South Africa

South Africa practically bowls visitors over with its abundance of natural splendor, exotic wildlife, cosmopolitan flair, and friendly faces — and this luxury tour brings it all to you like never before!

No expense was spared in creating this absolutely iconic, once-in-a-lifetime itinerary – including a safari in Kruger National Park, a wine day in the vineyards of Stellenbosch, three days in dazzling Cape Town, and a swim in legendary Victoria Falls. By the end of our time together, you'll understand what makes this part of the world so extraordinary, and with memories that you're sure to treasure for years to come!

This is truly a colorful kaleidoscope experience of a lifetime, made even more unique when shared with like-minded Dames. Join us!

Please Note: The deposit for this trip is $2,000.

Price from

$7,999.00

August 17-27, 2024

Per person based on double occupancy. Solo Rooms available.

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Picture Yourself

  • Seeing the Big 5 on a luxury Safari
  • Swimming in Devil's Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls
  • Exploring colorful, exciting Cape Town
  • Sipping wine with female winemakers in the Stellenbosh region
  • Discovering the complex history of South Africa on a female-led township tour


Day by Day

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg

Welcome to South Africa!

After your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), take a shuttle to the hotel which is only a few minutes away from the airport. As flights typically arrive in the later afternoon/ early evening, there is nothing on the agenda today other than arriving and getting settled into your hotel for some much-need rest!

Meals: -

Hotel: City Lodge Hotel, OR Tambo

Day 2: Fly to Zambia + Victoria Falls

Situated along the southern border of Zambia, Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River. It forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and stretches across almost two kilometers into a gorge over one hundred meters below - making it one of the world’s widest waterfalls. Dubbed ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ by locals, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular tourist destination for those visiting Zambia. It is world-renowned for its sheer beauty and offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in spectacular landscapes inhabited by abundant wildlife.

After breakfast this morning we will fly to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI]. Upon arrival we will transfer from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI] to The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara.

This property is the first in its class in this area and simply cannot be beaten.

Downtime this afternoon to shop or relax before dinner.

Meals: B, D

Hotel: Royal Livingstone by Anantara

Day 3: Victoria Falls

After breakfast today we will depart for Victoria Falls, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Africa (aside from Mount Kilimanjaro).

This incredible natural wonder is formed by the Zambezi River as it crashes into a 345-feet deep precipice on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border.

Victoria Falls is a stunning spectacle however you view it. But when it comes to a breathtakingly immersive experience, nothing is quite as thrilling as a dip in Devil’s Pool. This 10-foot-deep natural pool stands right on the edge of the abyss, separated from the raging white water by the narrowest of rock lips. Don't worry though, it's very safe. During times of big rains the pool is closed to swimming tourists and to our knowledge, no one has ever fallen over the edge ;)

After a day of exploring we will return to the hotel in time to get ready for our final dinner together.

Meals: B, D

Hotel: Royal Livingstone by Anantara

Day 4: Fly to Cape Town

Today we're departing to Cape Town, the Mother City.

After breakfast, you'll be taken to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Cape Town. After arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you'll be transferred to the hotel.

Spend the afternoon meandering about the waterfront just outside your door, have a rest, or book a treatment/massage to curb the long flight.

Dinner on our first night will be at the Quarter Kitchen Restaurant, where we will have our introduction to true Cape Malay Cuisine. The restaurant is part of the Portswood Hotel which is located at the entrance of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The lobby and restaurant are built around a 300-year-old well and cells, which for over a century held prisoners on their way to Robben Island prison.

Meals: B, D

Hotel: The Table Bay Hotel

Day 5: Winelands tour

Today you will spend the day in the Historic Cape Winelands!

After breakfast at 8:30 am, we will depart for our ILIOS Cape Winelands tour. This delightful drive winds its way to the heart of the Cape Winelands, through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. The region boasts great beauty, culture and is steeped in South African history. With the sheer vastness of wine estates on offer, we are truly spoilt for choice.

Afterwards, we'll sing our way back to the hotel. The evening and dinner are at your leisure.

Meals: B, L

Hotel: The Table Bay Hotel

Day 6: Free Day in Cape Town

Today is your day to get into whatever your heart desires!

Cape Town is magical, and this trip has been pretty packed, so today is your day to chill.

Set at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling city of Cape Town presents an alluring combination of drawcards. Incredible powdery white beaches, highly acclaimed wine routes, and astonishingly beautiful mountain trails surround a cosmopolitan hub. This diverse metropolis is filled with superb shops and restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a spectacular, chic waterfront harbor.

Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain's jaw-dropping views; Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more.

Meals: B

Hotel: The Table Bay Hotel

Day 7: Cape Town Private City Tour

After breakfast, we’ll head out for our private, full-day city tour of Cape Town!

Situated below Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Cape Town offers a rich cultural and industrial heritage, grand splendor and an assurance of activity & excitement. Including all the ‘must-sees’ of any Cape Town day tour, this tour is a geographical and cultural extravaganza, showing you Cape Town, from its historical beginnings to the dazzling, modern city it is today.

Meals: B, L

Hotel: The Table Bay Hotel

Day 8: Fly to Hoedspruit + Kruger National Park

This morning we're departing from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Airport, your gateway to Kruger National Park.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the Thorny Bush Game Lodge for check-in.

