Just Girls: South Africa Woman's Retreat and Safari
Host: Natalie Benway Correll LISW
We live in a time when division threatens to scatter us, when fear and isolation pull us apart. Yet in Africa, the wild teaches another truth: survival is found in the pack, in the herd, in the circle - community. Lions hunt together, elephants protect their young in family groups, zebras and wildebeest move side by side across the plains.
This March, Just Girls Travel invites you to step into that wisdom — to stand together as women, to honor dignity and voice, to replace anxiety with connection to the earth's creatures, experience a new found culture and community.
From the resilience of the Xhosa women on the Wild Coast to the legacy of Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden, and on safari in Kruger National Park as we encounter the Big Five, our journey is a living reminder that strength is shared.
This is more than a retreat.
It is a call to unity,
a celebration of courage,
culture, and conservation.
It is about women standing together on International Women Day, in solidarity to come back to who we were meant to be.
Join us. Let’s write our story in South Africa — one of empowerment, community, and unforgettable adventure.
Host: Natalie Benway Correll LISW
We live in a time when division threatens to scatter us, when fear and isolation pull us apart. Yet in Africa, the wild teaches another truth: survival is found in the pack, in the herd, in the circle - community. Lions hunt together, elephants protect their young in family groups, zebras and wildebeest move side by side across the plains.
This March, Just Girls Travel invites you to step into that wisdom — to stand together as women, to honor dignity and voice, to replace anxiety with connection to the earth's creatures, experience a new found culture and community.
From the resilience of the Xhosa women on the Wild Coast to the legacy of Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden, and on safari in Kruger National Park as we encounter the Big Five, our journey is a living reminder that strength is shared.
This is more than a retreat.
It is a call to unity,
a celebration of courage,
culture, and conservation.
It is about women standing together on International Women Day, in solidarity to come back to who we were meant to be.
Join us. Let’s write our story in South Africa — one of empowerment, community, and unforgettable adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
March 3, 2026 Arrive in Africa !
(Johannesburg Arrival)
• Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
• Overnight at an airport hotel
• Rest and prepare for the journey ahead.
HOTEL: Johannesburg hotel - Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG
March 4, 2026 (Johannesburg → Mthatha → Eco Lodge)
• Morning flight: Johannesburg → Mthatha Airport. 10:05am - 11:25am
• Transfer: 2 hours 35 minutes drive to Eco-Lodge Xhosa Community Lodge.
• Check in and settle into the Wild Coast.
• Evening welcome circle with lodge hosts.
MARCH 4-9, 2026
Accommodations: Rustic Lodging on Wild Coast in traditional Xhosa rondavels, eco‑cabins
March 3, 2026 Arrive in Africa !
(Johannesburg Arrival)
• Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
• Overnight at an airport hotel
• Rest and prepare for the journey ahead.
HOTEL: Johannesburg hotel - Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG
March 4, 2026 (Johannesburg → Mthatha → Eco Lodge)
• Morning flight: Johannesburg → Mthatha Airport. 10:05am - 11:25am
• Transfer: 2 hours 35 minutes drive to Eco-Lodge Xhosa Community Lodge.
• Check in and settle into the Wild Coast.
• Evening welcome circle with lodge hosts.
MARCH 4-9, 2026
Accommodations: Rustic Lodging on Wild Coast in traditional Xhosa rondavels, eco‑cabins
Situated on one of the world's most beautiful, unspoilt beaches in the heart of a traditional Xhosa village, the eco-friendly Lodge has been described as "spectacular" by the Lonely Planet and "one of the World's ultimate ethical travel experiences" by The Rough Guide.
This Fair-trade lodge is co-owned by the local traditional community and loads of cool activities run daily.
Spend the night in one of the ten traditional thatch huts or secret cabins with beautiful views oceanviews.
The restaurant serves three delicious meals per day and a help-yourself bar. The entire lodge runs on solar power and makes use of a range of innovative, sustainable technologies which protect our environment.
Activities running daily include: * horse-riding: 2 hour horse rides through the village and along the beach * canoeing: up the beautiful Xhora river * Woman Power: spend a day with the local women learning how to harvest and cook local food, make mud bricks, balance water on your head and just having fun. * Herbalist Forest Tour: wander through the ancient forest with the traditional herbalist and learn about weird and wonderful remedies. * Massage * Village Tour: a walking social history tour of our friendly community. * Fishing: learn how to fish in the sea with a local fisherman. All the above tours are owned and run by members of our local community - so all your money goes where it is most needed
This Fair-trade lodge is co-owned by the local traditional community and loads of cool activities run daily.
Spend the night in one of the ten traditional thatch huts or secret cabins with beautiful views oceanviews.
The restaurant serves three delicious meals per day and a help-yourself bar. The entire lodge runs on solar power and makes use of a range of innovative, sustainable technologies which protect our environment.
Activities running daily include: * horse-riding: 2 hour horse rides through the village and along the beach * canoeing: up the beautiful Xhora river * Woman Power: spend a day with the local women learning how to harvest and cook local food, make mud bricks, balance water on your head and just having fun. * Herbalist Forest Tour: wander through the ancient forest with the traditional herbalist and learn about weird and wonderful remedies. * Massage * Village Tour: a walking social history tour of our friendly community. * Fishing: learn how to fish in the sea with a local fisherman. All the above tours are owned and run by members of our local community - so all your money goes where it is most needed
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Immersive cultural retreat on the Wild Coast.
• Daily Activities:
• Village walks, traditional cooking, storytelling with elders.
• Horse encounters with Natalie, Canoeing, fishing, and exploring pristine Wild Coast beaches.
• Participation in community projects and eco‑friendly living.
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March 8 – International Women’s Day Celebration
• Morning circle with Xhosa women leaders sharing stories of resilience.
• Creative workshop: transforming personal narratives into art, poetry, or song.
• Evening bonfire ceremony honoring women’s contributions to community and conservation.
• Daily Activities:
• Village walks, traditional cooking, storytelling with elders.
• Horse encounters with Natalie, Canoeing, fishing, and exploring pristine Wild Coast beaches.
• Participation in community projects and eco‑friendly living.
•
March 8 – International Women’s Day Celebration
• Morning circle with Xhosa women leaders sharing stories of resilience.
• Creative workshop: transforming personal narratives into art, poetry, or song.
• Evening bonfire ceremony honoring women’s contributions to community and conservation.
March 9, 2026 On to Kruger Safari via Johannesburg
• Transfer back to Mthatha Airport (2h35m).
• Flight: Mthatha → Johannesburg. Airlink 215pm 335pm
• Overnight in Johannesburg (airport hotel or city lodge). - Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG
March 10, 2026 (Johannesburg → Chimp Eden → Kruger National Park)
Honoring Jane Goodall’s Legacy
• Morning flight: Johannesburg → Nelspruit (Mbombela). 10:05am – 11:00am
From Airport -to Jane Goodall Institute - Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary
• Transfer back to Mthatha Airport (2h35m).
• Flight: Mthatha → Johannesburg. Airlink 215pm 335pm
• Overnight in Johannesburg (airport hotel or city lodge). - Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG
March 10, 2026 (Johannesburg → Chimp Eden → Kruger National Park)
Honoring Jane Goodall’s Legacy
• Morning flight: Johannesburg → Nelspruit (Mbombela). 10:05am – 11:00am
From Airport -to Jane Goodall Institute - Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary
Jane Goodall Institute - Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary
• Visit Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary. 1pm
• Guided talk on Jane Goodall’s pioneering conservation work.
• Reflection circle connecting her legacy to women’s leadership in conservation.
• Transfer to Kruger National Park (1–2 hours).
• Visit Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary. 1pm
• Guided talk on Jane Goodall’s pioneering conservation work.
• Reflection circle connecting her legacy to women’s leadership in conservation.
• Transfer to Kruger National Park (1–2 hours).
Mar 10 - 12 Kruger Park Lodge
Built on the banks of the picturesque Sabie River and surrounded by indigenous gardens abundant with bird life, impala and hippo, the lodge has something for everyone. Enjoy walking along our nature trail, or relax around one of our three swimming pools or, better still, rise to the challenge offered by our 9-hole Gary Player designed golf course.
Built on the banks of the picturesque Sabie River and surrounded by indigenous gardens abundant with bird life, impala and hippo, the lodge has something for everyone. Enjoy walking along our nature trail, or relax around one of our three swimming pools or, better still, rise to the challenge offered by our 9-hole Gary Player designed golf course.
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March 10th Evening Safari: Sunset game drive (3 hours) — Big Five viewing, nocturnal animals, dramatic dusk landscapes. Overnight at Kruger lodge.
March 11, 2026 (Kruger Safari – Half‑Day Afternoon)
• Leisurely morning at lodge (optional village visit or rest).
• Half‑Day Afternoon Safari: 3–3.5 hours in open vehicle with professional guide.
• Focus on Big Five sightings and dramatic dusk landscapes.
• Overnight at Kruger lodge.
• Leisurely morning at lodge (optional village visit or rest).
• Half‑Day Afternoon Safari: 3–3.5 hours in open vehicle with professional guide.
• Focus on Big Five sightings and dramatic dusk landscapes.
• Overnight at Kruger lodge.
March 12, 2026 Time to Head Home and reflect on this amazing journey
• Pack up and be ready to fly back to Johannesburg for our journey home.
Take time to journal and jot down the memories you will take with you for a lifetime. Flight from Nelspruit to Johannesburg 12:40pm - 1:35pm (55m, nonstop)
Depending on your flight back home these times can be adjusted.
A day room will be available for those whose flights leave late at night.
• Pack up and be ready to fly back to Johannesburg for our journey home.
Take time to journal and jot down the memories you will take with you for a lifetime. Flight from Nelspruit to Johannesburg 12:40pm - 1:35pm (55m, nonstop)
Depending on your flight back home these times can be adjusted.
A day room will be available for those whose flights leave late at night.
When: March 2 - 12, 2026
Whats Included: All Details above, including meals, tours, transfers, internal airfare
Does NOT include: International flights and insurance. See below for Insurance and flight options
Where: fly in and out of Johannesburg, South Africa (ask Sue for contracted rates on flights)
Cost: $3659.00 per person based on share
Deposit Due: $1830.00 due at time of booking
Final Payment due : Feb 1. 2026
Insurance Highly Recommended: See Faye for your insurance quote
Contact Sue Thompson 952-240-3180 [email protected] for assistance with flights
Flights are roughly $1800 - $2000 per person
Flight suggestion:
