Kimkim Trip Reviews for South Africa

4.9
Based on 242 ratings
Read 242 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to South Africa on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Great way to plan an excellent trip!
South Africa | Aug 29 - Sep 11, 2026

Christine
Christine R.
Chandler, AZ | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2026
The process, as well as the trip, was fantastic! It took us a long time to settle on the particulars of our itineraries. Anna Marie was very patient and helpful as we explored various ideas and time lines. Communication was excellent. We used text, email, the app, phone and FaceTime. All inquiries were handled promptly despite a 9 hour time difference. The local guides and drivers were excellent and very reliable. I heed used KimKim before and would not hesitate to do so again. Read more

The process, as well as the trip, was fantastic! It took us a long time to settle on the particulars of our itineraries. Anna Marie was very patient and helpful as we explored various ideas and time lines. Communication was excellent. We used text, email, the app, phone and FaceTime. All inquiries were handled promptly despite a 9 hour time difference. The local guides and drivers were excellent and very reliable. I heed used KimKim before and would not hesitate to do so again.

Hotel Reviews
Savanna Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sand Game Reserve

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Chobe

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

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Insika Lodge
Victoria Falls
Authenticity & Character
Location
No
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Close to Victoria Falls. Great shuttle service. Nice breakfast. Very clean in a lush setting.
La Cotte Farm
Franschhoek

Beautiful setting and rooms. Food and service outstanding.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sea Star Rocks
Cape Town

Small and quiet. Great breakfast and beautiful views.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to get around but not in tourist zone.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and private with great views.
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke
Anna-marie
Anna-marie Mocke
Local specialist in Cape, Winelands | Replied on Sep 15, 2026

Hello Chris

Thank you so much for the lovely review. I can’t believe your trip has already come to an end!

I truly enjoyed every moment of planning this trip with you and Sheila, and it was such a pleasure getting to know you both along the way.

I really hope we will have the opportunity to welcome you back to Africa one day. 😍

Warm greetings
Anna-marié

We had a fantastic time in Winelands. The com...
South Africa | Aug 29 - Sep 6, 2026

Tatiana
Tatiana C.
Australia | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
We had a fantastic time in Winelands. The communication leading up to the trip and whilst on tour was excellent. We wanted to make a few last minute changes and nothing was an issue. The wineries we visited were second to none. Thank you to Anna Marie and team. Read more

We had a fantastic time in Winelands. The communication leading up to the trip and whilst on tour was excellent. We wanted to make a few last minute changes and nothing was an issue. The wineries we visited were second to none. Thank you to Anna Marie and team.

Hotel Reviews
Lanzerac Wine Estate Hotel
Stellenbosch

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

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
THE CELLARS-HOHENORT
Constantia

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

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visiting Babylonstoren
Visiting Babylonstoren
South Africa

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ryan Boon Steak & Chips @ Invincible
Ryan Boon Steak & Chips @ Invincible
Franschhoek

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

Quality of Experience
No
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boekenhoutskoof Wine Tasting
Boekenhoutskoof Wine Tasting
Franschhoek

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Groot Constantia
Discover Groot Constantia
South Africa

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Constantia Wine Route with a Sommelier
Constantia Wine Route with a Sommelier
South Africa

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke
Anna-marie
Anna-marie Mocke
Local specialist in Cape, Winelands | Replied on Sep 11, 2026

Hello Tatiana,

Thank you so much for your amazing review. I really appreciate it, and it means a lot to me.

I thoroughly enjoyed putting this wine trip together for you and Robert, and it makes me so happy to know that you had such a lovely experience.

I hope you are enjoying the rest of your trip, and that we will have the opportunity to welcome you back to South Africa one day.

Warm greetings,
Anna-marié

Fantastic trip !
South Africa | Aug 3 - Aug 14, 2026

H
Hiba E.
Oman | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2026
The whole trip was planned really well with attention to all the things I requested to see/tick in our South Africa trip.
Our Cape Town guide Rene was fabulous. Our garden route guide Andrew was phenomenal.
Highly recommend to book with kimkim.
Read more

The whole trip was planned really well with attention to all the things I requested to see/tick in our South Africa trip.
Our Cape Town guide Rene was fabulous. Our garden route guide Andrew was phenomenal.
Highly recommend to book with kimkim.

Hotel Reviews
Admiralty Beach House
Port Elizabeth
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleaning was perfect ! But our room lacked privacy so it was very uncomfortable to spend 2 nights there as a family of 4
Kariega Game Reserve- Main Lodge
Eastern Cape
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Fernery Lodge and Chalets
Storms River
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
Knysna
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hlangana Lodge
Oudtshoorn

The resident cats are a must to cuddle 💕

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Waterfront Village
Cape Town
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Eastern Cape Private Game Reserve Game Drive
Eastern Cape Private Game Reserve Game Drive
Eastern Cape Game Reserve
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Port Elizabeth
Welcome to Port Elizabeth
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Safari Ostrich Farm Tour
Safari Ostrich Farm Tour
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Port Elizabeth Beach Days
Port Elizabeth Beach Days
Port Elizabeth
Quality of Experience
Go as you please privately guided tour - Full Day (excluding lunch)
Go as you please privately guided tour - Full Day (excluding lunch)
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kariega Game Lodge Activities
Kariega Game Lodge Activities
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Winelands Tour (excluding lunch)
Full Day Winelands Tour (excluding lunch)
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bianca Gersbach
Bianca
Bianca Gersbach
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Aug 28, 2026

Dear Hiba and family,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review and feedback with us. We truly appreciate it, and your comments are always valuable in helping us continue to improve and plan even better experiences for our future clients.

I hope that you and your family will treasure the wonderful memories from your trip for many years to come. It was a pleasure being part of your journey, and we hope that one day we will have the opportunity to welcome you back to Africa for another unforgettable adventure.

Our trip was EXCELLENT! Nadia was fantastic ...
South Africa | Aug 8 - Aug 15, 2026

H
Heather S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2026
Our trip was EXCELLENT! Nadia was fantastic as were all of the drivers, guides etc. I would recommend Nadia and Kimkim to anyone. Read more

Our trip was EXCELLENT! Nadia was fantastic as were all of the drivers, guides etc. I would recommend Nadia and Kimkim to anyone.

Hotel Review
Antrim House
Cape Town

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nadia Albertus
Nadia
Nadia Albertus
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Aug 20, 2026
Hi Heather, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure helping you and Amanda plan your South Africa adventure, and I’m so happy to hear that you had such an excellent trip. It means so much to hear that you enjoyed not only the itinerary but also the service from our wonderful drivers and guides along the way. Thank you for trusting me and Kim Kim to be part of your journey, and for recommending us to others. We truly hope to welcome you both back to South... Read more

Hi Heather,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure helping you and Amanda plan your South Africa adventure, and I’m so happy to hear that you had such an excellent trip.

It means so much to hear that you enjoyed not only the itinerary but also the service from our wonderful drivers and guides along the way. Thank you for trusting me and Kim Kim to be part of your journey, and for recommending us to others.

We truly hope to welcome you both back to South Africa again one day soon — there is always so much more to discover!✨

Wishing you both many more incredible adventures ahead.

Warm regards,
Nadia

Thank you Janneke for a simply wonderful family holiday in South Africa and Namibia
South Africa | Jul 19 - Aug 10, 2026

Mark
Mark G.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 16, 2026
From the initial introductory discussion with Janneke through to the end of our trip, our experience of working with Janneke was absolutely superb. She organised a 3 1/2 week family holiday in South Africa and Namibia. Her knowledge and advice from the outset was second to none and ensured that we had a very memorable holiday, staying in 10 different locations, with no 'duds'. We immediately warmed to her enthusiasm for her country, and she was always available throughout the trip to give... Read more

From the initial introductory discussion with Janneke through to the end of our trip, our experience of working with Janneke was absolutely superb. She organised a 3 1/2 week family holiday in South Africa and Namibia. Her knowledge and advice from the outset was second to none and ensured that we had a very memorable holiday, staying in 10 different locations, with no 'duds'. We immediately warmed to her enthusiasm for her country, and she was always available throughout the trip to give advice. We even met up near her home on the garden route which was particularly lovely. Given our family situation we had some specific requirements, which were all clearly understood and acted on. All the local partners that she worked with were friendly and knowledgeable - they were clearly well vetted. Particular shout out to Andrew our guide in Cape Town and the wine region and to the team in Namibia.

In terms of highlights, I'd go back to every spot, but top of the list would be Franschhoek (La Cotte Farm) and Hohenstein Lodge in Damaraland, Namibia.

