October 1st - October 13th, 2025
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is truly a dream destination, and it's one of my favorite places in the world! This adventure is longer than most of our other group trips for two reasons. The first is that this is a destination that requires a very long travel day to reach (anticipate a full 24 hours+ of travel each way). The second reason as that we understand for most people this is a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip and we want you to get the most out of your time here!
What do we have planned? Over 12 nights we’ll explore some of the country’s most iconic regions. Our journey begins with five nights in vibrant Cape Town, followed by three nights along the scenic garden route. To cap it all off, we’ll head into the heart of the South African bush for a thrilling three-night luxury safari experience.
This trip is unlike any other GWLT getaway. We know this is a bucket list destination for many, but can be challenging planning and navigating on your own. That’s why this itinerary is designed with much more included than some of our other trips. While there is still some free time for you to "pick your own adventure", we have included more activities and meals in the price.
For a full breakdown of the itinerary, along with pricing and inclusions, see the list below.
CAPE TOWN, GARDEN ROUTE & SAFARI
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pricing
&
inclusions
what's included
- Accommodations: 5 nights in Cape Town, 3 nights along the Garden Route, and 1 night in Johannesburg
- Luxury Safari: 3 nights at a luxury lodge
- Convenient Transfers: Airport pickups and all transportation to included activities.
- Daily Breakfasts & Selected Meals: Enjoy breakfast every day, 9 group dinners, and 4 lunches (3 on safari and 1 in the Winelands).
- Winelands Tour & Tastings: A guided experience through South Africa’s famous wine region.
- Hike of Lion’s Head Mountain
- Scenic Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus: A day to explore Cape Town’s stunning coastline at your own pace.
- Table Mountain Visit: Including cable car tickets for breathtaking views.
- Private Garden Route Transport: Seamless travel through one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives.
- African Penguin Excursion: A unique chance to see these charming creatures up close.
- All Safari Game Drives: Guided by experienced professionals for incredible wildlife encounters.
- Dedicated Guides and Hosts: Local experts on safari and along the Garden Route, plus an on-site trip host with you at each destination.
- Tips Covered: Gratuities for all included meals and activities.
- Exciting Surprises Along the Way!
what's excluded
- International airfare
- Flights to and from Safari (we will provide flight details and help you book) estimated cost $250-400
- Meals not listed
- Optional add-on activities
- Traveler's Insurance (required)
- Souvenirs
- Transportation during free time
pricing: $5,550 shared room | $6,550 Single room**
PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE
Due at Registration: $850 Nonrefundable Deposit
Payment 2 Due 1/15/25: $1,175 Shared | $1,425 Single
Payment 3 Due 3/15/25: $1,175 Shared | $1,425 Single
Payment 4 Due 5/15/25: $1,175 Shared | $1,425 Single
Final Payment Due 7/15/25: $1,175 Shared | $1,425 Single
** Single Room will include your own room for all accommodations with the exception of the 3 nights on Safari. Due to the size of the lodge all travelers will need to share rooms. There may be the possibility for a single room, but we will not know until closer to departure and it would be at an additional cost. You can indicate when you register that you would be interested in this option should it become available.
OUR ITINERARY
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), where our private transfer will be waiting to take you directly to our hotel. Your group trip host will be on-site to greet you and assist with check-in, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.
After more than 24 hours of travel, we've kept Day 1 intentionally relaxed to help you settle in and recharge. Unwind at the hotel, enjoy a casual dinner at the on-site restaurant, or opt for room service or takeout if you prefer a quiet evening in. We highly recommend an early night’s rest so you’ll be refreshed and ready to explore Cape Town’s vibrant beauty starting on Day 2!
WELCOME TO CAPE TOWN
Day 1
After your long journey, start the day at your own pace. Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel, or join your host for lunch at a nearby restaurant followed by some time exploring the lively V&A Waterfront—a hub of shops, entertainment, and stunning harbor views.
In the early afternoon, the group will gather for a fun and scenic hike up Lion's Head Mountain. This relatively easy trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town, the coastline, and Table Mountain—a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of South Africa.
