All Trips > South Africa > South Africa Safari & Adventure for Women South Africa Safari & Adventure for Women Book Your South Africa Trip AT A GLANCE South Africa 12 Explorer Chicks Hotel, Locally Unique, Safari Lodge Bucket List, International, Multisport, Paddling, Safari, Water Sports, Wildlife 11 Days 2 - Moderately Active Physical demand level for this trip Hakuna Your Tatas!! Photos Itinerary Logistics Activity Level What's Included Book Your South Africa Trip Share Hakuna Your Tatas!! Does the idea of going on safari make your heart do little goat kicks? Do you have a lower back tattoo that says “Hakuna Matata?” When you have the rare opportunity to spin a globe, is there ONE continent that you run your fingers over every damn time? We made this trip of a lifetime just for you, Explorer Chick. This 10-day women-only South African safari is a bucket list adventure with an obscene amount of relaxation and adrenaline. There will be kayaking with penguins. Cage diving with sharks. Multiple wine tastings (including a women-owned vineyard!). Poolside lounging in the bush. Two in-country flights in and out of the Kruger National Park region. THREE FULL SAFARI DAYS to see lions, elephants, and leopards. A scenic hike up and cable ride down Table Mountain. A photo opp stop in Cape Town’s most colorful neighborhood. And a soul-bursting tour of Nelson Mandela’s home turf. Best of all––you get to see each golden sunrise and fiery sunset with a badass bus of women who love to travel just as much as you. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll never want to leave. Your goosebumps will get goosebumps as every meal, logistic, and pee break is planned by someone who isn’t you. Order the most cargo pocket-y safari pants and bring your birding binoculars. You’re gonna experience a lifetime of feelings. Because time hits different when you spend it in Africa with your new besties. Photos Itinerary Expand All Days Day 1 - Welcome to Cape Town, You Absolute Badass! UMMM you’re in Africa, Explorer Chick! You’ve touched down in Cape Town, where the South African sun is the only dang filter you need. Feel as effortlessly cool as Charlize Theron as you are personally escorted through Cape Town International Airport and privately transported in an Explorer Chick bus. Destination? Our swank hotel. Take an incredible shower to wash off the jet lag. And don’t be embarrassed if you scanned the streets already expecting a Lion King moment. It’ll come! Settle in, soak up the views from your room, and hurl yourself on the bed and scream excitedly in a pillow! Once you’re convinced Cape Town’s already shown you its best, we’ll whisk you off to Signal Hill for sunset skyline views so stunning they’ll have you giving a standing ovation. This is how you kick off a trip, Explorer Chick style! Accommodation: 5* Oceanfront Hotel Meals: D Day 2 - Table Mountain Adventure & Cape Winelands Tasting First, we eat our body weight in breakfast potatoes and pastries. Next, we embark on a guided hike up Table Mountain! South Africa’s most photographed landmark AND one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This is no stroll in the park, it’s a workout with a view! Your booty will get kicked into shape on this panoramic adventure, featuring non-stop vistas of Cape Town and the glistening Atlantic Ocean as you ascend like the angel you are. Best of all? You can ignore the little voice in your head saying What about our knees when we go back down, girl?! Because we get to enjoy a scenic cableway descent all the way back. More breathtaking views. More pinch-me moments. Hell yeah. After Table Mountain, we’ll make a brief stop at Bo-Kaap. This rainbow-bright Cape Town neighborhood is jam-packed with vibrant spirit and will give you a taste of day-to-day life. We’ll lunch at the historic Jonkerhuis Restaurant at Groot Constantia Wine Estate. Wolf down gourmet flavors in a picturesque vineyard setting as you stroll through the estate and indulge in a wine and chocolate tasting. By the time we leave, you’ll be an expert in South Africa’s rich winemaking tradition! We wrap up the day with a mouthwatering dinner at a cozy local restaurant before returning to the hotel to de-bra for the evening. Hiking: 2 miles, 2,400′ elevation gain. Accommodation: 5* Oceanfront Hotel Meals: B-L-D Day 3 - Cape Peninsula Tour & Kayaking with Penguins Physically you are eating breakfast with your girlies. Spiritually you are already on that kayak with those penguins! Today we set off for an unforgettable morning in Simon’s Town, where you’ll embark on a two-hour guided kayaking tour through the azure waters of False Bay. Paddle along the stunning coastline to Boulders Beach, home to a unique and endangered colony of land-based African penguins. We’ll pause for photos and to allow time to recover from our out-of-body experiences. Then we’ll continue onward to the legendary Cape Point, where dramatic cliffs jut out of rolling waves at the tip of the continent. Enjoy a scenic coastal lunch with 10/10 views and some spicy conversation. How will you ever eat at Chili’s after this? On our drive back, we’ll follow the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. End the day at the bustling V&A Waterfront, where you can shop for local crafts at the Watershed Market or people watch to your heart’s content. We’ll dine at a delicious waterfront restaurant before heading back to the hotel before *deep breaths* OUR SHARK DAY. Kayaking Time: 2 hours Accommodation: 5* Oceanfront Hotel Meals: B-L-D Day 4 - Shark Cage Diving & Women-Owned Wine Tasting If Shark Week excites you more than any movie ever made by Lifetime, today is gonna be a life moment. After hoovering a hearty breakfast, we’ll depart early for a journey to Gansbaai for some heart-thumping shark cage diving. IMPORTANT INFO for those of us who grew up scarred by Jaws: If you do not want to jump in the cage, you 1000% do not have to and will instead be treated to a marine safari from the boat. You’ll have the opportunity to spot dolphins, whales, and see a top-down view of the sharks. No FOMO for anyone on this experience! For those getting in the cage, you’ll be able to witness these incredible creatures up close while your guide takes all the NAT GEO footage. We’ll be famished after the adrenaline leaves our bodies, and will savor a well-deserved lunch at the oceanfront with endless sea breeze and panoramic views. After lunch, we’ll visit a women-owned winery where you’ll enjoy a curated tasting and learn about the inspiring stories behind the wines. Today concludes with a dinner in Stellenbosch, a charming foodie town. Finally, settle into your new accommodations and try to enjoy a relaxed evening as you spam everyone with shark photos. Diving Time: 2-3 hours Accommodation: 5* Hotel Meals: B-L-D Day 5 - E-Biking and Picnicking in Stellenbosch Vineyards How many vineyards is too many vineyards? We hope to never find out. Fuel up with breakfast before embarking on a unique half-day e-bike wine tour through Stellenbosch’s GORG vineyards. Glide past rows of bucolic grapevines framed by majestic mountain ranges and feel the gentle breeze as you cycle between some of the region’s best wine estates. Pause for a picnic lunch at Boschendal Wine Estate, known for its lush scenery and farm-to-table eats. Are you a wine influencer now? Dinner later is stupid-good, with finger-kissing dishes that celebrate all the local flavors. Return to your hotel, full and happy, to unwind after a day fortified by the grapes of Africa. E-bike Time: 3 hours, with stops along the way Accommodation: 5* Hotel Meals: B-L-D Day 6 - Safari Adventure Day 1 Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast while sending the group chat 467 Rafiki gifs, because it is SAFARI TIME BABY!!! We’ll hop a flight from Cape Town International Airport to Hoedspruit, the gateway to South Africa’s famous wildlife reserves. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our lodge nestled in an ungated private reserve in the Kruger National Park region aka PRISTINE NATURE. Enjoy a warm welcome lunch, followed by some chill time to soak in the serene atmosphere. By afternoon, we’ll jump in the safari shuttle for our first game drive. Scan the landscapes for sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, and whatever else is brave enough to show its spots! We’ll continue driving after nightfall to watch the nocturnal world wake up as endless stars shoot above our open-aired vehicle. The day wraps with a hearty dinner at the lodge, where we’ll tell stories as if we’ve lived in the bush our whole lives. Accommodation: 4* Bush Lodge Meals: B-L-D Day 7 - Safari Adventure Day 2 & Poolside Relaxation In the 5 seconds between sleeping and waking, you’ll forget you’re not in a suburban house or city studio and are instead in the South African bush. Awaken to the sounds of the wild and set out for an early morning game drive, when fanged beasts are most active. We’re gonna put some serious miles on multiple times a day to give you as much wildlife opportunity as possible. After an exhilarating morning, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and a chance to relax by the pool or indulge in an optional spa treatment before lunch. The afternoon brings another safari joyride, where our guide will teach us more about the creatures that call this place home. End your day with a delightful feast at the lodge, recounting the sightings and moments that made the day unforgettable. Accommodation: 4* Bush Lodge Meals: B-L-D Day 8 - Safari Adventure Day 3 Ugh, MORE safari time? It’s a rough gig but someone’s gotta do it. Start your day with an exhilarating morning game drive, soaking in the raw beauty of the African bush as the sunrise paints the landscape. Afterward, return to the lodge to indulge in a hearty breakfast and share your morning sightings over coffee. This day is all about soaking in the magic of this incredible setting. Unwind by the pool with a good book, take in the views from the deck channeling your inner nature doc narrator, or recharge with a garden tour or blissful massage. Feeling social? Gather with your fellow Explorer Chicks in the lounge or bar for some laughs and a friendly debate over who rocked the best safari hat. Need some downtime? Escape to the library for a bit of “me-time” to reflect on the adventure so far. Lunch is on your own schedule—whether you’re up for catching up with the crew or embracing some solitude while learning the Zulu words for “I am never leaving this place.” Accommodation: 4* Bush Lodge Meals: B-D Day 9 - Safari Finale & Transfer to Johannesburg We’ll take a farewell drive into the pristine early morning. Because it’s our final game drive, your senses will be especially attuned to the rustle of the grass, the trills of the birds, and the rumbles of the elephant matriarch. We’ll leave this magic place after filling up on breakfast to transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. After landing, a private transfer will take you to your hotel where you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. Read, go for a wander, or baby-talk your pug through your Furbo app. We’ll enjoy dinner at one of the charming restaurants in Rosebank, Sandton, or Rivonia before turning in for the night. Accommodation: 5* Hotel Meals: B-L-D Day 10 - Joburg and Soweto Cycle Tour After we feed and caffeinate our bodies, we’ll venture out to discover the vibrant community of Soweto on a guided cycling tour. Soweto, short for South Western Townships, is one of the world’s most famous townships and a symbol of South Africa’s tear-jerking resilience. We’ll learn about community projects, sustainable tourism, and Soweto’s historic role in the anti-apartheid struggle. This area was once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, giving Vilakazi Street the rare distinction of housing two Nobel Peace Prize winners. After our cycling tour, we’ll reflect on the day over a traditional South African lunch. Speaking of food, we’ll enjoy our last supper together at our hotel in Johannesburg followed by a night of rest and relaxation. This is the part where your guide gets mushy and everyone shares their feelings about solo travel, the warmth of Africa, and how women are the best medicine on earth. Cycling Time: All day, with stops along the way. Accommodation: 5* Hotel Meals: B-L-D Day 11 - Departure from Johannesburg Hey Siri, play “End of the Road” on repeat and hold me as I cry. Eat your feelings for breakfast as you gawk at the incredible Explorer Chicks you safari-ed with. How is it possible these women you now share ALL the inside jokes with were total strangers 10 days ago? Clearly a piece of Africa––and these feral babes––will stay with you for the rest of your life. Hug it out and put on your finest airport leggings. A transfer will take you to OR Tambo International Airport, where assistance is provided for your departure. Nap on the plane and dream of us laughing in the South African sun, would ya? Depart any time after breakfast. Meals: B Logistics What to Pack Check out our recommended hiking gear for all trips. You’ll receive a complete packing list in your Travel Guide upon booking; note that trips may require additional specialized items. Arrival Airport City: Cape Town Pick Up Location: Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Arrival Time: Arrive at CPT by 2pm Departure Airport City: Johannesburg Drop Off Location: OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) Departure Time: After Breakfast Important Vaccination: Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required to travel to South Africa. You will receive a Travel Guide with all the rendezvous hotel, packing, and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip. We require a minimum of 6 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare. Activity Level Rated 2 – MODERATE ACTIVE This trip is rated Moderate Active overall due to the length and physicality of the activities. Daily Activities: Day 2: Table Mountain hike. 2-3 hours. 