Travel Adventures Have No Expiry Date

Simona: Your business is in the travel space — was travel always something close to your heart? Was there a spark, a moment, that pulled you into this industry?

Mandy: Yes, as part of my corporate job, I’d done some global travel, and I’d always enjoyed discovering new destinations. But after I got divorced, being over 50, it wasn’t always easy to find someone to travel with. I thought, there must be other women like me out there — widowed, divorced, career women, women who needed time for themselves. That’s where the idea came from. That’s why I decided to start The Adventurous Ewe.

Simona: I imagine shifting your life so dramatically must have felt both exciting and terrifying. What was it like to learn everything — operations, marketing, sales? How did you handle that?

Mandy: It was both exciting and daunting, definitely. It was thrilling to start a new chapter, but also scary because there was so much I didn’t know — like how to build a website, how to do social media posts. I had to find people to help, so I built up a small team. Someone worked on the website, another on social media, and then I needed someone for the financial side. Later on, I met a brand specialist who helped with ideas. You really build your business step by step. It’s not all at once. First the website, then social media, then more. I got involved in marketing, I even use ChatGPT — I’m quite proud of becoming a bit IT-savvy!

Simona: That’s amazing — and you should be proud of embracing AI tools, because they’re here to stay. I’m always explaining to people that these tools are our allies, not our enemies. So, well done. Now, I remember we first met through the Women in Travel CIC mentorship program. Reflecting on that experience, what were the biggest lessons or mindset shifts you took away from your mentors?

Mandy: The main thing I learned was to ask for help. Each mentor I had, I came with questions and ideas, and sometimes they had to rein me in and say, “Mandy, you’re going too fast, slow down, focus.” I carry that lesson with me still. If I have an idea or problem, I look for help, for someone to bounce things off.

Simona: That’s such a valuable lesson — not to isolate yourself, but to lean on others. As a solo female founder, what role does community play for you these days? Do you still connect with mentors or business communities?

Mandy: Yes, definitely. I belong to a number of women’s groups where you meet others doing interesting things. I’m also part of SATSA — the South African Tourism Association — and Cape Town Tourism. I have a couple of friends who are travel agents and have been in the business for years, and I’ll often reach out to them too.

Simona: I love that. It’s such an important reminder that the community is there to help you grow. Now, let’s talk a bit about your roots. Where are you originally from?

Mandy: I’m from Zimbabwe, but I’ve lived in South Africa for many years.

Simona: And after all those years in Cape Town, what does this place mean to you personally?

Mandy: Cape Town is very close to my heart. We have Table Mountain dominating the city, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other side — the best of both worlds. There’s spectacular scenery, dramatic coastal drives like Chapman’s Peak, and the Cape Winelands with beautiful farms. There’s a pulse here that’s invigorating, with diverse cultures and friendly, hospitable people who love to share their city.

Simona: It sounds so magical. From what I hear, tourism in Cape Town is booming. Would you agree? Mandy: Yes, absolutely. It’s booming, especially with cruise ships arriving. One guide told me that when a cruise ship docks, you’ve got thousands of people lining up to see Table Mountain, Cape Point, the penguins — the buses are queued up, the roads get so congested. But it’s great for tourism.

Simona: Let’s talk about the women you serve. Do you feel that the travel culture in South Africa shapes local women in any particular way?

Mandy: South African women are incredibly resourceful. A lot of women and their families cannot afford overseas trips, but South Africa has a lot to offer – a road trip, a beach escape, or a safari. Travel here encourages spontaneity. We value nature, storytelling, and we’re curious to explore.

Simona: I love that. And I think what you’re doing — encouraging women to travel later in life — is so special. In your opinion, are there any cultural beliefs in South Africa about women travelling after 50?

Mandy: I think that’s universal, not just in South Africa. Women are raised to believe adventure is something for their 20s. Later in life, they settle into being caregivers and supporters. I’m trying to challenge that idea by saying: adventure has no expiry date, especially for women over 50. This is the perfect stage to reconnect with yourself.

Simona: So true. In my culture, in Lithuania, it’s still a bit rare for women over 50 to go on solo adventures, too. If South Africa could speak for itself, what do you think it would want the world to understand about its women?

Mandy: They’ve faced inequality and hardship, but they are joyful, creative, and deeply resourceful. There’s a quote I love: “See my people for their strength, not just their struggles. See my women not just as survivors of history, but as the heart of healing, growth, and change.”

Simona: That’s beautifully said. Now, what does this business mean to you personally?

Mandy: For me, it’s a way to connect with other women, to explore together while feeling safe. I’ve met extraordinary women, many of whom I’m still in touch with. My own social circle has expanded.

Simona: Why did you choose to focus specifically on women at this transitional stage of life?

Mandy: Because I’m there myself. I know what it feels like — divorced, over 50, wanting to travel but lacking a companion. There’s a gap in the industry for women over 50. We like our comfort, good food, culture, and a bit of fun. We’re not old — we still want adventure, like hopping on a Vespa in Vietnam.

Simona: You truly believe that age is just a number, and your spirit is what matters. Have you seen any transformations in your guests?

Mandy: Yes, the camaraderie is amazing. At first, everyone is shy, then stories flow and laughter follows. One guest had always travelled with her late husband and had lost her confidence. After joining my tour, she felt so safe that she came again. That is what makes it worthwhile — seeing joy return to women’s lives.

Simona: That’s so touching. You really are building more than tours — you’re building community. What do you think group or solo travel unlocks for women at this stage in life?

Mandy: It unlocks freedom. We’re all tied up in family and careers and forget ourselves. Travel gives women a space to put themselves first.

Simona: And when you started the business, how did you decide which destinations to offer to your guests at first?

Mandy: Honestly, I chose places I’d like to go myself — places I hadn’t been, or that I thought would be interesting. I also considered destinations where women might feel a bit nervous to travel alone, like Morocco, maybe India. Those are places where you benefit from the safety of a small group and some support.

Simona: Looking back at yourself before the business and today, how have you changed?

Mandy: It’s made me braver. It’s not about money anymore, it’s about the heart. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, honour my story, and keep creating from the heart.

Simona: It’s proof that you can figure things out and build something meaningful.

Mandy: Yes, and the conversations with women keep me going. Their feedback, their stories — it inspires me.

Simona: What do you hope women take away from your trips?

Mandy: I want them to return inspired — inspired to travel more, tell stories, and continue exploring.

Simona: What would you say to a woman in her 50s or 60s with a quiet dream waiting on the shelf?

Mandy: The time is now. Stop making excuses and live life.

Simona: Do you feel like you’re where you’re meant to be now?

Mandy: Yes, very definitely. I belong here. I love my work — the planning, the research, and the joy of travelling with women I can relate to.

Simona: That’s such a success in itself, to feel that sense of belonging. If you could write a letter to the world, what legacy would you leave behind?

Mandy: I’d say the purpose of life is to live it. Try new experiences, meet new people, broaden your mind, and to hell with what people think at your age!

Simona: Perfect. Thank you, Mandy, for sharing your beautiful journey and inspiring so many of us.

Are you a woman over 50 who dreams of exploring the world, but struggles to find a travel companion? We would like to invite you to join us on one of our intimate, women-only tours. Whether you long for the vibrant energy of India, the peaceful charm of Vietnam, or the captivating colors of Morocco, we have the perfect adventure waiting for you. Come and experience a journey filled with laughter, connection, and discovery.