Wild Women Awakening - Botswana and South Africa

Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival, a dedicated representative will guide you through customs before showing you to a private driver who will whisk you away to The Peech Hotel. 

You’ll cruise past Johannesburg’s streets lined with trees as you're driven through the city. When in bloom, jacaranda trees explode into bright purple flowers, creating a dreamy canopy over the roads. 

After checking in, take a moment to refresh before joining the group for a welcome drink and a toast to the journey ahead.

Dinner will be at Pot Luck Club Johannesburg, where renowned chef Luke Dale-Roberts brings his acclaimed dining concept to life, featuring globally inspired small plates for sharing, accompanied by signature cocktails and a great wine list. 

NOTE: This trip departs from Johannesburg and returns, if you do the extension, from Cape Town. 

After a delicious hotel breakfast, we'll transfer to Lanseria Airport for a charter flight to Limpopo Valley. From the air, watch as the landscapes shift from city to rolling savanna, a preview of the wilderness ahead.

Upon landing, we’ll cross the border into Botswana, stepping fully into the rhythm of the wild. A refreshing welcome drink awaits at Tuli Safari Lodge, a tented lodge set on the banks of the Limpopo River. You'll fall in love with this 4-star retreat with spectacular views of the bush.

In the late afternoon, we'll set off on our first game drive! Keep an eye out for a wide array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as smaller prey animals such as wildebeest, kudu, eland, and impala.

Dinner is a celebratory meal back at the lodge, where the sounds of the wilderness provide the perfect backdrop to our reflections on our first day in the bush.

We begin the day with an early morning game drive, setting out as the bush stirs to life and the first light stretches across the landscape. With expert rangers guiding us, we'll move quietly through the wilderness, encountering elephants, kudus, zebras, giraffes, and an abundance of birdlife.

Returning to the lodge for a leisurely brunch, savor the chance to slow down and reflect on the morning while overlooking the surrounding bush.

The afternoon is left open for rest and quiet pursuits: time to journal, birdwatch, or unwind by the pool as the day reaches its warmest, most calm moments.

After high tea, we head out once more for an afternoon drive, as the landscape takes on a golden hue. We'll pause along the way for sundowners in a carefully chosen setting, where the horizon stretches wide and uninterrupted.

Dinner each evening is something to look forward to. Whether set beneath the open sky beside the fire or arranged in a more intimate corner of the lodge, the safari team thoughtfully selects a unique location to create a memorable atmosphere.

As the sun rises over the lodge, you can opt for a morning game drive or an immersive bush walk. If we choose the walk, expert trackers will guide us through the wilderness, revealing the hidden signs of nature. Walking through the untouched beauty of Botswana allows us to engage with the land in a more intimate and grounded way. 

Returning to the lodge, we'll relish in a brunch spread featuring fresh, local ingredients before listening in on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes conservation presentation. We'll meet the local anti-poaching team and learn about their vital work in protecting Botswana’s delicate ecosystem. 

In the afternoon, there’s time to relax before we sip and snack at high tea, followed by a thrilling game drive through the diverse landscapes of the Tuli Block. The Tuli Block is a narrow, 350-kilometer-long strip of land in the far eastern corner of Botswana, now a massive, privately owned wildlife conservation area. 

Back at the lodge, dinner is a beautifully prepared meal under the stars, where the crackling fire and the rhythmic sounds of the wilderness set the scene for another unforgettable evening.

Our morning begins with our last awe-inspiring game drive in Tuli Block, the perfect way to wrap up our time in this beautiful lodge. 

We'll then move to the renowned Mashatu Game Reserve and check into Mashatu Lodge. This region is known as the Land of Giants for its thriving elephant herds, elusive big cats, and over 350 bird species.

On arrival, we’ll be welcomed with refreshing drinks before settling into our suites, each thoughtfully positioned to overlook nearby waterholes where wildlife often gathers in the quieter hours.

As the afternoon sets in, let's head out into the vast, open landscapes of the surrounding reserve, a region known for its striking terrain and remarkable wildlife density. 

We'll pause for sundowners in a carefully chosen scenic spot, watching the light shift across the plains before making our way back to camp to savor a delicious dinner.

The morning begins out in the bush, tracking lions, cheetahs, and, with luck, the elusive leopard as the landscape comes to life around us. We then return to the lodge for a relaxed, well-earned brunch overlooking the wilderness.

In the afternoon, we each will indulge in a restorative one-hour massage treatment at Serokolo Spa, designed to soothe and re-energize after the morning in the bush. 

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy, soaking in the sun poolside or continuing to use the spa facilities before we meet for high tea later in the day.

As the sun sets, we'll head out for another drive, followed by sundowners in the bush. Keep an eye out for birds, they're equally spectacular as the big game in this reserve, with vibrant rollers, raptors, and waterbirds bringing color and movement to the skies and riverbanks.

We'll savor the flavors of Botswana while reflecting on the day’s magical moments over dinner tonight. 

At sunrise, we head to the Matebole Hide, a renowned underground wildlife photography spot that offers a rare, eye-level view of elephants, leopards, and other animals as they gather at the waterhole. This exclusive experience provides an unparalleled opportunity to capture Botswana’s wildlife up close. 

