Kimkim Trip Reviews for South Africa

Luxury and service at its best

Wow, what an experience. Every need is catered for in style.

I perceived that some of the driving to get to the wildlife locations was at times somewhat unsafe.

Having approached this experience with some reluctance, our guides, particularly our tuk tuk driver, made the day one of learning in a fun environment.

Oliver, our guide, was tremedndous.

Oliver, our guide, was tremendous.

Our guides made the experiences special.

Oliver, our guide, made the day.

Perfect location! Steps away from the V&A Waterfront and restaurants/ bars. The staff here is incredibly friendly and eager to help if you have any questions about activities. Breakfast was very good. Hotel bar well stocked and comfortable. Rooms were very clean- beds a little on the firmer side, but I do not mind that (pillows and sheets were comfy).

This is one of the best accommodations we have ever stayed at. The rooms are very spacious and clean. The beds, sheets, and pillows very comfy. Some rooms you can even get a view of the watering hole where animals drop by throughout the day. Food was very good, and the overall vibe is very laid back (which is nice after game drives). Not the mention the infinity pool looking out at the watering hole. However what makes this place special is the staff. We had a blast getting to know and speak with Roscoe, Luka, Carl, Matt, and others. Everyone is so easily approachable and fun to converse with. Matt and David were our game driver/ spotter and we cannot say enough great things about them and how much fun we had getting to spend a few days with them.

We really enjoyed our time at Insika. The rooms were very spacious and comfortable. We really enjoyed the hotel pool and bar area when we had some down time. We want to give a shoutout to Granger behind the bar. We loved catching up with him at the end of the day. Also the women at the front desk are incredibly helpful with any questions or scheduling needs you have. Breakfast was very good. Lastly we really enjoyed the shuttle into town. It was very convenient and a great perk to getting to explore the local area.

Our stay at Okuti was one of our favorites of the trip. It is very unusual to show up to an accommodation and instantly feel part of the family. Saying the staff here is amazing would be an understatement. Everyone is so friendly and engaging. They truly want to know how your day is and what your enjoyed about it. We really enjoyed our basket making class in the afternoon. The food here was also amazing. Every night at dinner was made to feel like a big family gathering which was very welcoming and warm. We loved sitting by the firepit afterwards and recapping our day or sharing stories with the staff and other travelers. The rooms here were one of our favorites on our trip. They are very spacious and the most comfortable bed we had during our travels around Africa. Lastly the game drives. We loved joking around and spending time with our driver Baams. He was incredibly knowledgeable and we had a blast tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs with him.

We really enjoyed our tour of the falls, but the only reason I would not give it 5 stars is I do not believe you need to do this with a guide. Perhaps there was not a ton of info to share, but our guide did not have much to say. The paths to walk through the park are well marked and we often found ourselves in front of our group waiting on people. If we did this again, we would just go by ourselves. The views of the falls are AMAZING! It is 100% worth going and experiencing.

We highly recommend this trip. We had a great time driving around with our guide Ian. He was very knowledgeable and engaging. He made a great suggestion for a lunch stop near Boulder Beach that was right on the water and inevitably ended up being one of our favorite meals of our 3 week trip.

Amazing experience and the views you get of the falls and local area are breathtaking. We did the 12-13 minute flight which seemed like it would not be enough time. In fact it was the perfect amount of time. You get up there and make some loops, grab your pictures, and by that time you are good to go.

The Sabi Sands area is amazing. We were lucky to have a great guide and spotter (Matt/ David). Who made our time in the bush very enjoyable. The safari vehicles are comfortable and in the colder times they will supply you with a blanket should you like one. We really enjoyed our sun downer breaks with cocktails. It is amazing the animals you will see on your safari - remembering it is not a zoo - so you're not guaranteed to see everything. However the guides are very good at tracking and make even the down time engaging and fun.

Very fun zip line over the gorge. However it is not like traditional ziplines where you end on another platform. You go up the other side of the canyon and come to rest dangling in the middle of the line. Someone comes down and wenches you back up to the starting point. Absolutely nothing wrong with this, we had a great time, but it is over quite quickly.

We loved our time in the Okavango Delta. It was really cool getting to experience safari both on land and on the water. We had a great time with our guide Baams.

Toilet didn't not flush. Cabin smelled like sewer.

Great staff and food

Great location for animal viewing drives

Great restaurant on site. Comfortable room.

Awesome. Elephants and giraffes right there.

