Looking for some girls’ trip destinations? These places and spaces offer up more than just a pretty locale with bucket loads of things to do and see. Plus, they’re pretty close to home (hello Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Mozambique!) proving you don’t have to travel too far to enjoy some R&R with your girl gang. Here’s what three writers has to say about their trips and why you should book your trip ASAP. Happy travelling!
3 African Girls’ Trip Destinations You Have To Visit This Year
1. Mauritius
Women’s Health Features Editor Michelle October found some fun in the sun.
If we said ‘Mauritius’, you’d likely think ‘couple’s paradise’. But the island, surrounded by idyllic beaches and dotted with fun encounters, makes for the perfect girls’ trip. At the northern tip of the island, past meandering sugar cane fields, you’ll find a veritable oasis of luxury at Club Med Plantation d’Albion, an all-inclusive resort, offering food, drinks and activities galore. Rent a private villa for you and your crew and you’ll be treated to a butler that cooks on demand, and you could even request a braai in your space, catered by a chef.
READ MORE: 5 Reasons This Mauritius Holiday Is A Wellness Dream
Girls’ Trip Activities At Club Med
You’d be hard-pressed to find the time for relaxation when so much is on offer. Spend your days traipsing around the resort and trying the various activities, from trapeze (not as hard as you’d think), yoga by the Zen Zone (a quiet reprieve and meditative space overlooking the quiet ocean) and even schedule a HIIT workout by the beach.
Want something more fun, less work? You can book a sailing experience or take a boat out and go snorkelling. Also, every night after a buffet-style dinner, a different themed party awaits, with live music pounding and drinks flowing. You might even be able to catch a show of the resort’s trapeze artists as you dine on freshly caught king prawns or the island’s Malay-style dishes.
Don’t Skimp On Sightseeing In Mauritius
A day of sightseeing is a must for you and the gals on your girls trip. The one I loved the most? The famous local rum distillery, Chamarel, boasts nine types of rums and liqueurs to try, all made on-site. If you’re still standing, get to the Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earth Geopark, a natural phenomenon where the soil, because of lava eruption, turned into seven unique shades in the ground. It’s a marvel to behold. After, head to the nearby waterfall and soak in its majesty.
READ MORE: 20 Outdoor Adventures To Try this Easter On The KZN South Coast
2. Mozambique
Lutho Vuso, account director, recalls her time in Mozambique.
Stepping into this country means forgetting any kind of urgency. Mozambiquan people relish the slow life, taking things easy. So for this girls’ trip, this means days spent lazing around the Southern Sun hotel pool deck which leads your eye toward the tranquil ocean, dining on fresh fare and hours spent milling around, taking in the expanse of wildlife and informal markets around. A trip from the hotel in Maputo to the pristine and lively town of Ponta do Ouro means passing through a national wildlife reserve along the way, where animals wade through and gently make their presence known. Bask in the sun as you go.
READ MORE: The 15 Hottest Beach Must-Haves Of The Season
What To Do With Your Gals
Just 10km from the South African border and two hours from Maputo, Ponta do Ouro has laid-back charm, like the rest of the country, while the ocean draws you in for its depth of activities. First, try your hand at scuba diving, dolphin spotting or simply laze around in the warm water.
Then, if you’re lucky, you might even be able to try your hand at the local surf break, which is not always consistent, but when it works, it fires. When you’re hungry, ask your driver to organise a delivery of freshly caught prawns, which are cheaper and as delicious as restaurant offerings. Take a walk, where there is plenty to see: nearby markets offer up bags, dresses, and other souvenirs, so pack light and leave with as much as you can.
Try The Nightlife In Maputo
Mozambiquan restaurants go all-out with their decor and is something to tick off the list. Try Botanica in Maputo, which offers up something new. And as you walk in, there’s a giant tree, so you feel like you’re sitting right under it. Specialised drinks (try the rum cocktails) make your tropical experience come together. What you’ll love? The feeling of safety.
READ MORE: This Island Holiday Is Exactly What You Need If You’re Feeling Tired Or Burnt Out
3. Zimbabwe
Amy Hopkins, contributing writer, reminisces on her trip.
A visit to one the largest and most spectacular falls on the planet is a quick flight from OR Tambo and the ideal destination for an epic, fun-packed girl’s long weekend away. Think: sunset river cruises, glorious safari spa pampering, leisurely oasis-like swims and nature walks like no other.
Mosi-oa-Tunya, or ‘the smoke that thunders’, is the Lozi name given to the legendary Victoria Falls. And – truly – you can hear the thundering kilometres away from the UNESCO World Heritage site. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge forms part of a greater resort complex, and is not entirely closed, which means that occasional small bucks and wildlife roam throughout.
READ MORE: The Best Day Hikes Around South Africa
Embrace R ‘n R
First, a guided two-hour meditative nature walk through the falls. It’s an awe to behold such magnificence and power – an ancient geological marvel. The flora surrounding the falls is almost tropical, like being in Thailand: green, rich, dense, moist. And just a kilometre away it is browning bushveld. Next up on the agenda is a spa like no other. Kitted with a private pool and lounging area, the name of the game is to be pampered silly. The spa menu offers a range of massages, facials and a style studio for hair and make-up (manicures, pedicures and waxing are available at special request).
Get Social
After you’ve been all zenned out, it’s time to celebrate at the Boma Dinner & Drum Show. On arrival, you’re draped in local fabric (over one shoulder) and guided to your table amid a flurry of face painters, waiters and braai masters manning huge spits and bubbling cast-iron pots. Yes, it is touristy – but it’s festive and fun and makes for a great girl’s night out. After you’ve been stuffed with local fresh-water sardines, curries, potjies and mopane worms, enjoy the interactive drum circle, where you could try your hand at creating rhythm.
READ MORE: 7 Local Getaways In South Africa To Really Rest And Rejuvenate
The next day, book yourself a leisurely river cruise on the Zambezi. The Zambezi River is what flows (at force) over the great Victoria Falls. But further up river, the waters are tranquil and crocodiles can be spotted lazily enjoying the sunshine on the shorelines.
Drinks and snacks are included during the two-hour cruise on the double-storey barge. As the barge dreamily chugs by, sets of blinking eyes can be seen peeking barely above the water level. Hippos. Birds swirl in the skies above. It’s peaceful and so beautiful. A great send-off to end an epic trip in this beautiful part of Africa.
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