Thank you Janneke for a simply wonderful family holiday in South Africa and Namibia
South Africa | Jul 19 - Aug 10, 2026

Mark
Mark G.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 16, 2026

From the initial introductory discussion with Janneke through to the end of our trip, our experience of working with Janneke was absolutely superb. She organised a 3 1/2 week family holiday in South Africa and Namibia. Her knowledge and advice from the outset was second to none and ensured that we had a very memorable holiday, staying in 10 different locations, with no 'duds'. We immediately warmed to her enthusiasm for her country, and she was always available throughout the trip to give advice. We even met up near her home on the garden route which was particularly lovely. Given our family situation we had some specific requirements, which were all clearly understood and acted on. All the local partners that she worked with were friendly and knowledgeable - they were clearly well vetted. Particular shout out to Andrew our guide in Cape Town and the wine region and to the team in Namibia.

In terms of highlights, I'd go back to every spot, but top of the list would be Franschhoek (La Cotte Farm) and Hohenstein Lodge in Damaraland, Namibia.

So thank you Janneke and to the team - we will be in touch next time we come to south africa for sure! We need to go to Babylonstoren when it's not raining!

Hotel Reviews
Romney Park Luxury Apartments
Cape Town

Lovely small boutique hotel/apartments. Worked well for us as was well equipped (washing machine / kitchen), large and comfortable rooms and nice views towards the sea.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Cotte Farm
Franschhoek

Staying at La Cotte was of the highlights of our trip. Such a beautiful, peaceful location with lovely food and lovely rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Lofts Boutique Hotel
Knysna

Brilliant place. Real character (the kids loved crossing a bridge over the lobby to get to their room). Stunning location.

Authenticity & Character
An old boathouse. Real character to the place
Location
Incredible views
Staff
My daughter was expecially chuffed that they found a suiteable khosa name for her.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Harbour House Hotel
Hermanus

Very spacious. Great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Xanatseni Private Camp
Bushbuckridge

Wow. What a place. Beautiful rooms with high ceilings and thatched roofs. Decent (perhaps not stellar) food. Super friendly and helpful staff - they were a real joy to be around. Fantastic game drives with knowledgeable guides. It was a real privilege to stay here - I would love to come back.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Windhoek Luxury Suites
Windhoek
Swakopmund Guest House
Swakopmund
Sossus Dune Lodge

Beautiful place in the middle of nowhere with fantastic views. The stars were mindblowing. Really lovely food too. Slightly let down by one or two of the staff members giving a 'can't be bothered' impression, exacerbated by several missing things in our rooms (a missing duvet, missing towels). It was a long walk from the rooms to the reception so this stuff was annoying, but didn't overall detract from a memorable stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Incredible place in the middle of nowhere. Stunning views
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Several missing things in the rooms
Agama River Camp

Stunning place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa

Wonderful trip. Big thanks to our guide Andrew for creating a wonderful tour. Kayaking with the penguins was a particular highlight.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Cape Town

Interesting, but I wouldn't say it's a must do. Can wander around the area and get a feel in your own time

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cape Town to Franschhoek with Wine farm visits
Cape Town to Franschhoek with Wine farm visits
South Africa

What's not to like about a wine tour in the beautiful landscape and towns of the area!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Franschhoek Scootours
Franschhoek Scootours
South Africa

This was so much fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Knysna Featherbed Eco Experience
Knysna Featherbed Eco Experience
South Africa

A nice trip. Quite busy on the initial part of the walk as everyone set off at the same time, but it did thin out. A nice way to explore the area, and the food at the end was super!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
South Africa

A superb few days. Big thanks to our guide, Ross, who was super knowledgeable of the area and the animals and looked after us well. A real highlight of our trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Aug 17, 2026

Hello Mark,
Thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to share all the details in your feedback. It truly means a lot to us. It gives me so much joy to hear that you had such a wonderful trip. It was lovely meeting you.
I was actually at Babylonstoren on Wednesday, and it was a perfect sunny day. Even I had short sleeves on! So, I think you will simply have to come back.😉I will definitely share your wonderful feedback with our travel partners as well.
Warm greetings,
Janneke