Anna-marie Mocke

As our first trip to Africa in general and South Africa specifically, we had no idea where to start in planning, though we had some idea about experiences that we wanted. We jumped online to search for a travel agency to assist us, another first for us. We found KimKim somewhat randomly, but the feedback of other traveler led us to take a chance. What we found was that from start to finish, Anna-marie was attentive, responsive, energetic, and proactive. She took our somewhat neophytic thoughts and arranged an experience that will be indelibly fixed in our memories for the rest of our lives. The guides provided not only their knowledge, but their openness and willingness to share insights beyond geography, food and textbook history. The authenticity of those discussions truly made the journey one that was holistically edifying. Radheeka and Stephanie of Earthstompers, as well as Marlene of Adventure Shop were excellent. Probably most impactful personally for us was the day spent in Soweto with the guide from Lebo's Soweto Backpackers. The tuk-tuk tour gave us the opportunity to engage with people of all ages and the culture on a deeper level. The smiles and waves of the children, not to mention their innumerable high-fives, will not be forgotten or unappreciated for the hope for the future that they represented. Lastly, we are still in awe of the natural wonders that we shared in during our stay at the Walker Plains Camp. Our days there were never the same, with new animals and behaviors seemingly by the hour. Paul and Kenwell, our driver and tracker, were fantastic hosts for our daily drives, expert in their crafts and exceedingly gracious as they dealt with non-stop questions.
So with all of the wonderful personal and natural experiences, as well as the well appointed accommodations, we definitely look forward to our next adventure as curated by KimKim.

Hotel Reviews

The Peech Boutique Hotel

Johannesburg

The property was very nice with the exception of being a gated community. We are the type of travelers that immerse ourselves into our environment. This was not possible at this location. The staff was professional but not overly friendly or accommodating with the exception of the gentlemen at the gate.

Authenticity & Character

It was a nice property but nothing stood out,

Location

We did not like the gated community

Staff

The gentlemen at the gate were very nice, friendly and professional

Cleanliness & Comfort

Walkers Plains Camp

Our home away from home. We fell in love with everything about this place. The accommodations were first class. The community was wonderful. The staff was friendly and professional. The meals were outstanding. We were celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary and they planned a romantic dinner in our cottage by the pool. Absolutely beautiful. We hope to return soon.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Oude Werf Hotel

Stellenbosch

The location was great and it was modern hotel. We did not find it to very inviting. The staff was polite but did not go out of their way. We found the room to be small and standard. The breakfast was lovely.

Authenticity & Character

A modern hotel. Nothing set it apart

Location

Staff

Responsive but not proactive.

Cleanliness & Comfort

I recommend you select your room.

Dorp Hotel

Cape Town

Beautiful and well appointed accommodations. The staff was attentive and friendly. We felt like home in a very short amount of time. This hotel is not gated which we appreciated. The views were absolutely stunning.

Authenticity & Character

It transformed us back into time. We loved the photographs, history, etc.

Location

It sits on top of a hill. We made the mistake of walking up. LOL.

Staff

Extremely friendly and helpful. Our every need was met.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The size of the room and balcony was fantastic!

Activity Reviews

Soweto Bicycle, Walking, or Tuk-Tuk Tour with Traditional Lunch in Outdoor Kitchen

Johannesburg

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Final morning game drive & next stop

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Another Day in the Kruger with 2 private game drives

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Private Game Drives

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Foodies on Foot

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guided Hikes in Stellenbosch

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full-Day Wine Tour

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cape Town Food, City & Table Mountain Private Day Tour

Cape Town

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dinner at GOLD Restaurant

Cape Town

As dinner theatre goes, it was a reasonably entertaining evening. However, it had too much of a touristy flavor.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Robben Island

Cape Town

The experience was thought provoking and one we would not have missed.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

tour of cellblock conducted by former inmate. their presentation was evocative and moving, framed within the melancholy of the lasting effects on the guide.

Transport

not sure it can be improved, but a very crowded bus with relatively poor sound.

Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen

Cape Town

The conversation with the chef and her staff, the tasting walk through the house garden.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Cape Peninsula & Penguins

South Africa

We enjoyed the entire experience, visiting the parks and seeing the wildlife. Radheeka was a wonderful guide for the day.

Quality of Experience

animals, geography.

Food

stopped for coffee and pastry, which was nice.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

knowledge and openness of conversation

Transport

We had an amazing trip to South Africa and every detail went smoothly and was perfectly planned. We bought a safari at a fundraiser, but it was only 6 days. We were overwhelmed trying to plan additional days for our trip, but Anna-Marie and Deb made it easy. They planned the perfect trip for us and were in contact with us on WhatsApp the whole time. In Cape Town our tour guide Radheeka with Earthstompers was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and made our two days there perfect. We saw Cape Point, Boulder Beach penguins, Table Mountain, and the winelands to name a few. Anna-Marie even met us and joined us for our winery tour! We had a wonderful time with her & Radheeka! Our flights and transfers to Victoria Falls and Namibia went perfectly and were on time. This was our second trip that we entrusted KimKim with and we have been extremely pleased both times.

Hotel Reviews

Ilala Lodge

Victoria Falls

This is a beautiful hotel with a very authentic old world safari feel. Pics of Dr Livingstone are everywhere. The outdoor pool and bar area are very nice & I wish we would’ve had a day just to spend hanging out there. We enjoyed the breakfast every day and they had great coffee. Very glad we stayed here. It is walking distance to Vic Falls but I would caution anyone to not walk there with just two people. My husband & I walked back after touring the falls and had a difficult time getting past the vendors and panhandlers. If you have 4 or more people you should be ok.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Don’t walk to Vic Falls alone. Much better if you have a group to walk with.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tree House Boutique Hotel

Cape Town

This was a modern and very unique hotel. Beautifully decorated. The free breakfast and coffee each morning was very nice. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Location isn’t walking distance to V&A Waterfront, but they have a driver that will take you.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge

Hluhluwe

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Chobe Princess

Chobe National Park

This was an amazing experience! We saw so many animals & the views were incredible. The meals were delicious and we enjoyed getting to know the other couples on the boat. This is a must do!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Being on the Chobe River was amazing! We could see elephants and giraffes right from our bedroom window!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sanctuary Mandela

Johannesburg

The staff was very attentive and helpful. Amazing breakfast and dinner. Rooms are spacious, quiet, and clean. The bathroom is open to the rest of the room with the bed (it’s one room). Overall pleased with our stay. It’s about a 30 min drive to the airport.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Last morning on the Chobe Princess

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Boat Life on the Chobe River

Chobe National Park

This was a once in a lifetime experience! Amazing!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Chobe Princess Houseboat Arrival

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dusty Road Township Dinner Experience **highly recommended by our team

Victoria Falls

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise

Victoria Falls

We loved our dinner cruise. The sunset and views were spectacular!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Table Mountain

South Africa

Beautiful views! Bigger than I thought it would be! Bring a jacket it gets cold!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full-Day Wine Tour

South Africa

We loved Fairview Winery. Our guide Radheeka even arranged for us to see the goats!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Radheeka with Earthstompers was the best tour guide ! After the second day she was like a good friend & I was sad to leave.

Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen

Cape Town

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cape Peninsula & Penguins

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dinner at Sanctuary Mandela

Johannesburg

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I cannot thank the Wildr.Africa team enough for the trip of a lifetime. South Africa was exquisite! Beautiful topography, animals, interiors (!!), fabulous food and wine.

I am thankful I found kimkim who connected me to a great team on the ground in my destination. There is literally no reason to pay a US front company when all the expertise comes from the local team.

Anne Marie and her team were excellent communicators both via the app and via what’s app despite the time difference. They kept the planning process moving and helped me make decisions without overwhelm.

They understood my priorities for the trip and worked within those parameters to create the perfect trip for us.

All drivers, guides, and accommodations were seamless, and they helped us work through any challenges that arose. We are so grateful!

Many fabulous people to mention:
Walkers beach: maya, jane
Robberg hike
Monkeyland
Peninsula tour
Earthstompers: Rachelle
Babylonstoren
La Cotte farm
Pearl valley golf and spa
Walkers plain: James, roan, Clarence, zoli
… and of course Debra, Anne- marie and Cornelia without whom none of this would have happened.

Anna-marie and her colleagues provided a fabulous trip of South Africa to us on 3 weeks notice. It is a long story, but our world cruise was diverted from traversing the Red Sea, and the excursions offered by the cruise line were in about 8 ports averaging 6-7 hours with 22 sea days around Africa. We decided to take vacation from the cruise!

She helped us plan the trip and made reservations at very good to great hotels, camp and resort. She arranged all driving, land excursions, and provided great advice on restaurants and activities.

Our trip to South Africa was pretty much flawless. Anna-marie kept in close contact with us and quickly addressed all questions and concerns. One of our concerns was how my husband could go on a safari with his major back surgeries and his needing a cane to walk. She found a safari camp bordering Krueger National Park where they did accommodate him by not traversing the more typical rough roads. Our guide/driver, who was phenomenal in tracking wildlife, did go off road but was careful to avoid substantial jolting. We saw a lot more than the Big 5 in 3 days, and our driver took us to places where we could sit and watch elephants, lions and other wildlife interact. It was amazing!

When we were to reboard our cruise, there was a Category 9 storm with high wind gusts in Capetown. After the ship tried to dock twice unsuccessfully, I reached out to Anna-marie, and she said that she would help us get hotels and transportation to the next port in Namibia if needed. Thankfully the ship docked on the 3rd try.

The cost of the trip was very reasonable. We felt safe at all times in a country, which unfortunately has a high crime rate. We are very grateful to Anne-marie and her team for providing us with a trip of a lifetime. I have traveled extensively throughout the world, and I can say without hesitation, she is the best travel agent with whom I have ever dealt.

We were thrilled with all aspects of the trip, including all planning contact with Ann-Marie and team.

Special shout out to the Bushtracks team, especially Mbusi. He is an absolute gem - kind, informative, made everything easy and fun.

Finally, Shongwe Lookoit was fantastic - clean, comfortable and the nicest staff.

We can’t say enough good things!

Hotel Review

Shongwe Lookout

Victoria Falls

Amazing above and beyond service, beautiful and comfortable hotel!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Quiet!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guided Tour of Vic Falls

Victoria Falls

Mbusi made sure we did this at the best time of the day, and gave us a ton of history and information about the falls. It was a beautiful walk with so many viewpoints- we were all in awe!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Chobe Day Trip

Victoria Falls

Everything was taken care of for us, we had a nice drive to the border, then our hands were held for the immigration process to enter Botswana. The guides on the Botswana side were great, as was Mbusi in Zimbabwe. The morning game drive was great - we saw so much! Lunch delicious at a gorgeous locale, then the afternoon on the water surprised us with even closer views of the animals. Great experience!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise

Victoria Falls

This was so far above and beyond expectations! The boat was stunning, the staff treated us like family, the drinks delicious and the food - wow! So much and so delicious. Not to mention the gorgeous scenery, hippos and mist from the falls. Such a fun evening!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport