In Kenya, one of the most influential voices in this movement is Winnie Rioba, the founder of JustRioba, a travel blog and platform that encourages African women to explore the world confidently and safely.
Through her journeys across Africa and beyond, she has inspired countless Kenyan women to step out of their comfort zones and experience the beauty of solo travel.
The Rise of Solo Female Travel in Kenya
Traditionally, travel has been viewed as a luxury or as something best done with family or friends. However, Kenyan women are now breaking barriers, taking solo trips for adventure, self-discovery, and personal growth. Winnie Rioba has played a significant role in normalizing solo female travel, particularly for African women who may not have seen many role models doing the same.
From hiking in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains to backpacking across West Africa, Winnie has shown that Kenyan women can travel the world on their own terms. Her content includes detailed itineraries, safety tips, and budgeting hacks to make solo travel more accessible.
Safety Tips from Winnie Rioba and Kenyan Solo Travelers
Safety is a top concern for women traveling alone, and Winnie often shares her personal experiences and advice to help other women stay safe. Here are some key safety tips inspired by her travels and other Kenyan solo travelers:
- Research Before You Travel
Winnie emphasizes the importance of research before visiting a new destination. For example, before traveling to Mauritius, she shared tips on the best areas for solo travelers and how to navigate the island safely using public transport. - Stay Connected
One of Winnie’s top tips is to always share your itinerary with family or friends. When she traveled solo in Cape Verde, she kept her followers updated via social media, providing real-time insights on safe neighbourhoods and local customs. - Blend in with the Locals
Dressing appropriately and respecting local culture is key. In her travels to Zanzibar, Winnie highlighted how dressing modestly in Stone Town helped her avoid unwanted attention and gain respect from the locals. - Trust Your Instincts
Kenyan solo traveler Nelly Nthiga, who backpacked through Egypt, shared how she avoided certain areas after noticing uncomfortable stares. Like Winnie, she advises women to leave situations that feel unsafe and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar places. - Choose Safe Accommodations
Winnie recommends staying in hostels or hotels with high safety ratings and reading reviews from fellow solo travelers. When she visited Senegal, she stayed in a well-rated guesthouse in Dakar where she met other women travelers, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Trending Destinations for Kenyan Solo Female Travelers
Winnie Rioba and other Kenyan women have explored various destinations that are safe and welcoming for solo travelers. Here are some of the best destinations for Kenyan women looking to embark on solo adventures:
- Rwanda – Known as one of the safest countries in Africa, Kigali is an excellent destination for first-time solo travelers. Winnie praised the city’s clean streets and friendly locals after her visit.
- Ghana – Accra’s vibrant culture and rich history make it a great place for solo exploration. Winnie documented her experience visiting Cape Coast Castle, providing historical insights for Kenyan travelers.
- Tanzania – Zanzibar and Arusha are perfect for Kenyan solo travelers. Winnie has shared her experiences of traveling between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam by bus, proving that regional travel is both affordable and safe.
- Portugal – For Kenyan women looking to travel outside Africa, Portugal is a top choice. Winnie’s solo trip to Lisbon showed how budget-friendly and easy it is to navigate.
- South Africa – While some parts require extra caution, cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are great for adventurous Kenyan women. Winnie explored Table Mountain solo and provided tips on how to enjoy the city while staying safe.
Breaking Barriers: Kenyan Women Leading the Solo Travel Movement
Winnie Rioba is not alone in inspiring Kenyan women to travel solo. Other Kenyan travelers, such as Faith Mutheu, who explored Thailand alone, and Slyvia Wakanyi, who documented her trip to Ethiopia, are also breaking stereotypes. Their journeys prove that African women can travel independently, create unforgettable memories, and share their experiences to inspire others.
Solo female travel is no longer just a dream for Kenyan women—it is becoming a reality, thanks to pioneers like Winnie Rioba. Through careful planning, safety precautions, and the right mindset, women can explore the world on their own terms. Whether it is a weekend getaway in Naivasha or a backpacking trip through West Africa, Kenyan women are proving that they are fearless, adventurous, and ready to take on the world—one solo trip at a time.
Would you ever consider traveling solo? Share your experiences and let us keep the conversation going! 🌍✈️ #JustRioba #SoloFemaleTravel #KenyanWomenTravel