Safari specialist, Acacia Africa will launch its #WomenGoSolo social media initiative on International Women's Day, Friday 08 March. The tour operator will be sharing inspirational content across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and teaming up with fourteen solo female travel bloggers to empower women to see the world alone.

Sabine Behrmann, Cape Town Manager at Acacia Africa, comments, “When unfortunate events make the headlines, solo female travel isn't always portrayed in a positive light. The goal of our #WomenGoSolo initiative is to change the narrative. We're here to say, it's something to be celebrated, it can be done safely, and by starting a conversation with a network of expert bloggers, we are hoping to encourage more women to give themselves the gift of solo female travel. International Women's Day is the perfect platform for the launch, 08 March dedicated to making a positive difference for women everywhere, and we're exited to be collaborating with such inspirational adventurers.”

The list of bloggers involved in the campaign includes: Victoria Alao - Editor of The Stylish Trotter, Portia Jones - Editor of Pip & The City, Rebecca Kroegel - Editor and founder of the solo female travel community "She Roams Solo," Samantha Wragg - Editor of Coco Travels, Kaye Holland - Travel journalist & Presenter, Women's Radio Station, Wambui Gichobi - environmentalist, photographer & film producer, Rachel Taylor - Editor of Taylor Made Travels, Victoria Philpott - Editor of Vicky Flip Flop, Katie McIntosh - Editor of The Katie Show Blog, Lauren Detweiler - Digital Marketer & Editor of Latitudes of Lauren, Jacki Ueng - Editor of Bohemian Vagabond, Inma Gregorio - Editor of A World to Travel and Catherine Mack - Content Creator and Catherine Bodry - Head of Travel Support, both from Loco2 - the award-winning comparison & booking platform for train and bus tickets in the UK and Europe.

On the day, Acacia Africa and their blogging partners will be sharing their inspirational quotes, anecdotes, tips and blog posts using the #WomenGoSolo hashtag, but everyone is invited to follow along and contribute to the conversation.

Sabine Behrmann, comments, “Social media is home to a growing and vibrant community of solo female travellers, and we are sure that our #WomenGoSolo initiative will inspire countless women to take up the challenge, all of the bloggers involved helping to make the switch to solo travel even more rewarding.”

Acacia Africa has a firm following of female solo travellers. While the specialist's camping and accommodated overland and small group safaris cater to both genders, around 42% are single women, the number steadily increasing. According to the operator, Swakopmund, Vilanculos, the Victoria Falls, Lake Malawi, Zanzibar and more recently Pretoria and Durban (new for 2019), are popular locations for travellers to test out their solo-skills en route through Africa - Acacia's tours combining a well-balanced mix of group time and “me-time.”

Acacia's new 13-day Kruger, Swazi & Drakensberg camping overland tour visits both Durban and Pretoria, the itinerary starting and finishing in the Jacaranda City. The trip includes a chance to kick back with a free day in Durban - its Golden Mile beachfront a watersport's paradise and the Moses Mabhida Stadium home to the Big Rush Swing - the tallest in the world. While many activities are covered by the Adventure Pass including Big Five game drives in the Kruger, a wildlife boat cruise at St Lucia and a visit to Lesotho via the Sani Pass, there is plenty of opportunity to roam free or participate in guided safaris and hikes in the Mlilwane National Park and Royal Natal National Park. From £1,175pp (no single supplement) + Adventure Pass from £180pp including transport, camping accommodation, most meals and services of a tour leader/driver. Starts Pretoria - ends Pretoria. 18-39 years. The tour operator also introduced new open age city stays in Durban and Pretoria at the beginning of 2019.

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Acacia Africa has been operating tours in Africa for over 24 years. Their collection includes Camping and Accommodated Overland Tours (18-39 years) and a selection of open age Small Group Safaris, Short Safaris & Treks, and City Breaks & Short Stays. Acacia Africa (020 7706 4700; acacia-africa.com) SATSA membership a No. 1931, Atta membership no. 20151, ATOL No. 6499 and ABTA No. W4093 PROTECTED. Facebook: Acacia.Africa Twitter: @AcaciaAfrica Instagram: AcaciaAfrica

Notes to Editors:

Bloggers who are on board with the #WomenGoSolo initiative: 

Victoria Alao - Editor of The Stylish Trotter 

Portia Jones - Editor of Pip & The City

Rebecca Kroegel - Editor and Founder of solo female travel community She Roams Solo 

Samantha Wragg - Editor of Coco Travels 

Kaye Holland - Travel journalist & Presenter, Women's Radio Station 

Wambui Gichobi - Environmentalist, Photographer & Film Producer 

Rachel Taylor - Editor of Taylor Made Travels 

Victoria Philpott - Editor of Vicky Flip Flop 

Katie McIntosh - Editor of The Katie Show Blog

Lauren Detweiler - Digital Marketer & Editor of Latitudes of Lauren 

Jacki Ueng - Editor of Bohemian Vagabond

Inma Gregorio - Editor of A World to Travel 

Catherine Mack - Content Creator at Loco2

Catherine Bodry - Head of Travel Support at Loco2

Loco2 is recognised in 2018 as the UK Transport Supplier of The Year, Loco2 enables low cost booking for train travel throughout the UK and Europe. Loco2's mission is to offer a low CO2 way to travel, at a low price, hence the name. Users can buy tickets in just a few taps on mobile via the Loco2 app (App Store and Play Store) or on Loco2.com.