SALTY.TRAVEL

The hotels were excellent. Fantastic guides Brian and Debbie. Wonderful opportunities to explore and see penguins, ostriches, baboons and meerkats. Beautiful country and people.

Hotel Reviews

Pezula Magic

Cozy Air BNB

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pezula Nature Retreat

Knysna

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hlangana Lodge

Oudtshoorn

Gardens were lovely Rooms were ok

Authenticity & Character

Location

Near busy road

Staff

Staff were very friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Abalone Guest Lodge

Hermanus

Beautifully decorated Lovely scenery and views

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Winchester Hotel

Western Cape

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel

Cape Town

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Safari Ostrich Farm Tour

South Africa

it was fun to learn about the different types of ostriches and feed them. We also had lunch there. It was delicious.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Brian our guide and driver was fantastic!

Featherbed Eco Experience including Lunch

South Africa

The food was wonderful. But the trip was over booked. We had middle seats at the front of the bus. We couldn't see or hear the guide and smelled diesel. The Featherbed staff paid better attention to the visitors who had tour guides with them. We couldn't hike because of rain.

Quality of Experience

Food

food was delicious

Guides, Drivers and Staff

guides at Featherbed - looked after those with tour guides

Transport

bus too many people

Full day touring Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch Gardens

Cape Town

Loved seeing the Penguins. We also visited Table Mountain that day so didn't get to Gardens

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Debbie was driver. Guides and drivers on Island all personal connection

Transport

Nadia did a great job organizing our adventure. She was always responsive and helpful.
We traveled from Cape Town along the Garden Route to George.
Our drivers were Debbie, Sibo and Brian. They were all great drivers, extremely knowledgeable and very congenial.
Our accommodations were always lovely with excellent service and cuisine.
It felt like a very personalized experience which was what we wanted.

Fantastic trip! All accommodations were outstanding. Clean, very friendly and organized with excellent food. Our Kimkim representative Nadia was always available and flexible with any concerns. All of my expectations were met and exceeded.

Hotel Reviews

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls

A little confusing to get around and a tremendous number of stairs

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Shiduli Private Game Lodge

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

All staff were excellent but the safari tour guides were exceptional. They were very knowledgeable and friendly. Enjoyed having our tour guide join us for dinner on some evenings

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ocean View House

Cape Town

Beautiful facility with outstanding breakfast

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Victoria Falls Township Tour

Victoria Falls

Quality of Experience

P

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tour Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

On Safari

South Africa

Incredible experience finding and observing animals in their natural setting

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Outstanding!!!

Transport

Panorama Highlights + Boat Cruise Tour

Kruger National Park

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Activities at Shiduli

South Africa

Received excellent message. Great pressure and very relaxing in very calm environment

Quality of Experience

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Boutique Winelands Tour

South Africa

Guide did not appear to know what was expected

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full day penguin safari - Cape Peninsula

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was outstanding. Tremendous amount of information and knowledge about the area. Went above and beyond to provide us with an excellent experience

Transport

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!

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

Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort

Knysna

Located on a secluded very beautiful beach.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites

Cape Town

Convenient for visiting Cape Town but in a quiet location.

Location

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 Gateway Hotel

Umhlanga, KwaZulu Natal

Location

Convenient to the Durban airport but in a very busy shopping mall.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Amakhala Game Reserve Activities

South Africa

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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

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

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

Activity Reviews

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

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

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

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. :-)

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.

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

Nkosi Guest Lodge

Victoria Falls

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Chobe Safari Lodge

Kasane

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Drumstruck Experience

Cape Town

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bo Kaap Tour including Traditional Cape Malay Lunch

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport