Pangolin Photo Safaris has removed single supplement fees at its Pangolin Chobe Hotel in Botswana, tapping into rising demand for solo travel and giving agents a stronger, more competitive product to sell.
The new policy applies to all new bookings for travel in 2026, 2027 and 2028, with solo travellers paying the same per-person rate as guests sharing on three-night packages.
Solo travel surge reshapes safari pricing
The move reflects a broader shift across the safari sector, where solo travellers are emerging as one of the fastest-growing and highest-spending segments.
More operators are reviewing traditional pricing structures, with single supplements increasingly seen as a barrier to booking for independent travellers.
Gerhard “Guts” Swanepoel, co-founder of Pangolin Photo Safaris, said the change responds directly to evolving guest behaviour.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in solo guests who are not just ticking off a safari, but coming specifically to deepen their wildlife photography skills and connect with like-minded people,” he said.
Photography safaris gain mainstream traction
The Pangolin Chobe Hotel is purpose-built for wildlife photography, overlooking the Chobe River and offering twice-daily photo safaris on custom-designed boats and vehicles.
Professional hosts provide hands-on guidance, while guests can access high-end camera equipment at no additional cost.
The operator noted that nearly 40% of guests arrive without their own cameras, underscoring how photography-led safaris are becoming more accessible to a broader market.
Strong trade appeal for independent travellers
For travel advisors, the removal of the single supplement creates a clearer value proposition for solo clients, particularly those seeking social, experience-driven travel.
The lodge’s communal dining and shared activities are designed to foster interaction, helping position the product as both independent and socially engaging.
As demand continues to grow for meaningful, skills-based travel experiences, the move gives agents a timely opportunity to target solo travellers looking for a more immersive safari in Botswana.
