Stephanie Louw

The trip was great and the local guides were experienced and knowledgeable. However, when we had a problem, we called Stephanie for support 4 or so times over a two hour period, and she ignored our calls and sent WhatsApp messages saying it was not her problem. This is pretty unacceptable for someone whose entire job is to facilitate. If this is not her role, then it is not clear what service KimKim is providing apart from being a useless middle man that is taking money that would otherwise... read more

The trip was great and the local guides were experienced and knowledgeable. However, when we had a problem, we called Stephanie for support 4 or so times over a two hour period, and she ignored our calls and sent WhatsApp messages saying it was not her problem. This is pretty unacceptable for someone whose entire job is to facilitate. If this is not her role, then it is not clear what service KimKim is providing apart from being a useless middle man that is taking money that would otherwise be going to locals.

Further, when we made it clear we were unhappy with Stephanie's handling of the situation she said she would ask KimKim customer service to reach out to us, they never did. It is unclear if Stephanie did not actually ask them or if KimKim does not care about their customers.

Overall, if this is how KimKim operates, I will not be recommending this service in the future. I will give direct contacts of my fantastic guides in Madagascar to anyone who would like to book a trip.

This was a once in a lifetime trip and KimKim made it spectacular. They helped plan everything and had all of the transfers arranged, so all we had to do was enjoy! We started out by going to Sabi Sands and stayed at Sambambilia Lodge, it was amazing! We had a 3 hour safari each morning at 6 a.m. and a 3 hour safari each afternoon at 3:30 p.m. We went when it was winter is South Africa, but they provided hot waterbottles for your hands/lap and blankets for the safaris. Our very first... read more

This was a once in a lifetime trip and KimKim made it spectacular. They helped plan everything and had all of the transfers arranged, so all we had to do was enjoy! We started out by going to Sabi Sands and stayed at Sambambilia Lodge, it was amazing! We had a 3 hour safari each morning at 6 a.m. and a 3 hour safari each afternoon at 3:30 p.m. We went when it was winter is South Africa, but they provided hot waterbottles for your hands/lap and blankets for the safaris. Our very first morning we saw ALL of the Big 5 and other animals as well. They drive into the bush so that you are up close and personal with the animals. I cannot recommend this lodge more highly!!! Everything was top notch!

From there we went to Cape Town for 4 days and stayed at Noah's House, it was fantastic! It was a great location and Blessing was such a joy to be around - he managed the house perfectly and the food was amazing. He even took us out our last day and we went to a little market place, then to the Cape of Good Hope, and went to see the penguins....

From there we flew to Zimbabwe and then drove to Botswana for a 2 night river cruise. We would never have been able to find or arrange going through the Customs locations in these small areas without KimKim having everything arranged for us! It is well worth having it all arranged, so there is no stress or worries. The river cruise was exceptional... you go out on a tender boat in the evenings and get to be up close and personal with the animals like the elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions..... It was truly a different experience than going on the safari drives at the lodge, but each was amazing in its own way. We also went one afternoon to a village and we got to see how they live and they performed a dance for us and sang.

From there we flew to Johannesburg and drove 3 hours to Sun City. We stayed at The Palace of the Lost Temple....exceptional resort!!! The breakfast was over the top and great! There is a waterpark there (but too cold to get in while we were there) that is huge, has a bowling alley, movie theater, casino, restaurants, etc.... It was a great way to relax and end our trip to South Africa.

Again, I cannot stress how I would use KimKim for this type of trip. We used them when we planned our trip a few years ago to Greece, and everything was flawless then as well. We are thinking of going to Asia next year and I will use KimKim again!

Hotel Reviews

Simbambili Game Lodge

Sabi Sands

I cannot say enough good things about this lodge!!! The whole experience was amazing!! The food was exceptional and the room is fantastic, but the safari's were beyond phenomenal!!! Our driver (Doctor) and guide (Service) were amazing. Our first morning out we saw all of the Big 5 and a whole host of other animals.... They get you up close and personal, without feeling nervous that you are about to get eaten... :) I cannot recommend this lodge enough!

Authenticity & Character

The lodge only had 9 separate rooms, but it made it feel more intimate and not crowded.

Location

It took about 2 hours to drive there from the airport, but once you get there.... it is all worth it!!!

Staff

Stan took care of use while we stayed at the lodge and looked after our every need. Our driver (Doctor) and guide (Service) for the safari's were exceptional and took us out into the bush to find the animals provided an experience I will never forget.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room is extremely large with a king bed, living room area, small bar area, and a huge bathroom! Everything is extremely clean and comfortable.

Noah House

Cape Town

Noah's House was a great place to stay while in Cape Town. Blessing took care of us while we stayed there and provided exceptional service and looked after us.

Authenticity & Character

Beautifully decorated and well appointed rooms.

Location

Great location to walk to restaurants and bars.

Staff

Blessing provided us with the best service and looked after our every need.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The home was very comfortable and clean.

Chobe Princess Small Luxury Houseboat

Kasane, Botswana

It takes a little bit of doing to get to the houseboat, but once you do, you forget about all the other.... Going out on the tender boat and so close to the animals (elephants, crocodiles, hippos, lions, etc.) were a once in a life time opportunity. Seeing the sunset and the animals on the bank was exceptional. We also went one afternoon to a village and got to see how they live, what they eat, and then they sang and danced - which was great fun.

Authenticity & Character

The houseboat was amazing and the dinners at sunset was fantastic. The food was 5 star!!!

Location

A little difficult to get to, but well worth it!

Staff

Everyone made the trip special!

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms are small, but you are not really in them very much. The beds were extremely comfortable!

The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City Resort

Moses Kotane

The hotel was AMAZING!!!! There is so much to see there. You have access to a shuttle that will take you to the casino and waterpark. It will also take you to Sun City Central, which has lots of shops, restaurants, movie theater, bowling alley, etc. The hotel itself is opulent and it takes your breath away how beautiful everything is.

Authenticity & Character

Every detail is perfect!!!!

Location

It takes a while to get to it from Johannesburg, but it was well worth the trip.

Staff

Everyone is very friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room is extremely large and very comfortable.

Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport

Johannesburg

Nice hotel located right next to the airport, literally walk across the street. We only stayed one night, but it was very comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Very nicely decorated.

Location

Directly across the street from the airport.

Staff

Very friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed was very comfortable and the room was clean.

Activity Reviews

On Safari

South Africa

Our driver (Doctor) and our guide (Service) made the trip memorable. They made sure that we got to see the animals we were wanting and took us to exceptional locations to watch the sun set. We tracked animals through the bush, which was very exciting and to see how close we were to them..... words cannot express.....

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our driver (Doctor) and guide (Service) made the trip unforgettable! They were so much fun to spend our time with.

Transport

The jeeps are sturdy, but extremely comfortable to ride in.

Activities at Thornybush Simbambili Game Lodge

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

The spa was great! The lunches and dinners are spectacular! We had one of our breakfasts out in the bush, which was very nice. We had dinner one evening by a campfire and they sang and danced for us, it was so much fun. The food was 5 star!!! I even got the recipe to make Malva Pudding, it is fantastic, everyone needs to try it.

Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour: Cape Town

South Africa

It is a great way to get an overview of where everything is and what you would want to go see.

Robben Island Tour

Cape Town

The prison itself is very interesting and the story is great, but you spend most of your time in a bus on a small island. Not sure that I would do it again.

Day two on Chobe Princess

Chobe River - Namibia Side

The river cruise is a must for anyone that wants to get a different perspective from going on a land safari. The accommodations are great and seeing the animals from a tender boat is a must see!!! The food is fantastic and trip is very relaxing....

Welcome to Sun City Resort

Sun City

It was a great place to end our trip to South Africa! The hotel has everything you can ever need and the resort grounds are beautiful. The waterpark looks like it would be a great deal of fun and Sun City Central has a movie theater, bowling alley, restaurants, etc.

Full Day at Sun City

Sun City

Thank you to all of the team at kimkim and salty travel for a truly memorable holiday, each and every interaction with the staff was very prompt and thorough and all planned with just a few short weeks notice!! No question was ever too much for Stephanie during our planning / discussions and she was always helpful to give us further information or suggestions. Every detail was taken care of and made our vacation very easy for us when in South Africa, from transfers to hotel bookings and our... read more

Thank you to all of the team at kimkim and salty travel for a truly memorable holiday, each and every interaction with the staff was very prompt and thorough and all planned with just a few short weeks notice!! No question was ever too much for Stephanie during our planning / discussions and she was always helpful to give us further information or suggestions. Every detail was taken care of and made our vacation very easy for us when in South Africa, from transfers to hotel bookings and our excursions, all was taken care of. Safari was our first stop and a truly incredible time, two different lodges gave us the opportunity for different experiences and each time the staff were so welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable and made the experience that little bit more special. After this we headed to Cape Town and were met by the lovely Ben. He was our transfer, taxi driver, guide, friend and more!! It was so nice to explore his home town and get all the additional information as we went on various excursions, and he was always on hand to help or adapt to our needs. We had such an amazing time during our holiday and throughout this process that we are already talking and looking to see what our next adventure could be!!