The Thornybush Game Reserve lies near the border with Mozambique, in the beautiful Limpopo Province. Boasting over 12,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, this stunning protected area is characterized by open savannah, woodlands, and shrublands. The park is home to an array of African wildlife, including all of the mighty Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) - as well as giraffe, mongoose, zebra, and the rare and endangered Pangolin. Thornybush is also inhabited by over 500 bird species and offers several bird-focused walks and drives.

Our first Game Drive will start around 4 p.m. and our experienced guides will share all the sights and sounds of the bush with you. As the sun sets your drive will continue with the guides using searchlights to show you those elusive nocturnal animals.

Meals: B, L, D

Hotel: Thorny Bush Game Lodge

Day 9: Safari

Early in the morning when the sun is creeping over the horizon and a cacophony of bird calls herald a new day, enjoy a rusk & coffee before embarking on your first Game Drive of the Day.

After, come back and relax before our afternoon game drive that begins around 4 p.m. and into the evening. From the echoing call of the Monotonous Lark to the infectious greeting of a pack of Wild Dogs reuniting after a hunt, you will see and hear things that only a safari in the African bush can deliver.

Being a Private Game Reserve, our rangers can take you off-road for close-up sightings.

Meals: B, L, D

Hotel: Thorny Bush Game Lodge

Day 10: Safari

You never know what a safari will bring you! Today you'll have a morning and afternoon drive to get out and see what animals are out and about. There's nothing quite like an African bush safari and this experience will delight you!

Meals: B, L, D

Hotel: Thorny Bush Game Lodge

Day 11: Return to Johannesburg, Departures

This morning we will board a flight returning us to Johannesburg, and this tour officially concludes at the Johannesburg airport. We're always bummed on departure day, but we saw and did so much! Please ensure your international flight leaves after 12 noon today. 

After our trip, we will set up a group chat to keep in touch, share photos, and continue to grow these awesome friendships we formed.

Meals: B

Hotel: --



  • Trip Length

    11 days/ 10 nights

  • Activity Level

    Moderate

  • Perfect For

    Bucket Lists

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South Africa

South Africa

Regular price $7,999.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $7,999.00 USD
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Spaces on tours are sold per person. Deposits are non-refundable. Ensure your payment option is as desired before checkout. If paying deposit only, remaining payments can be made via client portal until 60 days before departure. See our cancellation policy for details.

Love this tour but can’t make the dates? Click here to make this tour private.

Includes

  • All internal flights throughout South Africa
  • Accommodation (shared or solo, in a variety of luxury properties)
  • 3 days of exciting safari experiences
  • English-speaking local guides throughout
  • Private driver and van
  • Entrance fees to attractions
  • Meals listed on itinerary
  • Gratuity for Damesly leader

Excludes

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not listed
  • Gratuities

Meet Your Trip Leader

Timathea Workman

Timathea has traveled extensively around the globe leading tours to study everything from classic art in Europe to Grey whales in Baja, trekking through the Moroccan Sahara by camel to watch the sun rise over the red sand dunes, hiking across blue glaciers in Antarctica between penguin rookeries, visiting...

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Additional Information

Flights: You'll fly in and out of Johannesburg Airport (JNB). Arrive anytime on Day 1 arrival day, and depart after 12 noon on departure day.

Want us to advise on flights? Email us at info@damesly.com

Weather: August marks the end of winter in South Africa. Expect warm days (70s-80s F) + cold nights (40s-50s).

Packing: Sun protection (hat/sunscreen/sunglasses), close-toed, comfortable walking shoes, and loose/comfortable clothing for long car rides are a must for this trip. Additionally you’ll want a small backpack for personal items and a scarf for modest dressing. 

For entry into South Africa, you'll need:

  • Passport (valid for 6+ months)
  • Travel Insurance*

*Note: We require proof of travel insurance for all international departures.

Will you match me?
Of course! If you choose a space in a shared room but you're traveling solo, we will do our best to pair you with a roommate. Roommates are matched based on arrival time and perceived compatibility. Sharing a room is a great way to save costs, and make a new friend! However, we ask you to approach the situation with an open mind, some grace, and maybe a little humor.

While 99% our travelers are amazing, we can't guarantee that you'll hit it off with your roommate, or that your sleeping styles will be compatible.

Is sharing right for you?
If you are a light sleeper, get easily irritated or just know that you need your own space, sharing a room might not be for you. Likewise, if you know that you snore, sleep with a CPAP machine or have other health conditions, sharing a room might not be the best fit.

What if I don't get along with my roommate?
If you've tried but you absolutely can't get along with your roommate and need to separate, your trip leader will either swap things around, or, attempt to get you your own room. If the latter, additional charges will incur.

What if I book a double room, and you can't match me?
We book a certain amount of hotel rooms before any tour, and are bound by their rules. In the event that we cannot find a roommate for you before the tour, and your room converts to a single room, there may be additional charges.

Small group trips require at least 4 people to run. We will confirm as soon as possible when the trip has met its minimum; up to 60 days before departure. For this reason, we recommend waiting until after a trip has been confirmed to purchase airfare. Any tour can be converted to a private departure when a trip does not meet its minimum. Additional costs may incur. Alternatively, apply your credit to any small-group tour departing within 12 months. 

Still have questions? See our FAQ or Contact Us.



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