After the hike, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out to our welcome dinner.
HIKE LIONS HEAD MOUNTAIN
Day 2
Today, we’ll venture beyond Cape Town for a private day trip to the world-renowned Cape Winelands, a region celebrated for its stunning scenery, historic vineyards, and award-winning wines.
Our journey will take us through the picturesque towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where you’ll have the chance to sample a variety of wines at some of the area’s top estates. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of rolling vineyards and dramatic mountain backdrops.
Savor a leisurely gourmet lunch at a charming wine estate, pairing delicious local dishes with perfectly matched wines.
We’ll return to Cape Town in the early evening, leaving you free to enjoy a relaxed evening at the hotel or grab dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Visit the winelands
Day 3
While hop-on-hop-off buses might not be our usual style, Cape Town’s breathtaking coastal scenery makes this ride a must-do experience. Sit back on the open-air upper deck and take in panoramic views as we wind along the coastline. Throughout the day, we’ll hop off at select stops to explore some of Cape Town’s highlights.
In the late afternoon, we’ll make our way to the iconic Table Mountain. We'll take a cable car ride to the summit and be greeted by stunning views of the city and ocean below. We’ll cap off the day with a sunset picnic dinner at the top.
EXPLORE CAPE towN
Day 4
For your final full day in Cape Town, the schedule is completely up to you! Whether you prefer a day of relaxation or adventure, we’ve curated optional activities for you. Join us for a thrilling ziplining experience through canopies or embark on a scenic trip to the iconic Cape of Good Hope, where rugged cliffs meet the ocean in a dramatic display of natural beauty, and more.
In the evening, the group will come together for our last group dinner in Cape Town. Our dinner will feature a variety of authentic dishes from across Africa, giving you a delicious taste of the continent’s rich culinary traditions.
YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY
Day 5
This morning, we’ll bid farewell to Cape Town and set off on an exciting adventure along South Africa’s renowned Garden Route. Known as one of the world’s most scenic coastlines, the Garden Route offers breathtaking ocean views, charming seaside towns, and abundant wildlife.
A highlight of the day will be seeing the African Penguins up close. We’ll continue to the picturesque town of Hermanus, famous for its stunning seaside vistas and marine life.
We’ll end the day with a group dinner overlooking the coast.
DEPART CAPE TOWN
Day 6
Over the next three days, we’ll explore the breathtaking beauty of the Garden Route, starting with The Wilderness, known for its serene lagoons and lush landscapes, and the charming town of Knysna, where we’ll visit the iconic Knysna Heads and enjoy fresh seafood along the waterfront.
We’ll venture into Tsitsikamma National Park, a coastal gem offering dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and the iconic Storms River Suspension Bridge. You’ll have the chance to hike, take in stunning ocean views, or simply relax in this natural paradise. We'll have group dinners most evenings and have plenty of optional additional optional activities you can join as you want.
JOURNEY ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE
Day 7 -9
We’ll begin our day with an early flight to Kruger, where we’ll check into our luxurious Safari Lodge at Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Spanning 9,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, this reserve is bordered by four rivers and home to diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and prolific birdlife. It’s an ideal location for spotting the Big Five, with high chances of encountering the elusive leopard.
After checking in, we’ll enjoy a late lunch at the lodge before heading out for a sunset game drive. The day will end with a delicious dinner back at the lodge, where you can unwind and reflect on our first safari experience.
Travel to safari
Day 10
Over the next two days, we’ll immerse ourselves in the ultimate luxury African safari experience at Karongwe River Lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, each day will have two game drives in the bush—one in the early morning and another at sunset. These drives offer the chance to encounter a wide variety of wildlife, from the Big Five to countless bird species and other fascinating creatures.
In between game drives, you’ll have time to relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings, whether you're unwinding by the pool, enjoying the serene river views from the lodge, or indulging in a spa treatment. Meals will be a highlight, with gourmet dishes served in the lodge’s elegant dining area, and the chance to experience an unforgettable dinner around a traditional campfire under the African stars.
