it is exciting to see diverse and captivating destinations like Cape Town emerging as top choices for independent explorers. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this South African gem offers a unique and unforgettable experience for every kind of solo traveler.

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Tumi Makgale is a Cape Town-based journalist whose crisp reportage on the city’s booming green-tech scene is regularly featured in the Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. Born and raised in Gugulethu, she still spends Saturdays bargaining for snoek at the harbour with her gogo, a ritual that keeps her rooted in the rhythms of the Cape while she tracks the continent’s next clean-energy breakthroughs.

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