On Fear and Traveling Solo

Post Author: Adele

I have realized recently that fear does not need to be overcome or bullied into keeping quiet and way down inside me. Acknowledging my fear and falling in love with her, recognizing she is part of my nature as she is in all living beings and speaking to her as a friend who gives me courage and inspires me to live my best life, is how I have learned to befriend fear.

Some of the most pivotal experiences in my life have come hand in hand with my friend fear.

My first solo journey into the forest to learn about the trees, where I remained alone after my course for a few days and received the most beautiful gift – raindrops transforming the forest at night into a magical wonderland of natural fairy lights glistening from every leaf under the full moon.

Or the first time I guided guests into the Kalahari by myself in my twenties and spent solo time afterwards, sleeping under the stars in the hot summer breeze listening to hyenas passing below my balcony, their calls echoing through the dry riverbed.

Or the moment everyone arrived for the first retreat I co-hosted in 2024 – at the lodge in Greater Kruger I had been intimately involved in creating – and it surpassed my wildest dreams.

Or the night I arrived in Kruger to spend time with the White Lions of the Timbavati and the greatest electric thunderstorm I have ever witnessed shook the entire house where I was staying alone, cutting all the electrics and my contact with the outside world. After the storm passed, the lions spent the entire night roaring right outside my window sending excited shivers through my entire being.

Travelling solo opens you up to the unexpected gifts and miracles just waiting to come into your life.

Fear still visits me whenever I am heading solo into new territory whether it be travel, a conversation with a stranger, or a social event. But I am learning to love my fear and myself, more and more in the process.

 

A note for would be solo travelers: our small group journeys are the perfect way to ease gently into a solo journey in Africa. Hosted by me personally, with every detail taken care of, you can fully relax and immerse yourself into your own experience within the warmth and security of a small group of like hearted fellow travelers.

I also have recommendations for supported solo safaris across many destinations for those who prefer to explore entirely on their own.