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Janneke Van Schalkwyk

As a country girl from South Africa, I have a deep love for the diverse tapestry that makes up our beautiful region of Southern Africa. South Africans are not just people to me; they are a part of my bones, shaping my perspective and appreciation for the rich cultural mosaic that defines us.
My upbringing instilled in me a love for the outdoors, a passion for experiencing new things and places, and a deep appreciation for good food, wine, and the joy of sharing these experiences with loved ones. These values have guided me throughout my life and fueled my enthusiasm for sharing the beauty of Southern Africa with others.
My goal is to provide guests with recommendations that showcase the best of Southern Africa while reflecting the warmth and hospitality that are synonymous with our region. I believe that by sharing my love for Southern Africa and its people, I can help travelers create unforgettable memories.
I am excited to continue my journey in the tourism industry, where I can combine my passion for Southern Africa with my desire to create meaningful connections with travelers from around the world.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Places: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Namibia.
Activities: Adventure, Food, Wine, Safaris"

How did you get involved in travel?

"After 14 years as an educator in the countryside of South Africa, a new world opened up for me when I joined the Wildr team on a trip to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in September 2023. Inspired by the travel experts at Wildr, I realized I wanted to share my African experiences with the world. The seed was planted and six months later, I accepted a job offer from Wildr, knowing it was meant to be."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Namibia was an unforgettable experience from the moment we crossed the border. There was something different in the air, a rawness that made me feel incredibly close to nature. The wide-open spaces were awe-inspiring, and the straight roads made it easy to take in the breathtaking surroundings. What truly stood out was the warmth of the people, who welcomed us with open arms, showing a genuine love for their country and a desire to share it with guests like me.

Driving through the country, we explored the red dunes of the Kalahari, the oasis Swakopmund, various dune activities and marveled at the empty spaces and breathtaking mountains in the distance. Our journey took us through Kunene to Epupa Falls, a true treasure. The Himba people, a tribe in the Kaokoveld, welcomed us into their kraal for a tour, offering a glimpse into their unique way of life.

Etosha National Park is a destination in its own right, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. The world-class accommodation we experienced made our trip a wonderful family holiday, providing comfort and relaxation after each day's adventures."

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Janneke

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
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
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
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
Harbour House Hotel
Hermanus

Very spacious. Great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
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
The Windhoek Luxury Suites
Windhoek
Swakopmund Guest House
Swakopmund
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
Agama River Camp

Stunning place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
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
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 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
Franschhoek Scootours
Franschhoek Scootours
South Africa

This was so much fun!

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
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
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

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
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
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
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
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
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

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
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.
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
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
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
Activity Reviews
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
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
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!!!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Explore Table Mountain
Explore Table Mountain
South Africa

Great views!

Quality of Experience
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Activity Reviews
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.

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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.

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
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
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
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!!
Activity Reviews
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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.💛

South Africa: Cape Town, Wine Country, Kruger Safari, and Johannesburg.
South Africa | Jun 4 - Jun 16, 2026

P
Paul S.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jun 18, 2026
It was so helpful to us never having visited South Africa to have Janneke's local expertise. She took the time to get to know us and planned an experience that went beyond a checklist of attractions to connecting us with local people and providing us deeper insights into the country. Our highlight was time in Kruger National Park where we went on 6 game drives in just a few days. We saw the big 5 game animals, but we saw so much more and learned about the ecology of the bush and the history... Read more

It was so helpful to us never having visited South Africa to have Janneke's local expertise. She took the time to get to know us and planned an experience that went beyond a checklist of attractions to connecting us with local people and providing us deeper insights into the country. Our highlight was time in Kruger National Park where we went on 6 game drives in just a few days. We saw the big 5 game animals, but we saw so much more and learned about the ecology of the bush and the history of the region. It was an unforgettable experience.

Hotel Reviews
58 On Hume
Randburg
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bambuu Lakeside Lodge
Hazyview
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
Hoedspruit
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The whole team knew our names, details about us, and what game we'd like to see within minutes. The food was amazing.
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Cotte Farm
Franschhoek
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Lion's Head Sunrise Hike
Lion's Head Sunrise Hike
Cape Town

I had an amazing morning hike up Lion's Head with Jodie from SLOW. I learned so much about the area and the ecology. And she prepared snacks for my birthday. Just a fabulous experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Cape Town
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Aug 29, 2026

Hello Paul and Jennifer
Thank you so much for the lovely review.
It was such a pleasure 'meeting' you and Jennifer and helping to plan this holiday for you. I loved receiving the beautiful photos you shared along the way. You definitely know your way around a camera! I also really enjoyed our chats while you were travelling. It is always rewarding to see guests making the most of their time and creating such wonderful memories. Thank you again for your kind words, and I hope our paths cross again someday.