2 miles. 2,400′ elevation gain. Moderate-Challenging. Day 3: Cape Peninsula Kayaking. 2 hours. Easy-Moderate. Day 4: Shark Cage Diving. Optional dive. 2-3 hours. Easy. Day 5: E-Biking Stellenbosch with Wine Tours. 4-5 hours. Mild terrain. Easy-Moderate. Day 6: Safari Game Drive. Easy. Day 7: Safari Game Drive. Easy. Day 8: Safari Game Drive. Easy. Day 9: Safari Game Drive. Easy. Day 10: Joburg and Soweto Cycle Tour. All day. Mild terrain with several long stops. Easy-Moderate. Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking. Read more about our Activity Levels. What's Included Lodging 3 Nights Enjoying a Luxurious Hotel in Cape Town. Shared 2 per room. This beautiful 5-star oceanfront property blends timeless charm with modern comforts. Lounge poolside, chill in the serene courtyard, or soak up jaw-dropping views all while enjoying eco-conscious amenities that make relaxing feel downright virtuous. 2 Nights Exploring the Winelands. Shared 2 per room. This 5-star boutique retreat offers a serene escape in the Stellenbosch wine region. Every moment you will be surrounded by rolling vineyards and breathtaking mountain views. With luxury rooms and suites thoughtfully designed to highlight the region’s natural beauty, this is peak wine country bliss. 3 Nights Safari Lodge in a Private Reserve near Kruger National Park. Shared 2 per room. Nestled deep in the African bush, this 4-star lodge offers a luxurious yet authentic safari experience. With expansive wilderness surrounding the property, you only need to step out of bed for a chance to see The Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and the African buffalo. Spacious, nature-inspired rooms make the perfect retreat after a day of adventure. 2 Nights at another 5-star hotel in Johannesburg. Shared 2 per room. We will end our journey together at another 5-star hotel! This boutique hotel, located in the upscale Houghton neighborhood, offers a personalized and luxurious stay. Surrounded by charming streets lined with jacarandas and historic landmarks, it’s the perfect spot to toast the adventure before heading home. Activities Entrance and commercial permit fees All activities as outlined in the itinerary Gratuities for all excursions Meals All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-10, L-8, D-10 Gratuities for included meals. Practical Professional leadership from your Explorer Chick Guide. 2 domestic flights. Cape Town to Hoedspruit on Day 6, and Hoedspruit to Johannesburg on Day 9. A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip. The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander! Not Included Gratuity for Rangers, Trackers, and Hotel staff at the safari lodge.* Rendezvous or Departure hotels Airfare before and after the trip Airport Transportation Alcoholic beverages Travel Insurance Meals exclusive of itineraries Costs for additional activities Gratuity for your Explorer Chick Guide (read our tipping guidelines here) *Suggested local tips per guest/day: $5 Safari Ranger, $5 Safari Tracker, $5 Lodge Staff Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents. Let's Do This Starting from $7,999 BOOK NOW Save $500 with our Early Bird Discounts! Just book at least 6 Months in Advance! Discount is automatically applied. Non-Refundable Deposit: $300 due at booking to secure your spot Questions About South Africa? Book a call with our Destination + Guest Experience Manager, Amy, or fill out the form below. Name(Required) First Name Last Name Email(Required) Enter Email Confirm Email Send us your South Africa questions!(Required)PhoneThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. In Her Words susan V.I went on the most amazing trip to Jordan this past October. I can't even begin to describe the surreal feeling of standing in front of the Treasury in Petra, riding a camel through the expansive Mars-like desert, and floating in the dead sea. This was my first Explorer Chick trip and let me tell you it did not disappoint. EC guide Kara was phenomenal with great organization and special surprises along the way. Can you say pedicure in a Turkish spa? So many firsts that I was able to experience and absolutely no need for concern about solo travel with this group. None of us knew each other beforehand, yet within hours we had our own inside jokes. Seriously, do not let the idea of traveling alone keep you from experiencing these phenomenal tours. Also, there was never a time that I didn't feel safe. Jordan is a beautiful country with the most hospitable people. We were constantly greeted with warm smiles and coffee or tea! Our lovely local EC local guide welcomed