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Camilla Franks in Kenya on a safari arranged by The Classic Safari Company
Small Group Journeys

Journeys for Women

Women Only Travel Groups

Sepia-toned illustration of a peacock displaying its feathers, symbolizing the vibrant wildlife and cultural richness of India, relevant to bespoke luxury tours exploring diverse regions.

For women who love to travel!

About Journeys for Women

Journeys for Women is The Classic Safari Company’s collection of personally escorted small-group journeys for women, designed and hosted by Director Sarah Hoyland. Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Sarah personally leads every departure, sharing the destinations she knows and loves across Africa, the Middle East, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Morocco and beyond.

Some journeys are once-in-a-lifetime departures. Others return because they’re simply too extraordinary. Each itinerary combines boutique accommodation, exceptional local guides, immersive experiences and the reassurance of travelling alongside Sarah and a small group of like-minded women.

Our collection continues to evolve, with departures across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and exciting new adventures already in development for the years ahead.

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ITINERARIES | BE PART OF OUR NEXT ADVENTURE

All our women travel groups are unique, one-off adventures with limited space.
They fill up quickly! Enquire today.

A young Kutch woman in traditional embroidered dress and silver jewellery
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Golden Gujarat

Fabrics & Felines - January 2027

For women drawn equally to fabric and to wildlife, Gujarat delivers both in extraordinary measure. We will fly kites over Ahmedabad at Uttarayan, track the rare Asiatic lion through Gir, and sit with artisans in villages that are unmistakably, uniquely Gujarati. We will cross salt pans worked by hand for generations, wander Poshina's fields of terracotta horses, and marvel at the extraordinary merchant houses of Siddhpur. Hosted throughout by Sarah Hoyland - seventeen days built for craft, colour and quiet astonishment....Read More

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A Southern India Sojourn

The serene, sensory south - February 2027

This thoughtfully paced journey moves from the coastal heritage of Chennai and Pondicherry into the temple heartlands of Tamil Nadu, where extraordinary dynasties left their mark in stone, and then on to the lush green waterways of Kerala. Along the way, we weave between faded French colonial streets, grand merchant mansions, fragrant spice plantations and villages where daily life unfolds much as it has for generations....Read More

Woman in turquoise headscarf interacting with a camel in the Moroccan desert, showcasing cultural experiences and adventure in women's travel.
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Morocco’s Souks & Treasures

Artisanal cities & shimmering sands - March 2027

Morocco is an intoxicating mix of colour, culture and cuisine and this year we've cherry-picked some of our old favourites, and added a few new highlights to deliver a truly immersive, awe-inspiring experience. This ladies-only adventure explores all four Imperial Cities - Rabat, Fès, Meknes & Marrakech; and travels to the Atlantic coast, provides the opportunity to sleep beneath a star studded desert sky & hike ancient Berber paths in the Atlas Mountains. ...Read More

A Lion Camp game drive vehicle is parked beneath a vast, spreading tree as the South Luangwa sky burns pink and amber at sunset, guests and guides gathered on the open plains for sundowners.
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The Warm Heart of Africa: Zambia & Malawi

Tracing the Zambezi to Lake Nyasa - May 2027

Threading together one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife regions with a tranquil island finale, this journey moves from the Zambezi River — where elephant gather at the water’s edge and game drives give way to canoe trips and bush walks — deep into the predator-rich valleys of South Luangwa, before crossing into Malawi for languid days on Likoma Island’s pristine shores. Encounters with community makers and artisans add warmth and connection to the wild. Big game, walking safaris, river life and lake stillness — woven into one seamless journey....Read More

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YOUR SNEAK PEEK – 2027 Journeys

What's ahead.....

There is always another journey just over the horizon and another adventure to be had! From the Mountains of the Moon in Uganda to the sands of the Sahara in Morocco, from the leopard-rich valleys of Zambia and the shimmering lakes of Malawi to the great wildebeest herds of Tanzania, our 2027 journeys span Africa’s wild heart & beyond. Explore the spice island of Zanzibar, wander through Jordan’s rose-red city of Petra and the otherworldly expanse of Oman – a collection of adventures as diverse and dazzling as the women who join them....Read More

Serene Nile River landscape featuring a traditional sailboat amidst lush greenery and palm trees, with the Patagonian Andes in the background, reflecting the journey through history and culture in Egypt.
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Treasures of Egypt

Sail Through History | Expressions of Interest

Step back through the sands of time as you follow in the footsteps of the pharaohs! Beginning at the great Pyramids of Giza, travel to Luxor, sail to Aswan, explore the ancient ruins of Abu Simbel and end in the bustling capital city of Cairo, on this awe-inspiring Classic Safari Company foray through Egypt. Highlights include sailing the Nile on our own private dahabiya boat, the ancient pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, & the fabulous company of other like-minded travellers!...Read More

Lemur lounging on a tree branch with a blurred green background, representing the abundant wildlife near Mandrare River Camp in Madagascar.
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Land of the Lemurs, Madagascar

Magical & Mysterious | Expressions of Interest

A brand new addition to our collection of women only travel groups! Cast adrift off the coast of East Africa, isolated for some 165 million years of evolution, Madagascar’s plants and animals include some of the most peculiar life forms on the planet. This itinerary sees you setting off through forests, mangroves and baobab groves in search of leaping lemurs and kaleidoscopic chameleons....Read More

Three women seen from behind wearing voluminous, brightly striped traditional skirts and wide-brimmed hats, leaning against the peeling turquoise facade of a building adorned with fresh flowers, Peru.
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Peru Fabulosa

A Women-Only Journey into the Sacred Land of the Inca - May 2027

Peru has a way of getting under your skin. From Lima's chaotic, brilliant food scene to the cool air of the Sacred Valley, from the silent weight of Machu Picchu to Cusco's golden churches and cobbled lanes — this is a journey that moves slowly, looks closely, and stays with you long after you are home. We travel intentionally, eat well, and meet the people who make this country what it is....Read More

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Japan’s Creative Heart

A Women-Only Journey into Japan’s Creativity - November 2026

A thoughtfully curated women-only journey through Japan’s most evocative artistic and cultural landscapes, this immersive itinerary blends contemporary creativity with centuries-old tradition. From the kinetic energy of Tokyo to the quiet canals of Kurashiki, the sculptural art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and the refined elegance of Kyoto, days unfold through galleries, gardens, architecture, and ritual. Slow, considered, and deeply atmospheric, this journey invites meaningful connection with place, art, and one another....Read More

A woman in a traditional kimono walks beneath towering bamboo groves in Kyoto, capturing the quiet elegance and timeless beauty of Japan.
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Timeless Japan

A Cultural Journey from the Classic to the Contemporary - November 2026

A deeply immersive women-only journey tracing Japan’s cultural heart from Edo, modern Tokyo, into the Japanese Alps and onward to the sacred forests of Eiheiji. This thoughtfully paced itinerary weaves art, architecture, gardens, cuisine and ritual, moving through preserved market towns, samurai districts and Zen monasteries. From alpine castles and UNESCO-listed villages to the remote Noto Peninsula and chanting with monks at Eiheiji, this is Japan experienced with insight, serenity and rare intimacy. ...Read More

Request an Itinerary

UPCOMING JOURNEYS - 2027

There is always another journey just over the horizon and another adventure to be had!

The following journeys are currently being planned, and further information will soon be available:

MOROCCO – Moroccan Magic – Sept 2027
UGANDA – Go Ape! – January 2028

INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS – Zanzibar to Seychelles – Feb 2028

 OMAN – Essence of Oman – October 2028

EGYPT – The Nile in Style – October 2028
JORDAN – Jewels of Jordan – November 2028

Please request further information here and we will send you a detailed itinerary as soon as it is available.

 

CAN’T FIND DATES THAT WORK FOR YOU?

FOR TAILORMADE ADVENTURES CALL 1300 130 218 OR

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Blog: Dispatches from exotic lands

Here’s the low down on our women only travel groups – everything from what to wear to how to prepare.

Beautiful glazed lamps hanging in a souk in Marrakech
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HOW TO SPEND A WEEK IN MARRAKECH

Whether you are travelling under your own steam or as part of our women only travel groups, here’s why you need to ... Read More
Colorful celebration of Holi festival with vibrant hues of purple, pink, and orange powders being thrown in the air, capturing the essence of spring festivities in India.
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HOLI FESTIVAL, INDIA: WHAT TO WEAR AND HOW TO PREPARE

Travel to India to celebrate Holi Festival Holi is a colourful, messy and chaotic party that celebrates the arrival of Spring in ... Read More
Stilt fishermen on the shores of Sri Lanka
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10 REASONS TO VISIT THE GALLE LITERARY FESTIVAL

Of all our women-only travel groups, no other presents such a glittering guest list of big names in international literature than our ... Read More
Pumulani Safari Lodge on the banks of Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania
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The Best Safari Destinations in Africa

With so many options available it can be challenging to know what – or more importantly, why – the best safari destinations ... Read More
Enjoy stunning views from the pool on the deck on Sanctuary Sun Boat III on a Nile luxury cruise
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When is a Luxury Cruise Not a Luxury Cruise?

If the notion of a luxury cruise evokes crooning cabaret singers and mass-catered buffets sweating under heat lamps for you, then happily ... Read More
Penguin colony with tourists in yellow jackets observing wildlife, scenic Antarctic landscape with expedition ship in background, showcasing unique adventure travel experience.
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5 Thrilling Wildlife Encounters to Give You Goosebumps

With thirty years’ experience in planning wildlife and wilderness holidays to some of the planet’s most thrilling destinations, we struggled to pick ... Read More
More Stories from our Women Travel Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Journeys for Women is Classic Safari Company’s dedicated collection of escorted women-only travel groups, designed specifically by women, for women. Each journey is crafted by Director Sarah Hoyland or one of her trusted co-conspirators, with the goal of giving like-minded female travellers access to some of the most inspirational, exotic, and adventurous destinations on the planet, in the companionship and security of a small group, with the expertise of the finest specialist guides.

