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The Eco-Travel Boutique

"The Eco-Travel Boutique designs tailor-made and sustainable (safari) holidays in Southern Africa. In addition to creating extraordinary experiences, our focus is on sustainability & conservation and on designing tours that leave a positive impact on the destination you visit.
To this end, we have put together a portfolio of lodges with a sustainable mindset. By staying in any lodge within our portfolio, you contribute to a greener earth, as well as the economic development and upliftment of local communities.
We are based in South Africa and offer expert travel advice - based on our own travel experiences - and guidance for your Safari, Desert and/or Beach holiday to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Mozambique."

The Eco-Travel Boutique is part of the following groups: Botswana Travel Agents, Kenya Travel Agents, Lesotho Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for The Eco-Travel Boutique

Madagascar, Aug-Sept 2026
Madagascar | Aug 21 - Sep 1, 2026

J
James B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2026

Excellent and very responsive service from Esther, especially when our trip had to be rescheduled following a coup in October 2025.

The trip itself was very well planned with excellent transfers, accommodation and communication throughout.

Madagascar is a beautiful country, with amazing and friendly people, and I would thoroughly recommend a visit.

We will hopefully return!

Local specialist: Esther Ruempol
Esther
Esther Ruempol
Local specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa | Replied on Sep 05, 2026

Thanks so much James, we're so happy this trip worked out well and that you enjoyed Madagascar, especially after such a long wait! Thank you for travelling with us 😊

Amazing Safari to the Oktavango Delta, Kalaha...
Botswana | Jul 28 - Aug 6, 2026

Ingenie
Ingenie D.
Willemstad, Curaçao | Reviewed on Aug 09, 2026
Amazing Safari to the Oktavango Delta, Kalahari and Victoria Falls Read more

Amazing Safari to the Oktavango Delta, Kalahari and Victoria Falls

Hotel Reviews
Evolve Back Kalahari

This lodge was truly impressive. Their service excellent, and I love that they took every opportunity to surprise and exceed our expectations

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kadizora Camp
Botswana Gunotsoga, Lobilos

Amazing guides, and activities

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
City Lodge Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport

Rooms were good, breakfast was amazing

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Waterfalls Lodge
Victoria Falls
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Esther Ruempol
Esther
Esther Ruempol
Local specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa | Replied on Aug 09, 2026

Thanks so much for the reviews Ingenie, we highly appreciate it and we thoroughly enjoyed planning this trip with you 😊

Enjoyable experience from start to finish!
Namibia | Jul 4 - Jul 21, 2026

Nane
Nane M.
Belgium | Reviewed on Aug 04, 2026
From the start, we felt like we were in the most capable hands to plan our Southern Africa adventure. Through countless messages and a video call, Esther was able to design the perfect trip. She was very understanding of our wishes and desires, not only about the actual itinerary, but also to keep everything within a certain budget. It definitely gave us peace of mind to have everything booked and organized beforehand. During the trip, it was also so easy to get in contact with her. She... Read more

From the start, we felt like we were in the most capable hands to plan our Southern Africa adventure. Through countless messages and a video call, Esther was able to design the perfect trip. She was very understanding of our wishes and desires, not only about the actual itinerary, but also to keep everything within a certain budget. It definitely gave us peace of mind to have everything booked and organized beforehand. During the trip, it was also so easy to get in contact with her. She responds quickly, checks in regularly, and follows up thoroughly. Overall, it was an unforgettable and enjoyable experience, from designing the trip to actually being there. A dream-come-true trip for sure!

