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4.7
72 Reviews
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SALTY.TRAVEL

SALTY.TRAVEL is a Cape Town based travel agency offering unique and customised tours all across Africa. We welcome all types of travelers, from solos and couples, families and small groups to sport and school groups on any budget tailored to your specifications.

SALTY.TRAVEL is part of the following groups: Botswana Travel Agents, Mauritius Travel Agents, Mozambique Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice
An Epic African Road Trip: Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls – 14 Days
Visit three of Africa's top destinations on this epic, two-week road trip. Start in Namibia for towering dunes, salt pans, and a self-drive safari in Etosha National Park. Head...
"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...
Discover Namibia's Dunes, Coast & Wildlife – 5 Days
Explore Namibia's wildlife-filled parks and dune-swept coastline on this compact tour. Start in the historic capital, Windhoek, then escape south to Etosha National Park to spot...

Recent Trip Reviews for SALTY.TRAVEL

Nadia was extremely responsive to our persona...
South Africa | Dec 29 - Jan 9, 2026

E
Eric W.
Santa Rosa, CA | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026
Nadia was extremely responsive to our personal interests. She checked in with us every day during our visit and helped us figure out some logistical problems we encountered. I cannot recommend her strongly enough. She is also very warm and friendly. Read more

Nadia was extremely responsive to our personal interests. She checked in with us every day during our visit and helped us figure out some logistical problems we encountered. I cannot recommend her strongly enough. She is also very warm and friendly.

Hotel Reviews
aha Gateway Hotel
Umhlanga, KwaZulu Natal
Location
Convenient to the Durban airport but in a very busy shopping mall.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amakhala Safari Lodge
Amakhala Game Reserve, N2 Paterson

This lodge is a bit pricey but well worth it. Beautiful site. Very friendly and helpful staff. Great food. The best part is the safari guides.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites
Cape Town

Convenient for visiting Cape Town but in a quiet location.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
Knysna

Located on a secluded very beautiful beach.

Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Amakhala Game Reserve Activities
Amakhala Game Reserve Activities
South Africa

Pricey but well managed review . Your visit help game conservation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Nadia Albertus
Nadia
Nadia Albertus
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jan 11, 2026

Hi Eric,

Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback — I truly appreciate it. I’m delighted to hear that the trip aligned with your interests and that the on-ground support helped ensure everything ran smoothly. It was a pleasure assisting with you and Sara, and I’m grateful for the trust you both placed in me throughout the planning process.

If ever you and Sara find yourselves gravitating towards South Africa again, I would be more than happy to help. Thank you again for the kind review and for choosing to travel with us.

Best regards,
Nadia

Read all South Africa reviews

A Seamless Transformative Journey Through South Africa With Exceptional Local Care
South Africa | Dec 29 - Jan 5, 2026

Lisa
Lisa G.
Bethesda, MD | Reviewed on Jan 08, 2026
This South Africa trip was truly exceptional from start to finish. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed with care making the entire experience feel seamless grounded and deeply meaningful for our group. Working with Stephanie our local expert was a pleasure. Communication was clear timely and supportive throughout the planning process and while on the ground. She anticipated needs handled adjustments smoothly and ensured that every transition felt effortless. It allowed me to... Read more

This South Africa trip was truly exceptional from start to finish. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed with care making the entire experience feel seamless grounded and deeply meaningful for our group.

Working with Stephanie our local expert was a pleasure. Communication was clear timely and supportive throughout the planning process and while on the ground. She anticipated needs handled adjustments smoothly and ensured that every transition felt effortless. It allowed me to focus on the experience itself knowing logistics were fully handled.

Our guides were outstanding across every leg of the journey. They were knowledgeable engaging and deeply connected to the places we visited. Several travelers shared that the guide at Leopard Mountain was a highlight of the entire trip. His storytelling wildlife knowledge humor and presence elevated every game drive and created moments that felt both educational and magical. The broader staff at Leopard Mountain also deserve special recognition. Their warmth attentiveness and professionalism made the stay feel luxurious yet personal.

