Kimkim Trip Reviews for South Africa

We loved the Hyde so much, we moved a reservation so that we could finish our trip there. The staff is simply some of the best I have ever experienced. From the helpful, cheerful valet attendants, to the amazing front desk staff, the Hyde Hotel went above and beyond to make our stay all we could have wanted and then some. We stayed there for the first week of a 6 week trip around South Africa. When we returned for our last week, we were greeted as welcome friends. From storing our inordinate amount of luggage while we toured, to organizing laundry service, every request was cheerfully and efficiently organized. Every team member managed friendly personal service while maintaining admirable professionalism. The hotel is beautiful, in the heart of Rosebank. The Zone surrounding it had wonderful restaurants, great shopping, and interesting experiences within walking distance. When we return to Johannesburg we will definitely return to the Hyde for unmatched service and hospitality.

Absolutely wonderful

Incredible how beautiful the rooms were

The location is fantastic, and we saw all the Big Five as well as many other animals. The accommodations are great, the food delicious, and the guide for the game drives and bush walks was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and knew all the places to find the animals. This lodge is a true gem.

Great location and the food was amazing. We only wish we could have stayed there a few more days.

At this lodge we stayed in a luxury tent and really enjoyed it, even when monkeys tried to come into the room. This lodge was a bit bigger than River Rock and the food was buffet style, which worked perfectly as you could choose what and how much you wanted. It also had a deck that overlooked a watering hole so you could watch elephants, zebras, giraffes, baboons, etc.

Great location in Victoria Falls, a house that has been converted to a B&B, with large and comfortable rooms and a great breakfast.

The atmosphere is very warm with eclectic decorations, and the food is amazing.

From the first game drive we were amazed. Elephants, rhinos, zebras, hyenas, when we first started the game drive.

Same as the previous day, but crocs, lions, Cape buffalo, rhinos, turtles; and we really enjoyed stoping for the morning coffee, the sundowner, and seeing the stars so clearly without any light pollution.

We really enjoyed this tour, and seeing all the waterfalls.

The boat was great and we really enjoyed the appetizers and drinks. Also there were a lot of wildlife sightings along the river such as hippos, crocs, many varieties birds, etc.

This goes for all our game drives; it is a great experience riding in the landcruisers and becoming one with the bush. You slowly learn how to look for game in the grasses and bushes, and the guide teaches you how to read tracks in the road and on trails. You never know what you will see next or when you will see it, and it is always such a rush when you happen on the rhinos or lions or hippos. Being up early in the morning before the sun comes up, and out in the evening as the sun goes down and the stars fill this sky is just mesmorizing. The game walks take place around noon before lunch, and while you may see some animals you tend to focus on the trees, flowers, bushes, insects. You learn how such items are used on a daily basis for medicine or for food; you never forget when the guide lit some elephant dung on fire and everyone had a whiff of the smoke - very clean and good for your chest if you have a cold!

Unique, colorful and comfortable. The staff is outstanding and the location in Cape Town is convenient to most everything.

The Cape Peninsula & Penguins Excursion in Cape Town was a fun experience where we saw loads of penguins. It was quite crowded and touristy, with many people around, so it felt a bit sanitized compared to the more authentic safari experience. However, it was still enjoyable to see the penguins and be part of the tourist activity. It was a nice contrast to the rest of the trip.

The safari activities with Rhino Walking Safaris in Kruger National Park were incredible. The private concession gave us exclusive access to a large area where we could experience wildlife up close without the crowds. The guides were very knowledgeable and made the experience feel genuine and adventurous. It was not a typical tourist safari but a real immersion with the animals, which I highly recommend.

Small and quiet. Great breakfast and beautiful views.

Beautiful setting and rooms. Food and service outstanding.

Absolutely fantastic. Beautiful, small, wonderful staff and food. The game drives were spectacular.

I really can’t think of a thing they could do to make this better. Very luxurious with wonderfully attentive staff. Guides and trackers made the games drives very interesting and successful.