So thank you Janneke and to the team - we will be in touch next time we come to south africa for sure! We need to go to Babylonstoren when it's not raining!

Hotel Reviews
Agama River Camp

Stunning place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sossus Dune Lodge

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Incredible place in the middle of nowhere. Stunning views
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Several missing things in the rooms
Swakopmund Guest House
Swakopmund
The Windhoek Luxury Suites
Windhoek
Xanatseni Private Camp
Bushbuckridge

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Harbour House Hotel
Hermanus

Very spacious. Great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Lofts Boutique Hotel
Knysna

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

Authenticity & Character
An old boathouse. Real character to the place
Location
Incredible views
Staff
My daughter was expecially chuffed that they found a suiteable khosa name for her.
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Cotte Farm
Franschhoek

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

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Romney Park Luxury Apartments
Cape Town

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
South Africa

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Knysna Featherbed Eco Experience
Knysna Featherbed Eco Experience
South Africa

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!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Franschhoek Scootours
Franschhoek Scootours
South Africa

This was so much fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Town to Franschhoek with Wine farm visits
Cape Town to Franschhoek with Wine farm visits
South Africa

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Cape Town

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Aug 17, 2026

Hello Mark,
Thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to share all the details in your feedback. It truly means a lot to us. It gives me so much joy to hear that you had such a wonderful trip. It was lovely meeting you.
I was actually at Babylonstoren on Wednesday, and it was a perfect sunny day. Even I had short sleeves on! So, I think you will simply have to come back.😉I will definitely share your wonderful feedback with our travel partners as well.
Warm greetings,
Janneke

Family trip of a Lifetime
South Africa | Jul 28 - Aug 8, 2026

Jessica
Jessica G.
Omaha, NE, USA | Reviewed on Aug 16, 2026
This trip to South Africa was my first time using KimKim. I wasn't quite sure how to even start with a 2-week safari trip and since a family member recommended them, I decided to give it a try. From the very beginning when Anna-marie answered my request it was simple and reassuring. After we had our first call, she grasped exactly what our family group of eight was looking for. The recommendations were spot on and now that the trip is over not one thing disappointed. Anna-marie was always... Read more

This trip to South Africa was my first time using KimKim. I wasn't quite sure how to even start with a 2-week safari trip and since a family member recommended them, I decided to give it a try. From the very beginning when Anna-marie answered my request it was simple and reassuring. After we had our first call, she grasped exactly what our family group of eight was looking for. The recommendations were spot on and now that the trip is over not one thing disappointed. Anna-marie was always available and ready to help both before the trip and throughout our two weeks of travel. Top notch travel agent!!!!!
First off, every driver was on time and waiting for us with a smile and more than willing to help and educate us about the area, no matter how long or short the transport was. We never experienced any issues at all. Even the weather cooperated 100%!

Capetown - The rooms and staff at Blackheath Lodge were outstanding. Riano greeted us and made sure we were taken care of all three days and nights. The welcome cocktail and anniversary bubbles were a great surprise after the long travel. The hotel was close enough for us to walk down to the waterfront the next morning after a great breakfast. The first day was on our own to catch up from the day of travel and that worked great. That night Anna-marie made us reservations for dinner at Kloof Street House. Highly recommend this. The dinner and atmosphere were wonderful!
The next day we were greeted by Radheeka, our A+ guide with Earthstompers, for the next two days. She entertained us and safely drove us around the Cape, to the penguins, lunch at Crofter's Kitchen and to and through the wine farms in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Both days exceeded our expectations and were a great quick lesson about southern South Africa.

Franschhoek - We spent two nights at La Fontaine Boutique Hotel. Again, the hotel and staff were excellent. Our free day was a Saturday so after breakfast (where Anna-marie joined us, which was so great to meet her) we decided to venture out to the town's market. We managed to spend hours there and then relaxed before dining at Reuben's, another restaurant Anna-marie recommended. And again, very good. We loved having time in the wine country.

Walkers Plains Camp - Anna-marie really talked this place up. Honestly, we didn't really know what to expect but it was outstanding! All eight of us wished we would have spent another day. We ended up with two nights and four game drives. Our guide Roan and his tracker, Walter, were with us all four drives and we had the time of our lives. Searching out the animals was so fun and finding them was like WOW! Watching the lions, the elephants, the giraffes, the hippos, the leopards, the hyenas, and then all the birds and impalas in their habitat, while being educated at the same time in a private quiet setting was amazing! After the ~4 hours we came back to outstanding meals in a beautiful setting. Perfect!

Panorama Route Scenic Tour to Tanamera Lodge - Themba drove us through the beautiful mountains of South Africa from our safari to our hotel before flying out to Victoria Falls. Again, Anna-marie highly recommended we do the day long drive and we were amazed at the scenic viewpoints and the stops along the way. Again, she was right. Themba was a great driver and provided an entertaining educational "lecture" thru out the drive. We learned alot about the native South African history as well as the importance of the area we were touring. Themba arrived at our hotel just in time for the sunset. We knew we wanted to see the sunset at Tanamera and again WOW! The view was spectacular!! The hotel was very unique and we loved it. The dinner was delicious and the hot water bottles in the beds were perfect for the chilly night. It was fun spending the night in the trees and admiring the night sky.

Victoria Falls - This is something we said we needed to do if we were this close. The Falls were absolutely beautiful and powerful and the walking path around the falls was amazing. Hundreds of pictures! The sunset cruise on the Zambezi Vista was one of our highlights. More animals but the sunset was huge! As someone who loves sunsets this was one of a kind. The drinks and food were very good and our captain, (? we forgot his name) and bartender, Freeman, took excellent care of us. It was sponsored by the hotel, so transportation was provided. I would say if there was anything that was a little disappointing during our trip it was Insinka Lodge. The hotel wants to be a high-end hotel but they definitely cut corners. Most of the staff, especially front of house, were not as helpful or friendly as the other places (except Trudy in the restaurant). I had read reviews about checking your bar bills and that was very good advice. Nothing bad happened but I would probably look for some other place next time. The side trips were good. We were glad we did the Dusty Road Township, especially because our Victoria Falls driver Tuffy (A+) was from the township and provided us with a narrated tour which was very interesting. Tuffy also took us the Botswana for the Chobe day trip with Bushtracks which was again something we were not sure of but turned out to be one of our favorite days. It was a great final day.
As a family, we have done some great overseas vacations, and this one is rated our number 1! We were treated like royalty from the moment KimKim connected us with Anna-marie. Many thanks to her for all her hard work and to all the fabulous people she lined up and we were fortunate to meet along the way! She made our 50th wedding anniversary very memorable!!!

Hotel Reviews
Insika Lodge
Victoria Falls

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.

Authenticity & Character
The layout and landscape.
Location
The shuttle rides seemed short and close to what we needed.
Staff
Just not very friendly or helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tanamera
Hazyview

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Walkers Plains Camp
South Africa

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Fontaine Boutique Hotel
Franschhoek

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

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackheath Lodge
Cape Town
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Reuben's restaurant
Reuben's restaurant
Franschhoek

Loved the food and very close to the hotel.

Quality of Experience
Full Day Panorama Route Scenic Tour
Full Day Panorama Route Scenic Tour
Hazyview

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Van was very comfortable for the six hour drive.
Dusty Road Township Lunch/Dinner Experience **highly recommended by our team
Dusty Road Township Lunch/Dinner Experience **highly recommended by our team
Victoria Falls
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tuffy was excellent driver. Very familiar with the neighborhood.
Arrive at Walkers Plains Camp in Kruger & First Game Drive
Arrive at Walkers Plains Camp in Kruger & First Game Drive
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Roan and Walter were great
Transport
Sunset cruise Zambezi Vista
Sunset cruise Zambezi Vista
Victoria Falls

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Giovanni and Freeman took great care to make sure we had a great night
Transport
Full-Day Wine Tour
Full-Day Wine Tour
South Africa

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Radeeka was great
Transport
Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen
Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen
South Africa

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.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Another Day at Walkers Plains Camp with 2 game drives
Another Day at Walkers Plains Camp with 2 game drives
South Africa
Final Morning Game Drive
Final Morning Game Drive
South Africa
Chobe Day Trip
Chobe Day Trip
Victoria Falls

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!

