We proudly label Vegetarian-Friendly trips with a special tag to make them even more visible. Responsible consumption is important to sustainable tourism.

Vegetarian-Friendly Trips | Yugen Earthside

The "Vegetarian-friendly" tag represents tours that specifically cater to vegetarians who can enjoy meals aligned with their preference with no detrimental impact on their experience.

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Join an unforgettable celebration of sisterhood on this women-only journey to South Africa! Carbon removals included.

[9 days] Women-Only Sisterhood Journey in South Africa | Yugen Earthside

Join an unforgettable celebration of sisterhood on this women-only journey to South Africa, where adventure, culture, and connection await! 

Discover the beauty and vibrancy of the hidden gems of South Africa, the women of the rainbow nation. From the coast to the city, from the Winelands and the countryside, the Western Cape has it all! You might know the mother city by its scenic landscapes, incredible wildlife, golden beaches, award-winning wines, and diverse cultures, but there is so much more to explore…

Discover scenic Cape Town and the surrounding areas, like Table Mountain, one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Engage with phenomenal women, in local communities, over award-winning wine, and indulge in local traditional food

Explore the bush in search of African wildlife on a private game reserve led by its female founder

Experience local hospitality on a coastal retreat, run by Women, for Women

End the tour on a high with an 'Inspire' party

Want to travel in a new, mindful, and meaningful way that benefits all

Delight in sharing with other women and want to form new friendships

Enjoy the diversity and be open to experiencing African music, dance

Are ready to inspire and be inspired by nature, culture, and food

Demonstrate a commitment to sustainable travel

Are open to learning and sharing experiences in a fun and safe way

Stay tuned for new departure dates to be added!

March is filled with warm and sunny days. The weather in Cape Town in March is characterized by moderate and pleasant temperatures, marking the transitions from hot summers to milder autumns. There is still plenty of sunshine, as temperatures decrease from 80F to 72F.

All meals on the itinerary: x7 Breakfast, x5 Lunch, x6 Dinner

Guided tours: Cape Peninsula, Bo Kaap walking tour, Table Mountain, sunset cruise, a visit to a community project, Cape Winelands tour

 Activities include Wine tasting experience, food tasting, mini-workshop, game drives

Entrance fees, community & conservation levies

We are a woman-owned, UK-based tour operator that offers locally inspired Southern African journeys. Conscious of our footprint on the planet and people, we advocate for dignity, celebrate humanity, and respect the environment we travel to. We showcase the heart of the destinations through diverse, colorful, and collaborative journeys that positively impact and empower. We specialize in volunteering holidays for grown-ups and leisure holidays that benefit both travelers and the destination. 

Born and bred in Cape Town, our female founder is committed to creating authentic experiences that showcase the beauty of the people. Our supply chain is primarily women and youth from marginalized communities who are registered with their local tourism authorities and are professional in their conduct towards visitors. The travel and tourism industry is a vehicle to bring about transformation, and sustainability is at the heart of what we do. 

Carbon reduction: Guests are encouraged to join the efforts to ensure the preservation of water, save energy, and respect our natural environment. In your Pre-Trip Guide, you’ll find tips encouraging using water sparingly, using towels more than once, using air conditioners when necessary, and switching lights off when leaving your room. The trip includes the use of public transport in the city and walking tours in the other locations. The private game reserve is a solar farm, while all properties make sure that geysers are switched off when not in use. Light bulbs have been replaced by LED energy-saving bulbs. Food is sourced from small local suppliers with both vegan and vegetarian options.

Environment and Wildlife: We are conscious of our footprint on the environment and the accommodations we have chosen are implementing sustainable policies. We start the tour in a tranquil area surrounded by a forest of leafy trees and sweet-smelling Fynbos. The nature-infused experiences like foraging indigenous plants for cooking a meal, will bring greater understanding not only about the area’s unique biodiversity but also the connection between nature and humans.

