First-time experience as a solo camper: A journey of growth and act of self-honouring

When you think of solo camping what comes to mind? For me, I imagined a peaceful, predictable experience. Having camped before I assumed it would be a seamless series of events: arriving at the campsite, pitching a tent, making coffee, and winding down with a good book while gazing at the nearby river. I hadn't expected anything else but as the saying goes, adventure begins at a point when things go awry. And my solo camping expedition was no exception.

Before embarking on this journey, I tried to research solo camping from the perspective of women and found very little information, specifically about South African women. This highlighted a real gap. I had seen very few posts on social media of women venturing into the wild alone and assumed that this lack of participation stemmed from disinterest. However, after numerous group camps, I've come to realize that the interest is very much there, but it's overshadowed by safety concerns. For many women, the idea of camping solo is enticing, yet fear outweighs the desire for adventure.

Camping solo has been an itch that needed to be scratched, driven by the desire to get out of

my comfort zone. I'm a firm believer in the idea that there are no gender-specific activities or roles and if something captures my interest, I will try it, albeit with a good dose of caution. So, for my first foray into solo camping, I decided on a one-night test, to see if I would enjoy it.

Arriving at the campsite before the sun dipped afforded me the time to pitch the tent and settle. But after unpacking, I realized I had forgotten the tent poles. Without them, setting up a tent would be impossible. I scrambled to find alternatives, but the establishment was fully booked, and no bungalow or chalet was available. While I was on the phone trying to sort out my next move, the campsite host generously offered their tent and even helped me put it up. This unexpected kindness reminded me of the camaraderie that exists among adventurers. A subtle reassurance that I wouldn't be left stranded.

Another challenge was that I was the only camper on the site that night, which meant no

neighbours to give me a sense of security. But once I settled in, I grabbed a quick bite and allowed myself to relax while watching the sunset. Surprisingly, I felt calm, even comforted by the vastness of the outdoors. When the night fell, I collapsed into sleep almost instantly likely due to the therapeutic tranquility of nature. However, my peaceful rest didn't last. The wind and the river orchestrations woke me up and for a while, I was on high alert. I feared the tent might collapse, leaving me with no shelter, but thankfully it held strong. Still, it was a reminder that camping, especially solo, comes with its unpredictability.  

Reflecting on the experience, there are a few things I'd do differently to ensure a smoother trip. Firstly, I'd create a detailed checklist of the camping essentials - starting with the tent poles of course. Arriving even earlier would allow me more time to settle in and asses my surroundings. Reading reviews and familiarizing myself with the area beforehand would help me feel more prepared. Additionally precautions such as a well-stocked first-aid kit, a fully charged phone, and securing valuables - perhaps by keeping them locked in the car. Lastly, It's always wise to inform friends and family about your exact location and maintain communication throughout the trip. Whether you're camping for one night or a week, you can never be too prepared. Ensuring your safety while camping also means being prepared for any unexpected medical scenarios and emergencies.

Safety is key when camping solo, especially for women. But with the right mindset and precautions, the rewards far outweigh the risks. There's a unique sense of accomplishment that comes from stepping out of your comfort zone, facing challenges head-on, and emerging stronger for it. Though my trip had a fair share of hiccups, I walked away with a renewed sense of independence and a sharpened character. Now the itch to plan my next adventure.