South Africa with Julia @juliatakesahike

Dates

Sep 21–29, 2024

Group Size

8–20 Travelers

Duration

9 days, 8 nights

Activity Level

Adventure

About This Trip

Imagine this - you land in Cape Town and the next 8 days are full of bucket list experiences: safari game drives to search for lions and rhinos, snorkeling with seals, paddle boarding to beaches with African penguins, hiking along the coast, and even diving with great white sharks - all with the newfound friendship of 20 other women who love the outdoors. Let's explore South Africa together!
$3,985USD
$4,100USD
Sep 21–29, 2024
9 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Julia (@juliatakesahike)
Julia (@juliatakesahike)

Hi! I'm Julia (@juliatakesahike), a Colorado-based creator who loves everything outdoors. I'm passionate about outdoor & adventure travel and love meeting new people who feel the same way. I can't wait to meet you and create new memories together!

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Trip Activities

  • Penguin Paddle Kayak

  • Cape Peninsula Tour

  • Table Mountain Aerial Cable Car

  • Cape Canopy Zipline Tour

  • Cango Caves Tour

  • Stand-up Paddleboard

  • Monkeyland Monkey Safari

  • Birds of Eden Sanctuary Visit

  • Snorkeling with Seals

  • Terblans trail – Diepwalle Forest

  • Big 5 Sunset Safari Game Drive

  • Big 5 Morning Safari Game Drive

  • Wine Tasting

Optional Activities*

  • Meerkat Sunrise Safari

  • Shark Cage Diving

*Add-ons available at checkout for an additional fee.

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • Local Guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

  • Arrival airport transfer (until 5 pm on first day)

  • Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Food & alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas & travel insurance

  • Airport transfers outside of designated times

  • Tips for Guides

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome to South Africa! Settle in and get ready for an incredible week.

Airport Transfer

45 Mins

TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers from Cape Town International Airport (CPT), between 8 am and 5 pm.

dinner

Meet your group! Your welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included.

Old Bank Hotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Cape Town

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Day 2

Info

Rise and shine. Today you will have a full-day tour of Cape Town with your fellow Travelers.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Penguin Paddle Kayak

2 Hours

Grab a life jacket, and a paddle and hop on a kayak to explore the bay. You won’t be alone as you will be accompanied by the tuxedo-wearing, waddling, local African penguins. On your paddle, you may also see seals and perhaps even a dolphin or two. This activity has a maximum weight restriction of 220lbs.

Cape Peninsula Tour

5 Hours

You’ll visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The nature reserve boasts a scenic terrain that is home to zebras, baboons, elands, and ostriches, along with over 250 different species of birds.

Table Mountain Aerial Cable Car

1 Hour 30 Mins

The day concludes with a visit to the top of Table Mountain by aerial cable car. Up top, you’ll have a bird’s eye vista over the Mother City along with Robben Island lying sleepily in Table Bay.

Old Bank Hotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Cape Town

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Day 3

Info

Today you will wave goodbye to Cape Town and say hello to the open road as you begin your epic road trip along the Garden Route, a 190-mile stretch of coastline.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Cape Canopy Zipline Tour

4 Hours

On the zipline, you will fly through the valley, zipping past waterfalls, high above the treeline. This activity has a maximum weight restriction of 264lbs.

Surval Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in Oudtshoorn

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Day 4

Info

Leaving the arid Karoo behind, we wind our way to the lagoon side town of Knysna.

Meerkat Sunrise Safari (optional)

3 Hours

If you feel like getting up extra early this morning, there will be an optional meerkat sunrise safari organized. This unique wildlife experience will have you in the bush at sunrise, coffee in hand, as curious meerkats emerge from their burrows to warm up to the morning sun.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Cango Caves Tour

1 Hour

Surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites, you will weave and crawl through narrow passages and exciting tunnels.

Stand-up Paddleboard

2 Hours

Hop on a stand-up paddle board and make your way downstream.

Knysna Log Inn (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Knysna

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Day 5

Info

Today is all about wildlife so don't forget to bring your camera, you'll be making plenty of new friends.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Monkeyland Monkey Safari

1 Hour

On your monkey safari, you will be able to see over 550 primates of various species like capuchin monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, gibbons, and howler monkeys.

Birds of Eden Sanctuary Visit

1 Hour

You will visit the Birds of Eden Sanctuary, home to 3,500 birds of 220 species. The sanctuary is also a rescue center where previously caged birds can now live a life of free flight in a habitat as large and natural as possible.

Snorkeling with Seals

1 Hour 30 Mins

Situated close to the shore in shallow waters that protect the marine area from the currents of the South Atlantic Ocean, you will find a colony of 6,000 seals sunbathing near the rocks. Swimming with these curious and friendly animals offers the ultimate human/animal interactive experience.

Knysna Log Inn (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Knysna

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Day 6

Info

Start the day with a leisurely sea cliff hike in the Robberg Nature Reserve before departing for an overnight safari experience.

Terblans trail – Diepwalle Forest

2 Hours

6:30 am to 7:30 am (Guide will inform you). This 6.5km circular trail starts at the Grootdraai Picnic site and takes walkers into the heart of an ancient Afromontane indigenous forest. The trail starts with a steep ascent, before flattening out to a relatively easy amble. The beauty of this trail lies in the details, so be sure to take a closer look at the intricate web of components that make this verdant realm so special. You will cross tannin-tinted streams, skirt valleys of age-old forest ferns, gaze up at towering trees, and brush past purple-tipped plectranthus … a forest wonderland awaits.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Big 5 Sunset Safari Game Drive

2 Hours 30 Mins

You will embark on a guided open vehicle safari in search of the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and the African buffalo. Along with the wildlife, the nature reserve is a stunning piece of nature, tranquil and lovely for a sunset.

dinner

Dinner at the game lodge is included.

Garden Route Game Lodge (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in Albertinia

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Day 7

Info

Some of the best times to view wildlife is early in the hours and your safari will head out in search of the Big 5 this morning.

Big 5 Morning Safari Game Drive

2 Hours 30 Mins

You will experience the thrill of tracking Africa’s Big 5 - African buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard. Make sure to bring your camera.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Windsor Hotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in Hermanus

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Day 8

Info

The morning is free and at leisure to relax on the beaches of Hermanus. If you are feeling adventurous, there will be an optional activity offered where you can go shark cage diving. In the afternoon, you return to Cape Town.

Shark Cage Diving (optional)

4 Hours

In this experience, you will meet one of nature’s most feared predators, the great white shark. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or not, shark cage diving can be done without any diving certifications necessary.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Wine Tasting

45 Mins

Along with stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife, South Africa also boasts world-class wines.

dinner

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included.

Old Bank Hotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in Cape Town

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Day 9

Info

All good things must come to an end! You'll transfer to the airport and bid farewell for now.

breakfast

Your breakfast at the hotel is included.

Airport Transfer

45 Mins

TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers to Cape Town International Airport (CPT), between 8 am and 11 am

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Physical Activity Level:Adventure

These trips are great if you want to get moving. These itineraries may include scenic hikes and/or exercise. A moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy these trips.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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Flexible Payment Options

Reserve your spot with just 25% down, pay in full, or apply for a payment plan at booking. Your dream trip, your way.

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FAQ

Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
  • The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
  • TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
    • Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
    • Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.