The whale watching in Hermanus was not worth the time it took. It involved a two-hour drive each way and only a couple of hours on the boat, which took up a whole day and cut into our time in Cape Town. While we did see a lot of whales, the travel time made it less enjoyable and I would not recommend it if you want to maximize your time in the city.

The wine tram in Franschhoek was a lot of fun and a great way to get around the wineries. We spent a long time at one winery and ended up visiting only two, but it was a very enjoyable experience. The tram allowed us to skip some wineries if we wanted and was a unique way to explore the wine country.

Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen was a standout experience. It is a private home on the outskirts of Cape Town where the host prepares meals using organic ingredients from her garden. The small group setting made it a very intimate and special experience.

Visiting Victoria Falls was beautiful and the falls themselves were spectacular. However, I felt that it took a whole day away from the main highlights of our trip like the city, wine country, and safari. After seeing the falls, I think I might skip it next time and spend more time on safari.

Stunning hotel in Constantia. Excellent staff and beautiful decor. Breakfast was wonderful. We would consider a room upgrade next time. The standard room was lovely with an expansive bathroom but a little more room in the actual bedroom would have been nice. Beautiful welcome drinks and chocolates. Centrally located. Will def stay here again

Outstanding hotel! Would come back to South Africa just to experience this hotel again. Exceptional service, we upgraded our room to a suite which was just stunning however I believe their standard rooms would be perfect as well. Staff amazing, food and beverage service was next level

Must do when in Constantia. We went to some boutique wine farms and were treated like royalty because we had Freda out sommelier with us. 4 tastings turned to 10! Freda was knowledgeable and this was a highlight of the trip

A must do when in Constantia. Whilst a little on the touristy side it’s def worth a visit. Lunch was so so but the tasting experience was great

Exceptional farm and tasting. Whilst we were there with 10 others it felt very boutique. Their wines are amazing.

Great dinner and wine list. Excellent service. Put this on the list!

Outstanding lunch and service. The weather was horrendous so we didn’t stay around to look at the farm but it was one of the best lunch experiences we had

The resident cats are a must to cuddle 💕

The Antrim House is an amazing boutique hotel in a fantastic area of Cape Town. The staff was amazing, and the food was excellent. Marcus at Antrim helped us out with anything we needed and Julia prepared the most lovely breakfasts. I recommend this location to anyone.

Lovely small boutique hotel/apartments. Worked well for us as was well equipped (washing machine / kitchen), large and comfortable rooms and nice views towards the sea.

Staying at La Cotte was of the highlights of our trip. Such a beautiful, peaceful location with lovely food and lovely rooms.

Brilliant place. Real character (the kids loved crossing a bridge over the lobby to get to their room). Stunning location.

Very spacious. Great location.

Wow. What a place. Beautiful rooms with high ceilings and thatched roofs. Decent (perhaps not stellar) food. Super friendly and helpful staff - they were a real joy to be around. Fantastic game drives with knowledgeable guides. It was a real privilege to stay here - I would love to come back.

Beautiful place in the middle of nowhere with fantastic views. The stars were mindblowing. Really lovely food too. Slightly let down by one or two of the staff members giving a 'can't be bothered' impression, exacerbated by several missing things in our rooms (a missing duvet, missing towels). It was a long walk from the rooms to the reception so this stuff was annoying, but didn't overall detract from a memorable stay.

Stunning place

Wonderful trip. Big thanks to our guide Andrew for creating a wonderful tour. Kayaking with the penguins was a particular highlight.

Interesting, but I wouldn't say it's a must do. Can wander around the area and get a feel in your own time

What's not to like about a wine tour in the beautiful landscape and towns of the area!

This was so much fun!

A nice trip. Quite busy on the initial part of the walk as everyone set off at the same time, but it did thin out. A nice way to explore the area, and the food at the end was super!