Quality of Experience
Food
Buffet at golf resort very nice addition
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tuffy and Mateo very good
Transport
Bushtracks was very good
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke
Anna-marie
Anna-marie Mocke
Local specialist in Cape, Winelands | Replied on Aug 28, 2026
Hello Jessica, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed and incredibly kind review. ❤️ Your family was truly amazing to work with, and it was such a pleasure planning this special trip with you all. I loved getting to know what was important to your family and finding the places and experiences that would make your 50th wedding anniversary so memorable. And I am so happy that Walkers Plains lived up to my very strong recommendation! 😍 It was wonderful to hear how... Read more

Hello Jessica,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed and incredibly kind review. ❤️

Your family was truly amazing to work with, and it was such a pleasure planning this special trip with you all. I loved getting to know what was important to your family and finding the places and experiences that would make your 50th wedding anniversary so memorable.

And I am so happy that Walkers Plains lived up to my very strong recommendation! 😍 It was wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed the safari, the Cape, the Panorama Route and Victoria Falls. There are so many people behind a trip like this, and I am grateful to all the wonderful guides, drivers and teams who helped make it so special.

Meeting you in Franschhoek was also such a highlight for me. It is always lovely when clients go from being names on a booking to people you have actually met and shared a little time with.

Thank you for trusting me with such an important family celebration. Knowing that this trip has become your family's number one overseas vacation means more than you know. ❤️

Wishing you all many more adventures together!

Warm greetings
Anna-marié

Authentic, beautiful and responsible explorations!
South Africa | Aug 10 - Aug 14, 2026

Marla
Marla G.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 15, 2026
Anna-marie, her team, and the responsible tourism organizations and representatives she connected us with gave us the Cape Town experience we were dreaming about - we are so grateful! We hoped to explore the authentic natural beauty of the Cape Town area, its creative chefs and vintners, and we wanted to learn more about the complexities of the peoples and places across the metropolitan area. Anna-marie and team delivered genuine, heartfelt conversations and rich experiences. Without... Read more

Anna-marie, her team, and the responsible tourism organizations and representatives she connected us with gave us the Cape Town experience we were dreaming about - we are so grateful! We hoped to explore the authentic natural beauty of the Cape Town area, its creative chefs and vintners, and we wanted to learn more about the complexities of the peoples and places across the metropolitan area. Anna-marie and team delivered genuine, heartfelt conversations and rich experiences. Without hesitation, I strongly recommend Anna-marie as an excellent, kind and ethical guide to all Cape Town and the surrounding area has to offer!

Hotel Review
Sea Star Rocks
Cape Town

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

Authenticity & Character
Location
Within 20 minutes drive of most Cape Town spots, and ideally located for day trips to the Cape Peninsula or the Winelands....and yet also removed enough to feel like it's a special, quiet cove experience!
Staff
The Sea Star Rocks Team were so warm and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Cape Town

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Wine Tour
Full-Day Wine Tour
South Africa

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Community Development Projects (highly recommended)
Community Development Projects (highly recommended)
Cape Town

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!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen
Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen
South Africa

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!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa

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!

Quality of Experience
Food
We particularly loved the coffee shop that offered a "drive-thru" for horses and their riders. Riders got free coffee!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ask for Storm - he has an academic and personal interest in the region and a heart of gold!
Transport
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke
Anna-marie
Anna-marie Mocke
Local specialist in Cape, Winelands | Replied on Aug 17, 2026

Hello Marla & Dave

Thank you so much for these incredibly kind words. ❤️ It means so much to us to know that we could help create the Cape Town experience you were dreaming of.

Janneke and I also really loved meeting you in person, and it was such a pleasure to spend some time with you. We loved planning this with you and connecting you with people who could share the Cape in a genuine and meaningful way.

Thank you again for trusting us with your trip. We hope to welcome you back to South Africa one day! 🥰

Warm greetings
Anna-marié

An Unforgettable, Flawlessly Executed African Adventure!
South Africa | Jul 20 - Aug 4, 2026

Anita
Anita V.
Harrison, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2026
If you are planning a trip to Africa, do yourself a favor and work with KimKim, specifically Anne Marie and Janneke. They planned an absolute masterpiece of an itinerary for our family and provided extraordinary in-country support from start to finish. The Ultimate Stress-Free Experience
An itinerary like ours had a lot of moving parts, multiple countries, border crossings, and virtually every mode of transportation imaginable (commercial planes, bush planes, helicopters, and private...
Read more

If you are planning a trip to Africa, do yourself a favor and work with KimKim, specifically Anne Marie and Janneke. They planned an absolute masterpiece of an itinerary for our family and provided extraordinary in-country support from start to finish.

The Ultimate Stress-Free Experience
An itinerary like ours had a lot of moving parts, multiple countries, border crossings, and virtually every mode of transportation imaginable (commercial planes, bush planes, helicopters, and private cars). On paper, the logistics looked incredibly complicated, but in reality, everything was 100% seamless. Anne Marie and Janneke held our hands through the entire journey, taking every ounce of stress off our shoulders so we could just be present and soak in the experience.

Unforgettable Highlights Across Every Stop
We packed our days with activities, and every single location delivered something truly special:

Johannesburg: A powerful, eye-opening tour of Soweto that gave us such deep context and appreciation for the culture and history.

Kruger National Park: Unbelievable game drives and breathtaking wildlife encounters.

Cape Town: Going up Table Mountain offered stunning views, and visiting the African penguins at Boulders Beach was an absolute favorite for everyone.

Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe: Seeing the Falls from the air via helicopter was surreal, and our village tour in Zimbabwe was a deeply moving, beautiful experience that connected us directly with the local community.

Botswana (Chobe & the Okavango Delta): Pure, untouched paradise with world-class safari experiences on both land and water.

Incredible Lodging & Warm Hospitality
Every single lodge and hotel chosen by Anne Marie and Janneke was phenomenal—luxurious, comfortable, and perfectly suited to our group. But beyond the beautiful settings, what truly set this trip apart was the people. In every town, lodge, and country we visited, everyone was exceptionally warm, welcoming, and friendly.

Perfect for the Whole Family
Traveling with a mix of teenagers and adults isn't always easy to balance, but they nailed it. Every activity was engaging, fun, and age-appropriate for everyone. The teens were completely captivated from start to finish—which is no small feat!

Bottom Line: This was truly a trip of a lifetime, made completely effortless by world-class travel planners. Thank you to Anne Marie, Janneke, and the KimKim team for your care, precision, and warmth. We couldn't have asked for a better African adventure!

Hotel Reviews
Pioneers Lodge Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls,

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.

Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
Hoedspruit

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
58 On Hume
Randburg

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Soweto Bicycle, Walking, or Tuk-Tuk Tour with Traditional Lunch in Outdoor Kitchen
Soweto Bicycle, Walking, or Tuk-Tuk Tour with Traditional Lunch in Outdoor Kitchen
Johannesburg

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.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Aug 17, 2026

Hello Anita, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful review. We are absolutely delighted to hear that you had such an amazing holiday! It was an absolute pleasure from the very beginning to plan this special trip for you and your family. You were such wonderful people to work with, and we truly enjoyed being part of your trip. We will definitely share your lovely feedback with our travel partners as well. It means so much to us to know that you had such a memorable experience.
Warm greetings,
Janneke

Our trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswa...
South Africa | Jul 26 - Aug 7, 2026

Deborah
Deborah E.
Bethesda, MD | Reviewed on Aug 10, 2026
Our trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana was phenomenal! Anna-marie did a great job assisting us every step of the way, answering our myriad questions throughout the planning process and while on the ground. Everything worked seamlessly. All the drivers and guides showed up when and where they were supposed to. We enjoyed each location we stayed in from the perfectly located Victoria and Alfred hotel in Cape Town to the Moremi Crossing camp in the middle of the Ocavango Delta. We... Read more

Our trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana was phenomenal! Anna-marie did a great job assisting us every step of the way, answering our myriad questions throughout the planning process and while on the ground. Everything worked seamlessly. All the drivers and guides showed up when and where they were supposed to. We enjoyed each location we stayed in from the perfectly located Victoria and Alfred hotel in Cape Town to the Moremi Crossing camp in the middle of the Ocavango Delta. We couldn't be more pleased!

Hotel Reviews
Moremi Crossing

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No heat or AC here but no complaint! Plus an outdoor shower. It felt more authentic this way and the blankets provided kept us plenty warm during the night.
Muchenje Safari Lodge
Kasane, Chobe

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Phenomenal location overlooking the Chobe River valley.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ilala Lodge
Victoria Falls

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Umkumbe Bush Lodge

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
We liked the staff and found them very helpful. Interestingly the guides seemed on the less experienced/younger side compared to the guides we had later in our trip in Botswana. They were good but lacked some inter-personal maturity that comes with experience.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore the Okavango Delta by Mokoro
Explore the Okavango Delta by Mokoro
Botswana

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunrise Classic River Safari
Sunrise Classic River Safari
Victoria Falls

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Robben Island
Robben Island
Cape Town

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.

Quality of Experience
See thoughts above.
Transport
See thoughts above.
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa

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.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Appreciated our guides insights and willingness to adjust the itinerary to meet our needs. He also insisted we see the penguins from the beach, not just on the path with all the other tourists, which was very cool.
Transport
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke
Anna-marie
Anna-marie Mocke
Local specialist in Cape, Winelands | Replied on Aug 11, 2026

Hello Deborah

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review. I am really happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that the overall experience was great.

Thank you also for sharing your honest feedback about the experiences that were not exactly what you expected. This is incredibly valuable to us and certainly helps us improve our services for future travellers.

I do hope that you are planning to come back one day!

Warm greetings
Anna-marié

Thank you also for sharing your honest opinion on the experiences that was not exactly what you expected.

It was really

Lize outdid herself!
South Africa | Jul 12 - Jul 28, 2026

Kimberly
Kimberly M.
Lake Charles, LA, USA | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2026
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... Read more

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rovos Rail
Foreshore

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff was amazing!
Cleanliness & Comfort
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff at Simbavati went above and beyond for our family!
Cleanliness & Comfort
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Afternoon Game Drive
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria Day 1
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria Day 5
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria Day 4
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria Day 3
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Victoria Falls Bungee Jumping
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!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Winelands Tour (including lunch)
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria Day 2
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Vic Falls River Lodge Activities
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Timbavati Private Game Reserve Safari Day
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Days on Safari
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour (including lunch)
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.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Hermanus tour including Whale Cruise
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private City & Table Mountain Tour - Half Day
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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lize Enderstein
Lize
Lize Enderstein
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Aug 10, 2026
Thank you so much, Kimberly, for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It was an absolute pleasure planning this special journey for your family, and I’m so happy to hear that the trip exceeded your expectations. Creating a seamless itinerary for six adults across South Africa and Victoria Falls, with so many different experiences, was truly a privilege. I’m especially delighted that you enjoyed the wonderful variety of the journey—from the incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery... Read more

Thank you so much, Kimberly, for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It was an absolute pleasure planning this special journey for your family, and I’m so happy to hear that the trip exceeded your expectations.

Creating a seamless itinerary for six adults across South Africa and Victoria Falls, with so many different experiences, was truly a privilege. I’m especially delighted that you enjoyed the wonderful variety of the journey—from the incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery to the Winelands, coastal experiences, and the timeless experience of Rovos Rail.

It means so much to hear that the guides, drivers, lodge and hotel teams all helped make your journey so memorable. We work with some wonderful people throughout Southern Africa, and I’m always grateful when our clients get to experience their warmth and hospitality firsthand.

Thank you again for trusting me with such an important family adventure. It was a pleasure having you travel with us and KimKim, and I’m thrilled that it became a true trip of a lifetime.

Warmest regards,
Lize

Incredible Southern Africa Adventure
South Africa | Jul 20 - Aug 4, 2026

Bonnie
Bonnie M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2026
I'll admit that traveling to Southern Africa was not on my personal "bucket list" but I am so thankful that I did. Janneke made planning smooth and definitely recommended incredible experiences for our family to enjoy together. Her recommendations for our group of 3 adults and 5 teenagers kept everyone engaged and involved. While the safaris in South Africa and Botswana were absolutely amazing, some of our most memorable activities included cultural experiences like our Tuk-Tuk tour of Soweto... Read more

I'll admit that traveling to Southern Africa was not on my personal "bucket list" but I am so thankful that I did. Janneke made planning smooth and definitely recommended incredible experiences for our family to enjoy together. Her recommendations for our group of 3 adults and 5 teenagers kept everyone engaged and involved. While the safaris in South Africa and Botswana were absolutely amazing, some of our most memorable activities included cultural experiences like our Tuk-Tuk tour of Soweto in Johannesburg and the Umazi cultural experience in Zimbabwe that left a lasting impression. Every step of our journey was well coordinated and we felt at ease in our travel knowing that we had easily reachable, responsive representatives available each step of the way. Our guides, drivers and tour operators were professional and personable, helping us to see and experience all of the wonder and beauty of Southern Africa that we could pack into our time there. Even self-guided activities were well explained and we were provided with all the information we needed to confidently explore and experience on our own. I can't say enough about how Kim Kim provides an unmatched experience for our family group making travel to new destinations simple and action packed!

Hotel Reviews
Pioneers Lodge Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls,

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.

Authenticity & Character
Felt like a step back in time to a quieter, colonial feel.
Location
The grounds were beautiful and the whole resort was great but a little bit farther than other accommodations which usually made us the last stop on group tours.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town

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

Authenticity & Character
It's a hotel so it's difficult to say it had authenticity or character aside from being a well staffed, clean and well run hotel.
Location
Fabulous location within walking distance of many restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Staff
Nice staff and service.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
Hoedspruit

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.

Authenticity & Character
Owned and operated by descendants of original settlers of the reserve, their love of the animals, grounds and whole reserve was evident. This camp is small which gives it a much more personal feel.
Location
While remote with a bumpy ride through the preserve, the location is worth it. Beautiful views of the valley from the lodge and surrounded by wildlife, Ivory Wilderness was a true gem tucked away in Klaserie Reserve. The remoteness allowed for a truly intimate safari experience with plenty of wildlife and rarely another vehicle.
Staff
All the staff were friendly and accommodating but our safari guide Ingrid was beyond incredible!
Cleanliness & Comfort
58 On Hume
Randburg

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.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful art adorned the walls and the common areas were welcoming.
Location
Convenient to airport and safely tucked away in garden like grounds.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were spacious and had all you could need. Everything was clean and felt home like.
Activity Reviews
Explore the Okavango Delta by Mokoro
Explore the Okavango Delta by Mokoro
Botswana

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Okavango Game Drive
Okavango Game Drive
Botswana

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mukuni Village Tour
Mukuni Village Tour
Victoria Falls

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!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whale Watching in Hermanus
Whale Watching in Hermanus
South Africa

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were all caring and upbeat. They did their best to make it a great experience!
Transport
Explore Table Mountain
Explore Table Mountain
South Africa

Great views!

Quality of Experience
Olifants Boat Safari - Ivory Wilderness River Lodge
Olifants Boat Safari - Ivory Wilderness River Lodge
South Africa

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Final morning in the Delta
Final morning in the Delta
South Africa

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.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day in the Okavango Delta
Full day in the Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta

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!!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Food was good but limited for those with different tastes.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive
Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive
South Africa

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.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ingrid was an incredible safari guide!
Transport
K9 Anti Poaching Experience
K9 Anti Poaching Experience
South Africa

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise
Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise
Victoria 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!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour of Vic Falls
Guided Tour of Vic Falls
Victoria Falls

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tuffy brought ponchos for us which really came in handy!
Transport
Dusty Road Township Lunch/Dinner Experience **highly recommended by our team
Dusty Road Township Lunch/Dinner Experience **highly recommended by our team
Victoria Falls

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Botswana

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Can't beat an early morning Mokoro ride to an island to catch your helicopter!
Bamba Tram
Bamba Tram
Victoria Falls

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Flight of the Angels over Vic Falls
Flight of the Angels over Vic Falls
Victoria Falls

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Canopy Mountain Ziplining Tour
Cape Canopy Mountain Ziplining Tour
South Africa

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa

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

Quality of Experience
Food
Stopped at a great restaurant at the Point! Great fish and chips.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mark was knowledgeable and friendly.
Transport
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Cape Town

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Another Day in the Kruger with 2 Game Drives
Another Day in the Kruger with 2 Game Drives
South Africa

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!

Quality of Experience
Great location for a personal experience for game drives.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ingrid was incredible!!!
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
South Africa

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!

Quality of Experience
Food
Two choices for most meals made it accommodating for those with different tastes.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ingrid was incredible!!!!!
Transport
Soweto Bicycle, Walking, or Tuk-Tuk Tour with Traditional Lunch in Outdoor Kitchen
Soweto Bicycle, Walking, or Tuk-Tuk Tour with Traditional Lunch in Outdoor Kitchen
Johannesburg

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!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They obviously cared about the community and wanted to share about the true experiences of those living in Soweto.
Transport
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Aug 07, 2026

Hello Bonnie,
Thank you so much for your lovely review. It truly means a lot to me. It gives me so much joy to hear that you had such a wonderful trip and that you felt at ease throughout your time on African soil.
Warm greetings
Janneke

Best communication with travel agents
South Africa | Jul 20 - Aug 4, 2026

Bryan
Bryan M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 05, 2026
Our travel agents that were in country did a fabulous job, we had many transfers and many flights throughout three different countries and everything was planned and booked to precise excellence. Janneke and Anna Marie did an exceptional job, I could not ask anymore of them. We had the most fabulous trip throughout South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Thanks again for a wonderful trip.
PS. I would recommend them for any trip into Africa.
Read more

Our travel agents that were in country did a fabulous job, we had many transfers and many flights throughout three different countries and everything was planned and booked to precise excellence. Janneke and Anna Marie did an exceptional job, I could not ask anymore of them. We had the most fabulous trip throughout South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Thanks again for a wonderful trip.
PS. I would recommend them for any trip into Africa.

Hotel Reviews
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town

The location of this hotel is what makes it great. You can walk to everything. The staff was friendly and helpful and they have a great breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pioneers Lodge Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls,

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
Hoedspruit

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
58 On Hume
Randburg

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

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Whale Watching in Hermanus
Whale Watching in Hermanus
South Africa

Boat was nice, lots of people, to many people for me. but we watched some whales so it did what the tour said it was .

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
South Africa

Games are the best, are safari guide Ingrid was outstanding. she showed us we needed to and wanted to see, the took care of us for 3 days. great job.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Botswana

Doors off Helicopters are the way to go, the pilot was very good and just fun. Watched plenty of wildlife and the views are great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
picked us up at the camp we stayed at Jumbo Junction.
Guided Tour of Vic Falls
Guided Tour of Vic Falls
Victoria Falls

We had a great tour guide and he took good care of us and expalined everything. They provided rain coats and you must have one, you will get soaked. Great tour!!! Falls are amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was great
Transport
Explore Table Mountain
Explore Table Mountain
South Africa

a must do if you are going to Cape Town. The views are amazing.

Quality of Experience
Olifants Boat Safari - Ivory Wilderness River Lodge
Olifants Boat Safari - Ivory Wilderness River Lodge
South Africa

we saw some wild life but we just road up the river for about 20 minutes and road back. There were not drinks and food. Not much of excitement

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
K9 Anti Poaching Experience
K9 Anti Poaching Experience
South Africa

This was so much fun, they are closing this activity and i wish they did not. the man that put it on did a great job and the dogs were exciting to watch.

Bamba Tram
Bamba Tram
Victoria Falls

This was ok, if you have seen falls from walking it you dont need to do this, the information you get about the bridge was good.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The pick you up so you dont have to worry about being on time.
Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise
Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise
Victoria Falls

This was one of the best things we did, the staff was great, the food was awesome, and they have a full bar the made all kinds of drinks for the kids and adults. We saw a lot of wild lift but just sitting on the high end chairs and just be taken care of was so nice, great tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Flight of the Angels over Vic Falls
Flight of the Angels over Vic Falls
Victoria Falls

This was so much fun and seeing the falls from the air is amazing, this so worth it if you have money to do.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa

The tour guide Mark was awesome, he took us right down to the Penguins on the beach and we got to climb over rocks and get up very close to the animals. The trip to the cape was fun and get to have a picture taken to in front of the sign. Over all the tour guide made a great experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour Guide Mark was great.
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Cape Town

The guide was knowlegable and we stopped at some donut shop and a food market to try some local foods. That was fun, the rest of the tour was just a little dry and was not that exciting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mukuni Village Tour
Mukuni Village Tour
Victoria Falls

Talking with someone who lives in the village and lives there every day and hearing their perspective on life was really interesting, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to get off the beaten path and actually speak to a local and see how the tribes live, it’s very one on one but well worth it

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Canopy Mountain Ziplining Tour
Cape Canopy Mountain Ziplining Tour
South Africa

This was super fun, and the guides were beyond helpful, they catered to all of our needs and made sure everything was safe and in control, they helped in all aspects of the trip. The only thing I would recommend is if you’re going during the winter months make sure you bundle up because it is cold up there and we did not have enough clothing one But again their staff was great

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Soweto Bicycle, Walking, or Tuk-Tuk Tour with Traditional Lunch in Outdoor Kitchen
Soweto Bicycle, Walking, or Tuk-Tuk Tour with Traditional Lunch in Outdoor Kitchen
Johannesburg

This is definitely something worth doing, it’s kind of off the beaten path and takes you in an area. You would never plan on going. But it was great to interact with the local people and see what really is going on. I would highly recommend this.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Aug 06, 2026

Hello Bryan,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review and for sharing your feedback.

We are so happy to hear that you and your family had such an amazing holiday! It was a real pleasure working with you, and knowing that you had such a memorable experience means the world to us.

Warm regards
Janneke

Janneke was amazing to work with!
South Africa | Jun 4 - Jun 16, 2026

Jennifer
Jennifer G.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jul 09, 2026
Janneke was amazing to work with. She paid attention to our wishes for the trip. Not only did she meet every one of them, but she exceeded them. She was always available for planning, and once we were in-country, she was available for last-minute questions. I would definitely recommend Janneke, and the Kimkim team. Read more

Janneke was amazing to work with. She paid attention to our wishes for the trip. Not only did she meet every one of them, but she exceeded them. She was always available for planning, and once we were in-country, she was available for last-minute questions.

I would definitely recommend Janneke, and the Kimkim team.

Hotel Reviews
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
Hoedspruit
Authenticity & Character
The meals were incredible. The game drives outstanding.
Location
It's a bit of a drive to get to, but so worth it once you're there. We saw a herd of elephants just across the river!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Cotte Farm
Franschhoek

Lovely inn. Very attentive staff. Highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Loved the in-room fireplace
Location
Walking distance to town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Jul 13, 2026

Hello Jennifer

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful review. We’re so happy to hear that you had such an amazing holiday! It was an absolute pleasure from the very start to plan this trip for you and Paul.

The Best! Nadia was very infomative from th...
South Africa | Jul 3 - Jul 4, 2026

Y
Yolanda D.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jul 06, 2026
The Best! Nadia was very infomative from the very beginning. She answered all of our questions in a timely fashion. She shared information with us to help our travels smoother. She really went above and beyond ot make sure our stay was amazing. I would recommend Nadia to all of my friends. Read more

The Best!

Nadia was very infomative from the very beginning. She answered all of our questions in a timely fashion. She shared information with us to help our travels smoother. She really went above and beyond ot make sure our stay was amazing. I would recommend Nadia to all of my friends.

Hotel Review
Bakubung Bush Lodge
Pilanesberg National Park
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nadia Albertus
Nadia
Nadia Albertus
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jul 07, 2026
Hi Yolanda, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind review. It was an absolute pleasure assisting with your trip, and I'm so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful experience. Knowing that the information and support I provided helped make your journey smoother and more enjoyable is exactly what I strive for. Thank you again for your thoughtful words and for trusting me with your travel plans. It was a privilege to be part of your South African adventure. I hope to have the... Read more

Hi Yolanda,

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind review. It was an absolute pleasure assisting with your trip, and I'm so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful experience. Knowing that the information and support I provided helped make your journey smoother and more enjoyable is exactly what I strive for.

Thank you again for your thoughtful words and for trusting me with your travel plans. It was a privilege to be part of your South African adventure.

I hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to South Africa one day and helping you create many more unforgettable memories.

Wishing you all the very best and many more wonderful travels ahead!

Warm regards,
Nadia

South Africa - trip of dreams
South Africa | Jun 16 - Jun 28, 2026

Robyn
Robyn A.
Anchorage, AK | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2026
Lucy was amazing! My dad got sick at the beginning of the trip and would up in the hospital for a couple days. But thanks to Lucy, I had a place to stay close to the hospital set up as soon as she knew I needed it and she checked in on my dad through out the trip. Being so far from home it was nice to have a local helping with all the little bumps in the road. Leon was our guide in Cape Town and made the whole experience wonderful. He knew so much and was funny and friendly. My dad... Read more

Lucy was amazing! My dad got sick at the beginning of the trip and would up in the hospital for a couple days. But thanks to Lucy, I had a place to stay close to the hospital set up as soon as she knew I needed it and she checked in on my dad through out the trip. Being so far from home it was nice to have a local helping with all the little bumps in the road.

Leon was our guide in Cape Town and made the whole experience wonderful. He knew so much and was funny and friendly. My dad didn’t always feel up to walking and Leon stayed and was a great companion while we adventured a bit. Definitely made that portion of the trip special for our family. The Romney Park Luxury apartments were gorgeous! Their elevator was not working and they moved us to a ground floor apartment to make it easier for my dad, the ground floor was not nearly as nice of an apartment, but we appreciated the accommodation since their elevator was broken.

Marine Dynamics was greatly enjoyed by my husband and kid's. The shark diving was the highlight of the trip for my daughter. The Abalone hotel was lovely and they really enjoyed eating in town at The Chard- best milkshakes ever! Steaks, calamari and side dishes were also delicious!

Moditlo Lodge was my favorite stay. We were treated so well, every need anticipated, every staff member kind and attentive. They knew it was our anniversary and we were treated with hearts and champagne in our room. My dad’s birthday was also celebrated with all staff singing and a cake at lunch time. Kailey the check was phenomenal and our guide and tracker (Dumi and Derrick) were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about making sure we had the best time. The game drives were the highlight of the trip for me, seeing hundreds of animals and my children getting to see all the ones they wanted to and more. The hot water bottles, lined ponchos and warm drinks made the chilly mornings and adventure and something to look forward too. My words don’t do the experience justice. I do wish we had know that the entire experience was outside the park, we would have asked to spend at least one day in Kruger.

Victoria Falls - the Shearwater was a real downgrade after Moditlo, no one cleaned our rooms or replaced amenities like coffee and water without a request and the staff wasn’t very responsive. More than once I stood in line waiting to be helped while watching staff gossip about guests, one night the kitchen staff got in a huge fight and you could hear them yelling at each other from the dining room. Definitely a place you kept all the doors locked every minute.

Kuda was a wonderful guide to the falls, full of local information and willing to share a lot about the culture and what it was like to grow up in Victoria Falls. The helicopter flight was the highlight of my dad’s trip and fell on his 82nd birthday. The view from above was spectacular! We also great enjoyed our tour of the Wildlife Trust, the work they do there is so important and fascinating. Kuda went on that trip with us as well and said he learned a lot himself.

Bamba train was fun. The Chobe day trip was my son’s favorite day and probably tied for one of my favorites as well. Our guides, Captain O, Terrance and Kenneth, were funny and obviously enjoyed showing us around on bus, boat and safari. We saw THOUSANDS of birds and animals that day, it was unreal and felt like the scenes you see in movies. Our fellow passengers were also very fun on this trip.

Our last experience was the Dusty Roads dinner and it was informative, colorful, whimsical and funny. We were able to try grubs - my daughter ate two!! And all kinds of different local foods while learning about what plants they came from and how they were prepared. The owner came to our table and chatted for quite awhile, it was interesting to learn about her family and time in Zimbabwe. We loved it!

We would encourage people to follow the travel agents advice and to not walk alone and keep valuables secure. I should have Ubered from my hotel to the hospital! Had to cancel my credit card and file a police report after an encounter in the street with a few young men.

AirLink was a very hit or miss airline to travel with about half the staff was polite, friendly and helpful, the other half was dismissive if not out and out rude at times.

All in all it was a trip of a lifetime and I would highly recommend working with Lucy. She was so helpful, kind and if she didn’t know the answer she said so and told you she would get it!

Hotel Reviews
Shearwater Explorers Village
Victoria Falls

Didn’t really feel safe or welcome hear

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff gossiping about guests in another language, we may not have understood the words but the eye rolls, faces and tone are universally disrespectful body language and when you do it in another language and think the people around are to dumb to notice it is even ruder
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms could be cleaned up daily and amenities, like coffee and water replaced without having to ask
Moditlo River Lodge
Hoedspruit

Treated like family and special guests all at the same time

Authenticity & Character
Location
Outside the park
Staff
Would give more stars if I could
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything, the food was amazing
Abalone Guest Lodge
Hermanus

Beautiful rooms with ocean views!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to cliff walks
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely place to stay
Romney Park Luxury Apartments
Cape Town

Staff was lovely and helpful. Breakfast was tasty and quick in the morning. Top floor apartments were so cute and probably the nicest apartment we stayed in. Such a nice place to stay with multiple family members and not have to go in and out of separate rooms with separate keys.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Thoughtful and kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was exquisitely neat and tidy
Activity Reviews
Ride the Bamba Tram – A Unique Journey Through Victoria Falls
Ride the Bamba Tram – A Unique Journey Through Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls

Pretty view and another way to have people come and sell you stuff

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chobe Full Day Safari Trip
Chobe Full Day Safari Trip
Victoria Falls

One of the best days of the whole trip!

Quality of Experience
Couldn’t imagine the amount of wildlife!
Food
Nona’s are the bomb
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and helpful
Transport
Going back and forth between two countries and changing vehicles so many times could have been confusing or difficult and they made it super smooth!
Flight of the angels
Flight of the angels
South Africa

Very efficient

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Views were fantastic and ride was smooth as glass
Dusty Road Dinner Experience
Dusty Road Dinner Experience
Victoria Falls

Awesome concept and execution

Quality of Experience
Great service and good
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – High Care Rehabilitation & Lab Tour
Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – High Care Rehabilitation & Lab Tour
Victoria Falls

Cool to see everything they were doing and meet their current guests

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very informative
Transport
Sunset Cruise - Signature Deck
Sunset Cruise - Signature Deck
Victoria Falls

We wound up on the dinner cruise instead of the dinner cruise. It was too late and cold for my 82 year old dad. Our itinerary said sunset cruise, but what was booked was the dinner cruise. It was nice, but not what we had planned.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Thoughtful and provided blankets for my cold dad
Transport
Tour Victoria Falls
Tour Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls

Much better with a guide - Kuda had so much local knowledge about the plants, the river as an energy source and local history. Greatly added to the walk.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local knowledge
Transport
On time and safe
Shark Cage Diving
Shark Cage Diving
South Africa

According to my daughter - the best day of her life!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The boat ride was exciting and fast
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
South Africa

Love the look at local history by those directly impacted by the Robben Island prison. Table Mountain was spectacular and we felt lucky to have such nice weather.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Helpful and thoughtful
Transport
On Safari
On Safari
South Africa

Dumi and Derrick were the very best! It was so fun talking with them and learning from them.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides and trackers are amazing and funny
Transport
Always felt safe and looked after
Cape Point & Penguins Tour
Cape Point & Penguins Tour
South Africa

This day was amazing!! Leon really helped make it memorable with his local historical knowledge.

Quality of Experience
Views and penguins
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Leon was awesome, lunch staff was okay
Transport
Safe and always early
Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jul 16, 2026

Thank you so much, Robyn, for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review.

It was an absolute privilege to support your family throughout the journey, especially during the unexpected challenges at the start. I’m so pleased that, despite the bumps along the way, you were able to create so many special memories together.

Your kind words mean so much to me and the entire team. Thank you for trusting SALTY.Travel with such an important family adventure.

Best Trip of Our Lives
South Africa | Jun 14 - Jun 23, 2026

Bill
Bill B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 24, 2026
This entire trip went as smoothly and brilliantly as we could have hoped. Our driver Zane was magnificent. Always early, always friendly and informative. Lize planned this to perfection. And she was incredibly patient when we had to make an adjustment to the dates due to an unforeseen issue. Read more

This entire trip went as smoothly and brilliantly as we could have hoped. Our driver Zane was magnificent. Always early, always friendly and informative.

Lize planned this to perfection. And she was incredibly patient when we had to make an adjustment to the dates due to an unforeseen issue.

Hotel Reviews
La Fontaine Boutique Hotel
Franschhoek

Such a charming hotel! The hotel manager Kim met us on arrival and was attentive to our every need, such as dinner reservations. The rooms are beautiful in the old Dutch style.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right in downtown Franschhoek
Staff
So pleasant and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Kruger National Park

This is the ultimate safari experience if you want to be in a very small group and get a lot of attention. The camp managers Courtney and Brett (also the guide) were unbelievably kind, informative, and flexible. The game rides were the best I have done. The lodgings are first class and each meal was amazing. It was so quiet and peaceful in the camp. We felt blessed in the first few days, so much that the rest of South Africa had a lot to live up to!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Timbavati Private Game Reserve is a much better option than Kruger National Park.
Staff
Everyone was amazing. The cooks, the staff, the tracker and of course the camp managers.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town

The V&A is exquisite. Every luxury one could imagine.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Afternoon Game Drive
Afternoon Game Drive
South Africa

Soon after we arrived, we went on the first game drive and went all of about 200 meters and saw elephants up close. The raw beauty was incredible.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour (including lunch)
Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour (including lunch)
South Africa

We left early at our driver's suggestion—7:30. This was good, as we preceded some crowded bus tours at each stop. Standing at the Cape of Good Hope was incredible. Seeing African Penguins was great (but not as great as the wildlife in Timbavati).