Sadasivan Africa 2025 Adventure
Zambia | Sep 21 - Oct 3, 2025

Sushma
Sushma S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 22, 2025
We loved the entire trip. Janneke listened to our wishes and everything was perfect from the boutique hotels to safari camps. Our guide, Jouri at our South African safari was friendly and informative. All the help with airport transfers and immigration between countries was easy. rice was our guide at the Zambia safari camp, he had a great sense of humor and fulfilled our request of the animals we wanted to see. The chef at this safari and our houseboat safari in Namibia were world... Read more

We loved the entire trip. Janneke listened to our wishes and everything was perfect from the boutique hotels to safari camps. Our guide, Jouri at our South African safari was friendly and informative. All the help with airport transfers and immigration between countries was easy. rice was our guide at the Zambia safari camp, he had a great sense of humor and fulfilled our request of the animals we wanted to see. The chef at this safari and our houseboat safari in Namibia were world class.

We went with our adult children and everyone agreed that this was the best vacation we have traveled.

Thanks to Janneke and her team.

Hotel Reviews
Dorp Hotel
Cape Town

Great boutique hotel, rooms were spacious. Breakfast was good and staff were friendly. Views were amazing, only downside was climb up the steep hill to get into town or city.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Umkumbe Safari Lodge
Hoedspruit

Good accommodations, food was fine. Our guide was great, Jouri. Seeing the animals behind the camp during the day was just out of this world.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mfuwe Lodge
Mfuwe

Food, accommodations, staff were great. Very close to animals at the resort. Safari drives were rewarding. Rice , our guide was knowledgeable and funny. He found all the animals we wanted to see.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ciela Resort Lusaka
Lusaka

Resort was spacious and beautiful, restaurant was okay, flies in the restaurant and we had to be moved, food was average. We only stayed one night. Brewery was good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palm River Hotel
Victoria Falls

Beautiful resort on the river. Animals, like boars, elephants and monkeys were on the property. Breakfast was tasty and had many choices. Staff was very friendly. Sunset cruise was amazing, staff on board were hospitable and snacks were tasty.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Chobe Princess
Chobe National Park

Can’t say enough about the river cruise, perfect ending to our vacation. Staff, from captain, safari guide, to chef wer hospitable and friendly. It was relaxing and good bonding with the family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Cape Town

Our guide was passionate about his heritage and history of his people. Snack at end of tour was good.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
NA
Dinner at GOLD Restaurant
Dinner at GOLD Restaurant
Cape Town

Learned how to play drums, very upbeat and great choices of food.

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

Our guide was punctual and informative during our ride to the peninsula.

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

Amazing house, garden and food!

Quality of Experience
Food
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 saw animals as we ere driving to our safari camp. Our driver from the airport to camp was friendly Welcome from Jouri, our guide, he showed us our rooms. Gave us food before we went on our first game drive.

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

Saw lots of animals. Our guide, Jouri and our tracker were great.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Mfuwe Lodge and first game drive!
Welcome to Mfuwe Lodge and first game drive!
Zambia

Was dark by the time we arrived, had dinner and didn’t go on drive on 1st night. Had dinner and settled in for the night. Drive from airport was hard, open jeep, windy.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Closed jeep from airport to lodge.
Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise
Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise
Victoria Falls

Beautiful night on the sunset cruise. Captain and staff were informative and friendly. Snacks were good.

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

Beautiful views but very cloudy day, hard to see views of the city.

Quality of Experience
Transport
Uber ride
Morning and Afternoon Game Drives in South Luangwa National Park
Morning and Afternoon Game Drives in South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park

Our guide, Rice was great. Had massages at their spa. Lots of good food

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
H
Transport
Mfuwe Community Visit
Mfuwe Community Visit
South Luangwa National Park

Locals were friendly, local school visit was nice, spoke with some of the children.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chobe Princess Experience
Chobe Princess Experience
Botswana

Staff was great, chef amazing!,

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chobe Princess Houseboat Arrival
Chobe Princess Houseboat Arrival
Botswana
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
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

Inviting place,good food

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bamba Tram
Bamba Tram
Victoria Falls

Great sunrise and to see the bridge.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Oct 23, 2025

Hello Sushma,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful review and share your comments, and the photos were such a lovely bonus! We’re so happy to hear that you had an amazing holiday.

It was an absolute pleasure planning this trip for you and your family from the very start.

Kind regards,
Janneke

Absolutely Magical!
South Africa | Aug 14 - Aug 26, 2025

Meghan
Meghan D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2025
From the moment I hit "send" to be connected with an agent to touching back down at home, this entire experience went above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Working with Janneke and Anna Marie helped put me at so much ease and they had so much patience with me when I asked a thousand questions about the process. We didn't really know what to expect from visiting South Africa and Zimbabwe and since we've been home we've been recommending this trip to everyone we know. Thank... Read more

From the moment I hit "send" to be connected with an agent to touching back down at home, this entire experience went above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Working with Janneke and Anna Marie helped put me at so much ease and they had so much patience with me when I asked a thousand questions about the process. We didn't really know what to expect from visiting South Africa and Zimbabwe and since we've been home we've been recommending this trip to everyone we know. Thank you SO much Janneke and Anna Marie for giving us the experience of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews
Pioneers Lodge Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls,

We loved Pioneers and we know if we ever get to go back to Zimbabwe, we would absolutely stay here again and bring the kids. The room was great, the grounds are gorgeous and well cared for, the food was delicious and the staff were really friendly and helpful (especially with a luggage issue we had to deal with). I would definitely stay here again and recommend it to everyone.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bambuu Lakeside Lodge
Hazyview

This hotel was fine for our one night stay. The food was ok but the room was lovely and the staff were very kind.

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

The absolute best. We absolutely loved this hotel and everything about it. The private deck and pool were perfect places to wind down in between drives. The hotel staff were amazing and we can't say enough positive things about our guide and tracker Tristan and Chris. They were so funny and smart and really got to know us to make the game drives as meaningful and memorable as possible. I would absolutely recommend this hotel to anyone and everyone. We wish we could have stayed longer!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport
Johannesburg

We only stayed here for a night but the room service food was fantastic and the staff were so kind and helpful in getting us to the airport the next morning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rovos Rail
Foreshore

We absolutely loved this experience. The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel at home and cared for. The ride was smooth and staff made sure that our room was as comfortable for us as it could be. We also loved the excursions that Rovos offered and loved the opportunity to learn about the people and culture around us. Once we learned about Rovos, it became a non-negotiable part of the itinerary and we are so happy we did it!

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

Perfect for us as a couple! The room was spacious, everything was clean and the staff was very friendly!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive
Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive
South Africa

We loved our driver from the airport! Then, we showed up at the lodge after brunch was served and dinner wasn't scheduled for a few hours. The chef very kindly made us delicious sandwiches which was so necessary after a morning of travel. We were so grateful.

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

I can't say enough about our experience with Tristan and Chris. They were truly the best. They were both so smart and so engaging and happy to answer any and all of our questions about their work, the game drives and the animals.

Quality of Experience
Food
They even had a mini bar and snacks for break time!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Panoramic Route Scenic Tour
Full Day Panoramic Route Scenic Tour
South Africa

We are SO glad we did this! It's a long day but we felt like we really got to see so much of the beauty of South Africa.

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

This was lovely! The sunset was even better than advertised and we got a chance to see even more wildlife that we hadn't seen yet on the trip. The staff was lovely and the food was so delicious.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dusty Road Township Lunch/Dinner Experience
Dusty Road Township Lunch/Dinner Experience
Victoria Falls

An absolute must do! It was the perfect way to end our trip. I couldn't recommend this enough. The food was outstanding and we got to try so many new flavors.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Experience on Rovos Rail: Nambiti & Spionkop
Full Day Experience on Rovos Rail: Nambiti & Spionkop
South Africa

We chose the game drive at Spionkop and we were so glad we did! It was our first game drive so helped give us a head's up as what to expect. Friends we made on the rail who did the history tour said they learned more on that trip than they did in years of school so I don't think you can go wrong either way. We loved our guide at Nambiti and by the time we finished those two game drives, we saw 4 out of 5 of the big 5!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dinner at GOLD Restaurant
Dinner at GOLD Restaurant
Cape Town

This place is definitely meant for tourists but if you can embrace that, you will have a great time. We were exposed to lots of new and delicious foods, traditional dance and song and the drum lesson in the beginning was so fun.

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

Zaki is the best and it felt so important to us to do this tour with someone from the community. There is such important work happening all the time and we loved learning about the history and vision for the future. We would recommend this to everyone.

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

This is a must do! The food was incredible and we loved taking a mid meal break to walk around the garden.

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

Andrew was the best! He taught us so much and brought us to some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. We really enjoyed his company and we felt like this was a great day to help us see and experience so much of the Cape.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Loved Andrew!
Transport
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Sep 03, 2025

Hello Meghan,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful review and share your valuable comments. 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 Sergio.

Kind regards
Janneke