Women in Wilderness: A Return To Roots
7 Nights | 8 Days
A Women’s Wilderness, Culture and Connection Journey
A journey in support of women in Africa. Moving from safari to sacred landscapes, the woven connection between nature, story, creativity and shared experience deepen our relationship to ourselves and the land to which we all belong.
What to Expect
Intentional. Grounded. Heartwarming.
- Experience a women-only journey designed around connection, story, creativity and shared experience
- Explore the remote Pafuri region of Kruger National Park on guided walks and wildlife drives
- Spend time with elephants, ancient baobabs and riverine forests in one of Africa’s most untouched wilderness regions
- Visit a sacred archaeological site and connect with the ancient kingdoms that shaped this land
- Stay at a luxury tented camp immersed in nature
- Journey into the Soutpansberg mountains and stay at the artistic Venda Art Lodge
- Connect with the culture of the Venda people through storytelling, pottery and beadwork
- Visit a local school and be part of a meaningful, heart-led community experience
- Travel with a small, like-hearted group of women
Experience Highlights
Your Itinerary
Day 1
We leave Hoedspruit early for a full day’s journey through Kruger National Park, crossing rivers and Mopane woodlands as we travel north. Hillside koppies and ancient baobabs begin to shape the landscape as we approach one of Africa’s most remote wilderness regions. We arrive at Pafuri Tented Camp on the banks of the Luvuvhu River.
Day 2
Elephants and Trees. Pafuri is home to towering fig trees, nyala trees and glowing fever tree forests. Our rhythm begins with a morning walk, followed by an afternoon safari drive — spending time with elephants and seeking out a 1500-year-old baobab, the Tree of Life.
Day 3
Rivers and Birds. With its wetlands and pans, Pafuri is a haven for birdlife. We explore on foot and by vehicle, watching for flocks of carmine bee-eaters and other species. We also visit Crooks Corner, where three countries meet along the Limpopo River.
Day 4
Ancient Kingdoms and Ancestral Lands. We explore the cultural richness of this landscape with a visit to the sacred site of Thulamela, linked to the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, and hear the story of the Makuleke people, custodians of this land.
Day 5
Leaving Kruger, we travel west into Venda country, journeying through the Soutpansberg mountains and across the wildlife-rich Duluni Plains. We arrive at Leshiba Wilderness and the Venda Art Lodge, set high on a hilltop with sweeping valley views.
Day 6
A Day of Culture and Story. Guided by local storyteller Joyce, we are immersed in Venda culture and the story of this place. We visit the Mukondeni pottery village and try traditional clay work, ending the day with a walk to ancient rock art sites.
Day 7
A Day of Heart. We visit the local village school, our community partner, meeting children and teachers and sharing in a grandmothers and granddaughters storytelling circle. Back at Leshiba, we enjoy afternoon tea followed by a traditional beadmaking workshop.
Day 8
We say fond farewells to Joyce and the Leshiba family before making our way back to Hoedspruit, arriving at midday for drop-off at the airport or your hotel, our hearts full and carrying a part of Africa within us forever.
Meet Your Host
Adele, founder of Retreat to Africa
Born in Cape Town and with an unquenchable love for travelling in Africa, Adele brings positive and calm energy into everything she does and to everyone she connects with. Her favourite pastime is sitting under a big tree writing stories in her journal or listening to the dawn chorus of birdsong in wild places. A lifelong student, she believes Nature is her greatest teacher.
With over 30 years of experience designing and leading immersive safaris, Adele has hosted countless journeys across Africa - sharing her deep connection to the land, people and wildlife.
Take a glimpse...
Who we are supporting
Who we are Supporting
Pack for a Purpose is a global initiative that encourages travellers to make a meaningful contribution to the communities they visit by dedicating a small space in their luggage to essential supplies. On this journey, we are supporting the local village pre and primary schools in the Soutpansberg which we will be visiting on day 7.
Where We Stay
Kruger National Park
Pafuri Camp
Leshiba Wilderness Reserve
Venda Art Lodge
The Journey Map
Notes on this Journey
For our full FAQ and info download our brochure
Inclusions -
- All road transfers Hoedspruit-Pafuri-Leshiba-Hoedspruit
- Accommodation 4 nights in luxury riverfront tent Pafuri Camp
- Accommodation 3 nights in luxury suite Venda Art Lodge (chat to us about the standard rooms also available at a discounted rate)
- All meals from picnic lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
- Donation to our chosen project
- A personal travel journal
- Safari activities in Pafuri incl. 4×4 safari drives and walks
- A guided visit to Thumalela sacred archaeological site
- Cultural immersive time with the Venda ladies and rural projects incl storytelling, pottery experience and beading workshop
- Guided walking or nature drives at Leshiba
- Live Q&A before the trip to ask your questions
- Professional & knowledgeable safari drivers and community guides
- English-speaking journey host
Exclusions +
- Transportation to the start and end point at Hoedspruit
- Medical travel insurance (mandatory)
- All beverages
- Tips for guides/drivers or to lodge staff (at your discretion)
FAQ +
How do I sign up for this journey?
- A 25% non -refundable deposit secures your place.
Where does the journey start from and where does it end?
- Hoedspruit, South Africa
Can I sign up as a solo traveller?
-
Solo travellers are most welcome. We have kept the single room price as low as possible.
What will the weather be like?
-
November marks the beginning of the summer rains, transforming both landscapes into a vivid, lush green. In Pafuri, expect hot days of around 31–35°C with brief afternoon thunderstorms. The Soutpansberg is noticeably cooler due to its altitude and unique mountain microclimate, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to around 28°C.
How fit do I need to be?
-
Leisurely walking in wildlife reserves is part of the immersive experience on this journey.