The accommodations throughout the trip were phenomenal with Leopard Mountain standing out as especially memorable. The rooms were stunning the views were breathtaking and the overall atmosphere felt peaceful and intentional. It was the kind of place where you immediately felt held by the land and the experience.

Transportation throughout the trip was reliable comfortable and well coordinated. Transfers flights and longer drives were handled smoothly which is no small feat with a multi city itinerary. Everything ran on time and without stress which made a huge difference for group travel.

The food was another highlight. Meals were consistently delicious fresh and nourishing. The food at Big Skies in particular stood out for its flavor quality and care. Healthy balanced and thoughtfully prepared it complemented the tone of the trip perfectly.

Overall this was one of the most well organized and impactful trips I have experienced. From the guides and accommodations to transportation meals and local support everything worked together beautifully. It was clear that intention expertise and care went into every aspect of the journey. I would absolutely work with this team again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a deeply enriching travel experience in South Africa.

Hotel Reviews
aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre
Benoni

aha Kopanong Hotel was a comfortable and reliable starting point for our South Africa journey. The location worked well for our Johannesburg itinerary and transfers, and the check in process was smooth and efficient for a group arrival. Rooms were clean spacious and well appointed, providing a restful place to land after international travel. The staff were welcoming and professional, especially helpful with group coordination and early departures. Breakfast service was consistent and convenient, offering a solid variety to start the day. Overall this hotel served as a dependable base that supported the flow of the trip without stress, which is exactly what is needed at the beginning of a multi stop itinerary.

Authenticity & Character
Location
This was not very accessible to anything without transportation.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gugs, Maputoland
Manguzi

Gugs Eco Lodge offered a meaningful eco lodge experience rooted in nature community and adventure. The accommodations were simple and functional, consistent with the eco focused nature of the lodge. While the rooms themselves were just okay in terms of comfort and amenities, they served their purpose for a rustic and intentional stay. The food at Gugs was a true highlight. Meals were consistently delicious fresh and nourishing, and our group genuinely looked forward to every meal. The quality and care put into the food stood out and added a lot to the overall experience. Our guide MP was excellent and played a big role in making this portion of the trip memorable. He was knowledgeable engaging and attentive, and the group really enjoyed learning from him throughout our excursions. The lodge manager was also very communicative and responsive, helping ensure things ran smoothly and that we felt supported during our stay. The excursions were a major highlight for our group. We were able to witness turtles laying eggs on the beach at night, which was an incredibly special and moving experience. We also enjoyed snorkeling and a boat ride, both of which were well organized and very well received by the group. These experiences brought the destination to life and were among the most talked about moments of this leg of the trip. Overall, Gugs delivered a strong eco lodge experience with outstanding food, meaningful excursions, and solid on the ground support. It is a great option for travelers who value nature based experiences and unique moments over luxury accommodations.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sanctuary Mandela
Sanctuary Mandela
Johannesburg

Our visit to Sanctuary Mandela was primarily a dinner experience. It was nice to be in the space, and the food and service were both good. The atmosphere was pleasant and the staff were attentive, making for an enjoyable evening meal. That said, the experience felt more like a solid dinner stop than a must do activity. While we appreciated having gone and enjoyed the meal, it is not something I would necessarily repeat on a future itinerary. It worked well as a gentle introduction to Johannesburg, but did not stand out as a highlight compared to other experiences on the trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Apartheid Museum
Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg

The Apartheid Museum was a profoundly impactful experience and an essential part of our time in South Africa. The exhibits are immersive thoughtful and emotionally resonant, guiding visitors through the country’s history with honesty and care. Our group appreciated the way the museum balances education reflection and storytelling. It prompted deep conversations and offered important context that enriched everything we experienced afterward. While intense at times, it was incredibly well curated and meaningful. A must visit experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gugs Experiences
Gugs Experiences
Manguzi