A superb few days. Big thanks to our guide, Ross, who was super knowledgeable of the area and the animals and looked after us well. A real highlight of our trip.

Great, friendly and comfortable hotel. Location was perfect. Rooms were lovely.

Very nice, small private lodge great to experience a safari. The guides and staff were wonderful. The food was very good and the rooms were very clean and comfortable. We truly enjoyed our stay.

Unique smaller hotel that is tucked away and very private. You feel like you are living in the trees and the views are spectacular. The owner and her staff were outstanding. The food was excellent! The rooms were very unique and fun to be in. Make sure you are there for the sunsets! Quiet and relaxing.

The hotel was nice. The staff, especially the front of house, was not very accommodating or willing to offer assistance. Never really got that friendly feeling or that they were glad we were there. The one exception was the sunset cruise staff on the boat. They were very friendly and wanted to make sure everyone had a great night. And we did. We had read reviews that suggested you make sure to check your bar bills and that proved to be good advice. When we checked in, our four rooms were located across the resort from each other even though our reservations were mad months in advance. That was disappointing and could not be changed. One of the rooms had the wrong name on it and the wrong name was still on the emails received after checking out. They want to appear as if they are a higher end resort, but they definitely cut corners that make a difference.

Adding this additional safari adventure to the trip was great. Both the land and river tours were good and the lunch at the golf resort was very good. The connection between our two guides, Tuffy and Mateo, made the transition from Zimbabwe to Botswana very simple. Mateo was an excellent safari guide. Very knowledgeable and fun to be with. We had quite a show watching the elephants swim across the river!

We all enjoyed the food and experience. The amount of time devoted to tasting and educating us to the plants and flowers in her organic garden was a little long. The food we were served by Nicki and her staff was delicious. Also, we appreciated what we learned about Capetown and the neighborhood she resided in. Her house was gorgeous.

Wine farms were all different and fun to visit. The wines were good and the hosts were knowledgeable. Countryside was beautiful.

Beautiful night on the river. Relaxing, the food and drink were very good. Staff excellent.

Had no idea the landscape of South Africa had such variety. The mountains were absolutely beautiful.

Loved the food and very close to the hotel.

The staff at Sea Star Rocks were so friendly and welcoming, and the rooms have an astounding view! A beautiful, restorative place to stay.

Nicky is so passionate about the land and plants of the Cape Peninsula, it infuses every bit of the delicious dishes we experienced! I will always treasure the walk around her garden with her, trying seeds, flowers and leaves and discussed their flavours and attributes. A very special meal with an incredible chef!

We learned so much about the history, pride and complexities of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood from our guide and community activist, Zaki. Highly recommend, and going with a local member of the community is absolutely essential.

The Fynboss ecosystem and the Boulders Beach penguins are an absolutely unique and special part of South Africa! Our guide Storm was incredible knowledgeable and committed to the ongoing sustainability and vitality of the floral and fauna...he was really inspiring! A wonderful day trip from Cape Town...well worth the wander!

Everyone who visits Cape Town should be taking the time to visit the townships and the various community partnerships and projects showcased by Uthando - https://www.uthandosa.org/. We learned so much, and were so inspired by how people in these communities are creating their own visions for the future and taking action to bring these dreams to life. In the socio-economic complexities of the Soth African cultural landscape, Uthando provided us with a genuine and empowering way to learning from and support these community champions. We left inspired by what community champions are working towards!

Our guide storm took us on a wonderful day of exploration of the food and wine in the Stellenbosch region! We enjoyed all the winetastings, and absolutely fell in love with Oldenburg Vineywards and our amazing level 2 sommolier, "P." Storm sensed our love of storytelling and connection of wine-to-place, and made an excellent "match" in choosing Oldenburg as our starting point for the day.