Accommodation Initiatives: The on-site restaurant in the Winelands estate uses glass water bottles and biodegradable straws. Compostable cardboard for takeaway containers in the restaurant while they also make their compost on-site for the gardens. Their commitment to sustainability is put into practice when the entire estate and homeowners endeavor to recycle and have a dedicated service that only collects recyclable items. Management also regularly communicates educational information to encourage recycling. Eco-friendly pesticides are used to control rodents which do not harm other animals. The estate also partners with Cape Nature for the rehabilitation of tortoises to be released on the wine estate.

All four properties are locally owned and are fully committed to community development in their respective areas.

Apart from the city, all other establishments are away from the normal tourist attractions with the Fairtrade certification.

This unique tour has been especially and intentionally designed to empower women from marginalized backgrounds working within the tourism industry. The supply chain is made up of women-owned small businesses that will directly benefit from this women’s expedition, which in turn will benefit their families.

Most of the tour guides are female and from the local areas.

We stay in small towns like Kleinmond, Wellington, and Oudtshoorn and visit markets, have a cooking experience in a local women’s home, and a community center.

Women-Only Sisterhood Journey in South Africa

This small-group, ethical & carbon-offset climb takes you up Mount Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route. Carbon removals included!

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route | Yugen Earthside

This small group (max 12) ethical and carbon-offset climb takes you up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route. 

The Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for your climb as it balances low traffic with beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of our clients use this route and love it. The 8-day Lemosho Route is particularly well-suited for mature travelers due to its pacing.

The total trip length is 10 days: arrival day, 8-day climb, departure day.

There are many routes by which you can conquer Kili! If you're looking for a specific length or difficulty of climb, contact us about the best route options. 

6-7 day climb routes: Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Marangu.

8-10 day climb routes: Lemosho, Northern Circuit.

Safaris can range from 2-6 days. Depending on the length, you can visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks. Contact us to customize your Climb & Safari package.

Summit the tallest mountain in Africa via a less-trafficked path

Enjoy healthy, fresh-cooked meals designed for climbers

The Lemosho Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. About halfway through, the route joins the Machame route for the second half of the climb. 

As you climb, you'll be nourished by three full meals daily. We provide plentiful, fresh food on the mountain and it’s well prepared by skilled professional chefs who join us on the trek. We also consider the choice of food that you would prefer (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). The menu is specially designed for climbers.

June 2: 2 spots booked (7 day climb)
June 4: 3 spots booked
Aug. 19: 4 spots booked
Sep. 10: 2 spots booked
Sep. 22: 4 spots booked (7 day climb)

The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through March. The best time for big game viewing on a safari is June through October, January, and February.

June through October will have less rain than December to March. Temperatures are relatively consistent year-round (around 75-80°F / 24-27°C), being on the warmer end from December to March. Please note that this route is very popular, which means it can be crowded at times - this can cause it to lose some of its splendor. Unfortunately, traveling during the shoulder season during April, May, and November is not advisable due to bad weather that can cause safety hazards.

Please ask us about less-trafficked routes (like this one!), which help promote tourism dispersal, for a different and more off-the-beaten-path climbing experience.

Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Drinks and beverages at the safari lodge.

Airport taxes (amount depends on where you’re flying from).

Visa fees, to be paid upon arrival (ranges from $50 to $100 USD).

Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some gear in Tanzania.

Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets.

2-way transfer to/from Kilimanjaro Airport.

2-way transfer to and from the route gate(s).

3-4 liters of mineral water (per climber) provided daily during the climb.

Hot drinks and hot water for washing are provided daily during the climb.

Guides, cooks, & mountain support crew for your trek.

Pulse Ox meter for blood-oxygen level readings, carried by the chief guide.

Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).

Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).

Emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter (see Health & Safety section).

Kilimanjaro National Park rescue team fees.

Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.

Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.

Sleeping bag rental (Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F): $50 per person.

Telescopic trekking poles rental: $20 per trip.

Extra porter (personal porter) for excess gear: $30 per day.

Extra night at the hotel: $90 for double occupancy, $70 for single occupancy

Climbing Assistant Guide - $10 to $15 per day.

Climbing Porters - $6 to $10 per day per porter.