Hotel Reviews
Namib Desert Lodge
Solitaire

Quite a distance from the national park, but the lodge is still in a beautiful location, so you don't even realize it. Staff is wonderful, and the food is great. It was our favorite buffet food of the trip. The lodge offers (self-guided) hiking trails and guided activities. We did the scorpion/stargazing tour - very cool!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Namib Guesthouse
Swakopmund

Such a cute place! Great location, within walking distance from the center. Staff was extremely helpful, answering all of our questions and helping with bookings. Clean and spacious room - one of our faves on the trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Khorixas

Beautiful environment and fun lay-out of the buildings. Our room was a little small, but it still had everything we needed. The dinner buffet was good - variation and good quality food. We didn't have lunch included, so paid for it on the spot (there aren't really any lunch options nearby) and thought that was a little expensive. We did the ephemeral river drive with them - knowledgeable, attentive guide and overall fun experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Okaukuejo Resort - Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park

Not much to be excited about, except the waterhole. The rooms need renovated, the restaurant needs better chefs, and the property needs better staff. We arrived (early!) for the afternoon game drive that was booked for us, only to get told it was overbooked and we couldn't do it. All they offered was a spot on the next afternoon's game drive. It wasn't until we contacted our travel agent that they came up with a better offer to compensate for their error. We were "lucky" to be staying two nights, but if we only had one night, we would have been out of luck! It's nice to be able to stay inside the park, and seeing the animals at the waterhole (especially at night) is amazing, but the rest is just bad.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Waterberg Guest Farm

Definitely the most gorgeous stay of our trip. You feel like it's just you and the Waterberg Plateau when you're in your room/chalet. You can't see anything or anyone else. We also loved the big windows to maximize the views. Staff was super attentive and kind. We did a horseback ride with Nelson - such a great guide. Not only did he give a lot of explanation about the area, he also taught us how to ride better. We had dinner at the lodge (a set menu), and it was probably one of our favorite dinners on the trip. They also were very accommodating with dietary restrictions.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Olive Grove Guesthouse
Windhoek

We were sad to be only staying one night! Such a wonderful guesthouse: great staff, good food and beautiful room!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thamalakane River Lodge
Maun

A very relaxing, beautiful stay. The room was spacious and clean. We had a babbler room right on the river bank, so great views too! The buffet dinner is good - quality food and variation. Breakfast was maybe a little limited/small. The staff is super helpful and accommodating. We did the Moremi game drive with them, and our guide NT was the best guide we had on the whole trip. He was incredibly kind, extremely knowledgeable and just overall a fun human to spend the day with.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Old House
Kasane

This was an okay stay: nothing special, nothing terrible. The rooms are a little outdated, and our shower and tap water was brown. Staff seems a little uninterested, but in the end helpful. Food was okay. In conclusion: good for one night.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nkosi Guest Lodge
Victoria Falls

Enjoyable experience. We had a very spacious and clean room, staff was helpful and kind. Breakfast was tasty and has a good selection. The location is a little bit out of town, but easy to get a taxi.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Esther Ruempol
Esther
Esther Ruempol
Local specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa | Replied on Aug 09, 2026

Thank you so much Nane and Brian, your reviews are invaluable to us and we are thrilled to hear you had a great trip!

Wonderful experience in Zimbabwe and Namibia
Botswana | Jul 9 - Jul 31, 2026

Jane
Jane M.
Australia | Reviewed on Aug 04, 2026

Our travel agent Esther (via Kimkim) arranged a wonderful trip for my friend and myself in Zimbabwe and Namibia, despite having limited time and being bit late in booking (our fault). Everything went smoothly - from pickups and drivers through to the recommended lodges - and everything was wonderful. There were many once-in-a-lifetime moments on the game drive in Zimbabwe and river safaris on the Zambezi and Chobe rivers. Esther was very responsive to our preferences and our budget, and kept us up to date with visa requirements and other formalities. Highly recommended.

Local specialist: Esther Ruempol
Esther
Esther Ruempol
Local specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa | Replied on Aug 04, 2026

Thanks so much for the wonderful review Jane, it was a great pleasure planning this trip with you and I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

Great experience with Nokuthula on KimKim
Botswana | Jun 4 - Jun 15, 2026

Marilyn
Marilyn L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2026
Nokuthula was responsive and attentive from the very start of the process. From the start to the actual travel, she pours her energy into the planning and works so hard to make sure it's a great experience. Read more

Nokuthula was responsive and attentive from the very start of the process. From the start to the actual travel, she pours her energy into the planning and works so hard to make sure it's a great experience.

