Custom South Africa Safaris Tours

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South Africa Travel Insights

Cape Winelands
Map of Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari - 8 Days
Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari - 8 Days

Enjoy a majestic eight-day tour of Cape Town and Kruger Park Safari, two of South Africa’s top highlights. You will take in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula, Winelands, and the city of Cape Town, followed by a great safari experience in the Kruger National Park, where the iconic African wildlife roam free.

A lion at close range
Map of "Big Five" Tour in Kruger National Park - 3 Days
"Big Five" Tour in Kruger National Park - 3 Days

This whirlwind tour features the best of Kruger National Park - home to more than 500 bird species, 100 reptile species, and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, and leopard) and the endangered African wild dog.

Spot elephants on your South African safari
Map of 10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari

This tour takes you from the sights of Cape Town to the lush Overberg, followed by an exceptional safari experience. Enjoy some of South Africa's most sought-after destinations across the diverse Western and Eastern Cape Provinces.

Elephants on parade in South Africa
Map of Garden Route and "Big 5" Tour - 8 Days
Garden Route and "Big 5" Tour - 8 Days

Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!  Explore the Western Cape, Little Karoo, Whale Route, Addo Elephant National Park, and more. Ride down Africa's largest dune on a sandboard, explore Wilderness National Park in a canoe, relax and shop in Cape Town, and jump from the world's highest bungee bridge (if you dare!).

Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg Mountains
Map of Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days
Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days

South Africa contains multitudes—of people, landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and more. With three weeks to explore, you'll travel through the highlights of contemporary Cape Town, visit the beach towns of the Wild Coast, experience the animal attractions of Addo Elephant National Park and Kruger National Park, and traverse highs and lows from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Cango Caves. Along the way, you'll gain insight into the country's complex history and ecosystems with the help of local experts and experienced guides.

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
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Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
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Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for South Africa
Travel specialist Nokuthula Khumalo
active 39 mins ago

Nokuthula Khumalo

Specializes in the Southern Africa travel market, expertly planning, quoting, and crafting personalized itineraries from start to finish based on travelers' needs. She handles quotes and bookings...

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Travel specialist Janneke Van Schalkwyk
active 2 hours ago

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...

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Travel specialist Nadia Albertus
active 1 day ago

Nadia Albertus

I’m a lifelong adventure hunter with a serious soft spot for unforgettable trips! Designing travel experiences that make people smile (and want to come back!) is my favorite thing to do. I’m always...

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Travel specialist Lucy Berndt
active 1 day ago

Lucy Berndt

Mother, wife, traveller and dreamer! Having travelled extensively throughout Southern Africa, I know the importance of logistics and selecting the right product offerings. Southern Africa...

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Trip Reviews for South Africa

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

WOW WOW WOW.. a trip to remember for sure.
South Africa | May 4 - May 19, 2026

Larry
Larry R.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on May 21, 2026
WOW WOW WOW.. a trip to remember for sure. As my wife said this was the best vaction ever and will be hard to beat. Seeing different areas and aspects of S. Africa, Zimbabwie and Bostwana was so facinating in many different ways its hard to answer what our best part of the trip was. Seeing everything from Penguins to Lions and interacting with local people made everything so special. I can not thank our local specialist Anna-marie enough, from the very start of our trip planning process all... Read more

WOW WOW WOW.. a trip to remember for sure. As my wife said this was the best vaction ever and will be hard to beat. Seeing different areas and aspects of S. Africa, Zimbabwie and Bostwana was so facinating in many different ways its hard to answer what our best part of the trip was. Seeing everything from Penguins to Lions and interacting with local people made everything so special. I can not thank our local specialist Anna-marie enough, from the very start of our trip planning process all the way to the end of our journey. She was always availble before and during our trip to answer quick questions and made sure that we were completely taken care of during our journey and often followed up to check in. Her contribution was far more than a travel agent, she made us feel like family and we never thought of ourself as customers. The Garden route was fabulous as well as our other activites in S Africa. Elton and his staff at the Tree House lodge in Cape Town were absolutely fabulous in welcoming us and making sure everything was in order. Pinky and her staff at One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel in Hermanus was absolutely a riot. They all started dancing and singing in the lobby for us , just because... That was a cool surprise. Our first Safari in Kruger was very nice and Abigail and her team at Umkumbe Bush lodge treated us like royalty and at the same time being friendly and smiling all the time. Our final Safari in drive at the Muchenje Safari Lodge in Botswana was a epic finish to the trip. Maria and her staff were top notch and our guide Tip was fabulous in making sure that all our needs were met. His attention to us and our needs was top notch and our interaction was alway in a fun and happy manor. And last but not least our first guide Rochelle traveled with us for 7 days to start out our trip in S Africa can not say enough she was fabulous. During our time together we grew to be like family and she was absolutely fantastic. I could keep going but i think you get the point. Already starting to think of our next trip with KimKim. Job well done!!!!!

Thanks
Larry & Julie Romero

Hotel Reviews
Muchenje Safari Lodge
Kasane, Chobe

The staff made it all. Marie and everyone on her team were there to make our stay memorable. The design fit in well, the hut like tents dropped right in the evironment

Authenticity & Character
Dopped right into the environment with ease. Our hut looked out over the Chobe River
Location
Our guide Tips was fabulous and was very knowledgable. He was very attentive to our needs and made sure that we seen
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shongwe Lookout
Victoria Falls

Only stayed one night so not much to report on. The place was nice and clean and had good lodge bar

Umkumbe Bush Lodge
Sabie Park

5 star +. We got in a superior tent and they treated us like royalty. Abigail and her team were fantastic. The meals and entertainment were unreal.

Authenticity & Character
very bush like excellent.
Location
Our guide Derek as excellant. The tents were amazing and the entire staff from the guides, to dinner staff to cleaning staff were all top notch.
Staff
Top notch met and exceeded all our needs
Cleanliness & Comfort
very well done everyday we were there
Chapter House Boutique Hotel
Franschhoek

Storms caused us to re-route our trip bypassing the Chapter House but ending up back at the friendly Tree House

The Lofts Boutique Hotel
Knysna

Hotel was very nice and the room was fantastic. Open concept and a view over the lagoon was great

Authenticity & Character
They kept the original nauticle design concepts and included nice modern touches
Location
everything was quite close and being on the water was a huge bonus
Staff
Short stay there didnt really get to know them.
Cleanliness & Comfort
met our needs
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel
Hermanus

Pinky and her team was so welcoming and alway jovial with smiles a plenty. The entire staff throughout treated us very well during our stay

Authenticity & Character
Simple but solid.
Location
The place was right on the main street with a look out over the ocean. It was very near shopping and restaraunts and shops
Staff
Pinky and her staff nailed it.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Met all of our requirements. The dining area, lobby and bar were all done nicely.
Tree House Boutique Hotel
Cape Town

Elton and team was fabulous. The welcoming message and initial interaction was top notch. The entire team always so kind, professional and funny with smiles. Meals were great and service was second to none. I would highly recommend it. Great job Elton John

Authenticity & Character
Small nice boutique experience. The staff makes it tick
Location
A little off the beaten path but well worth it.
Staff
Amazing... Amazing
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was bright and clean and bed turndown and room clean up was alway performed on time
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke

Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wonder
South Africa | May 5 - May 15, 2026

Donna
Donna V.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on May 18, 2026
We really cannot say enough good things about our experience in South Africa and Zimbabwe. It was an incredible trip. Cape Town was awesome thanks to Debbie, our local guide, and the staff at the Ocean View were so friendly and so attentive. Shiduli was amazing in every way. The food, service and guides were excellent. We saw the big 5 and much more. German went above and beyond to ensure we saw hard to find animals. He was eager to teach and we were eager to learn. Zimbabwe did not... Read more

We really cannot say enough good things about our experience in South Africa and Zimbabwe. It was an incredible trip. Cape Town was awesome thanks to Debbie, our local guide, and the staff at the Ocean View were so friendly and so attentive. Shiduli was amazing in every way. The food, service and guides were excellent. We saw the big 5 and much more. German went above and beyond to ensure we saw hard to find animals. He was eager to teach and we were eager to learn. Zimbabwe did not disappoint. The township tour was particularly interesting. Throughout our entire trip Nadia was on top of things and very responsive whenever I contacted her. Excellent service!

Hotel Reviews
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls

Although there were lots of stairs to climb the views here were awesome!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shiduli Private Game Lodge

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The grounds were impeccable, the staff attentive and the food was excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Our guides were awesome! We saw the big 5 and much more
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ocean View House
Cape Town

The accommodations here were wonderful and the staff were excellent.

Authenticity & Character
It’s obvious that great care goes into ground maintenance here
Location
Beautiful view from the room
Staff
So friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nadia Albertus
Nadia
Nadia Albertus
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on May 18, 2026

Hi Donna,

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words.

I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience across Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. It sounds like such a special journey, and I’m so glad Debbie, the team at Ocean View, and everyone at Shiduli helped make it so seamless and enjoyable for you all.

It was an absolute pleasure assisting you with your trip, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of your journey. Thank you again for trusting me with your travels — I hope to help you plan another adventure in the future!

Warmest regards,
Nadia

Amazing week in South Africa
South Africa | Mar 14 - Mar 21, 2026

Crystall
Crystall P.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 01, 2026
Our family of four spent a week in South Africa, including time in Cape Town as well as a few days on Safari. Anna-Marie listened to all of what we hoped to do, see, and experience on our trip and made it ALL happen. I could have never done this type of planning on my own. Our guide Mark was fantastic and gave us a great overview of the Cape Town area and went the extra step to take photos of us while we were at Boulders Beach with the penguins. Blackheath Lodge and their staff are top... Read more

Our family of four spent a week in South Africa, including time in Cape Town as well as a few days on Safari. Anna-Marie listened to all of what we hoped to do, see, and experience on our trip and made it ALL happen. I could have never done this type of planning on my own. Our guide Mark was fantastic and gave us a great overview of the Cape Town area and went the extra step to take photos of us while we were at Boulders Beach with the penguins. Blackheath Lodge and their staff are top notch, our whole family loved our time there. For the second half of our trip we were At Timbavati Nature Reserve staying at Shindzela. It was so peaceful and well staffed. The lodge was small and gave us an opportunity to relax in between game drives. Kobus our guide was excellent and made the entire experience so amazing. I highly recommend Kimkim, their work made our trip what it was

Hotel Reviews
Shindzela Lodge
Timbavati Game Reserve

The lodge is intimate which made it possible for the staff to get to know the guests during the stay. The game drives were exceptional!

Authenticity & Character
The staff was so knowledgeable and more than happy to answer our questions and share their experiences.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The area was pristine!
Blackheath Lodge
Cape Town

Our stay was delightful at Blackheath. Every staff member went the extra mile to make sure we had an amazing experience. The location was perfect for the things we wanted to do in Cape Town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
We were within walking distance to restaurants and quick Ubers from the waterfront and other sights we were interested in.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
South Africa

Everyday here was great! They always were around to get is a drink, answer our questions, and in general check in.

Quality of Experience
Food
The staff worked so hard and asked for our requests and cooked so well. We really enjoyed every meal.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They communicate so well with all of us and the other car to ensure we all get to see the best of what is around us.
Transport
Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive
Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive
South Africa

Transport was straightforward. We got to the lodge in time to un pack, enjoy lunch and then head our first evening drive.

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

The reality of wealth disparity is real and we were very thankful to see some of the amazing community work that was going on. We were able to visit a school that was built using reclaimed materials, a community garden, and a senior center with a youth choir performing for us. It was amazing!

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

So much fun! We were in the drumming area and that was our very favorite part. There was always something going on and it was a little of fun.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food was served family style and was a great opportunity to try some traditional foods.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Robben Island
Robben Island
Cape Town

This is an important and interesting visit. We really liked that a portion of the tour is guided by former political prisoners. That was really impactful!

Quality of Experience
Transport
It takes a while to get to the island. Patience is key.
Kayak with Penguins
Kayak with Penguins
South Africa

It was fun to get in the water and get active on our trip. The kayaks were easy to maneuver and we were able to see starfish, seals, and penguins during our trip.

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

Mark was our guide and he was amazing. It was a fun filled day and really started our trip off with a bang! The views were incredible!

Quality of Experience
lol
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mark is amazing! He helped us take pictures at the beach and really went the extra mile!
Transport
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke
Anna-marie
Anna-marie Mocke
Local specialist in Cape, Winelands | Replied on Apr 02, 2026
Hello Crystall Thank you so much, for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It truly means the world to me. I absolutely loved working with you and your family to bring this journey to life, and it brings me such joy to hear that every part of your trip—from Cape Town to your time in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve—was so special and memorable. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Blackheath Lodge and the peaceful experience at Shindzela Tented Camp. It’s also wonderful to... Read more

Hello Crystall

Thank you so much, for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It truly means the world to me.

I absolutely loved working with you and your family to bring this journey to life, and it brings me such joy to hear that every part of your trip—from Cape Town to your time in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve—was so special and memorable.

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Blackheath Lodge and the peaceful experience at Shindzela Tented Camp. It’s also wonderful to hear that Mark and Kobus made such a lasting impression—those personal touches, like capturing moments at Boulders Beach, are what make a journey truly unforgettable.

Thank you again for trusting me with your family’s adventure. It was an absolute pleasure planning this experience for you, and I hope to welcome you back to Africa one day.

Warm greetings
Anna-marié

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.