Every Journeys for Women itinerary is handcrafted personally by Sarah Hoyland, or one of her trusted collaborators. Sarah has stood on every continent on earth (twice), and has been handcrafting bespoke journeys for over 28 years. She brings a wealth of experience, boundless passion, personal local connections and a tireless commitment to creating mindful, engaging journeys that benefit local communities and conserve the planet’s extraordinary diversity.

Every Journeys for Women itinerary bears the hallmarks of boutique accommodation, professionalism, and out-of-the-ordinary experiences, whether guests want to immerse themselves in ancient cultures, explore the wilderness in search of wildlife, or discover vibrant cities. Across all destinations, the journeys blend genuine adventure with a refined sense of style and an intimate local perspective of each destination — real adventures in unreal style.

All Journeys for Women departures are unique, one-off adventures with limited places that fill up quickly. Current and upcoming itineraries are listed above.

Places on Journeys for Women departures are limited and fill quickly. To enquire about availability or register interest in an upcoming journey, call Classic Safari Company on 1300 130 218 or submit an enquiry online. For bespoke tailormade adventures outside the set departure programme, the team can also design a private women-only itinerary to suit any destination or travel style.

Yes, all Journeys for Women departures are exclusively for women, designed to provide a safe, supportive, and energising travel environment for like-minded female adventurers. The itineraries are crafted by women with female travellers specifically in mind, from the choice of accommodation to the pacing of each day.

No. Journeys for Women are designed specifically to accommodate female travellers who may wish to explore but may feel intimidated by solo travel. The small group format means guests quickly connect with like-minded women, and the companionship of the group provides both social richness and peace of mind. As one past guest noted, the journeys offer the perfect balance between feeling confident to travel alone whilst not actually being alone. That being said, couples or groups of friends do often travel with us together.

Journeys for Women span a wide and diverse range of destinations, including Morocco, Botswana, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Japan, Peru, Madagascar, Egypt, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar, Jordan, and Oman. Sarah is continually developing new itineraries and eager to explore new destinations, so the collection grows each year.

Journeys for Women are bespoke, one-off itineraries designed from scratch by a specialist who has personally visited every destination. They are not repeated, mass-market tours. Every journey personally hosted and is carefully curated for its specific group, with boutique accommodation, expert local guides, and out-of-the-ordinary experiences that go well beyond the standard sightseeing circuit.

Physical requirements vary by itinerary. Some journeys, such as the Morocco Atlas Mountain hiking days or the Zambia walking safaris, involve moderate physical activity, while others are more relaxed and culturally focused. The Classic Safari Company team can advise on the specific demands of each departure and help guests select the journey that best suits their fitness level and travel style.

My holiday with Journeys for Women & Sarah was nothing short of amazing & exceeded every expectation I had. I would highly recommend Journeys for Women to anyone looking for a luxury escape. It was an exceptional experience that created memories I will treasure forever.

Leah H

Travelling with Sarah Hoyland is never dull; she has the magic touch - a perfect mix of scenery, food, culture & retail therapy. This trip was no exception. The magic of travelling with a bunch of likeminded women is another fantastic plus. Once again Sarah & The Classic Safari Company absolutely nailed it.

Margaret K

Loved this holiday & the fabulous ladies I shared the journey with, & Sarah of course. A great itinerary that provided variety, adventure, good cross section of places & people.

Laurel B

I don't think I've ever laughed more, learnt more , eaten more, loved a place so immediately, & met so many lifelong friends.

Elke S

Here's to all the wonderful women that made this one of the most amazing trips I have ever been on. I cannot thank you enough. I loved every minute of it.

Jenny, Sydney

What an amazing opportunity you have provided for all women through the Secret Women's Series - thank you, thank you, thank you!

Libby, Sydney

I travel regularly and always organise everything myself. It was so refreshing not to have to do any of that, I didn't even bring the itinerary, just went with the flow.

Rebecca, Sydney

Thank you for making our trip to India the trip of a lifetime. Your generosity of spirit, patience, gorgeous fun manner, “nothing is too much trouble” attitude, enormous level of expertise, and sharing your love of India with us all helped to contribute to a seamless, fun, incredible experience.

Elizabeth, Sydney

Sarah Hoyland is the founder of Journeys for Women, specialising in women only travel groups

The Classic Safari Company

Your women travel groups are a stroke of genius. They're the perfect balance between feeling confident to travel 'alone' whilst not actually being alone!

Laura, Adelaide

Sarah's knowledge and experience of Africa is amazing, but it was her calm, caring nature and sense of fun that made the trip so special. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and she made sure everyone got the most out of every day.

Linda, Australia
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