South Africa

Wild Serenity

December 29, 2025 - January 5, 2026

Booking Deadline: Nov 3rd, 2025

Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa’s most vibrant landscapes, where the wild heart of the savanna meets the tranquil shores of the Indian Ocean. Start your adventure in the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, exploring its rich history. Then, transport to Manuguzi to enjoy their pristine beaches and lakes. End your journey with the breathtaking wildlife of Hluhluwe, one of Africa’s oldest game reserves and spend time immersed in vibrant Zulu culture.

  • From the historical echoes of Soweto to the untamed beauty of the Hluhluwe savanna, every moment of this journey is designed to awaken your senses. Experience the thrill of spotting the Big Five in their natural habitat, engage with local Zulu culture, and unwind in luxury lodges that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Johannesburg or relaxing on the secluded beaches of Manguzi, this trip promises a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

The Accommodations

Stay at The Peech Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg's chic suburb of Melrose, offering modern luxury with historical charm. Then, unwind at Kosi Forest Lodge, a tranquil eco-retreat where you can explore the untouched beauty of Kosi Bay’s lakes and waterways. Finally, immerse yourself in nature at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge in Hluhluwe, where elegant chalets provide panoramic views of the sprawling savanna.

Day One

✈️ ARRIVAL & CULTURAL IMMERSION

Check-in is at 3:00pm

Arrive in Johannesburg and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture. Start with a special tour of Soweto, a township rich in history and resilience. Let us greet you with our classic Welcome Dinner at Sanctuary Mandela, dining on dishes inspired by Nelson Mandela's favorite recipes.

  • Begin your South African adventure in the lively streets of Johannesburg, where past and present converge. After settling into your hotel, explore Soweto’s iconic landmarks and learn about the township’s role in the country’s history. End your day with a unique dining experience that celebrates the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Day Two

🏛️ HISTORY & REFLECTION


Dive deep into South Africa’s past with a visit to the Apartheid Museum, where you’ll explore the country’s complex history of racial segregation. The exhibits offer a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs that shaped modern South Africa.

  • The Apartheid Museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of apartheid, with displays that document both the oppressive policies and the courageous resistance movements. Through multimedia installations and personal stories, you'll gain a deeper understanding of South Africa's journey toward justice and equality.

Day Three

🌿 FROM CITY TO SERENITY

Next we’ll fly to Manguzi, taking you from the buzz of the city to the untouched beauty of South Africa’s northern coast. As you travel, watch the landscapes shift—from rolling grasslands to lush wetlands—offering a glimpse into the country’s breathtaking diversity.

Day Four

🦜 WHERE THE WATER MEETS THE WILD

At Kosi Forest Lodge, immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Paddle through raffia palm forests on a guided canoe trip, spot rare birdlife on a scenic boat ride across the Kosi Lakes, or hike through sand forests where samango monkeys and orchids thrive.

  • Visit Kosi Bay Mouth to swim, snorkel, or witness sea turtles nesting in season. As the sun sets, unwind by the lake with a drink in hand, taking in the golden sky. Whether you crave relaxation or adventure, this is nature at its finest.

Day Five

🏇 REST, RIDE, OR ROAM

Today is yours to spend however you choose—slow down, soak it in, and move at your own rhythm. Lounge beneath the shade of ancient trees with a good book, take a dip in a secluded swimming spot, or wander through the local village for a glimpse into daily life in Manguzi.

  • For those craving something active, consider a guided horseback ride along untouched coastal trails or a cycling excursion through the forest paths. Whether you’re seeking solitude, connection, or a bit of both, this day is all about embracing the beauty of the moment.

Day Six

🦁 SAFARI ADVENTURE BEGINS

Enjoy the ride to Hluhluwe and embark on your first safari adventure. Your day ends with a sundowner on the lodge’s deck, where you can relax with a drink as the sun sets over the savanna.

  • After a short drive you’ll be transferred to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. Get ready for your first game drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat. Enjoy the lodge’s luxurious amenities and prepare for more wildlife encounters in the days ahead.

Day Seven

🌄 WILDLIFE & CULTURE

Spend the day exploring Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, one of South Africa’s oldest game reserves. In the afternoon, visit a local Zulu village for a cultural exchange, learning about the traditions and daily life of the Zulu people.

  • Start your day with a dawn game drive, the perfect time to catch the park’s wildlife at their most active. After lunch, take a guided tour of a nearby Zulu village, where you’ll meet local artisans and participate in traditional activities like basket weaving and cooking.

Day Eight

👋🏽 WARM FAREWELLS

Check Out Time is 11:00am

Depart Hluhluwe and return to Johannesburg for your international flight home. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and new connections you’ve made during this incredible journey.

What’s Included✨

  • Airport Pickup & Drop Off at Johannesburg Int. Airport (JNB)

  • 8 Days 7 Nights between three locations: The Peech Boutique Hotel, Kosi Forest Lodge, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

  • Daily Breakfast

  • 3 Lunches and 5 Dinners

  • Private Ground Transportation to Activities and Excursions on the Itinerary

  • Guided Safari Drives and Cultural Tours

  • Lesbifriends Swag Bag

  • Travel Guide

  • On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time!

What’s Not Included

  • International Flight

    Your Flight from your Home country to South Africa and your flight back Home is not included - but we can help you figure both out.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all Lesbifriends Travel trips and a great way to protect your investment. We offer a free, no-obligation quote for basic coverage through our preferred provider, Allianz—just select this option when registering. You’re also welcome to purchase your own policy from any provider. Some credit cards include built-in travel insurance if you pay for the entire trip with that card but be sure to check their terms to confirm your full trip cost is covered.

  • Any Applicable Vaccines

  • Meals not Mentioned

    You are responsible for some lunches and dinners

  • Personal extras

    Additional tours and excursions not included in the itinerary

  • Tips and gratuities

    You are responsible for all tips and gratuities, including those for accommodation staff, meal service (even for included meals), drivers, tour guides, and other service providers. We recommend budgeting $100–$200 for gratuities to ensure you can tip appropriately throughout your trip.

Pricing

Payment Plans Available - All Listed Prices Are Per Person

Booking Deadline: Nov 3rd, 2025

Please review the booking terms and conditions and frequently asked questions section before booking a package.

Get 10% off your entire trip if you pay in full at the time of the initial booking. Use discount code FULL during check out to save on your trip package. Please note that discount codes don’t apply to add-on options, and you can only use one code per booking.

Single Occupancy

$5,400+

Deposit: $100

1 BED ONLY YOU IN THE ROOM.

Double Occupancy

$4,200+

Deposit: $100

1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)

Disclaimer

THIS TRIP ISN'T FOR EVERYONE

Understand that South Africa is a African country, and standards are not the same as the USA. 

  IT IS FOR YOU IF: 

  • You are open-minded

  • You enjoy eating, walking, and off-the-beaten-path ideas

  • You love to have a great time and are open to meeting others and accept the different personalities you will encounter

 THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:  

  • You have a tendency to bring first world expectations with you everywhere

  • You have a tendency to be negative or dramatic or are just plain depressing to be around

  • You're not into trying new things or stepping outside of your comfort zone

  • You don’t like South African food; that is what we’ll be eating every day

  • You have very specific and particular travel preferences and tend to criticize everything around you

  • You can’t easily walk up stairs; if you find walking tough, then this trip isn’t suited to you

  • You are looking for luxury; South African standards are not the same as it is in the USA, however, if you keep an open mind, you will have a great time!

Important Information

Flights

Fly to and from Johannesburg International Airport (JNB) and plan to arrive between 11am and 3pm local time. It is recommended to plan your departure flight in the late afternoon to allow time for transport.

Please share your flight itinerary with us as soon as you purchase your tickets so we can start coordinating ground transportation.

Entry Requirements

Passport: Six months of remaining validity recommended.

Tourist Card (FMM): You need to fill out a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) upon arrival. This is a tourist card that serves as a visitor’s permit. It’s typically valid for up to 180 days.

Return Ticket: While not always asked, it is recommended to have a return or onward ticket to show proof of your departure from Mexico.

Prior to Your Departure

Check if you need to update your passport, your expiration date needs to be more than 6 months from the date of the trip. Sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts.  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) 

Money/Currency

The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Most establishments in South Africa accept credit/debit cards and do include bank fees and are subject to the current conversion rate which does not vary much. Please check with your bank ahead of time so there are no surprises.  It is recommended to bring some rand along with you because withdrawing cash has a high fee associated with it. 

Travel Insurance

Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Lesbifriends Travel requires you to have travel insurance for any trip you take with us. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. We want to make your travel experience seamless, so sign up and we will get a travel insurance policy for you or we can provide you with a no obligation quote. If you opt not to go with our preferred travel insurance provider, you are required to get your own and proof of insurance may be requested before the trip.

Payments and Payment Plans

Get 10% off your entire trip if you pay in full at the time of the initial booking. Use discount code FULL during check out to save on your trip package. Please note that discount codes don’t apply to add-on options, and you can only use one code per booking. 

All payments to Lesbifriends Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Lesbifriends Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines, and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.

When you sign up for a trip, you are automatically signed up for monthly payments and your confirmation email will clearly note your due dates and amount. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.

A $75 late fee will be applied to all payments made after the 3-day grace period. Your trip is subject to cancellation after two missed payments.

  • If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.

    For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.

  • Do you know someone who is interested in joining our trip but has not been to a Lesbifriend event or trip? Here is your chance to save a little money while bringing them on a trip of a lifetime!

    For every traveler that you refer to our trip, you will receive up to a $150 ($25 cash, $50 current trip credit, or $75 future domestic trip credit, or $150 future international trip credit) referral bonus once that person pays in full. There is no limit to the number of people you can refer; the only condition is that anyone you refer has not already signed up with Lesbifriends.

    Be sure to tell your friend to enter your name on the registration form under “Who Referred You.”