LUXURY SAFARI EXPERIENCE
Day 11 -12
On our final day, we’ll start with one last game drive for those who wish to experience the bush one more time, followed by a delicious breakfast at the lodge. After checking out, we’ll head to the airport for our flight back to Johannesburg. While this marks the end of our group trip, Johannesburg is a major hub with convenient connections to other nearby African destinations, making it a great option for those looking to extend their adventure. We’d be happy to provide recommendations for any additional travel plans.
GOODBYE SOUTH AFRICA
Day 13
READY to join us?
How do meals work?
All activities included in the itinerary are included in the price. There will be some free time on this trip, but we will have optional group activities you can join for an additional cost and we will help you join other safe activities in the area if you would like. You can also use your free time to relax and enjoy some time at our accommodations. .
Will there be free time during the trip?
Yes! Most people joining this trip will be strangers. We will coordinate a meetup before the trip for all confirmed travelers to come and meet your travel host as well as other travelers. If you are looking for a shared room, we will match you up with another girl for the trip.
I don't have anyone to go with is that ok?
We price all of our trips for both single and double occupancy. We do this to make sure travelers are as comfortable as possible, but if you want to have your own room during the trip it does increase the price. If you are interested in rooming with another traveler, please express that in our pre-registration form. We will help coordinate with other girls who express interest in sharing a room. We will be staying in handpicked 3-5 star hotels during our trip. Note: we are unable to offer single accommodations during our 3 nights on Safari, any travelers that are in Single rooms for the first part of the trip will be matched with a roommate for the final 3 nights.
What are the accomodations?
Special considerations for this trip:
- You are comfortable walking and some light hiking: Cape Town and the Garden Route are have beautiful viewpoints and we will be doing a hike both in Cape Town and along the Garden Route. These are considered easy hikes so no need to be an expert hiker or bring special shoes/gear!
- You appreciate guidance. While our trips typically include free time to explore, South Africa is best experienced with a knowledgeable local guide leading the way. For safety and a more immersive experience, travelers are required to follow our guides’ instructions at all times. Don't worry there will be some free time, but less than most of our other trips.
- You respect wildlife. Encounters with magnificent animals like lions, elephants, and others are a rare privilege. To ensure the safety of both animals and travelers, everyone must follow our guides’ instructions without exception and prioritize the well-being of the wildlife.
- You’re comfortable with extended travel time. From exploring Cape Town and the garden route to game drives, we’ll be spending significant time in vehicles each day. Travelers should be prepared for this aspect of the journey and should consider medications or other precautions if they are prone to motion sickness.
Who is this trip for?
FAq's
Meals mentioned in the itinerary are included in the price. All other meals will be at your own expense. Unlike other group trips the majority of the dinners and all breakfasts are included in the price. We will work to accommodate dietary restrictions as much as possible throughout our trip.
What flight should I book for this trip?
The tip will start in Cape Town and end in Johannesburg. You will also need to book intra South Africa flights to get to/from our Safari. While you will need to book all of your flights directly with airlines, we will help provide suggestions for your international flights and provide specific flight information for the South Africa flights.
Can I extend my trip?
While we are not offering any official extension if you are interested in extending your trip we are happy to provide some recommendations.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Every traveler that registers and joins us for our trips need to ensure they have read the terms and conditions which include our standard cancellation policy.
Hi! I'm Meghan, the founder of Girls Who Love Travel, and I'm thrilled to be your host for this trip. After countless conversations with women of all backgrounds, it became clear: there's a shared desire to travel more, yet many hesitate to go solo or struggle to find someone to travel with.
That's why I started this company. Instead of just another impersonal travel group for solo travelers, we're building a local community of like-minded travelers. Our aim? To foster genuine connections, so you can forge friendships at our events and trips that last longer than your time with us.
I first visited South Africa five years ago and it may be my favorite destination! I was excited for Safari, but did not anticipate how beautiful the country would be or how kind everyone was. I can't wait to bring a group of women here and help you fall in love with South Africa like I did
meet your trip host
*We currently have local communities in Chicagoland Area, Wisconsin and New York City. If you are not in one of those locations, please still include your city as we are looking to add more in the future!