We'll return to the lodge for a relaxed brunch before spending the afternoon at our leisure.

Over high tea later in the day, we'll share our trip highlights before heading out for a farewell safari, taking in the vast landscapes one last time. 

As the sun sets on our journey, we gather for a final dinner to celebrate connection, friendship, and the life-changing adventure we've shared.

Our last morning begins with breakfast while we reminisce on this incredible week we've shared. This session marks the transition from the wild back to the modern world, ensuring that this journey's personal growth and experiences stay with us long after we leave Africa.

We'll transfer to the airstrip for a charter flight back to Johannesburg, crossing the border and retracing our steps through the landscapes that have now become a part of us.

We'll arrive at Lanseria Airport, where the group will go its separate ways. Those continuing on the Cape Town Extension will transfer directly to our flight to Cape Town, while those returning home will transfer to OR Tambo International Airport. 

Once at OR Tambo, we’ll relax in the Menzies VIP Lounge before our connecting flights, whether heading home or onward to other destinations. Please book onward flights after 8 pm to allow adequate time to clear customs and security. 

After touching down at Cape Town International Airport around 7 pm, we’ll be welcomed in the arrivals hall before heading off in private vehicles to our stylish home for the next few nights—the Winchester Boutique Hotel, perfectly perched along the Sea Point promenade.

We’ll come together for a welcome dinner at Shoreditch, the hotel’s contemporary restaurant known for its bold flavors and local flair. A curated set menu introduces us to some of South Africa’s culinary highlights. 

It’s the perfect way to ease into our adventure—great food, good company, and our first taste of this vibrant city.

What better way to experience a city than through its cuisine? We'll begin our time in Cape Town with a half-day journey through the city’s streets, revealing the history and culture that have shaped South African cuisine over time, from indigenous traditions to Cape Malay heritage and contemporary culinary innovation.

Along the way, we'll pause for a curated series of tastings that reflect the city: comforting African soul food, fragrant Cape Malay spices, expertly brewed artisanal coffee, and street-food staples such as bunny chow. We'll also sample falooda and modern spins on traditional dishes. 

In the afternoon, we continue with a visit to Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Ascending above the city, we take in sweeping views across the Atlantic coastline, the peninsula, and the surrounding mountains, with the landscape unfolding dramatically in every direction.

After a day of discovery and awe-inspiring sights, we’ll return to the hotel to rest before the evening’s festivities. To wrap up the day, we’ll head to the lively V&A Waterfront for a memorable dinner at Harbour House. Enjoy a set-menu meal in an unforgettable setting as we toast a day well spent.

We’ll begin with a hearty hotel breakfast before heading to Cape Point for the stunning Cape Peninsula tour, showcasing some of the world's most beautiful coastlines.

As we wind along the dramatic cliffs of Chapman’s Peak Drive, we can soak in the panoramic views of the rugged shoreline and explore Cape Point's natural beauty and history. 

We’ll lunch at the acclaimed Two Oceans Restaurant savoring a flavorful set menu with sweeping ocean views. 

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Boulders Beach to meet the charming colony of African penguins in their natural habitat. Then we’ll meander through the coastal gems of Simon’s Town and Kalk Bay—picturesque towns dotted with unique shops, galleries, and cafés.

Our final stop is the tranquil Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can wander through South Africa’s lush and diverse plant life.

We'll check into the Oude Werf Hotel, ideally located in the center of Stellenbosch, featuring a tree-lined courtyard and pool. Settle into your room before we step out to enjoy dinner at De-Eetkamer, a buzzing small plates eatery nearby.

We’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before setting off toward the stunning Cape Winelands. In this region, rolling vineyards, historic estates, and incredible wines unite for a day of pure indulgence.

We'll start at La Motte, one of Franschhoek’s most beautifully curated heritage wine estates, set against sweeping mountain and vineyard views. We'll sample their wines and walk around their rotating art exhibitions, a totally immersive experience.

For lunch, we’re in for a treat at Vergenoegd Löw. This winery offers an immersive Indigenous Food & Wine Tasting that celebrates South African heritage through flavor, storytelling, and regenerative farm life on a historic Cape Dutch estate dating back to 1696. We'll savor a curated pairing of seven wines with seven locally inspired bites, weaving together coastal terroir, indigenous ingredients, and nostalgic Cape dishes like roosterkoek, biltong, and spekboom-infused chocolate.

To mark the end of our fabulous African experience together, we’ll gather for a cozy dinner at Post & Pepper Restaurant, where a carefully curated set menu awaits.

On our final morning in Stellenbosch, we’ll savor a relaxed breakfast before leaving the beauty of the Cape Winelands. With fond memories of the stunning landscapes and rich experiences, we’ll reflect on the journey that has connected us to the heart of South Africa.

Following breakfast, you’ll transfer to Cape Town International Airport to check in for international flights home, which should be scheduled for departure after 2pm. Note that hotel check-out is officially 11 am, but there is an option for late check-out in the Add-on section if your flight is in the evening.

We'll take home unforgettable memories of our time in Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Safe travels!