Solo Female Travel in Africa: The Best Countries for Digital Nomads Who Don’t Fit the Mold

As a digital nomad with an eye on retirement within the next decade, you might be wondering: is Africa the last great travel secret… or a total mistake? After deep research and advice from fellow travelers, here’s what I found—and why I’m seriously considering spending a lot more time here.

Let’s be real. Traveling solo as a woman in her 40s—especially one who doesn’t tick society’s “boxes”—can be complicated. In many places, I’ve felt out of place because I’m not married, not raising kids, and not practicing any religion. I love children, but I’m infertile—and in parts of the world like Southeast Asia, the endless (well-meaning) pity can be emotionally exhausting.

I wanted to find places that were:

• Respectful of my lifestyle choices
• Safe for women traveling alone
• Less obsessed with traditional gender roles
• Affordable for digital nomads
• And possibly good enough to retire in someday

Africa came up more than once. But is it really that welcoming, or just wishful thinking?

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: South Africa. I lived there for 33 years, and I’ll be blunt—it’s not safe to live in long-term unless you’re in a very protected situation. Violent crime, inequality, and systemic issues make it tough. That said, for travelers or short-term stays in areas like Cape Town and the Garden Route, there’s still a lot of value. Some expats even return to retire there—especially white and mixed-race travelers who can blend in more easily.

Pro tip: Learn a few Afrikaans phrases, carry small bills, and don’t flash valuables. Cape Town offers:

• Reliable infrastructure (good Wi-Fi, hospitals, embassies)
• A solid digital nomad community
• Natural beauty and urban conveniences

But for full-time living or emotional peace of mind? You might want to look further north.

Here’s where it gets interesting. I’ve heard again and again that Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia are where Africa’s magic truly lives for slow travelers and digital nomads. Why?

Namibia

• Peaceful, sparsely populated, and visually stunning
• Reliable power and water (especially in Windhoek)
• Safe for solo travelers
• English is widely spoken

Botswana

• My personal favorite—seriously underrated
• Friendly locals and a chill, respectful vibe
• Politically stable with a strong eco-tourism culture
• Plenty of beautiful remote places with Wi-Fi

It’s the kind of place where you can just be. People give you space. You’re not pitied or pressured, and the culture is warm without being invasive.

Zambia

• English is the official language
• Zambians are some of the most genuine people you’ll meet
• More traditional than Namibia or Botswana, but still welcoming
• Great launchpad to explore Victoria Falls and surrounding nature

All three countries are affordable, safe by African standards, and less religiously intense than many others.

Religion in Africa is diverse, but not always what you expect. In places like Madagascar, for example, there’s less visible Christianity or Islam and more traditional spiritual beliefs like fady (taboos). It’s deeply rooted in culture but not often imposed on outsiders.

Madagascar is relatively safe but underdeveloped. Don’t expect fast Wi-Fi or reliable transport—but if you’re craving somewhere different and disconnected, it could be your dream.

Many of the returning expats I’ve talked to are choosing quieter, nature-rich countries like Botswana or Namibia to settle down. These places offer:

• Low population density
• Affordable housing (outside capital cities)
• Natural beauty without the crowds
• Friendly locals who mostly leave you alone unless you engage

You won’t find dozens of Starbucks or a flashy nightlife scene. But if your goal is peace, beauty, and connection without pressure—it’s worth serious consideration.

Maybe. It’s certainly not for everyone—but if you’re burnt out by the well-trodden digital nomad paths, tired of being treated like an anomaly, and want somewhere where you can thrive on your own terms, Africa deserves a closer look.

I’m not saying pack your bags tomorrow, but if you’ve felt like you don’t belong anywhere else… maybe, just maybe, your place is here.