All good. Guide Tips great. Saw lots of animals. Saw encounter between cheetah and leopard on first day.

Boring

Falls are awesome. Joy was a good guide.

They just wanted our money

Not worth it. Staff rude. Food not great.

Excellent hotel , location and staff Loved the breakfast and also had dinner too that was delicious . Room was a great size

Staff are all amazing and work so hard for the guests! We loved Jessica our guide . Her expertise and sense of locating the animals was superb . We saw Big 5 and many more ! Food was delicious too!

Beautiful hotel . Nice modern room great size Great bar and delicious restaurant

Impressive from The moment we arrived Personal care and attention from the entire team from arrival to departure . The food was amazing with menus designed daily from the chef . They celebrated our anniversary by preparing our room with wine , champagne and Decorated our room with flower petals candles and bubble bath . Ngoma is a very special place ! We saw so many animals . The safaris were truly Amazing We wish we could have stayed longer .

So much fun

Although it was a rainy day we saw the penguins and cape .

Amazing day with Rochelle and Anna Marie 4 wineries and outstanding lunch .

Amazing lodge guide Jessica and tracker Saw big 5 on first safari .

Very nice . excellent appetizers !

So many animals . Boat cruise and safaris Loved Chobe !

This is an amazing place. The breakfast is the best! Just down the road from the national park and Sun City village, everything is close. Go explore the grounds...simply amazing!

This was an amazing place to stay. It is right on the riverside built around trees. We saw so many animals coming into the camp and monkeys on the porch. We always felt safe with our staff and were treated like royalty!

Staff was great! They have wonderful food and cater to anything you might need. You can't beat the sights! Animals are right there at the watering hole. It was heaven!

top-notch lodge. Set in a very quiet area almost 2 hours from the airport. He will barely see another person. the accommodations are extremely comfortable and food was excellent. Most importantly their guide Wienand made the safari drives amazing - his knowledge and attention to detail were superb

Great location and very quiet. Easy walk to harbourfront and no issue getting an Uber to go out at night.

We just didn't love Victoria Falls - too touristy

Absolutely amazing - we saw huge variety of wildlife

We didn't love the river safari as much as the driving one - saw less wildlife

Didn't get to do this due to rain

Touristy and loud but good food and enjoyed the dances

we didn't end up getting to do this-we had a very long wait at the airport and the timing was just tooo tight. Sadly this was nonrefundable

Dinner was fairly good and Sarah is trying to do a good thing. It just lacks entertainment I think. There was a short dance done by some local kids which was very sweet. Otherwise there was too much time to just eat dinner - everything went fairly slowly.

Very Charming Hotel. The staff were wonderful, so friendly and helpful. We could walk to the BoKaap area and to the waterfront as well. We would like to say how much we enjoyed our interactions with Melody, Tiffany and Sheila. They were great.

The surrounding country was spectacularly beautiful. Our accommodations were opulent.

Very nice hotel.

What a unique hotel. We enjoyed our stay here very much.

An intimate hotel with stunning architecture and stunning views. The staff was wonderful. We would like to mention Lloyd and Sindi and Maya. They took very good care of us. Jayne was excellent as well. The food was amazing.

This camp was wonderful. Our guide Millie and tracker Walter worked very hard to make our experience fantastic. And the staff at the camp - Cosmo, Charles, Carolina, Ntisiyo. They took good care of us! We didn't want to leave. It was very nice to meet the Walkers brothers and their pups! It was a very intimate environment that fostered friendships amongst the other guests.

The tastings were very good. We visited in the fall after the harvest, so we didn't have the opportunity to walk through the vineyards. And we were not offered tours of the cellars or other parts of the operation. The tram was a fun way to travel.

Zaki was a very articulate and passionate guide. The fact that we were able to visit his home and taste some of the family recipes was special.

Somewhat touristy - but we were tourists... The food was fantastic and partaking in the drumming was a lot of fun.

The views were spectacular. And it was a very pleasant hike down the hill (thank goodness we didn't have to walk up - the drive up was scary enough!) The buffet meal provided was excellent.

This was clean and comfortable and close to the airport (though a longer walk than I envisioned with all of our bags). Everyone who we were in contact with was kind and helpful. The breakfast in the courtyard was wonderful and delicious, and our family of 6 had a nice stay.

A gorgeous view - we stayed in a stand alone house and there was plenty of room for our family of 6. The bathrooms were adequate, but the bedrooms and living area and kitchen were lovely. The hotel itself was beautiful - bright and clean and full of helpful staff. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and breakfast before our stay was up and are glad we got to stay here.