We pride ourselves on taking good care of our mountain crew, who make our climbs possible, and also giving back to our local community in Moshi.

We focus on organizing responsible and ethical tours that make places better for people to both live in and visit. Our dream is to combine community development with cultural tourism and conservation. We believe that the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world's natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities.

We are a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania and for every climbing trip done with us, we offset the carbon impact and travelers will receive their carbon offset certificate. We provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate some of our profits to planting trees in Moshi.

We do not indulge in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during the wildlife experiences. We stay at hotels that use or are trying to use renewable energy and eco-friendly cleaning products. We also stay in tents during the climb.

Our company has created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals (porters, guides, chefs), which helps with Tanzania's unemployment problem. We do not believe in "cheap climbs." Our prices reflect fair and ethical wages for all. We do not exploit any of our Mountain Crew (porters, guides, and chefs), without whom our climbs would not be possible. To ensure this, we are a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which requires that our Mountain Crew are paid fair wages, receive proper equipment and sleeping conditions, and are fed well. KPAP audits our climbs raises public awareness of fair treatment of porters. 

We also collaborate with KPAP to provide financial education to our Mountain Crew about saving, spending, and investing their money. We profit share with our community to ensure they benefit from the tourism revenue as well (for example, we support disabled children and help fund the building of schools.)

For every client, we ensure one child in Moshi gets health insurance for 1 year.

It is mandatory to have travel insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level. Proof is required prior to arrival. Coverage is needed in case an emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter is required. We recommend two partners:

Wanderwell (US travelers only): B-Corp Certified, 1% for the Planet member. Request a free quote for their Wanderwell GO program with the Extreme Sports upgrade.

World Nomads (All travelers <66 years old): Request a free quote for their Explorer Plan.

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route

This small group, ethical & carbon-offset climb takes you up Mount Kilimanjaro via the 7-day Machame Route. Carbon removals included!

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route | Yugen Earthside

This ethical and carbon-offset small group climb takes you along the most popular route up Mount Kilimanjaro – the Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route.

Mount Kilimanjaro resides in Kilimanjaro National Park, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Machame "Whiskey" Route can be completed in 6 or 7 days of climbing, with one day spent in Moshi on either end for arrival and departure. We recommend 7 days of climbing to balance the longer and steeper walks on this well-trekked path. This is a difficult route better suited for adventurous travelers with some hiking or backpacking experience.

There are many routes by which you can conquer Kili! If you're looking for a specific length or difficulty of climb, contact us about the best route options.

The Machame Route is scenically beautiful and varied. You’ll go through the jungle, see a fabulous view of the moorland, and have a panoramic view of the Shira Plateau. You’ll be able to see Mt. Meru, ravines, and glaciers before finally reaching the spectacular summit of Uhuru (which means “freedom” in Swahili).

The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through March.

Please ask us about less-trafficked routes, which help promote tourism dispersal, for a different and more off-the-beaten-path climbing experience.

Extra nights at the hotel (ask for pricing).

Environmental practices are a top priority for our company. We are committed to protecting natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and local communities. We recognize the impact that tourism can have on the environment and are taking steps to minimize our carbon footprint. As a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania, we offset the carbon impact of every wildlife safari and provide travelers with a carbon offset certificate. Additionally, we provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate profits to planting trees in Moshi. We do not engage in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during wildlife experiences. By prioritizing environmentally responsible practices, we hope to make a positive impact on the world around us.

In addition to our commitment to the environment, we prioritize economic sustainability. We believe that tourism has the power to create economic opportunities for communities. To that end, we have created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals as porters, guides, and chefs. We profit-share with the community so that tourism benefits everyone, and we pay fair and ethical wages to all of our employees. We do not exploit our crew and ensure that the community benefits from the tourism revenue. Our commitment to economic sustainability extends beyond our business operations, as we support disabled children, fund school building projects, and provide financial education to our staff. By prioritizing economic sustainability, we aim to create long-term benefits for the communities we serve.