Our first day with Gugs Experiences was a highlight for the group. The excursions were well organized engaging and deeply connected to the local environment. Seeing turtles laying eggs on the beach at night was an unforgettable and moving experience that many travelers described as a once in a lifetime moment. Our guide MP was excellent. He was knowledgeable engaging and attentive, helping bring the experience to life while ensuring everyone felt safe and informed. The combination of nature education and hands on experience made the day both meaningful and memorable. The second day with Gugs Experiences continued to impress. Activities like snorkeling and the boat ride were very well received by the group and offered a fun relaxed way to experience the area. Everything was thoughtfully paced and coordinated, allowing travelers to enjoy the day without feeling rushed. Again, MP’s guidance stood out. His familiarity with the region and ability to engage the group added value to each activity. These experiences complemented our stay beautifully and gave our group a deeper appreciation for the local landscape and culture.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Stephanie Louw
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Trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe
South Africa | Dec 21 - Jan 3, 2026

Michael
Michael Z.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2026
I had done a trip through KimKim before and had a good experience, so I decided to use them again for traveling to South Africa and Zimbabwe with my daughter. As it turned out, and this was last minute, my daughter couldn't go, so my son went instead. Steph did a nice job of not only organizing our activities and the awesome places we got to stay but she was really good about taking care of my last-minute change. It was also nice that she was available to talk to me live even though it was... Read more

I had done a trip through KimKim before and had a good experience, so I decided to use them again for traveling to South Africa and Zimbabwe with my daughter. As it turned out, and this was last minute, my daughter couldn't go, so my son went instead. Steph did a nice job of not only organizing our activities and the awesome places we got to stay but she was really good about taking care of my last-minute change. It was also nice that she was available to talk to me live even though it was late in the evening for her.

All of the people helping us spoke excellent English and we never had to worry about missing a flight, etc, being picked up to go from one place to another. In Cape Town we also used Uber which was incredibly easy. In Cape Town and Hermanus, Debbie took care of us and did a great job. She has a nice sense of humor and we got along really well. What stuck out for us especially was the Simbavati Waterside Lodge we stayed at for three days. Very luxurious and everyone did a great job in taking care of us.

In Zimbabwe (we also wanted to see Victoria Falls), we stayed three nights at the Victoria Falls River Lodge, in their Malachite Lodge section. Another luxurious place for us to stay and we were even able to arrange for someone to drive us into town to attend church on New Year's Day.

We always felt safe and everyone seemed so accommodating and wanting to make sure we were having a good time. In Cape Town, make sure to take the Cable Car to the top of Table Mountain. If it's a popular day you probably wat to get a Fast Track pass because they are worth it. You skip the 3-hour long line going up and the one-hour line coming back down. In Victoria Falls take the 25 min Angels Flight. This is the longest flight option and well worth it. You make several passes over the falls, which is a stunning view, and you also take a look at elephant herds.

Can't believe all we did, but we also had a lot of time to relax. Great job, Steph! Hope to use you again soon. :-)

Local specialist: Stephanie Louw
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Cape Town, Namibia, Joahnessburg, we got it all done in 10 days!
South Africa | Nov 8 - Nov 18, 2025

Joannie
Joannie N.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2025
Cape Town was great and our guide Marc was knowledgeable about the history of south africa and kind and went the extra mile, always. We enjoyed the hike Tablemountain. We did not need a guide, it was quite well marked. It was intereting t have her there to educat us on the various plant and what to touch and not to touch ! There ar3e several hikes if you want to spend more time being active. The penguins were cute but it was quite a drive to see something small and very touristic. The drive... Read more

Cape Town was great and our guide Marc was knowledgeable about the history of south africa and kind and went the extra mile, always. We enjoyed the hike Tablemountain. We did not need a guide, it was quite well marked. It was intereting t have her there to educat us on the various plant and what to touch and not to touch ! There ar3e several hikes if you want to spend more time being active. The penguins were cute but it was quite a drive to see something small and very touristic. The drive was beautiful. We stopped at a local coffee shop, we also stopped at Cape of Hope for a picture and stopped at a winery on the way back. Full day!

A highlight of the trip was the visit on Robben Island. Advice for people planning, I would recommend the private visit. We had a very large group and it was difficult to ask question. I would return and spend more time in a private group. I think it would have been worth the money. The guides are ex-prisonner, making the experience even more moving and real.

We then headed to Namibia which was wonderful. The team at Salt Travel in Namibia (Andrea met us at the begining of the trip at our hotel, gave us a map with the highlighted routes to take, the time to travel, the type of road, the must do stops, etc.) was phenomenal. The came to our hotel to give us our rental vehicle and they picked it up at our last hotel (final destination).

Sandboarding in the dunes was fantastic, small group locals guys, we had a blast. The 4-wheeler in the dunes was super fun if you want to see the vast desert. However Desert Explorer is a big company with many employees and the guides are not very engaging, not invested int he experience for the customer as much. District hotel in Swakopmund was perfect, safe, small boutique hotel, good food, excellent staff.

The glamping in the desert when visiting Big Daddy was a great experience. It was quite warm! The poool was refreshing. We loved learning about Namibia.

Spheperd's lodge Safari was amazing. The facility are 5 stars and the staff very attentive. This is not roughing it ! The beds were comfortable, we enjoyed the outdor shower and the soaking tub. The guide was not as interactive as we would have wish. However, he was knowledgeable. The game ride were gr4eat and the animal got very close to us. Lots of rhinos, we saw elephants, giraffes, and various type of antiloop. We did not have the luck to see a lion, but we were there only for one evening and 1 days (3 game rides) and it was abnormally cold. I loved that experience. If we were to go back, I would want to organize a hike with a guide for 3-4h. I wish we could be more physically engaged. We truly enjoyed the safari in Pilansberg, great alternative if you want to go in a Malaria free zone. I couldn't take the regular anti-malaria drugs because of pregnancy, so Stephanie found us that alternative which was great and allowed us to also experience Johannesburg. Now, the Apartheid museum take a good 6 hours. We only had 1.5h. We had a museuum guide to help us get through it and hitting hte key points. It was moving. I wish we had spent more time there. Visiting Mandela house was interesting, this was quite quick, you don't need much time. I wonder if it would have been safe to just walk around Sowento for a bit.

Hotel Reviews
aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites
Cape Town

This hotel location is great but the rooms were very musty, AC was very loud and the room were very hold and a bit sketchy. We ask for mediocre accomodation, not full luxury. I just didn't like this hotel and would not recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Windhoek Luxury Suites
Windhoek

Great area, safe, amazing restaurant with breakfast (open terasse)

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Desert Hills Glamping Camp

Amazing, calm and a new experience in the desert. Only critic, not much vegetarian options. Staff was fantastic

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge
Pilanesberg National Park

VERY cofortable accomadatioon, bed. Private bathroom better than at my house ! lovely soaking tub and outdoor shower. Staff is amazing, LOTS of food and options included at each meal

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Delight
Swakopmund

Cute cute cute! Comfy, staff was great. We felt safe walking around. Safe to park our vehicle in the inside courtyard. Staff at the restaurant were very attentive and great breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sunrock Guesthouse
Johannesburg

It depends what you want! It's far frm museum and Soweto, but it is just by the airport. If you are looking for a safe place to spend the night prior to travelling, this is a great location. It's perfect for a one night thing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Stephanie Louw
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Lucy was fantastic in planning our trip. We h...
South Africa | Oct 23 - Nov 3, 2025

W
William L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025
Lucy was fantastic in planning our trip. We had a great travel experience. All our tour guides were excellent. Special shout out to Desmond Oliver in Capetown! Highly recommend using KimKim! Read more

Lucy was fantastic in planning our trip. We had a great travel experience. All our tour guides were excellent. Special shout out to Desmond Oliver in Capetown! Highly recommend using KimKim!

Hotel Reviews
Antrim House
Cape Town

Room just ok and was next to lobby/ kitchen. Early morning noise from kitchen staff. Location a bit out of the way. Would not recommend this place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Chobe Safari Lodge
Kasane
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nkosi Guest Lodge
Victoria Falls
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bo Kaap Tour including Traditional Cape Malay Lunch
Bo Kaap Tour including Traditional Cape Malay Lunch
Cape Town
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Drumstruck Experience
Drumstruck Experience
Cape Town
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Nov 10, 2025
Hi William, Thank you so much for booking your trip with SALTY Travel and for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience and that everything—from the planning to the guiding—helped make your journey memorable. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed your time in South Africa, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Desmond Oliver in Cape Town — he’ll be delighted to hear your appreciation. We truly value all feedback,... Read more

Hi William,

Thank you so much for booking your trip with SALTY Travel and for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience and that everything—from the planning to the guiding—helped make your journey memorable.

It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed your time in South Africa, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Desmond Oliver in Cape Town — he’ll be delighted to hear your appreciation.

We truly value all feedback, as it helps us continuously refine and enhance the experiences we create. It was an absolute pleasure planning your adventure, and we hope to welcome you back to explore more of Africa soon!

Warm regards,
Lucy & the SALTY Travel Team

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Cape Town
South Africa | Jun 27 - Jul 12, 2025

Betsy
Betsy M.
Appleton, WI | Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Mark did a wonderful job showing us around the Cape Town area. He was extremely knowledgeable of the area. Every place he recommended to eat was great food and reasonably priced.
Eddie was our guide at DeHoop Nature Preserve. We had a great time seeing all of the animals in the area. We had never seen so many zebras before. The chef made some amazing meals. Everythi ng tasted great.

Local specialist: Stephanie Louw

Amazing family trip to South Africa!
South Africa | Jun 7 - Jun 20, 2025

Kelly
Kelly B.
San Diego, CA | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

We had a great time working with Lucy and her team. Lucy listened to what works for our family and took that into account when she was planning our trip. Our trip was multi-generational and had a lot of activities and a lot of moving around. Everything was well organized. All we had to do was show up! Lucy booked a lot of really special meals and activities for our family. We were all looking forward to the safari, but our trip was so much more than that. We had a great time and are still talking about our trip!

Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jul 11, 2025
Hi Kelly, Thank you so much for your beautiful feedback — it truly means the world to me. It was such a joy working with you and your family to bring this special trip to life. Knowing that you all felt seen, cared for, and able to just show up and enjoy is exactly what I strive for. Planning a multi-generational journey is no small task, and I’m so glad we could create something that felt seamless and memorable for everyone. The fact that you're still talking about your experience makes my... Read more

Hi Kelly,

Thank you so much for your beautiful feedback — it truly means the world to me. It was such a joy working with you and your family to bring this special trip to life. Knowing that you all felt seen, cared for, and able to just show up and enjoy is exactly what I strive for.

Planning a multi-generational journey is no small task, and I’m so glad we could create something that felt seamless and memorable for everyone. The fact that you're still talking about your experience makes my heart so happy — it’s why I love what I do!

Thank you again for trusting me with your precious family time. It was an honour, and I hope to welcome you back to Africa again someday.

With gratitude,
Lucy 💛

Guides, drivers, staffs, food & accommodatio...
South Africa | Jun 5 - Jun 18, 2025

William
William R.
Brookline, MA | Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025
Guides, drivers, staffs, food & accommodations went beyond expectations. We traveled the Garden Route and then 2 lodges for safari. Even the animals cooperated with stunning appearances. Thru our travel experts, Salty Travel we were totally surprised by several locations providing kosher meat. Couldn't be better. Read more

Guides, drivers, staffs, food & accommodations went beyond expectations. We traveled the Garden Route and then 2 lodges for safari. Even the animals cooperated with stunning appearances. Thru our travel experts, Salty Travel we were totally surprised by several locations providing kosher meat. Couldn't be better.

Hotel Reviews
Simbavati River Lodge
Kruger National Park

Could imagine staying in a more beautiful place with great warm friendly accommodating staff

Authenticity & Character
This is the place to experience safari, our guide Marc was brilliant
Location
In the middle of the resetve open to Kruger
Staff
Very very accommodating to your needs. Class act
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lodge was very clean
Pumba Private Game Reserve
Grahamstown, Eastern Cape

Beautiful location, superb accommodation and dining arra.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Guides to animals were excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
5 star for sure
Head over Hills
Knysna

Doesn't get any better than this.

Authenticity & Character
So special. From the owner to the manager to the staff, so hospitable
Location
Spectacular views of the ocean
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were beautiful. Ocean views
Abalone Guest Lodge
Hermanus

Beautiful lodge on the ocean. Great staff and breakfasts.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Ainsley the manager.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Suerb view from the room
Queen Victoria Hotel
Cape Town

Great location, accommodations and staff. Superb

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
South Africa

The visit to Robben Island was incredibly meaningful. It offered a poignant look into history and was one of the standout experiences of our trip to Cape Town. It set a somber yet enlightening tone which we appreciated.

Knysna Elephant Park
Knysna Elephant Park
Knysna

The Knysna Elephant Park was a lovely experience. The chance to see these majestic creatures up close was a highlight of the trip. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Marine Big 5 Boat Tour
Marine Big 5 Boat Tour
South Africa

The Marine Big 5 Boat Tour did not quite live up to my expectations. Having been on whale watches before, I found it less engaging and the payoff was minimal compared to the effort required. It wasn't as thrilling as other marine experiences I've had.

Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
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Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jul 06, 2025
Dear William, Thank you so much for your wonderful review—it is great to hear that we were spot on with your requirements! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your journey along the Garden Route and through the safari lodges exceeded your expectations. From the guides and drivers to the food and accommodations, it’s heartening to know that every part of the experience left a lasting impression. And we’re especially pleased that we could surprise you with kosher options along the way—it’s... Read more

Dear William,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review—it is great to hear that we were spot on with your requirements!

We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your journey along the Garden Route and through the safari lodges exceeded your expectations. From the guides and drivers to the food and accommodations, it’s heartening to know that every part of the experience left a lasting impression. And we’re especially pleased that we could surprise you with kosher options along the way—it’s these little touches that we love crafting for our guests.

It was an absolute pleasure to be part of your adventure, and we hope to welcome you back to Southern and East Africa again soon for more unforgettable moments (and maybe another magical animal sighting or two!).

With gratitude,
Lucy and The SALTY Travel Team

Great Trip!
South Africa | May 17 - May 23, 2025

M
Mark J.
Sacramento, CA | Reviewed on Jun 05, 2025
We enjoyed the trip arranged by KimKim and Nadia very much. The process was excellent from start to finish. We really liked our guide Mark who did a great job showing us around for the the time we spent in Cape Town. They were flexible too, when we wanted to add an excursion to Khayelitsha they arranged it with no problem at all. The days we spent in the wine country were very good also. We liked the Winchester Hotel in Cape Town a lot, but the La Fontaine in Franschhoek was really... Read more

We enjoyed the trip arranged by KimKim and Nadia very much. The process was excellent from start to finish. We really liked our guide Mark who did a great job showing us around for the the time we spent in Cape Town. They were flexible too, when we wanted to add an excursion to Khayelitsha they arranged it with no problem at all. The days we spent in the wine country were very good also. We liked the Winchester Hotel in Cape Town a lot, but the La Fontaine in Franschhoek was really outstanding. About the only quibble i would have is that the stop in Bo-Kaap on the food tour wasn't that great, due to the owner not being available to talk to us about the food and things. The rest of the food tour was excellent though and we enjoyed it very much. I would recommend Kim-Kim to anyone. Some of our group used Kim-Kim on travel to other parts of the world and thought very highly of their experience there as well. Thank you!!

Local specialist: Nadia Albertus
Nadia
Nadia Albertus
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jun 09, 2025
Hi Mark, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We're absolutely delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that the planning process with KimKim and myself went smoothly from start to finish. It's wonderful to know that you had a great time with your guide, Mark, and that the added excursion to Khayelitsha was arranged seamlessly. We're especially happy you enjoyed your time in the Winelands and that La Fontaine stood out it truly is a gem. We also appreciate your feedback... Read more

Hi Mark,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We're absolutely delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that the planning process with KimKim and myself went smoothly from start to finish. It's wonderful to know that you had a great time with your guide, Mark, and that the added excursion to Khayelitsha was arranged seamlessly.

We're especially happy you enjoyed your time in the Winelands and that La Fontaine stood out it truly is a gem. We also appreciate your feedback about the Bo-Kaap stop on the food tour, and we’ll certainly pass that along to our local partners so we can continue improving.

It was a pleasure assisting you, and we truly hope to welcome you back to Southern Africa again in the future!

Warmest regards,
Nadia

Awesome trip to Africa
South Africa | May 7 - May 20, 2025

Kaye
Kaye D.
Portland, OR | Reviewed on Jun 02, 2025
Both safari camps were awesome. Guide Tips at Muchenje was super. All game drives were great. The boat trip at Muchenje duplicated our houseboat trip. Should have opted for something else like the canoe. This camp was so great that we thought it should have been last. Houseboat had ups and downs. Getting through Namibia immigration was a disaster. We were not aware that there was a visa fee. Fortunately they took credit cards. Took us only 1-1/2 hours to get through because we were... Read more

Both safari camps were awesome. Guide Tips at Muchenje was super. All game drives were great. The boat trip at Muchenje duplicated our houseboat trip. Should have opted for something else like the canoe. This camp was so great that we thought it should have been last. Houseboat had ups and downs. Getting through Namibia immigration was a disaster. We were not aware that there was a visa fee. Fortunately they took credit cards. Took us only 1-1/2 hours to get through because we were near the head of the line. Others in our group took over 4 hours. Then there was the plumbing problem in our cabin. Lucy advocated on our behalf and got us a 25% reduction in our cabin rate. The staff and food was great. We especially enjoyed the village visit. Animal viewing from small boats was excellent. But on our last outing the boat broke down. We had to wait for someone to come with tools to repair. We returned to the houseboat after a long ride in the dark. This was sort of scary. On our return to the Kasame airport we were misinformed by one hour about our Mackair flight departure time. Our Elephant Pan safari camp was awesome with elephants and giraffes right at the camp. We had our doubts on our bumpy hour drive from the airstrip. Our guide Sixteen was the best. Could have done without the hour drive to the River. Didn't seen many animals except hyenas and birds. Our least favorite part of the trip was Victoria Falls. The walk along the Falls was great as was our guide Joy (English translation of her name) from Shearwater. The rest of the activities we could have done without. Sunset cruise was not near the Falls and mainly a cocktail party. Drinking is not something we are very into. The lookout café had nice view, but they tried to seat us away from the view when there were empty view tables. Food and service was poor. The elephant sanctuary just wanted our money. We would have liked to visit more sight around the Falls. Like going out on the bridge and crossing over into Zambia and viewing the Falls from that side. We did pay for a combined Zimbabwe/Zambia visa at the border. All in all it was a wonderful trip Thanks to Lucy for doing all the planning, Kaye & Gail

Hotel Reviews
Bayete Guest Lodge
Victoria Falls

Great restaurant on site. Comfortable room.

Authenticity & Character
Nice decor
Location
Sort of remote
Staff
Restaurant staff great Delivered dinner.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom weird. All floor wet after shower. No grab bar by tub.
Hyena Pan
Botswana

Awesome. Elephants and giraffes right there.

Authenticity & Character
Great decor
Location
Animals came to us
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sixteen best guide Wait staff great. Very attentaive
Chobe Princess Small Luxury Houseboat
Kasane, Botswana

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

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Plumbing in houseboat Maintenance of small boats
Muchenje Safari Lodge
Kasane, Chobe

Great location for animal viewing drives

Authenticity & Character
Great decor
Location
Near chobe national park
Staff
Tips was the best guide
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything clean and comfortable
Sunrock Guesthouse
Johannesburg

Great staff and food

Authenticity & Character
Great art
Location
Near airport
Staff
Drove us to Cultural village
Cleanliness & Comfort
Housekeeping good
Activity Reviews
Lunch at Look out Cafe
Lunch at Look out Cafe
Victoria Falls

Not worth it. Staff rude. Food not great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendlier staff
Transport
Joy got us there and picked us up promptly
Through the eye of an elephant
Through the eye of an elephant
Victoria Falls

They just wanted our money

Quality of Experience
Less pressure to donate
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nice folks
Transport
Long drive, I slept
Tour Victoria Falls
Tour Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls

Falls are awesome. Joy was a good guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Joy was great
Transport
Sunset Cruise - Signature Deck
Sunset Cruise - Signature Deck
Victoria Falls

Boring

Quality of Experience
Just a cocktail party. Have some commentary about what we were seeing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fewer people to pick up.
Transport
Get the elephant off the road.
On Safari in Chobe National Park
On Safari in Chobe National Park
South Africa

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

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide Tips was very knowledgeable about where to find the animals
Transport
Met at Kasame and drove to camp.
Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
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Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jul 27, 2025
Dear Kaye & Gail, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed reflections on your recent journey with SALTY Travel. We’re truly delighted to hear that many aspects of your adventure—especially the safari camps, game drives, exceptional guides like Sixteen, and the immersive village visit—left a strong positive impression. It means a great deal to know that these moments resonated with you. We also appreciate your candid feedback on areas that could have been improved.... Read more

Dear Kaye & Gail,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed reflections on your recent journey with SALTY Travel. We’re truly delighted to hear that many aspects of your adventure—especially the safari camps, game drives, exceptional guides like Sixteen, and the immersive village visit—left a strong positive impression. It means a great deal to know that these moments resonated with you.

We also appreciate your candid feedback on areas that could have been improved. Insights like yours are invaluable to us as we continue to refine and enhance our offerings. We're very sorry to hear about the visa fee surprise at the Namibian border, the plumbing issue on the houseboat, and the mechanical trouble during your final boat excursion. While some aspects were out of our direct control, we always strive to better prepare and inform our guests—and your feedback helps us do exactly that.

Regarding the Victoria Falls portion of your trip, we regret that some of the activities didn’t align with your interests. We’ll certainly take your comments to heart when customising future itineraries for you. We also appreciate your note on the Lookout Café seating experience; we will share this with the venue accordingly.

I'm so glad that my care and advocacy made a difference during your journey—it's truly important to me, and to our whole team, to provide 24-hour support and a personal touch every step of the way.

Ultimately, it’s wonderful to know that despite a few bumps, your trip was still a "wonderful" one in your own words. Please know that your insights will shape future planning not just for yourselves, but for other travelers as well.

We sincerely thank you for choosing SALTY Travel. Should your future adventures call you back to Africa, we’d be honoured to craft another tailor-made journey for you—this time, even more attuned to your unique preferences.

Warmest regards,
Lucy and The SALTY Travel Team