One epic group tour in Africa leaving a lasting mark - quite literally!
When Thea booked her Tripmates group trip to Southern Africa, she was ready for adventure. What she didn't expect were the new friendships, and the incredible experiences that would redefine her view of the continent. We sit down with Thea to hear her out about the journey she made through South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, and Eswatini - highlighting the friends she made, the kids she played with, and the gorgeous landscapes she explored.
Why did you decide to book the Tripmates tour?
I’ve done group tours before, but nothing like this. The idea of traveling with just 12 people, all around my age, was really appealing. Plus, the destinations were a huge draw. You can't get into Lesotho without a guide, so having that covered was a big plus as I really wanted to visit that country. And knowing I’d be with people from Scandinavia gave me a sense of familiarity. It felt like the perfect mix of adventure and comfort.
Was the journey like you expected?
Yes and no - but mostly no! The countries and experiences were way beyond what I expected them to be. I’ve been to Tanzania before, and this was a whole different vibe. The trip wasn’t just about safaris; there was so much more to see and do in the four countries we visited. It was a lot more active than your typical safari trip.
The group aspect was also different from what I anticipated. There were people with very few travel experiences, but that didn't matter - for us who already travelled a lot, it was nice to share tips and stories, and give recommendations. We became a little travel family really quickly. A bunch of us met up at the airport before boarding the plane to Africa, and the conversations started flowing immediately. We ended up speaking in our local languages instead of English, which made things easier and more natural as the days went on.
What were the major highlights for you on the trip?
We visited South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, and Eswatini. One highlight was meeting kids at different schools. We got to play with them in a way that felt genuine and respectful, avoiding the "white savior" vibe. During the trip we got to stay in a homestay, which I hadn't considered before. This was a great way to see daily life up close, and ask questions and help out.
And then of course the hikes! Africa blew my mind. I had no idea it would look like this. The landscapes were stunning and not at all what I imagined. The hostels we stayed at felt like home. We were greeted with singing and dancing in many places, and the quality of the hostels was top-notch. We even got to stay together in one big room, which gave us a sense of privacy while still being together.
Did you keep in touch? And would you recommend Tripmates for finding new travel friends?
Yeah! We made a Snapchat group that’s still active, and I’ve met up with two other Danish girls that were on the trip with me a few times. It’s not like we're best friends (they are!) but it's a lot more than I’ve kept in touch with people from any other trip. The small group size really helped us form strong bonds. Plus, since we were all from Nordic countries, it made it easier to stay in touch. On that note: Local places could always accommodate our small group, which was a bonus. I've been on tours before where I was with a bigger group, and we could only visit the bigger, more touristy bars and restaurants.
I would definitely recommend Tripmates for making new friends. It’s an awesome way to meet new people while doing a big adventure, and it did wonders for our bonding since there was so much to talk about.
What is your favorite memory from the trip?
I have a lot of tattoos, and I like to get them when I travel. One of the days in Cape Town, I pitched the idea of a group tattoo outing, and eight of us ended up going together. It turned into a full day trip. There was a market next to the tattoo shop, so we all shopped for different things in the meantime. Some of us got Africa-themed tattoos, while others chose something they’d been wanting for a long time. I got a few new tattoo's myself: a love letter, a bow and arrow, and a chili pepper. Four of us got the outline of Africa. It was such a cool bonding experience and a memory I'll remember forever.
Would you recommend Tripmates to your friends who are considering solo travel?
Definitely! We had mostly solo travelers, except for one pair of friends. It’s a great way to travel alone but still have a built-in group of friends. It’s the best of both worlds. The concept is really great, so if the destination is appealing, I’d definitely consider it. Everyone on our tour talked about how it’s a great entryway to travelling and backpacking on your own since there’s always a safety net. We had one guide for the first 18 days and another in Namibia. For the final days in Cape Town, we were on our own but still ate dinner together. It was the perfect mix of guided travel and independent exploration.
Any famous last words?
I would love to give a final shout-out to our guides, they were simply amazing. All of them really became part of the family and were a big reason why the trip was so good. It's hard to find guides who tell an authentic story without making it feel touristy. The locals working at the hostels also became friends pretty quickly. We heard stories about their families, football teams, and backgrounds. It wasn’t like you often see: following a guy with an umbrella explaining touristy spots; these were real connections.
Follow in Thea's footsteps
Africa is an amazing continent for many reasons, but it can be hard to travel there on your own. Luckily, you don't have to, as our Tripmates tours can get you there easily! You don't have to plan much, meet an amazing bunch of people and will see epic places in four African countries - what's more to love? Click the button below to check out all of our Tripmates tours, and make an easy online booking to secure your spot!