Finally, we prioritize sociocultural practices that respect local communities and their traditions. We believe that cultural tourism can be a powerful tool for community development, and we strive to combine community development with conservation and cultural tourism. Our dream is to create tours that make places better for people to live in and visit. We stay at lodges that use or are trying to use renewable energy and serve local and organic food to guests. For every client, we provide health insurance for one child in Moshi for one year. By prioritizing sociocultural practices that respect local traditions and support community development, we hope to create a positive impact on the world around us.

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

Immerse yourself in South African gastronomy as you travel slowly to discover its food and culture on this tasty tour. Carbon removals included!

 [9 days] Sustainable South African Gastronomy Tour | Yugen Earthside

Immerse yourself in South African gastronomy as you discover its food, culture, and how the two are intricately connected on this tasty tour.

This slow travel, sustainable tour invites you to the table for a festival of flavors dipped in the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. We move at a leisurely pace and travel short distances, taking the time to walk and thoroughly enjoy each experience without being rushed.

A melting pot of many different cultures, South Africa's cuisine has stories begging to be heard! Come listen as you learn how to make some of our most popular dishes under the guidance of friendly locals. We will have you rolling your sleeves up, mixing spices, whisking away creams, trying delicious samples, and pairing wine with cheeses, desserts, and chocolates!

The 9-day gastronomy tour is designed for mindful foodies who want to indulge in great food and are curious to understand its history and origins.

Participate in cooking classes while learning unique histories of traditional dishes

Sample great wines and pair them with cheese, chocolates, & "biltong", a local dried meat

Meet welcoming foodies & chefs as you indulge in South Africa’s favorite delicacies

Experience South African culture by sharing stories and homemade meals with locals

Forage indigenous food in the unspoiled spaces of the West Coast

Enjoy the tranquillity of the Winelands and try seasonal produce

We have put the perfect sustainable gastronomy tour together that combines good food, wine, and great stories from the rich cultures of the Rainbow Nation. This culinary journey will take you from the buzzing city to the lazy coastline, ending on a high in the Cape Winelands. Enjoy home-cooked favorites, sit around the fire with food that makes you feel good, and feel satisfied with the harvest of South Africa's award-winning farms.

While you eat, listen to the fascinating stories of where the food originated. We will take you to visit the homes of locals, authentic markets, traditional restaurants, and typical farms in different locations in and around Cape Town.

You will be spoiled for choice, and you might just be adding to your waistline...Sorry in advance!

The small group, guided tour starts on a Friday and is available several times throughout the year - generally once per season so you can experience the in-season cuisine.

Should you request this itinerary as a Self-Guided version and start on a day other than a Friday, the sequence of the tour will be altered.

South Africa enjoys mild winters and long summers, making it a popular year-round destination. Remember: in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are flipped!

December to March: Summer is the best time for all those seeking the sun and beach days. Harvest time in the wine industry is between February - March. The weather is typically warm and dry. Temperatures average from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C). It's the peak tourist season, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall, so popular attractions and wineries can get crowded. 

April to September: This is considered the best time to visit with cooler weather. From March to May, autumn extends, with mild weather and temperatures ranging from 61°F to 77°F (16°C to 25°C). From June to August, when winter sets in, the weather becomes cool and wet, so the country is less crowded with tourists. 

Regardless of when you visit, our food will be created from in-season produce.

Cooking class, olive tasting, food & wine tasting, indigenous food experience

Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do. Our focus is on local culture, the people, the environment and making a positive impact. We believe a collective consciousness is necessary for the traveler, locals, and environment to grow.

Therefore, we intentionally collaborate with those who want to be part of rebuilding an inclusive, more sustainable model that benefits all stakeholders in the tourism industry. All our tours/trips are a combination of celebrating all cultures, connecting travelers to local community experiences and bringing awareness about conservation. Travelers will enjoy the heart of the country through colorful and collaborative journeys that positively impact and empower.

Conscious of our impact on people and planet, we provide travelers with a Pre-Trip Guide to familiarize themselves with the culture, customs, traditions and how to minimize their carbon footprint on the destination.

Environmental Initiatives
South Africa has a conservation culture and from the start, we encourage our guests to join us in our efforts to ensure the preservation of water, save energy, and respect our natural environment. We share tips in our PreTrip Guide which we send guests before departure. Together with our partners, we are committed to running responsible tourism businesses. We carefully select our suppliers to provide locally sourced products. Our accommodation partners on this tour and all our tours are conscious of our impact on the environment. We have incorporated walking tours to minimize our carbon footprint. Sustainability initiatives include solar power and reduced water usage. At our wine estate, we use glass water bottles, compostable cardboard takeaway containers, and biodegradable straws. On-site, there's a recycling sorting plant for glass, cardboard, and paper, and we create compost for the gardens.

Economic Initiatives
We have co-designed this food tour to tell the stories of the local people, many of whom have been marginalized. This tour brings dignity and respect to ordinary people, including the indigenous community who have been overlooked. We have created a platform for wonderful food and life stories to be told in an authentic way. We focus on food entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Cape Town area which will give an economic boost to their communities. We have partnered with a wine farm foundation that offers learning experiences to disadvantaged and abused women, who have no source of income. These women receive training to produce and maintain their own vegetable crops. The vegetable gardens not only provide a sustainable primary source of nourishment for themselves and their dependents but also form a meeting point where women with similar and different life experiences can connect and share with one another and learn entrepreneurial skills to help them live self-sufficient lives. 

Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting the cultural stories with the good food of the region. We use in-season products from local suppliers. From the finest food to homemade dishes, participants will get an all-round taste of South African cuisine. We are staying primarily at guest houses that help us in our sustainability journey as they are committed to changing the lives of their local communities. 

All health and safety guidance will be given to guests on guided tours. The Pre-Trip Guide also gives tips on how to travel safely. Travelers do not need to be vaccinated for South Africa.

South Africa is considered a meat-consuming country, but it has a variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and most eateries cater to all. Participants need to share their dietary requirements prior to arrival. Meals are provided from in-season produce, and alternative meals will only be replaced when notified ahead of time.

This ethical, carbon-offset, & women-only climb takes you up Mount Kilimanjaro via the 7-day Machame Route & then rewards you with a leisurely safari. Carbon removals included!

Women-Only Ethical Mount Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari | Yugen Earthside

Calling all adventurous ladies! This ethical, carbon-offset, and women-only climb takes you up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the popular 7-day Machame Route and then back down to reward you with a leisurely safari.


On this trip, you’ll first spend 7 days climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the popular Machame Route and then relax afterward with a classic 4-day safari in the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. This is a difficult route better suited for adventurous travelers with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The best part? You'll be conquering Mount Kili with active, like-minded ladies - and we do our best to have as many women as possible on the climb's support team!

The total trip length is 11 days if you join for the climb only: arrival day, rest day, 7-day climb, charity day, departure day.

The total trip length is 15 days if you join for the climb & safari: arrival day, rest day, 7-day climb, charity day, 4-day safari, departure day.

Have free time to explore the town of Moshi

In addition to employing local guides and adhering to high standards of safety and reliability, we specialize in small-group, women-only trips. Experiencing Tanzania this way is special and we can’t wait for you to join us! (Please note: We do have female porters and guides, but not enough are working in this industry to guarantee an all-female Mountain Crew. Therefore, it’s possible your Mountain Crew will either be mixed or comprised of men.)

After you descend the mountain, you’ll spend a day in Moshi where you’ll visit some community projects our company supports. We’re very involved in profit sharing and spreading out tourism revenue across the Moshi community, and we love to show our travelers this first-hand.

The following day, we’ll leave for our 4-day safari. We will visit both Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Serengeti is also classified as a Biosphere Reserve and is one of Tanzanaia's main attractions for visitors looking to view big game animals. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, well-known for being the biggest undisturbed volcanic crater in the world and attracting many popular animals. You should see all Big 5 safari animals on this safari: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo.

We respect the animals on our game drives by not feeding them and informing our guests about the consequences of feeding the wildlife. We never lead hunting safaris; and we never participate in off-roading, which can kill some species.

14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 9 dinners.

Professional, licensed, English-speaking safari guide.

Full boarding at safari lodges or tented camps as per itinerary.

03 x 0.5L mineral water per person per day during game drives.

Visit to a Maasai Village: ~$30-50 per person.

Hot Air Balloon Safari: ~$650 USD per person; typically starts around sunrise and lasts for 3 hours. Can be done on the first safari day, in the early morning, and then travelers can meet up with the game drive.

Climbing Porters - $5 to $8 per day per porter.

Safari Guides & Lodge Staff - please tip ~$30-50 USD per day per car. Cars hold 4-7 passengers.

Prices vary based on whether you do only the 7-day Mt. Kili climb or also add on the 4-day safari.

Our View on Sustainable Travel
We focus on organizing responsible and ethical tours that make places better for people to both live in and visit. Our dream is to combine community development with cultural tourism and conservation. We believe that the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world's natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities.

Carbon Offsetting
We are a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania and for every climbing trip done with us, we offset the carbon impact and travelers will receive their carbon offset certificate. We provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate some of our profits to planting trees in Moshi.

Local Crew
Our company has created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals (porters, guides, chefs), which helps with Tanzania's unemployment problem.

Fair Wages
We do not believe in "cheap climbs." Our prices reflect fair and ethical wages for all. We do not exploit any of our Mountain Crew (porters, guides, and chefs), without whom our climbs would not be possible. To ensure this, we are a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which requires that our Mountain Crew are paid fair wages, receive proper equipment and sleeping conditions, and are fed well. KPAP audits our climbs raises public awareness of fair treatment of porters. We also collaborate with KPAP to provide financial education to our Mountain Crew about saving, spending, and investing their money.

Animal Welfare
We do not indulge in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during the wildlife experiences.

We profit share with our community to ensure they benefit from the tourism revenue as well (for example, we support disabled children and help fund the building of schools.)

Accommodation
We stay at hotels that use or are trying to use renewable energy and eco-friendly cleaning products. We also stay in tents during the climb

Women-Only Ethical Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Machame Route) & Safari

A small-group wine tour with a twist... Discover the lavish Cape Winelands alongside South Africa's vibrant art culture! Carbon removals included.

[5 days] Cape Winelands & South African Art | Yugen Earthside

A small-group wine tour with a twist... Discover the lavish Cape Winelands alongside South Africa's vibrant art culture sweeping across the country! 

We know South Africa for its award-winning wines, but how much do you know about its budding contemporary art scene? In the last decade, there has been a significant development in South Africa’s modern artistic sphere, particularly in the capital city.

This 5-day tour will see us blend wine* with music, poetry, art, cheese, chocolates, and even 'biltong', a popular South African dried meat snack. You will stroll through vineyards while listening to incredible stories of how seeds are planted that grow into vineyards. And, you can attempt the ancient art of 'sabrage', which involves opening champagne bottles with a sword (with the assistance of a wine ambassador)!

From the city to the countryside, Cape Town possesses hidden gems within the vineyards of heritage farms. The wonderful Winelands has stories to share and gardens to show!

This tour combines these two exceptional sectors of art and wine in a way that's enjoyable for everyone, from novices to keen-eyed experts. If you love traveling with a creative mindset, this tour was made with you in mind!

*Non-alcoholic wine and other alcohol-free alternatives are available if you prefer.

Explore the hidden gems & picturesque scenery of the Cape Winelands

Visit vineyards in the finest wine valley, & savor two winetasting sessions

Learn the art of winemaking by one of South Africa's first female winemakers

Experience winemaking's magic by crafting your own 1.5L magnum blend!

Visit a vibrant Cape Town gallery & a wine farm that showcase South African art

Admire Street, Contemporary, Sculpture, and Indigenous art

Discover the Cape Winelands towns of Wellington, Stellenbosch, & Franschhoek

Away from the crowds, and within the beautiful Cape Winelands, sit historic old farms that have evolved into stunning vineyard estates. But it is more than their wines that we want you to taste, blend, and drink. The selected wine farms we visit offer more experiences to curious tourists, combining wine with art, poetry, and music. 

South Africa's arts sector has flourished rapidly, especially after the inauguration of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in 2017. This vibrant mother city has been a major epicenter for African art, Indigenous art, and artists. The expression of its rich and complex political and cultural history is evident in the work of some of the most exciting emerging artists of the region. With the exponential growth of art galleries as well as public and private institutions, matched with rising demand for African art around the globe, there is an endless amount of art to explore in the bustling, picturesque city of Cape Town.

The food scene in the Cape Winelands will also be a treat as travelers are spoiled for choice! From local eats to budget-friendly bites to fine dining, your tastebuds will be surprised and delighted. This tour celebrates traditional, exquisite South African meals paired with beautiful blends. 

December to March: Summer is the best time for all those seeking the sun. Harvest time in the wine industry is between February - March. The weather is typically warm and dry. Temperatures average from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C). It's the peak tourist season, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall, so popular attractions and wineries can get crowded.

April to September: This is considered the best time to visit with cooler weather. From March to May, autumn extends, with mild weather and temperatures ranging from 61°F to 77°F (16°C to 25°C). From late June to late September, when winter sets in, the weather becomes cool and wet, so the country is less crowded with tourists.

October to November: October marks the beginning of the wine harvest season in the Cape Winelands, making it a great opportunity to visit the region. October is also the month for Pinotage, a signature South African grape varietal that is the cross-pollination product of two grape cultivars: Pinot Noir and Cinsault. (Cinsault grapes were formerly called Hermitage, making the name 'Pinotage' a blend of the names 'Pinot Noir' and 'Hermitage'.) Wineries are bustling with activity and the spring blooms create a picturesque backdrop. The weather starts to warm, with temperatures ranging from 63°F to 82°F (17°C to 28°C). 

4 nights' accommodation with breakfast at a wine estate

Two additional nights in Klein Karoo + a Wine Safari on the country wine route: $510

Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do. Our focus is on local culture, the people, the environment, and making a positive impact. We believe a collective consciousness is necessary for the traveler, locals, and environment to grow.

Therefore, we intentionally collaborate with those who want to be part of rebuilding an inclusive, more sustainable model that benefits all stakeholders in the tourism industry. All our tours/trips are a combination of celebrating all cultures, connecting travelers to local community experiences, and bringing awareness about conservation. Travelers will enjoy the heart of the country through colorful and collaborative journeys that positively impact and empower.

Conscious of our impact on people and the planet, we provide travelers with a Pre-Trip Guide to familiarize themselves with the culture, customs, traditions, and how to minimize their carbon footprint on the destination.

Our tour takes place in the Cape Winelands. The towns are small and community-driven with many of the wineries, restaurants, accommodations, and attractions operating with reduced environmental footprints. We are conscious of our footprint on the environment and the accommodation we have chosen is an example of this supporting our sustainability journey. The 5 days are spent at one property that operates sustainable practices and policies. They ensure that geysers are switched off when not in use. Light bulbs have been replaced by LED energy-saving bulbs. 

The on-site restaurant uses glass water bottles and biodegradable straws. They utilize compostable cardboard for takeaway containers, and they also create their own compost on-site for the gardens. Their commitment to sustainability is put into practice when the entire estate and homeowners endeavor to recycle and have a dedicated service that only collects recyclable items. Management also regularly communicates educational information to encourage recycling. Eco-friendly pesticides are used to control rodents which do not harm other animals. The estate also partners with Cape Nature for the rehabilitation of tortoises to be released on the wine estate.

We also invest up to 5% of the tour fee into one of the women-owned farms which runs a foundation that teaches women entrepreneurial skills that can be applied to the benefit of themselves, their families, their communities, and society at large. The foundation will help create a source of income for its beneficiaries. By providing shelter for women who are abused, mentally or physically, they offer a safe place to turn to as well as the necessary emotional support.

The owners of the establishments for this unique tour are all community champions. They promote the conservation and protection of local nature and wildlife, and their engagement with the local community is respectful, positive, and mutually beneficial. 

Vegetarian-friendly

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