Activity Reviews
Game drive  in Chobe
Game drive in Chobe
Chobe

Amazing experience with Six as our guide! We saw so much more than expected. Lions, giraffes, kudu and much more. Would love to do again.

Quality of Experience
Our driver guide Six was fantastic!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Activities on the Zambezi Queen
Activities on the Zambezi Queen
Chobe

Highly recommend this unique experience with so much opportunity to view wildlife, animals, birds. Amazingly hospitable and knowledgea ble staff. Great food too!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour of the Falls
Guided Tour of the Falls
Victoria Falls

We had a phenomenal guide who taught us so much and in addition to brining the history of the falls to life identified birds we saw and heard and trees and plants we came upon. Fantastic!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Nokuthula Khumalo
Nokuthula
Nokuthula Khumalo
Local specialist in Gauteng | Replied on Jun 23, 2026
Dear Marilyn and Linda, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. Reading your review truly made my day! It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan your Southern Africa adventure, and I'm delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful time. It sounds like you had some incredible wildlife sightings in Chobe, and I'm so pleased that Six and the other guides helped make the experience so memorable. The Zambezi Queen is such a special... Read more

Dear Marilyn and Linda,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. Reading your review truly made my day!

It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan your Southern Africa adventure, and I'm delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful time. It sounds like you had some incredible wildlife sightings in Chobe, and I'm so pleased that Six and the other guides helped make the experience so memorable.

The Zambezi Queen is such a special experience, and I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the wildlife, hospitality, and beautiful surroundings. I'm also happy to hear that your Victoria Falls guide brought the destination to life through their knowledge and passion.

Thank you for trusting me with your travels and for allowing me to be part of your journey. Reviews like yours mean so much and remind me why I love what I do.

I hope there are many more adventures ahead for you, and whenever you're ready to explore Southern Africa again, I'll be delighted to help.

Warmest regards,
Nokuthula

We would highly recommend Kimkim and Nokuthula to our friends...
South Africa | May 14 - May 22, 2026

Tong
Tong W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 14, 2026
We recently took a 9-day trip to South Africa, which was arranged by Kimkim Travel Agency and tailored to our specific needs. We visited multiple places (cities and safaris) by car and plane. The agent named Nokuthula meticulously planned each day, with every detail in mind, and ensured the accommodation met our standards and that each connection was seamless and timely, such as airport pick-up and drop-off. During the trip, Nokuthula would text us with updates each day, making us feel more... Read more

We recently took a 9-day trip to South Africa, which was arranged by Kimkim Travel Agency and tailored to our specific needs. We visited multiple places (cities and safaris) by car and plane. The agent named Nokuthula meticulously planned each day, with every detail in mind, and ensured the accommodation met our standards and that each connection was seamless and timely, such as airport pick-up and drop-off. During the trip, Nokuthula would text us with updates each day, making us feel more secure and safe in a completely unfamiliar environment. Whenever we had a question, her response was always within a few minutes. We are very impressed with her work ethic and dedication.

We would highly recommend Kimkim and Nokuthula to our friends who are interested in visiting South Africa. No one will be disappointed if they choose Kimkim to be their travel agent.

Hotel Review
Mjejane River Lodge
Hectorspruit

Good food, nice service, close to nature.

Authenticity & Character
Amazing facility
Location
Close to Crocodile river
Staff
Frienly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nokuthula Khumalo
Nokuthula
Nokuthula Khumalo
Local specialist in Gauteng | Replied on Jun 15, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. It was an absolute pleasure assisting with your South African adventure.

I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the trip and that the accommodations, transfers, and safari experience met your expectations. Your feedback means a great deal to me, and I truly appreciate your recommendation.

Thank you for trusting me with your journey, and I hope to welcome you back to South Africa again in the future!

Warm regards,
Nokuthula

A Wonderful Trip to Lesotho and Swaziland -- Thanks to Eco-Travel Boutique
Mozambique | Apr 17 - Apr 27, 2026

Michael
Michael C.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 06, 2026
This was my second trip planned by Esther with the Eco-Travel Boutique and another great trip. Esther will work with you to tailor what you are looking for in your trip. And just as important, she is very knowledgeable, which permits her to suggest things you did not know existed or that you never knew you could do. We all have a choice when it comes to hiring someone to help us spend our precious time away from work. I am very pleased how this trip to Lesotho and Swaziland turned out... Read more

This was my second trip planned by Esther with the Eco-Travel Boutique and another great trip. Esther will work with you to tailor what you are looking for in your trip. And just as important, she is very knowledgeable, which permits her to suggest things you did not know existed or that you never knew you could do.

We all have a choice when it comes to hiring someone to help us spend our precious time away from work. I am very pleased how this trip to Lesotho and Swaziland turned out and I believe Eco-Travel Boutique will assist you to experience similar results.

Hotel Review
Sani Mountain Escape
Underberg

Authentic home stay in a remote village in Lesotho.

Authenticity & Character
Staff
Local specialist: Esther Ruempol
Esther
Esther Ruempol
Local specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa | Replied on May 08, 2026

Thanks so much for the fantastic feedback Michael, we really appreciate this! It was wonderful to have you travelling with us again and we are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the trip :-)

Dream Safari Trip and Cultural Immersion in Tanzania and South Africa
South Africa | Dec 17 - Dec 30, 2025

Shari
Shari K.
Mesa, AZ | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026
Liz and Esther planned an amazing, once in a lifetime trip for me. I worked with them for many months to perfect the itinerary and they were very accommodating to my requests. Throughout the entire trip, the ladies were in contact with me via Whatsapp groupchat, whether it was a check in or to resolve any minor issues. I appreciated the constant communciation as I am female solo traveler. Angelique was also very helpful in making sure my South Africa portion of the trip ran smoothly with... Read more

Liz and Esther planned an amazing, once in a lifetime trip for me. I worked with them for many months to perfect the itinerary and they were very accommodating to my requests. Throughout the entire trip, the ladies were in contact with me via Whatsapp groupchat, whether it was a check in or to resolve any minor issues. I appreciated the constant communciation as I am female solo traveler. Angelique was also very helpful in making sure my South Africa portion of the trip ran smoothly with reservations and coordinating driver pick up/drop off. All in all, I had an unforgettable trip that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend booking with these ladies for any future African destinations in East/Southern Africa.

Hotel Review
Sanctuary Mandela
Johannesburg

I highly recommend staying at this hotel. The hospitality is some of the best I've ever received. The staff is very warm and welcoming.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Esther Ruempol
Esther
Esther Ruempol
Local specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa | Replied on Jan 14, 2026

Hi Shari

Thanks so much for your wonderful review, we are absolutely thrilled to hear you had a great trip! We also passed on your compliments to Sanctuary Mandela and they loved having you stay with them and send their regards and a BIG thank you!

15 amazing days in South Africa
South Africa | Dec 25 - Jan 8, 2026

Maria
Maria H.
Denmark | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026
The trip, our vacation and the celebration of my birthday, was planned together with Nokuthula and Lucy from KimKim. It started in Cape Town by the harbour. Very good accommodation and of course cake and bubbles from our SA specialist. We visited Robin Islands and Cape of Good Hope. We moved a lot and stayed at several hotels during our 15 days stay in SA. All the hotels were very good and several of them excellence. From Cape Town we drove south and stayed in Hermanus for two nights.... Read more