Lovely hotel - lovely location - delicious restaurant (though it was a bit loud in the evenings). Nice neighborhood, helpful and accommodating staff. Rooms were spacious and clean and offered big views of the city. Loved this spot.

Such lovely folks who run this hotel - offered us restaurant recommendations, directions to the beach path, and umbrellas to use when the skies opened up, and worked hard to fix a non-working tv situation for us and had it solved within a short time. Breakfast was delicious and the location was close enough to walk to the grocery store and restaurants and beach, but also secluded enough to feel away from all the hustle and bustle of the main area of town. The bathroom situation could benefit from a few updates, but beds and rooms were clean and large and had lovely views.

This was a fantastic place for our family of 6 to stay while in Cape Town over the Christmas holiday. Location was amazing and convenient, apartment was clean and bright and spacious, and it was wonderful to have secure parking right in the heart of CT.

This place was magical. Clean, indulgent, spacious, beautifully kept and stunning grounds, wonderful helpful staff, and a good location to explore the winelands. A real treat for all of us at the end of our three week trip.

Loved the people here - Aaron was an incredible guide and driver - and Simon who helped welcome us and get us settled in - and everyone from the folks at the front desk, to those who made the delicious meal spreads, to those who helped with luggage and cleaned our rooms, and served in the restaurants - everyone was so wonderful. The location was incredible right along the river and allowed for some great game viewing. The game drives were informative, fun, and interesting, and the breaks for coffee and sundowners were special. The bathrooms could use a bit of updating, but the rooms were spacious and had lovely outdoor space, too.

Perfect Location & Modern Comfort – Lawhill Apartments Lawhill Apartments is the perfect place to stay in Cape Town! The location is unbeatable—right in town and within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront. The apartment itself was very modern, spacious, and well-equipped, making for an extremely comfortable stay. The pool was a great bonus, and every aspect of our experience was excellent. Would highly recommend Lawhill Apartments for anyone looking for a stylish and convenient stay in Cape Town!

Great Stay at Whale Coast All Suite Hotel Whale Coast All Suite Hotel was a fantastic choice! The apartment was spacious, and very convenient, located just one block from the beach and inside a shopping mall, making it easy to get groceries and essentials. The breakfast was very good, and the staff was absolutely excellent—super helpful and attentive. A perfect place for a comfortable and hassle-free stay. Good 4 star option

Exceptional Stay at Hunter’s Country House Hunter’s Country House was an absolute gem! The setting is beautiful, with a peaceful and elegant atmosphere that made our stay truly special. The rooms were spacious, charming, and perfectly maintained, offering a luxurious yet cozy experience. The service was outstanding—the staff was incredibly attentive, warm, and always ready to help. The food was excellent, and every detail of our stay exceeded expectations. For those wishing to visit Plettenberg Bay, the hotel is a bit too far away, and you will need a car or driver to go back and forth. That would be the only drawback for staying there. A perfect retreat for anyone looking for tranquility, comfort, and top-notch hospitality. Highly recommended!

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Safari Experience at Sindile Lodge Our stay at Sindile Lodge was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we arrived, we were met with exceptional service, breathtaking accommodations, and world-class hospitality. The lodge itself is stunning—beautifully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering luxury, comfort, and an intimate connection with the wilderness. The suites are spacious, elegantly furnished, and provide unparalleled views of the reserve. The food was outstanding, with every meal exceeding our expectations. From gourmet breakfasts to exquisite dinners, each dish was crafted to perfection, making dining an experience in itself. A special thank you to our ranger, Siya, whose knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm made every game drive unforgettable. His deep understanding of the wildlife and the environment added incredible depth to our safari experience. Another heartfelt thank you to our butler, Siya, who went above and beyond to ensure our stay was nothing short of perfect. His warm and attentive service made us feel truly special, and his attention to detail was impeccable. Sindile Lodge is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of adventure and luxury. If I could give it 6 stars, I absolutely would! If you’re looking for an unforgettable safari experience, this is the place to be. We can’t wait to return! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (but truly a 6-star experience!)

Great Location, but Maintenance Could Be Improved – Belle Maroc Hotel Belle Maroc Hotel is exceptionally well located, making it a convenient spot for exploring the area. However, the general maintenance falls a bit short compared to the other hotels we stayed at. We encountered some electrical issues, which were resolved by running a cable to our TV—not the most elegant solution. The staff was okay, as was the breakfast—nothing exceptional, but nothing to complain about either. Overall, it’s a decent stay with a fantastic location, but it doesn’t quite reach a five-star experience.D

Amazing Alternative Hike – Lion’s Head Instead of Table Mountain Our original plan was to hike Table Mountain, but due to weather conditions, we had to switch to Lion’s Head at the last moment. The change was handled seamlessly, and honestly, we couldn’t have had a better experience! The hike was excellent—challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking views throughout. Our guide was exceptional, making the experience even more enjoyable with great insights and a perfect pace. Although we missed Table Mountain, this alternative turned out to be an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommended!

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour – A Well-Run and Fun Experience The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour was a very good experience—safe, well-organized, and professionally run. The guides were great, and everything was done with a high level of care. Since we had done a similar experience in Costa Rica, this felt familiar, so it didn’t have the same thrill for us. Some of the ziplines were a bit less exciting than others, but overall, it was still a fun and enjoyable activity. If you haven’t done a canopy tour before, this is definitely a great option and worth trying!

Spectacular Cape Peninsula – Penguins Were Okay Our trip to the Cape Peninsula was absolutely outstanding—definitely a 5-star experience! The landscapes and views were breathtaking, making for an unforgettable day. Every stop along the way was stunning, and we truly enjoyed exploring this beautiful region. The visit to the penguins was okay, but a bit too crowded for our taste. It was still nice to see them, but it didn’t quite match the spectacular experience of the Cape Peninsula itself. We were originally supposed to do a kayaking tour, which would have been a great addition, but unfortunately, it had to be canceled due to the weather. Despite that, it was a fantastic day overall!

Nice Horse Ride, But Not What We Originally Planned Our original plan was to do a beach horse ride at Noordhoek, which we were really looking forward to. However, due to weather conditions, it was changed to a ride along the mountains instead. The experience itself was pleasant—the guide was very friendly and experienced, and the scenery was beautiful, with a peaceful ride through the vineyards. However, it was a very easy walk, and I would have liked the opportunity to trot or gallop a bit. The timing of our ride made it quite hot, and we couldn’t help but feel that the beach would have been a much better setting. That being said, we understand that the change was necessary due to the weather. Overall, it was a nice experience, just not quite what we had hoped for.

Tsitsikamma National Park Walk – A Scenic and Enjoyable Experience Our visit to Tsitsikamma National Park was a nice and enjoyable experience. We did the walks, took in the beautiful views, and had a great time exploring the area. The landscapes were stunning, and it was a peaceful way to connect with nature. Compared to some of the more mind-blowing experiences on our trip, this one felt like a step below, but it’s still definitely worth doing. If you enjoy scenic walks and coastal beauty, it’s a great addition to any itinerary!

Shark Cage Diving – A Truly 6-Star Experience! One of the absolute highlights of our trip! Everything about this experience was flawless. The company that took us out was incredibly professional—they explained everything clearly, provided an excellent introduction, and made sure we had top-quality wetsuits. Their attention to detail was exceptional. We were extremely lucky to see plenty of sharks, and the feeling of being in the cage, up close with these incredible creatures, was absolutely mind-blowing. After getting out of the water, we were welcomed with a hot shower inside our wetsuits—something we had never experienced before—and a cup of hot chocolate, which made it even more special. This was truly an unforgettable adventure, and I would highly, highly recommend it. If I could give it 6 stars, I absolutely would!

Kayak, Lilo, and Cliff Jumping on the Storms River – A Fantastic Adventure! This was a very good experience and one of the highlights of our time in Tsitsikamma. We loved the kayaking, especially going out into the ocean—it was safe, well-organized, and the guides were excellent. After paddling into the river, we continued through beautiful surroundings with top-quality equipment. The experience was a mix of adventure and fun: we hiked, paddled to some rocks, crossed them, and then floated on inflatable rafts (similar to lilos). It was a unique and relaxing way to enjoy the stunning scenery. We took some great pictures and had an amazing time. Definitely an experience worth doing!

Authentic Coastal Dining at Perlemoen Restaurant Perlemoen Restaurant was a nice stop during our trip. The highlight was definitely the food—we had the best fish of the entire trip, cooked to perfection with fresh, high-quality ingredients. However, the restaurant was quite crowded, and we couldn’t find a great table with a view of the ocean, which would have made the experience even better. Despite that, the meal itself was excellent, and it’s a good spot for those looking for fresh seafood in a coastal setting.

Marine Big 5 Boat Tour – Canceled but Great Replacement! Our Marine Big 5 Boat Tour was unfortunately canceled due to weather conditions, but we were offered a quad biking experience instead—and we ended up really enjoying it! The quad biking was different from what we originally planned, but it was safe, fun, and a great way to explore the area. We had a fantastic time and truly enjoyed the experience. Although we missed out on seeing marine life on this tour, our cage diving experience gave us a great feel for the ocean and its incredible wildlife. In the end, everything worked out, and we had an amazing adventure!

Explore Cango Caves – A Good Stop, but a Long Journey Visiting the Cango Caves was a good stop during our trip, offering an interesting and well-organized experience. The caves themselves were impressive, and the guided tour was engaging and informative. However, the downside of that day—especially since it was my birthday—was the incredibly long drive. We spent about 6 to 7 hours in the car, which made the day feel exhausting. Looking back, I might have chosen to take a short flight instead of enduring such a long drive. That said, the caves were worth seeing, and overall, it was still a good experience despite the travel time.

Tsitsikamma Segway Experience – Fun and Unique! This was a really fun activity, especially since we had never ridden Segways before! It was a great way to explore the area in a different and exciting way. What made the experience even better was our guide—absolutely fantastic! They made sure we felt comfortable, kept the tour engaging, and added to the overall enjoyment. It was a very, very nice experience, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to try something new and have a great time in Tsitsikamma!

Bloukrans Bungy & Bridge Zipline – A Thrilling, World-Class Experience Only Valentina was brave enough to take on this adventure, and it turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of our trip! Bloukrans Bungy holds the world record for the highest bungee jump, and the entire operation is run with the utmost professionalism. The facility is extremely safe, with top-quality, well-maintained equipment that gave us full confidence in the experience. The jump itself was absolutely awesome—pure adrenaline! They also offer a video package, which is a great way to relive the moment and make the experience even more memorable. For anyone looking for the ultimate thrill, this is a must-do. Highly recommended!

Arriving at Shamwari Game Reserve – A 6-Star Welcome! Shamwari was the absolute highlight of our trip. From the very first moment, we were warmly welcomed with hot tea and the friendliest staff, setting the tone for an incredible stay. We were fortunate to go on a safari the same day we arrived, making our first day at Shamwari already a 6-star experience. Everything about it—service, atmosphere, and the excitement of the wildlife—was beyond expectations. From the start, it was clear that Shamwari is a truly special place. We couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to this unforgettable adventure!

Shamwari Experiences – A 6-Star Adventure in Every Way As I mentioned before, Shamwari was a truly 6-star experience. We had incredible opportunities to see all the animals in their natural setting, making every game drive unforgettable. The wildlife, the landscapes, and the expert guidance from our rangers made it an exceptional adventure. Beyond the safari itself, the gourmet experience was outstanding. A special highlight for us was the care and attention given to my three kids, who are gluten-intolerant. The staff went above and beyond to create a special menu for them, ensuring they had the same high-quality dining experience as everyone else, despite their dietary restrictions. Shamwari exceeded every expectation, not just in wildlife and luxury but in its outstanding hospitality. It was truly an experience we’ll never forget!

Kitesurfing at Bloubergstrand Beach – A Missed Opportunity but a Great Day We arrived the afternoon before our scheduled kitesurfing session and were lucky to witness Bloubergstrand in all its glory—hundreds of kitesurfers on the water, showing why this is one of the world’s best spots for the sport. It was an incredible sight! Unfortunately, on the actual day of our session, the wind didn’t show up, and we had to cancel. Looking back, we had to cancel other activities earlier in the trip due to strong winds—had we planned kitesurfing on one of those days instead, we probably would have had the perfect conditions. If I could redo the trip, I would definitely make that adjustment. In place of kitesurfing, we made the most of our time with a relaxing walk along the beach, enjoying lunch and dinner at seaside restaurants. It turned out to be a great and chilled-out way to wrap up our trip before heading back to Argentina!

Smooth and Well-Organized Departure from Africa Our departure was seamless and well-organized. On Saturday morning, our driver arrived on time and took us swiftly to the airport, making the process stress-free. Everything went smoothly, allowing us to finish our incredible trip on a relaxed note. A well-handled end to an unforgettable adventure!