each of us and passionately shared her extensive knowledge of her country and culture. My EC trip to Jordan was a dream adventure come true. My only problem now is deciding which EC trip to take next!hannah B.Now I've....had...the time of my liiiiife....and I owe it all to Explorer Chick! Me and three friends went on the Zion/Bryce trip and it was absolutely amazing! Our guides, Christina and Ashley, made the trip so amazing and had little fun surprises set up for every day. I would take this trip time and time again, but I'm hoping after I take more EC trips!Abigail H.I just finished my first Explorer Chick trip to Iceland, and it was seriously a bucket list experience! I was really nervous, but the other women on the trip and our guides (Christina from EC and our Icelandic guide Dagny) made it such a wonderful time! I made so many friends and memories, tried things I never would have otherwise, and got to support other women while they pushed themselves too. I’m already looking at booking another trip haha.For info - I’m 32 years old. The other women on the trip ranged from 31 to 74 and everywhere in between. I loved getting to meet all of them and look forward to staying connected with these amazing women. ❤️Vicki O.Great hiking trip. Each trail was different and challenging. Hannah and Christina took so very good care of us. They paced the hikes so that everything seemed easy.Quincy S.How can a person rate or review what finding a little bit peace and clarity is like?I have had the pleasure of being on two EC trips since October 2024.My first trip was in October of 2024 to Moab with guides Katie and Nikki.That trip changed my life.It is my belief that everyone signing up for an EC trip is searching for something. It just happens to be a little different for everyone.I happened to be searching for me.Who would have guessed that I would find her in the quiet and in the beauty of Utah with a group of strangers.That trip reminded me that I am not just a wife, and momma. It helped me to filter out most of the crap floating around in my head and just focus on me for a few days.My second trip with EC was in September of this year with Christina and Nikki in Yosemite.Christina and Nikki, were the perfect guides for that trip, they were just what I needed. (shoutout to Nikki for being on my last trip and remembering that I love to eat PB sammies on white bread while I hike!)Yosemite with all of the women on that trip was an experience I will never forget, because I almost didn’t go.But I am so glad that I did.I needed all of it, the adventure, the laughs, the beauty, and the opportunity to feel a little more like myself.Pressing pause on home life and getting out of your comfort zone takes some courage, but with the help of EC and some absolute kick ass women I did it and so can you.Thank you, EC, for helping me find a little more of myself of these amazing trips.QuincyAmy RThis was my second trip with Explore Chicks and I loved both adventures. Lauren, our EC guide, and Dina, owner of Mountain Shepherd Survival School, were both spectacular - knowledgeable and fun! The other eight women on the trip were also so much fun! Everything was throughly and impeccably organized.Looking forward to my next trip! Book with Confidence Your wanderlust doesn’t have to wait. Our payment plans make booking your dream trip easier than ever. The best part? Zero additional fees. Payment Plans We want nothing more than for you join us. However, we understand emergencies do occur that may cause you to cancel your reservation. Cancellation Policy To protect your travel investment and your hide, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Receive a no-hassle, online quote in less than 2 minutes. Trip Insurance Endless Wanderlust $1,500 Off Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Adventure 10 DAYS, UGANDA Bucket List, Glamping, Hiking, International, Multisport, Safari, Wildlife Locally Unique, Safari Lodge $600 Off Galapagos Island Hopping Multisport Adventure 9 DAYS, ECUADOR Bucket List, Hiking, International, Multisport, Paddling, Tropical, Water Sports, Wildlife Hotel, Locally Unique $600 Off Machu Picchu Hiking, Biking, and Rafting Adventure 8 DAYS, PERU Bucket List, Camping, Cycling, Hiking, International, Multisport, White Water Rafting Hotel $600 Off Jordan and Petra Ultimate Adventure 8 DAYS, JORDAN Bucket List, Canyoneering, Glamping, Hiking, International, Multisport Locally Unique, Boutique, Glamping $500 Off Belize Jungle & Island Glamping Adventure Tour 8 DAYS, BELIZE Bucket List, Caving, Glamping, Multisport, Paddling, Rappelling, Tropical, Water Sports, Wildlife, Zip Lining Locally Unique, Glamping