The trip, our vacation and the celebration of my birthday, was planned together with Nokuthula and Lucy from KimKim. It started in Cape Town by the harbour. Very good accommodation and of course cake and bubbles from our SA specialist. We visited Robin Islands and Cape of Good Hope. We moved a lot and stayed at several hotels during our 15 days stay in SA. All the hotels were very good and several of them excellence. From Cape Town we drove south and stayed in Hermanus for two nights. Hermanus seemed very British and we liked it. Nice and quiet and a beautiful sunset. We went on whale safari, which was wonderful. We spent New Year’s Eve in Cape Town at a vineyard with long table setting. Nice people and beautiful surroundings. We connected with our local specialists via WhatsApp and received all relevant information prior to pick-ups, check-ins, etc. The second week we moved to the northern part of SA. During our stay in White River, we went sightseeing through beautiful landscape and scenic route. We had the joy of experiencing really bad weather during our first night with thunder and lightning like we have never experienced before. Then we went on safari for three days. We had heard that December was not the best time to go safari, but that is not true. The Savanah was green and beautiful. Birds were singing and all the animals had calf’s og young. It was beautiful. We saw all of them, from the small turtle, to Pumba and the lion. So many elephants, zebras and giraffes, they were all there, together on the Savanah. We ended our trip with sightseeing in Johannesburg, the New York of Africa. Beautiful and complicated. We visited Soweto and Mandela's house. And we met our local specialist, whom we now call our friend in SA, Nokuthula. She came to the airport when we arrived. Very nice gesture and it did something to our otherwise online communication. We will always remember you.
South Africa is a beautiful country. Very friendly people and very good food. We felt safe and secure all the time, even if we know SA has challenges. This is a country worth visiting and please use our local specialists in SA, Nokuthula and Lucy, they will give you a trip to remember.
Maria, Denmark

Local specialist: Nokuthula Khumalo
Nokuthula
Nokuthula Khumalo
Local specialist in Gauteng | Replied on Jan 21, 2026
Dear Maria and Family, Thank you so much for your beautiful review and kind words. It truly means a great deal to both of us to know that your birthday celebration and journey through South Africa were so memorable. It was a pleasure planning this trip with you, and we are delighted that each destination from Cape Town and Hermanus to safari and Johannesburg left such special memories. We are especially happy that you felt well looked after throughout and that meeting in person added a... Read more

Dear Maria and Family,

Thank you so much for your beautiful review and kind words. It truly means a great deal to both of us to know that your birthday celebration and journey through South Africa were so memorable.

It was a pleasure planning this trip with you, and we are delighted that each destination from Cape Town and Hermanus to safari and Johannesburg left such special memories. We are especially happy that you felt well looked after throughout and that meeting in person added a meaningful touch to the experience.

Thank you for trusting us and for recommending South Africa so warmly. It was an honour to be part of your journey, and we will always remember you.

Warm regards,
Nokuthula & Lucy

A dream journey to South Africa
South Africa | Dec 28 - Jan 8, 2026

Emmy Kristin
Emmy Kristin H.
Denmark | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

Thanks to excellent planning from Nokuthula and Lucy we were able to enjoy a very active and enjoyable trip to South Africa. We met countless animals- both in Cape Point, Hermanus and in Kruger national park, and learned a lot about the country. The Graskop Lift was one of the highlights.

Local specialist: Nokuthula Khumalo
Nokuthula
Nokuthula Khumalo
Local specialist in Gauteng | Replied on Jan 12, 2026
Dear Kristin and family, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. Your kind feedback truly made our day. Lucy and I are so happy to hear that you enjoyed such an active and rewarding journey, with memorable wildlife sightings and meaningful insights into South Africa. It’s wonderful to know that the Graskop Lift was a highlight, along with your time in Cape Point, Hermanus, and Kruger National Park , those are very special places, and we’re glad they left a lasting... Read more

Dear Kristin and family,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. Your kind feedback truly made our day. Lucy and I are so happy to hear that you enjoyed such an active and rewarding journey, with memorable wildlife sightings and meaningful insights into South Africa.

It’s wonderful to know that the Graskop Lift was a highlight, along with your time in Cape Point, Hermanus, and Kruger National Park , those are very special places, and we’re glad they left a lasting impression.

It was a pleasure working with you, and we’re grateful you entrusted us with your family’s adventure. Wishing you many more incredible travels ahead, and we’d love to assist again whenever Africa calls. 🌍✨

Warmest regards,
Nokuthula & Lucy