We stayed at 58 On Hume as part of our African itinerary planned through KimKim (organized by Anne Marie and Janneke), and it completely blew us away! It was the absolute perfect home base in Johannesburg. To say the hotel exceeded our expectations would be an understatement. The rooms were spectacular: spacious, stylish, spotless, and far nicer than we could have ever anticipated. But what truly set 58 On Hume apart was the incredible team. The staff was accommodating, treating us with such genuine warmth and attentiveness that we felt completely pampered from the moment we arrived. The food was perfect. The entire property feels like a peaceful, luxurious oasis in the city—offering plenty of space and comfort for both the adults and teenagers in our group.

Our stay at Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge was nothing short of magical from start to finish. Everything about the property met and exceeded our expectations, creating an authentic and high-end bush experience we will never forget. Beautiful Property, Great Rooms & Delicious Food The lodge itself is stunning, perfectly nestled in the bush with peaceful surroundings and incredible views. The Rooms: Spacious, comfortable, clean, and beautifully appointed to blend luxury with nature. The Food: Absolutely delicious! Every single meal served was fresh, flavorful, and memorable. Phenomenal Game Drives with Ingrid While the accommodations and meals were top-tier, what truly made our trip extraordinary were the game drives. Our guide, Ingrid, was outstanding. Her expertise and tracking skills are amazing, she had an incredible knack for finding wildlife and tracking down unforgettable sightings. Just as importantly, Ingrid tailored the entire safari experience to suit our family group, which included teenagers. Keeping kids fully engaged for hours on end can be hard, but Ingrid connected with everyone effortlessly, catered to our group's pace and interests, and made every single drive thrilling and educational.

You simply cannot top the location. Being situated right on the V&A Waterfront meant were steps away from great dinning and shopping along with beautiful views of Table Mountain and the harbor. It made exploring Cape Town feel completely safe, easy, and stress-free. A few highlights: Amazing Breakfast: The morning breakfast spread was absolutely delicious—fresh, high-quality, and offered something wonderful for every palate before a full day of sightseeing. I highly recommend opting to have breakfast at the hotel. Accommodating Staff: The hospitality was top-notch. The staff was incredibly warm, welcoming, and eager to help with anything we needed to make our stay seamless. Beautiful Property: The hotel itself is clean, modern, and has elegant interiors, and comfortable, stylish rooms.

Our stay at Pioneers Lodge in Victoria Falls was wonderful! It delivered the ideal combination; it has all the great amenities of a large hotel, while retaining all the quaintness, warmth, and character of a small, intimate property. Some Highlights: Gorgeous Design: the design and ambiance of the lodge are full of charm. It has a historical luxury vibe that is really lovely. Spacious Family Room: We stayed in a family room that worked brilliantly for the four of us. It was beautiful, clean, comfortable, and gave us all plenty of space to relax. Lovely Courtyard & Pools: The property centers around a beautiful, lush courtyard. The family loved having access to two great swimming pools, which were perfect for cooling off after a long day of sightseeing. Additionally, the daily breakfast was fantastic, and the bar area offered a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere to unwind with a drink in the evenings. Lastly, the staff were warm and accommodating. They went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Every interaction was met with genuine friendliness and great hospitality.

Absolutely amazing experience that shouldn't be missed. It provided a historical context and understanding that was really amazing. The guides were wonderful and kind.

Very conveniently located at the V&A waterfront. Very spacious and comfortable rooms and helpful staff. Good breakfast options as part of the stay. While we really enjoyed the V&A waterfront, it has a touristy feel, even with plenty of locals walking around. You have easy access to the Robben Island ferry, the Watershed market full of local crafts and the fabulous Oranjezicht City Farmers Market filled with great food and local shops. Perfect place for breakfast and lunch overlooking the Atlantic.

While we really liked this lodge itself and the staff, we didn't like that you had to pay extra for several things that the other lodges we stayed in included as part of the overall cost. More specifically, you had to pay $80 per person for a 90 minute bush walk which I think was extremely over priced for what you got (we did it) and I would not recommend doing it (especially if you were going elsewhere where it is provided for free), for individual drinks (sodas and alcohol), and for laundry (which was very pricey). Having been to two other lodges that covered these items, I would definitely pick a lodge in the future that covered these costs.

