Outdoor Activities Groups and Events

Join us for a two mile hike along the Sugarbush trail at the Blendon Woods Metro Park. This hike was attempted earlier this year but was rained out, except for a few daring souls who braved the rain. This trail is a dirt trail with some roots and can be a bit muddy when wet but hopefully we will have nothing but sunshine! Join us!

**South Africa \| August 19 \- 28\, 2026** ***Trip Summary:*** Experience the best of South Africa on this unforgettable adventure combining cosmopolitan Cape Town with authentic safari experiences. Explore vibrant city streets, sip world-class wines in historic vineyards, and meet adorable African penguins at Boulders Beach. Then venture into the wild at Thanda Private Game Reserve for thrilling game drives, luxury tented accommodations, and close encounters with the Big Five in their natural habitat. * Discover Cape Town’s rich history and stunning coastal beauty on a guided walking tour * Sample exceptional wines at boutique estates in the Cape Winelands with expert-led tastings * Visit the famous African penguin colony at Boulders Beach * Experience luxury safari living at Thanda Tented Camp in a private game reserve * Track the Big Five on multiple expertly-guided game drives through pristine wilderness * Enjoy an unforgettable bush dinner under the African stars * Cruise the St. Lucia Estuary spotting hippos and crocodiles in iSimangaliso Wetland Park **To See the FULL ITINERARY & to REGISTER Visit: [WTA South Africa](https://womentravelabroad.com/trip/south-africa/)** ***Daily Itinerary:*** **Day 1 – August 19:** Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, private transportation whisks you to your boutique hotel in the Mother City. Settle into your accommodations and join your group for a welcome dinner featuring traditional South African cuisine. Rest well as tomorrow your Cape Town adventure begins. **Day 2 – August 20:** This morning, discover Cape Town’s vibrant culture and history on a guided walking tour through the city center. Wander colorful Bo-Kaap with its rainbow houses, explore the historic Company’s Garden, and visit the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace—browse local markets, visit museums, or simply soak in the mountain views. **Day 3 – August 21:** Venture into the famous Cape Winelands for a day of wine tasting among rolling vineyards and historic estates. Visit carefully selected boutique wineries where you’ll sample exceptional wines paired with local delicacies, all while learning about centuries-old winemaking traditions. Take in sweeping views of vine-covered valleys framed by dramatic mountain peaks. **Day 4 – August 22:** Today’s adventure takes you along the stunning coastal route to Boulders Beach, home to a thriving colony of African penguins. Watch these charming birds waddle along white sand beaches and swim in crystal-clear waters. Explore the scenic Cape Peninsula, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints before returning to Cape Town for the evening. **Day 5 – August 23:** After breakfast, fly north to KwaZulu-Natal and arrive at the exclusive Thanda Private Game Reserve. Check into your luxury tented camp where comfort meets wilderness, then prepare for your first game drive. As the sun sets over the African bush, set out with expert rangers to track elephants, lions, rhinos, and more. **Day 6 – August 24:** Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the bush with morning and afternoon game drives separated by leisure time at the lodge. Wake before dawn for the best wildlife viewing as animals are most active in the cool morning hours. Between drives, relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply watch wildlife from the comfort of your tent. **Day 7 – August 25:** Continue your safari experience with two more game drives today, each offering new opportunities to witness Africa’s incredible wildlife. Your expert guides share their deep knowledge of animal behavior and bush ecology. This evening, savor a magical bush dinner under a canopy of stars, complete with traditional South African flavors and storytelling around the campfire. **Day 8 – August 26:** This morning, journey to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board a boat for the Hippo and Croc Cruise along the St. Lucia Estuary, where you’ll spot massive hippos and Nile crocodiles in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes open for colorful kingfishers and fish eagles soaring overhead before returning to Thanda for your final evening. **Day 9 – August 27:** Rise early for one last sunrise game drive, bidding farewell to the bush and its magnificent creatures. After breakfast, fly back to Cape Town and transfer to your airport hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group, sharing stories and memories from your South African adventure. **Day 10 – August 28:** Private transportation takes you to Cape Town International Airport for your departure flight home. Leave with unforgettable memories of South Africa’s diverse landscapes, incredible wildlife, and warm hospitality. **WHAT’S INCLUDED:** * 10 days & 9 nights’ accommodations * Boutique hotels in Cape Town & luxury tented camp at Thanda Private Game Reserve * Airport transfer * Domestic flights (Cape Town to Thanda and return) * All ground transportation * Cape Winelands wine tasting experience * Boulders Beach penguin colony visit * Five game drives at Thanda Private Game Reserve * St. Lucia Estuary hippo and crocodile cruise * Daily breakfast * Daily group lunch (excluding Day 2) * Daily group dinner * Park fees and entrance fees for all included activities * All tips and taxes on included services **WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:** * International airfare to/from Cape Town * Travel insurance * Items of a personal nature * Meals not listed above * Alcoholic Beverages not listed **[Find all the details and pricing on our website](https://womentravelabroad.com/trip/south-africa/)**

The plan is to hang out on the rooftop and enjoy the evening! 🌇 If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll just move the fun indoors. Food will be available inside if you’re feeling hungry, so come ready to relax, chat, and have a great time!

Update:*POSTPONED DUE TO HEAT ADVISORY* Wednesday, July 1, 2026 TENTATIVE RE-SCHEDULED DATE Monday, July 27, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 noon: Program 12- 12:30: picnic lunch Updates: https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour Granville Land Lab 2025 Burg Street | Granville MEADOWS FOR MONARCHS PROJECT Learning Landscapes Tour + Community Science at the Land Lab Wednesday, July 1, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 noon: Program 12- 12:30: picnic lunch *meet at shelter house near Granville Intermediate School playground* Free. Registration Required so we know to expect you,[ click here https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour](https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour) Want to make your own wildflower meadow? Residents of licking county can sign up for this free program to receive free seed and training https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/meadows **ABOUT THE EVENT** Join Pollinator Pathway for a morning at the Land Lab, a ~100-acre prairie and outdoor learning space just steps from Granville Intermediate School. This event explores how schools and other campuses can create living classrooms and contribute to community science. * **Tour the Land Lab:** Award-winning environmental science educator Jim Reding will lead guided tours through prairie, wetlands and other restored habitat, sharing the story behind this nationally-recognized space and the students and partnerships who helped make it happen. * **Contribute to Community Science with iNaturalist App:** Learn to identify and document plants, pollinators and other wildlife using iNaturalist. Dr. Karen Goodell, professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University at Newark and one of Ohio's foremost experts on native bees will share how to use this powerful tool to learn about the natural world while contributing to scientific research. * **Connect & Collaborate:** The morning program concludes with an optional BYO picnic lunch and networking at the Land Lab shelter house, overlooking the prairie. **🌸Anyone passionate about conservation and outdoor learning is welcome🌸** **WHAT TO BRING, WEAR & PREPARE** * **Download the iNaturalist app (the new one vs. the "classic" one) & create an account prior to the event if you don't have one already.** * **Sunscreen** * **Water bottle** * **Insect repellent** * **Hat** * **Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain** * **Light-colored clothing.** * **Long pants and socks are encouraged.** * **Please bring a reusable water bottle** * **Packed/picnic lunch.** **Picnic table seating will be available at the shelter house overlooking the Land Lab**

Ohio State Extension presents Let's Preserve It! Food Preservation Webinar Series Tuesdays | 12-12:30 p.m. (EDT) | ZOOM JOIN US FOR ONLINE LEARNING Free Food preservation season is officially here, and our professionals are hosting a series of educational workshops that focus on various food preservation methods. All workshops are virtual (12-12:30 p.m.). Register at the link in the comments to sign up. All meetings will be recorded and shared. DATES - June 9: Methods of Preserving June 23: Water Bath Canning Basics July 7: Pressure Canning Basics July 21: Freezing Basics July 28: Drying Basics Aug. 11: Making and Preserving Juice Not hosted on Meetup, click rsvp register at the link to get zoom link

Join us the 1st Monday of every month as we meet up to chat about relationships. Hope to see you there!

Hosted by Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) FREE WEBINAR! • • Learn how to turn lemons (aka invasive honeysuckle) into lemonade (aka a bench) FREE WEBINAR: Building a Honeysuckle Bench with George Anderson Monday, August 3rd, 6PM EST FLOW has been working hard for years to remove invasive honeysuckle from the watershed. One long-time volunteer, woodworker George Anderson, has found beauty in the wood of this aggressive woodland intruder, turning the logs into useful and attractive rustic benches. Come to the webinar and hear him share hints and tips for working with honeysuckle; how to choose the wood, what tools to use, how to finish the benches, and more. The webinar will begin with a short video taken in his woodworking studio, followed by a live question and answer session. Register for free at the link after you RSVP in order to get you personal zoom link for the webinar

Ohio State Extension presents Let's Preserve It! Food Preservation Webinar Series Tuesdays | 12-12:30 p.m. (EDT) | ZOOM JOIN US FOR ONLINE LEARNING Free Food preservation season is officially here, and our professionals are hosting a series of educational workshops that focus on various food preservation methods. All workshops are virtual (12-12:30 p.m.). Register at the link in the comments to sign up. All meetings will be recorded and shared. DATES - June 9: Methods of Preserving June 23: Water Bath Canning Basics July 7: Pressure Canning Basics July 21: Freezing Basics July 28: Drying Basics Aug. 11: Making and Preserving Juice Not hosted on Meetup, click rsvp register at the link to get zoom link

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