Girl in the Wilderness Introduces Women-Only Suzuki Jimny Self-Drive Safaris in South Africa

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA — July 2026 — Girl in the Wilderness, a South African safari company specialising in travel experiences designed for women, has introduced a new style of African adventure: women-only self-drive safaris using fully equipped Suzuki Jimny 4x4s.

Created for women who want the freedom of driving through South Africa’s wilderness without the uncertainty of travelling completely alone, the concept combines independent self-driving with the structure and support of a professionally planned safari journey.

Guests drive their own Suzuki Jimny while travelling as part of a small convoy, allowing each participant to experience the independence of being behind the wheel while remaining connected to an experienced team and fellow travellers.

For Girl in the Wilderness founder Antje Mouton, the idea was born from a simple observation: many women dream of taking an African road trip or self-drive safari, but hesitate because they are unsure about vehicle handling, navigation, wildlife areas or travelling alone.

“Women are often far more capable than they give themselves credit for,” says Mouton. “Sometimes all that is missing is the right environment in which to try something new. You do not need to be an experienced off-road driver or the sort of person who can rebuild an engine with a Leatherman. You just need curiosity, a willingness to learn and a good sense of humour.”

The journeys are designed to provide what Girl in the Wilderness describes as “independence without isolation”.

Rather than simply being passengers on a traditional safari, participants become active travellers. They navigate roads, learn more about their vehicles, experience the rhythm of a road trip and gain confidence behind the wheel.

The Suzuki Jimny was selected for its compact size, manoeuvrability and approachable driving experience. The vehicles can be equipped for wilderness travel while remaining unintimidating for women who may have limited experience driving a 4x4.

The self-drive concept forms part of a broader movement towards more experience-rich safari travel. For many guests, seeing wildlife remains central to the journey, but the adventure also lies in the spaces between sightings: the early starts, shared roadside stops, unexpected detours, campfire conversations and growing sense of confidence that develops along the way.

Girl in the Wilderness has developed its self-drive safaris for women in South Africa for women travelling alone, friends travelling together and women who simply want to experience Africa from a different perspective.

The company’s wider portfolio of women-only safari experiences is designed around safety, support, small groups and meaningful connection.

“We want women to come home with incredible wildlife photographs,” says Mouton. “But we also want them to come home thinking, ‘I actually did that.’ That feeling of capability stays with you long after the dust has been washed out of your hair.”

The introduction of the Jimny self-drive safari concept reflects Girl in the Wilderness’s growing focus on creating African travel experiences that give women greater choice in how they explore.

Because sometimes the best safari seat is not in the back of the vehicle.

Sometimes it is behind the wheel.

About Girl in the Wilderness

Girl in the Wilderness is a female-focused African safari company based in Hoedspruit, South Africa. Founded by traveller, photographer and African safari specialist Antje Mouton, the company creates women-only safaris, solo female travel experiences, self-drive adventures and photography-focused journeys across Africa.

The company aims to create a safe, supportive and positive space in which women can explore the African wilderness with confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of adventure.