Lize outdid herself in planning this unforgettable journey for our family through South Africa and Victoria Falls. Our goal was to truly experience the region, and thanks to her, we did just that.
The trip offered an outstanding variety of experiences. Lize masterfully coordinated this intricate itinerary, seamlessly managing multiple hotels, flights, private transfers, tours, and activities.
Every person we encountered throughout our journey went above and beyond to make us feel...
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Lize outdid herself in planning this unforgettable journey for our family through South Africa and Victoria Falls. Our goal was to truly experience the region, and thanks to her, we did just that.
The trip offered an outstanding variety of experiences. Lize masterfully coordinated this intricate itinerary, seamlessly managing multiple hotels, flights, private transfers, tours, and activities.
Every person we encountered throughout our journey went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and ensure an exceptional experience. The warmth, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail demonstrated by our guides, drivers, lodge and hotel staff, and everyone we met elevated the trip and left a lasting impression.
We especially appreciated having the entire journey organized in one place, which was invaluable with six adults traveling together. The itinerary allowed us to experience so many different facets of southern Africa—from awe-inspiring wildlife and natural wonders to world-class wine country, stunning coastal scenery, and the timeless luxury of Rovos Rail.
This was truly a trip of a lifetime—filled with unforgettable destinations, incredible people, and extraordinary experiences. We are deeply grateful to Lize and the Kimkim team for making it all possible.
Hotel Reviews
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel was an excellent choice for our stay in Cape Town. Its location at the V&A Waterfront was incredibly convenient, with restaurants, shops, and attractions within easy walking distance. It also served as a great base for our tours of Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, the Winelands, and Hermanus.
The hotel was comfortable and welcoming, and the staff went above and beyond to make our group feel at home. Everyone we encountered was friendly, helpful, and attentive.
We especially appreciated being able to return to such a relaxing and conveniently located hotel after our full days of sightseeing. We would gladly recommend the Victoria & Alfred Hotel to anyone visiting Cape Town.
Our four-night journey aboard Rovos Rail from Victoria Falls to Pretoria was a unique and memorable experience. The train’s classic elegance made us feel as though we had stepped back into a more glamorous era of travel.
The staff went above and beyond throughout the journey. They were warm, attentive, and professional, and they worked hard to make every guest feel special. We enjoyed relaxing onboard, spending time together, and watching the changing landscapes of southern Africa pass by.
Rovos Rail is far more than simply transportation—it’s an immersive experience in its own right. The leisurely pace invited us to slow down, savor each moment, and truly appreciate the journey rather than rushing toward our next destination. It became a highlight of our South African adventure, leaving us with lasting memories.
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Victoria Falls River Lodge was a wonderful part of our trip. Its beautiful setting offered the perfect combination of relaxation, nature, and adventure while visiting Victoria Falls.
The accommodations were exceptionally comfortable, and the entire staff surpassed our expectations in making our group feel welcome. Every team member was warm, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to creating a memorable stay. We took part in all three activities offered by the lodge—boat excursions, exhilarating safaris, and a guided tour of Victoria Falls—which allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the area's breathtaking natural beauty.
One thing travelers should be aware of is that guests must be transported by golf cart between the main lodge and their rooms. Although the staff was always happy to assist, this required some planning whenever we wanted to leave or return to our room.
Overall, our time at Victoria Falls River Lodge was unforgettable, and we would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Victoria Falls.
Staff
The staff was amazing!
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Hoedspruit
Our stay at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge was one of the highlights of our trip. The lodge’s beautiful setting in the Timbavati Game Reserve made it the perfect place to experience the South African bush.
The safari game drives were unforgettable, and the guides went above and beyond to make each outing special. Everyone at the lodge was warm, attentive, and genuinely committed to making our group feel welcome. Their kindness and excellent service made our stay even more memorable.
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge provided an incredible safari experience that we will always treasure. We would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a special and unforgettable stay in South Africa.
Staff
The staff at Simbavati went above and beyond for our family!
Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport
Johannesburg
The hotel's location made our arrival easy and stress-free, especially after a long day of travel. We were able to settle in quickly without dealing with a lengthy transfer, and it was equally convenient when it was time to continue our journey. This hotel is an excellent option for anyone needing a comfortable and convenient stay near O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Activity Reviews
Afternoon Game Drive
South Africa
Our safari in the Timbavati Game Reserve was an unforgettable experience and one of the biggest highlights of our entire trip. We were thrilled to see all of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—in their natural environment.
Each game drive offered something different, and Golden and Nkosi were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and deeply respectful of the animals. They went above and beyond to locate the wildlife, explain animal behavior, and ensure that everyone in our group had a great view.
Seeing the Big Five was a dream come true, and the entire safari exceeded our expectations. It gave us memories that will last a lifetime, and we would highly recommend the Timbavati Game Reserve to anyone visiting South Africa.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria Day 1
Pretoria
Checking in for Rovos Rail at the train station was smooth and well organized. The staff welcomed us warmly, handled our luggage, and clearly explained what to expect before boarding.
The attentive service began the moment we arrived and immediately set the tone for the journey. The check-in process felt relaxed and personal, building our excitement for the experience ahead. It was a wonderful start to our Rovos Rail adventure.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria Day 5
Pretoria
The food aboard Rovos Rail was exceptional and an important part of the overall experience. Each meal was beautifully prepared and presented, with a wonderful variety of dishes throughout our journey.
Dining in the elegant dining car made every meal feel like a special occasion. The service was attentive and professional, and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate our group and make us feel welcome.
The delicious food, beautiful presentation, excellent service, and classic atmosphere made dining aboard Rovos Rail a truly memorable experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria Day 4
Pretoria
This safari excursion through Rovos Rail was another memorable part of our journey. The highlight was seeing a mother rhinoceros with her baby in their natural environment. It was a beautiful and touching sight that our entire family will always remember.
Our guide was knowledgeable and attentive, helping us spot wildlife and sharing interesting information about the animals and the surrounding area. Seeing the baby rhino alongside its mother made this excursion truly special.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria Day 3
Pretoria
The safari excursion during our Rovos Rail journey was a wonderful addition to the experience. The highlight was seeing two cheetahs in their natural environment—an incredible and unforgettable sight for our entire family.
Our guide was knowledgeable and worked hard to help us spot wildlife while sharing interesting information about the animals and the surrounding area. The excursion gave us another opportunity to enjoy the beauty and wildlife of southern Africa while traveling aboard Rovos Rail.
Seeing the two cheetahs made this a truly special and memorable outing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Victoria Falls Bungee Jumping
Victoria Falls
The gorge swing was an exciting and unforgettable adventure for those who participated. The staff was professional, encouraging, and focused on safety, which helped everyone feel confident before taking the leap. Watching them swing through the gorge was thrilling for the rest of us as well.
It was a fun experience for our entire group—even though only half of us were brave enough to do it!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Winelands Tour (including lunch)
South Africa
Because of our limited time, we chose to visit the Winelands as a day trip from Cape Town rather than stay overnight in the area. This turned out to be an excellent way to experience South Africa’s beautiful wine country while keeping the rest of our itinerary on schedule.
The scenery was gorgeous, and we enjoyed exploring the vineyards at a relaxed and comfortable pace. Our private guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to everyone in our group. The wine tastings were enjoyable and informative, and the included lunch was a lovely addition to the day.
The combination of beautiful vineyards, excellent wine, delicious food, and outstanding service made this a memorable excursion. A full-day tour is a great option for travelers who want to experience the Winelands but do not have time for an overnight stay.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria Day 2
Pretoria
Our four-night journey aboard Rovos Rail from Victoria Falls to Pretoria was a unique and memorable experience. The train’s classic elegance made us feel as though we had stepped back into a more glamorous era of travel.
The staff went above and beyond throughout the journey. They were warm, attentive, and professional, and they worked hard to make every guest feel special. We enjoyed relaxing onboard, spending time together, and watching the changing landscapes of southern Africa pass by.
Rovos Rail is much more than transportation—it is an experience in itself. The leisurely pace gave us time to unwind and enjoy the journey rather than simply rushing to the next destination. It was a wonderful and distinctive part of our South African adventure.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Vic Falls River Lodge Activities
Victoria Falls
The activities offered by Victoria Falls River Lodge added so much to our stay. They were well organized and gave us a wonderful opportunity to experience the area’s wildlife, scenery, and natural beauty.
Billy, our guide, was exceptional. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, and he went above and beyond to make every experience enjoyable and memorable for our group. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the area made our activities even more special.
We especially appreciated the balance between adventure and time to relax and take in the surroundings. Billy and the lodge team helped make our visit to Victoria Falls truly unforgettable.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Timbavati Private Game Reserve Safari Day
Timbavati Game Reserve
The safari exceeded our expectations and gave us memories that will last a lifetime. We would highly recommend a safari in the Timbavati Game Reserve to anyone visiting South Africa.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Days on Safari
South Africa
Our safari in the Timbavati Game Reserve was an unforgettable experience and one of the biggest highlights of our entire trip. Being surrounded by the beauty of the South African bush and observing wildlife in its natural environment was truly remarkable.
Each game drive offered something different, and Golden (our guide) and Nkosi (our tracker) were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and made it their goal for us to see the Big Five . They went above and beyond to find wildlife, explain animal behavior, and ensure that everyone in our group had a great view and an enjoyable experience.
The safari exceeded our expectations and gave us memories that will last a lifetime. We would highly recommend a safari in the Timbavati Game Reserve to anyone visiting South Africa.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour (including lunch)
South Africa
Our full-day Cape Peninsula tour was one of the highlights of our time in Cape Town. The coastal scenery was breathtaking, and the tour gave us a wonderful opportunity to experience the peninsula's natural beauty and variety.
Zane, our private guide, was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to our group of six. We appreciated being able to enjoy the day at a comfortable pace while learning about the area’s history, wildlife, and landmarks.
The tour was well organized, and the included lunch made the day especially convenient. It was a full but enjoyable day filled with beautiful views and memorable stops. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cape Town.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Hermanus tour including Whale Cruise
South Africa
The whale-watching cruise by Southern Right Charters provided an unforgettable experience and a wonderful addition to our time in the Cape Town area. Seeing whales in their natural environment was truly special, and the beautiful coastal scenery made the excursion even more enjoyable.
The crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They worked hard to help everyone spot the whales while also sharing interesting information about the marine life in the area. We felt safe and well cared for throughout the cruise.
This was a memorable experience that we would highly recommend to anyone visiting during whale season.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private City & Table Mountain Tour - Half Day
Cape Town
Our private half-day Cape Town and Table Mountain tour was a wonderful introduction to the city. Traveling as a group of six, we appreciated the comfort and flexibility of having a private guide.
Our guide, Zane, was friendly, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to make the tour interesting and enjoyable. We learned about Cape Town’s history and culture while seeing some of its most notable sights. Table Mountain was an unforgettable highlight, with spectacular views of the city and surrounding coastline.
The tour was well organized and fit an impressive amount into half a day without feeling rushed. We would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a memorable introduction to Cape Town.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Lize Enderstein