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day City, Table Mountain & Robben Island Tour
Full Day City, Table Mountain & Robben Island Tour
South Africa

We luckily had pretty good weather for both Robben Island and Table Mountain. Robben Island guides are actual former political prisoners.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Winelands Tour (including lunch)
Full Day Winelands Tour (including lunch)
South Africa

This is a pretty long day, unless you are used to wine tours. The lunch is huge and probably makes dinner unnecessary, or just a lite one required. The vineyards are beautiful and the history fascinating.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Final Morning Game Drive
Final Morning Game Drive
South Africa

We got a rare sighting off. pack of African wild dogs. The guide mentioned that he sometimes would go months without seeing them. The guides in the reserve do a good job communicating with each other so when something rare is seen, others can find it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Timbavati Private Game Reserve Safari Day
Timbavati Private Game Reserve Safari Day
Timbavati Game Reserve

Just incredible how close to the animals we got. The guide and tracker really knew their way.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lize Enderstein
Lize
Lize Enderstein
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Jun 24, 2026
Dear Bill, Thank you so much for your amazing feedback. I am absolutely delighted to hear that your trip went so smoothly and lived up to your expectations. It is wonderful to know that you had such a positive experience with Zane. I will be sure to pass along your compliments to him—he will be thrilled to hear them. Thank you as well for your generous comments about the planning process. It was truly a pleasure assisting you, and I was more than happy to help when the date changes became... Read more

Dear Bill,

Thank you so much for your amazing feedback.

I am absolutely delighted to hear that your trip went so smoothly and lived up to your expectations. It is wonderful to know that you had such a positive experience with Zane. I will be sure to pass along your compliments to him—he will be thrilled to hear them.

Thank you as well for your generous comments about the planning process. It was truly a pleasure assisting you, and I was more than happy to help when the date changes became necessary.

I am so pleased that everything came together to create such a memorable trip for you. Thank you for trusting me with your travel plans, and I hope we have the opportunity to welcome you back to Africa again in the future.

Warm regards,

Lize

Liz’s was so helpful, always available!
South Africa | Jun 14 - Jun 23, 2026

Cynthia
Cynthia S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 24, 2026
Liz’s was so helpful with all the details, scheduling and planning as well as through the trip itself! Great first time experience with KimKim and it was fantastic. We shall travel with KimKim again Read more

Liz’s was so helpful with all the details, scheduling and planning as well as through the trip itself! Great first time experience with KimKim and it was fantastic. We shall travel with KimKim again

Hotel Reviews
La Fontaine Boutique Hotel
Franschhoek

Fabulous botiquebhotel with fun quirky local decor. From our warm welcome to all the help each day with our questions and luggage I highly recommend this hotel. The grounds are lovely, pool options great after a day touring, and the rooms so spacious and comfortable! Breakfast was lively and so good!

Authenticity & Character
Fabulous feel, full of art and fun local decor
Location
Easy walking distance to shops, market and restaurants (don’t miss French Connection)
Staff
Couldn’t be more helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Squeaky clean and comfortable!
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Kruger National Park

Beyond our expectations! The luxury, set up, facilities and decor are fabulous but the privacy and personal accommodations for only 8 made the experience perfect for our travelling group of friends. Staff, particularly Cortne and Brett, made it feel like home and expanded our experience tenfold! Food was truly fantastic every single meal. Hats off the the chef team!

Authenticity & Character
The whole facility was decorated and accessorized impeccably! Beautiful African art and decor
Location
Secluded and private and beautiful!
Staff
Court Emilia is an incredible, professional and kind hostess that made each of us feel special and at home; Brett and Ozzie’s knowledge of the animals and the bush made us feel safe and we saw so much each time out! Sippo at the bar and all of the support staff were always available; Sabu the masseuse had such a wonderful technique; and last, but by no means least the chef and their team were fantastic! Every meal was a gem, every every meal!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town

Perfect location for exploring the Waterfront. Hotel staff could not be more helpful. Rooms were ample and comfortable. Breakfasts were a full assortment of options! Great stay

Authenticity & Character
Decor was modern and elegant
Location
Ease of access to waterfront sights and restaurants
Staff
Always helpful and kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were super comfortable. Our second stay our room was a little less in size and cleanliness but nothing we would complain about
Local specialist: Lize Enderstein
Lize
Lize Enderstein
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Jul 13, 2026

Dear Cynthia,

Thank you so much for your kind words.

It was truly a pleasure assisting you with the planning of your trip, and I am delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic experience. Knowing that everything came together smoothly and that you enjoyed your first KimKim adventure means a great deal to me.

Thank you for trusting me with your travel plans. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you, and I would be delighted to help you plan another African adventure whenever the time comes.

Wishing you many wonderful travel memories until then!

Warm regards,

Lize

Our guide Zane Matthews was superb — he was e...
South Africa | Jun 14 - Jun 23, 2026

S
Stephen M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 24, 2026

Our guide Zane Matthews was superb — he was extremely knowledgeable about Cape Town’s history and culture, was extremely accommodating in satisfying our every wish, had excellent suggestions for our free time, and was a very safe and courteous driver.

Our time at Thabamati Safari Camp in Timbavati game reserve was especially memorable. Delicious food, beautiful accommodations, super guides and trackers, especially Brett, and our hostess Courtne was especially warm and hospitable.

Local specialist: Lize Enderstein
Lize
Lize Enderstein
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Jun 24, 2026
Hi Stephen, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. I am delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience in South Africa. It is especially lovely to hear your kind words about Zane. He is incredibly passionate about Cape Town, and I will be sure to pass along your compliments regarding his knowledge, flexibility, recommendations, and professionalism. I am also thrilled that your stay at Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp was such a memorable part of your trip. It... Read more

Hi Stephen,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback.

I am delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience in South Africa. It is especially lovely to hear your kind words about Zane. He is incredibly passionate about Cape Town, and I will be sure to pass along your compliments regarding his knowledge, flexibility, recommendations, and professionalism.

I am also thrilled that your stay at Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp was such a memorable part of your trip. It sounds like the team took great care of you, and I will make sure that Brett, Courtne, and the rest of the staff receive your wonderful feedback.

Thank you again for travelling with us. It was a pleasure assisting with your trip, and I hope we have the opportunity to welcome you back to Africa in the future.

Warm regards,

Lize

Use Janneke for the perfect trip to South Africa!! .
South Africa | May 22 - May 31, 2026

A
Aimee D.
Minnetonka, MN | Reviewed on Jun 24, 2026
Janneke and her sister Anne-Marie could not have been more amazing to work with and plan this incredible trip. It was perfect! And Anne-Marie even took time out of her day to meet us while we were in wine country. So sweet and we so enjoyed getting to know her!! They were super proactive and always available. All of the excisions, meals and guides were awesome. Transportation was perfect - had zero problems! Read more

Janneke and her sister Anne-Marie could not have been more amazing to work with and plan this incredible trip. It was perfect! And Anne-Marie even took time out of her day to meet us while we were in wine country. So sweet and we so enjoyed getting to know her!! They were super proactive and always available. All of the excisions, meals and guides were awesome. Transportation was perfect - had zero problems!

Hotel Reviews
Walkers Plains Camp
South Africa

LOVED IT!! It is a newer property and you can tell. Everything about it was perfection - our two bedroom room with a pool was amazing. The entire place was perfectly decorated and it was small and just perfect. Not teaming with lots of people. Only 8 villas. The staff and owners are super engaging and clearly want you to fall in love with it - which you absolutely will! You must stay here! And a huge shout out to Walter and Roen - the best tracker and guide we could’ve had. What we saw the animals doing and how close we got - nothing short of life changing!

Authenticity & Character
One of a kind for sure! Wouldn’t change thing!
Location
Super quick trip from airport but you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. And the timbavati private reserve is just magical!
Staff
All gold star worthy! And the owners made sure to spend time with everyone. It was super nice and felt authentic.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved it!!
La Cotte Farm
Franschhoek

WHAT A GEM!! It’s hard to even describe how amazing this place was. An old plantation converted into incredible accommodations and a fantastic restaurant. The property as well as the rooms were stunning! Working fireplaces and patios look out onto a pool that looked like it was out of another world. Beautiful flower gardens and chickens. It was so incredible charming. Wish we could’ve stayed longer!

Authenticity & Character
Out of this world authentic and charming!
Location
Easy to walk into town and visit all of the little shops etc.
Staff
Super accommodating - they made sure we had breakfast for the morning we had to leave super early to catch our flight.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sea Star Rocks
Cape Town

The staff were fantastic! Breakfast each morning was so amazing. The location and views were incredible - especially when the skies cleared and we were looking at table mountain and the ocean. Doesn’t get much better than that! The layout of the hotel is a bit off and disjointed but it was nice and the rooms were well appointed and super nice shower.

Authenticity & Character
Clearly a house or something that was converted so was charming in that way.
Location
Looking at Table Mountain
Staff
One of the staff stayed up to let us in past midnight the first night we arrived!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen
Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen
South Africa

What an unforgettable experience. Truly a treat and one of a kind experience. Nicki is super gifted and loves to show off her beautiful home, gardens and food with you. The tasting menu was sooo good and it was also very generous portions. She has amazing stories to regale you with. She had a super interesting life so it was so fun to listen to her. She also has a lot of knowledge regarding plants and she has sooo many varieties in her garden. She will have you taste them and experience them. It’s quite a journey she takes you on! A MUST!!

Quality of Experience
The food was out of this world good!
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All awesome!!
Transport
Andrew was great!
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa

Just wow! The entire day was filled with beauty and fun! The penguins were so fun (and loud!). Our guide, Andrew, was a pro at planning our itinerary and getting us to the sights before the crowds. When we left the penguins it was literally a zoo. When we got there we walked right in and had time to get lots of videos and photos. Same for getting to the Cape of Good Hope. The entire drive along the coast was stunning. I think it’s a must do day trip!

Quality of Experience
Food
See post on Crofters Kitchen!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andrew was great! Highly recommend him. Super knowledgeable and was easy to talk to and spend the day with!
Transport
He had a super nice vehicle and it were very comfortable.
Final morning game drive & next stop
Final morning game drive & next stop
South Africa

I’ve already shared several other comments on quality and perfection of the game drives. They all were unforgettable for different reasons! The airport is so close and easy that you have plants of time to do a morning drive, shower and eat breakfast before you need to head out. Location is perfect!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
South Africa

Roen and Walter were the BEST. What we experienced during all of our game drives was nothing short of perfection! They are such a great team and know how to find the animals and create unforgettable experiences. We saw everything and the quality of the experiences was something I will never ever forget!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Roen and Walter are who you want!!
Transport
Arrive at Walkers Plains Camp in Kruger & First Game Drive
Arrive at Walkers Plains Camp in Kruger & First Game Drive
South Africa

The flight was super easy and our driver was waiting for us at the airport. Our lodging was 15 mins from the airport so that was great. We got there and had time to chill before our late afternoon game drive. We told our guide that we wanted to see rhinos and what did we see on our first drive - 10+ of them!! We also got to see a lion sound asleep after eating too much of a warthog. It was like he was in a coma. We were less than 6 feet away from him.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food is sooo amazing at Walkers Plains. There is a private chef so it is incredible high end and they feed you a LOT. No one will ever be hungry there. And lots of options so everything will find something they like including those with good allergies and sensitivities.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Loved the fact that the vehicles they use have a tracker seat on front and that it isn’t covered and it’s stadium type seating. No obstructed views and super comfortable.
Visiting Babylonstoren
Visiting Babylonstoren
South Africa

AN ABSOLUTE MUST!! It is the coolest place ever! Greenhouses, working farm, all kinds of different shops - bakery, coffee, market, ice cream. The list goes on. The property is sooo lovely. You could easily spend an w tire day there. And the tasting was incredible and their tasting boards are crazy delicious and interesting!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Wine Tour
Full-Day Wine Tour
South Africa

See my review as well for the drive to Franschoek since it involved the winery stops which we loved all of them. They were all so different but wonderful. Roy planned an incredible itinerary - highly recommend him!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Table Mountain
Explore Table Mountain
Zambia

A must do while in Cape Town. We got super lucky with the weather and our timing. We didn’t wait in any lines and it was sunny with perfect blue skis and 75 degrees.

Quality of Experience
Spectacular views and experience. Highly recommend!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide didn’t go with us. We did it on our own.
Transport
Easy to get Ubers to and from
Cape Winelands Hiking -  Vistas & Vineyards
Cape Winelands Hiking - Vistas & Vineyards
South Africa

Unfortunately the weather wasn’t great but we liked it anyway and were rewarded with stunning views at the top where the weather was incredible! The views were just breathtaking!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Shayne was very passionate about hiking, nature, being active. She has a lot of energy and it was clear she was taking us all the way to the top whether we wanted to go or not. I had been sick so it was a lot for me but glad she pushed me even though it was hard with not having eaten for over 24 hours.
Transport
Only snafu was she couldn’t figure out how to get us to our restaurant for lunch and our wine tasting. Google Maps was not correct. So we called and then my son figured it out.
Cape Town to Franschhoek with Wine farm visits
Cape Town to Franschhoek with Wine farm visits
South Africa

Such a beautiful part of the country. We had no idea. It’s akin to Napa and Sonoma, but I think more beautiful with the mountains ringing it. The wine was great and all of the vineyards were quite different and lovely! And Roy, our guide, was awesome! We really enjoyed spending the day with him!

Quality of Experience
It was just awesome! The scenery, the wine and the food were all top notch!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Request Roy! He was so great!
Transport
Roy drove us and was with us the entire day!
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Cape Town

I am so happy we did this and learned about this history of Cape Town. We got to sample the food, which was awesome, and learned so very much. Our guide was born and raised there and has such passion and love for it - as he should. The architecture and paint are so beautiful. We very much enjoyed it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We had an issue leaving because the Cape Town marathon was happening. So that was quite a challenge. Getting there was fine via uber.
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Jun 24, 2026

Hello Aimee
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful and detailed review. We’re so happy to hear that you had such an amazing holiday! It was an absolute pleasure from the very start to plan this trip for you and your family.💛

Johannesburg/Safari/Cape Town
South Africa | Jun 12 - Jun 21, 2026

B
Bobby M.
Atlanta, GA, USA | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2026
Bianca planned a 10 day itinerary for me. We started in Johannesburg and visited the Apartheid Museum and Soweto. Our guide in Joburg was Tefo and he was excellent. We had lunch in Soweto and got to experience the vibrant cultures of Johannesburg. Tefo was knowledgeable, warm and kind. We then flew to Hoedspruit for a 3 day safari at the Kusudelwani Safari Lodge. This part of the itinerary really exceeded our expectations. Kusudelwani is the perfect combination of safari and relaxing... Read more

Bianca planned a 10 day itinerary for me. We started in Johannesburg and visited the Apartheid Museum and Soweto. Our guide in Joburg was Tefo and he was excellent. We had lunch in Soweto and got to experience the vibrant cultures of Johannesburg. Tefo was knowledgeable, warm and kind. We then flew to Hoedspruit for a 3 day safari at the Kusudelwani Safari Lodge. This part of the itinerary really exceeded our expectations. Kusudelwani is the perfect combination of safari and relaxing vacation. The staff and the accommodations delighted us and the safari experience was a bonus as we saw 4 of the Big 5. I highly recommend the Panorama Tour while you are there. We finished our itinerary in Cape Town where our guide Mansur showed us all Cape Town had to offer over a 4 day period. Mansur was knowledgeable about the Cape and its history. Our favorites while in Cape Town include The Wine Tours, Table Top Mountain, and our visit to see the African Penguins. We couldn't have planned this trip on our own. We are happy with the trip and felt like we got more than our money's worth.

Local specialist: Bianca Gersbach
Bianca
Bianca Gersbach
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Jun 22, 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 It was an absolute pleasure planning your South African adventure, and I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed every part of the journey. I'm especially happy that Tefo and Mansur helped make your experience so memorable. They are both passionate about sharing their country, and I know they will be thrilled to hear your kind words. It is also fantastic to hear that Kusudalweni exceeded your expectations—it's such a special place, and seeing 4... Read more

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊

It was an absolute pleasure planning your South African adventure, and I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed every part of the journey.

I'm especially happy that Tefo and Mansur helped make your experience so memorable. They are both passionate about sharing their country, and I know they will be thrilled to hear your kind words. It is also fantastic to hear that Kusudalweni exceeded your expectations—it's such a special place, and seeing 4 of the Big 5 is an incredible bonus!

Thank you for trusting me with your trip. Knowing that you felt the experience offered great value and that you were able to enjoy South Africa without the stress of planning everything yourself means a lot to me.

I hope the memories of Johannesburg, the safari, and beautiful Cape Town stay with you for many years to come. I would love to help you plan another African adventure in the future :)

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