This hotel exceeded our expectations! Centrally located and a wonderful chill vibe with great indoor and outdoor space. Wish we had had a few more hours to enjoy it more. Easy walk to Victoria Falls and a great craft market next door to the hotel.

We loved this lodge! The central meeting/gathering space was warm and cozy and helped facilitate interactions among the guests. Eating was family style, but you sat where ever you wanted at the available tables so you weren't limited to the folks you may be traveling with in your land cruiser. You could also opt for a meal outdoors on your own if you wanted to - overlooking the river. Room was very comfortable and spacious. The drive into the park was about 15 minutes but you often passed wildlife along the way.

We LOVED Moremi Crossing and the Okavango Delta! The trip to the camp from the air strip wasn't bad, about 15 minutes via Land Cruiser and boat. Loved having our tent cabin right on the water and watching the elephants wander by. The central meeting area was lovely though large and had great small sitting areas for looking out over the water but the size also meant it wasn't as conducive to meeting folks. It was family style eating but you sat with your land cruiser team and your guide. Really enjoyed the bonfire and drinks before dinner.

Loved traveling down the Cape Peninsula and seeing the Boulder penguins and the other cute seaside towns along the way. Views of the Cape of Good Hope were fabulous. Enjoyed seeing the wildlife in the park along the way, including our first baboons and ostriches.

While we were really glad to go to Robben Island and learn about it's history, we were disappointed that our time there was very structured by the official guide and didn't leave much time to wander or contemplate in our own way all that happened there. Hearing from a former prisoner was fascinating though while listening to him talk for at least 45 minutes, you are sitting on hard benches in one room and there wasn't, I don't think, the opportunity to ask questions. After listening to him, we were rushed through the area where Mandela was housed with barely a moment to look in. Now, what I don't know is whether we were being rushed because of the worsening seas outside and they wanted us off the island or if this is the regular schedule.

We loved the sunrise safari! We were the only two passengers aboard and rather than going downriver toward the falls we opted to go upriver to see more wildlife and birds. Tons of hippos. Beautiful kingfishers and other African birds. Plus a bunch of elephants too.

We finished our last hours in the Delta by going on a Mokoro ride followed by a bush walk. We loved it! The mokoro ride was a unique experience. So peaceful and interesting to see the delta from low on the water. I liked that it was combined with a bush walk too.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Comfortable, family-like feeling with excellent service, accommodations, environment and food. Our stay here was our first stop on our Southern Africa adventure and it was a fabulous place to start our trip with a convenient, safe and accommodating bed and breakfast feel.

This was my favorite of our three safaris. The travel was long through Klaserie Reserve, but well worth it! The grounds were immaculate and overlooked a beautiful valley with water and wildlife. The rooms were comfortable and well appointed for a safari camp. The staff was accommodating and the food was good. We were traveling as a large family with 3 adults and 5 teenagers and they were very accommodating. Our guide, Ingrid, was incredible! She was knowledgeable and took the time to explain things and get each member of the family involved. We were able to see and experience so many animals up close and personal with rarely another vehicle crossing our path. The reserve was beautiful and I can't say enough about how fabulous this safari was thanks to Ingrid. I would highly recommend Ivory Wilderness for a personal, friendly safari experience off the beaten track.

Great location! Easy to navigate Cape Town with lots of shopping and restaurants within walking distance.

Beautiful location with well apportioned rooms, accommodating staff and a colonial feel. The grounds were well maintained and felt like a paradise tucked away from the crowds.

This was an incredible experience! Our guides led us through Soweto in Tuk Tuks allowing us to see and experience Soweto in an up close and personal way. Then we cooked a traditional meal over the fire and ate together. It was a great experience!

Our guide Ingrid made it a truly magical experience! We got up close and personal with the animals and learned a lot along the way. We felt safe with her even during close encounters. The remoteness of the reserve meant we rarely saw another safari vehicle, but plenty of encounters with wildlife!

Games drives were incredible with a very up close and personal feel. Rarely another vehicle on the trails and plenty of close encounters with the wildlife!

It was a good look at the culture of the Bo Kapp area.

Though it was a cold and windy day, seeing the penguins made it all worthwhile!

Based on our charter flight time we weren't able to do a final drive, but Louise rearranged things so we could do Mokoros the evening before and do the scenic helicopter in the morning before we left.

Unfortunately we visited on a very cold, damp day. I can't honestly review my experience without including the weather so your experience could be totally different. Our guides were great accommodating our needs and trying to hype us up in the cold. The lines are well maintained and I felt safe on them. It was a bit of a long drive up and down the mountain and there's a 1km hike out from the final line that's uphill and rocky. Unfortunately I have a bad hip so that was challenging but for a moderately healthy person it wouldn't be an issue.

It was a good experience and we were able to see a lot of the falls and surrounding Zambezi river.

It was cool to ride onto the bridge and watch the sunrise over the falls and learn more about the construction of the bridge.

This was a highlight of the trip! Great experience flying doors off over the Delta and spotting wildlife from the sky!!!

The experience was neat to see a bit of the local culture and try the many unique foods. I appreciated the upcycled decor.

This was incredible! You can only really experience the power and beauty of the falls from the ground. It was beautiful using the many viewing points along the way to capture different views of the falls.

This was unexpectedly fantastic!!! The boat was luxurious with comfortable furniture and blankets for the evening chill. Food and drinks were top notch and service was great! This was the relaxing evening I needed!

Very informative! It was interesting to learn about their commitment to ending poaching and protecting the animals.

We loved Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge! Great experience and great game drives! Very remote with plenty of wildlife and not many other vehicles on the trails.

Jumbo Junction was an intimate, family feeling camp. The accommodations were great and it was fun living off the grid with solar power and fire heated water. The game drives on the Delta are a whole different experience! I loved the boat rides on the hippo channels and the drives on solid ground. We saw lots of wildlife in different situations, all up close and personal! And lots of hippos everywhere!!!

With the flooding destroying the dock, this boat ride was a bit of an adventure! We traveled to the river through another reserve and then parked the safari vehicle for a bit of a perilous walk across the sand to board the boat. I felt safe with Ingrid but I will say that I had my eyes out for crocodiles!!! The ride was nice but we didn't see a ton of wildlife. Overall, I would say it was a nice break from the game drives and allowed us to talk and relax in a different environment.

Great views!

It was unfortunately a cold, windy day. By the time we got to this activity we were too tired to really enjoy it. We did see whales which was cool. If you are really into whales this would have been a great activity. Unfortunately the circumstances of the day and my own personal preferences made it less enjoyable than the many other activities we did on our trip.

This was probably one of the most impactful activities on the trip. To be able to visit a family in their homestead and learn about their life and culture one on one was beyond words. This will be one of the lasting memories I take from this trip!

The drives in the Delta always started with a boat ride to reach the safari vehicle. Just a whole different experience in this unique ecosystem. Lots of wildlife and great insight from our local guide.

This was incredible! While you don't see a ton of big animals aside from hippos, the scenery and birds are beautiful. You are low to the water and see things from a whole different perspective. We stopped at an island for drinks and snacks while having the opportunity to learn about different plants and animals. Truly an incomparable way to experience the Delta.

The place was beautiful, the food was excellent, and the staff was incredible, the room was huge

The guide was amazing. She did a fabulous job, the staff at the lodge were very attentive, and the food was good. For being out in the middle of nowhere, there is absolutely nothing that you could want for that they didn’t have. Exceptional job.

The staff and landscaping around this hotel is impeccable, they have two pools that are beautiful. The restaurant in bar area is very nice, and the staff was very attentive.