As the year winds down, many of us crave the perfect holiday escape—a getaway that melts the year’s stress away and sets the tone for fresh starts. If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable girls’ trip, your mind might wander locally, to the lively Detty December festivities in Lagos. But if you’re yearning for beachside tranquillity, unforgettable soundscapes, and shared laughter with your girls under sun-drenched skies, South Africa is calling.
When I mentioned my planning a trip to South Africa, people’s responses were of shock and concern. Friends urged me to be cautious, referencing safety concerns they’d seen in the news. But as I checked in for my third trip to this stunning country, I was filled with excitement, not worry. South Africa has always felt like a safe, vibrant adventure to me, and I couldn’t wait to get lost in it again, plotting my morning runs around Century City to paragliding off Cape Town’s Signal Hill.
Embracing art and community in Johannesburg
Arriving at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport in the early hours of…, I was greeted by a stillness interrupted by the occasional blur of runners, which felt like a gentle welcome. Our driver eased through quiet city streets, and soon we arrived in Rosebank, a place that instantly felt like a home away from home. Nestled in this trendy neighbourhood is the Radisson RED Johannesburg, a stylish hotel that feels like stepping into an art lover’s dream. Vibrant installations by artists like Tega Tafadwa add life to every corner, making each moment in the hotel feel like an exhibition.
My mornings at the Radisson became a cherished ritual—starting with a strong espresso, planning the day’s blend of work and adventure, and reflecting on the artwork surrounding me, which offers glimpses into the diverse, often underrepresented stories of South African lives. It’s a space that embraces you, creating a perfect base for exploring Johannesburg’s rich culture.
A highlight was Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, a community gem embodying the warmth and resilience of the Soweto community. Here, we opted for a walking tour instead of the typical tuk-tuk ride, taking in the scenery and engaging with locals. At the communal garden, we harvested fresh herbs and vegetables for an outdoor cooking experience, while learning about aquaponics—a sustainable farming method that grows plants with nutrient-rich water from fish tanks. When we sat to eat, it was more than a meal; it felt like a connection to the spirit of the Soweto community.
Johannesburg nightlife near the Radisson RED is equally inviting. Just a short stroll away is Ethos, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant where the service is as warm as the food. It’s the ideal place for a leisurely catch-up over cocktails as you watch the city’s bustling day wind down. Later, we headed to Obscura Cocktail Bar, a hidden gem perfect for a nightcap, where soulful music and masterfully crafted drinks created an intimate end to a lively day.
Take a walk through history in Pretoria
No girls’ trip to South Africa would be complete without a dose of history, and Pretoria’s Freedom Park is a stirring reminder of resilience and pride. Rated as one of the most architecturally impressive museums in the world, Freedom Park combines natural beauty with poignant storytelling, honouring those who fought for the nation’s freedom. Our guide, Given Nonyana, brought South Africa’s complex history to life, leading us through sites like the Wall of Names, which honours fallen heroes from across timelines and continents.
The tour culminated at Isivivane, a sacred site where the air seemed thick with remembrance. Amid this powerful setting, surrounded by indigenous flora, we paused to honour those who shaped South Africa’s legacy of freedom. Standing there with friends, I felt deeply connected to a journey bigger than our own—a moment of introspection woven into our adventure.
Cape Town is for wine, views, and adventure
Cape Town has a magnetic charm, and it’s easy to see why it’s often the first place that comes to mind when people mention South Africa. Our first stop in the city was Groot Constantia, one of the country’s oldest wine estates. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Constantia Valley, we savoured our wine tasting, sipping crisp Sauvignon Blancs and full-bodied Shiraz, all perfectly paired with decadent chocolates. Sharing laughs and swapping tasting notes, I felt completely present, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
For lunch, we headed to Chefs Warehouse, a dining experience with sweeping mountain views and a nine-course meal that turned into an unexpected culinary adventure. Each plate was a delight, but the oysters were the real standout—a fresh, briny taste of the ocean that felt like Cape Town itself on a plate.
Discovering community in Khayelitsha
After the indulgence of wine and fine dining, we headed to Khayelitsha, a township rooted in community and creativity. Cycling through the vibrant streets, we witnessed firsthand how local artists are transforming public spaces. Isibane se Afrika, a traditional choir founded by Andisiwe Gaqa, left a lasting impression. The choir was formed to give local youth an alternative to street life, offering them a space to connect and express their culture through music.
She says when she noticed many of the youth in her township had no positive activities to take part in after school, she created the traditional choir to give them the chance to belong to something positive and away from drug and gang culture.
The most beautiful part of this experience was between mother Andisiwe and her daughter Alive Mbunje who is currently being groomed to take over the choir from her. Her aim is to show kindness and love through music, and to show people the authenticity and uniqueness of being black through the pride of dance and music. She says, “It’s also bringing back our culture, and showing people this is us.”
Watching their spirited dance and hearing their powerful harmonies was a reminder of how much beauty lies in shared roots and stories.
Rocking out at Rocking the Daisies
The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly Rocking the Daisies, an electric three-day music festival featuring artists like Nasty C, Ayra Starr, and Snoh Aalegra. Held at the Cloof Wine Estate, the festival was a paradise of live music, unique fashion, and carefree spirits.
The atmosphere was infectious as I wandered through the stages, soaking in the festival vibes and admiring the stages from the Flying Fish Beach Club, a sandy escape in the middle of wine country to the pulsating house music from the Coke Studio stage.
The real magic for me happened at the Maybelline stage, where I discovered Gqom music—a genre born in Durban’s neighbourhoods, pulsing with raw energy. The genre includes artists like DJ Lag who infused the unique sound to Beyonce’s My Power featuring Busiswa, our very own cover star Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack, and Moonchild Sanelly . Dancing to the beats of and Omagoqa and QUE DJ, I felt an intense connection to the roots of this music, which has since reached international stages.
Unwinding with Cape Town’s thrills and scenic spots
No South African adventure would be complete without a beach day. We spent an afternoon at Clifton Beach, surrounded by stunning seaside villas and the perfect blue of the ocean. The stillness of the beach, interrupted only by the laughter of friends and the sound of waves, was bliss. Later, we made our way to Camps Bay for sunset—a busier beach with lively restaurants and a spectacular view as the sun dipped behind the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
Of course, I couldn’t leave Cape Town without facing my fear of heights. Paragliding off Signal Hill was a heart-stopping thrill that took my breath away. Running off the hill with the girls cheering gave me the push I needed. As I soared above the city, the world seemed to expand below me—a view of Cape Town unlike any other, and a perfect addition to our collection of unforgettable memories.
A perfect farewell dinner
On our final night, we dined at Siba The Restaurant, where the cuisine of Chef Siba Mtongana took us on a culinary journey. As Asa’s soft music played in the background, each dish felt like an adventure on the plate, and the ambiance invited easy conversation and laughter, bringing our South African summer escapade to a gentle close.
South Africa captured our hearts, and this girls’ trip was a beautiful blend of discovery, laughter, and deeper connections—both with each other and with the land itself. If you’re seeking a trip that combines adventure with soulful moments, South Africa should be next on your list.
If you are interested in curating an itinerary like this, visit www.southafrica.net
