We just had an incredible 11 days in South Af...
South Africa | Sep 17 - Sep 27, 2023

mike
mike p.
Pittsburgh, PA | Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

We just had an incredible 11 days in South Africa and cannot say enough good things about the process, our guide (Liz in Cape Town) and the accommodations and people at the Thabamati Luxury Tent Camp. Even our guesthouse in Franschoek was incredibly cute and convenient. We would 10000% recommend this exact trip for anyone visiting the country. Our only swap might be cutting a day in Cape Town to spend an extra night in wine country or safari.

Hotel Reviews
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Timbavati Game Reserve

This place is amazing. The food, the staff, the accommodations are all first class. We only spent four nights here but my wife cried on our last dinner as she never wanted to leave. Courtnee, Brett, Mish, Sips, Oscar, Caswell, Zona (I know I’m misspelling this one) and all others were so great and helpful throughout.

Authenticity & Character
Just an amazing place
Location
It has its own watering hole that is always vibrant with wildlife!
Staff
If I could give them 10 stars we would
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, comfortable, luxurious
The Commodore Hotel
Cape Town

The Commodore was a great hotel in a nice location. Nothing g fancy but a clean place with great staff and amenities

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right by V&A waterfront
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and cozy
Avondrood Luxury Guest House
Franschhoek, Western Cape

Such a cute guesthouse steps from downtown Franschoek. It had a cozy feel with a fire and honesty bar, great rooms, and a lovely staff.

Authenticity & Character
Such a cute main house with a fire each night and lovely, spacious rooms.
Location
Steps from the wine tram and downtown Franschoek
Staff
They went above and beyond d throughout, even packing us take away breakfasts for our early morning trips.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved the warm bottles they used to heat up our beds on the cold nights.
Activity Reviews
Half Day Private Table Mountain and City Tour
Half Day Private Table Mountain and City Tour
Cape Town

Our guide, Liz, was amazing. She was extremely knowledgeable and flexible when the weather got in the way of our plans. We felt like she was a third traveler with us rather than an intrusive guide. We didn't get the best weather for our Table Mountain visit, but Liz was able to shuffle things around for us and the experience was still remarkable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Hermanus tour including Whale Cruise
Full Day Hermanus tour including Whale Cruise
South Africa

The whale cruise was a unique experience. My wife is a big nature and animal lover, so it was a treat for her. It was a bit crowded but still an experience worth having.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Winelands Tour
Full day Winelands Tour
South Africa

This was unexpected. We had Liz as our guide again and she provided us with great recommendations for wineries and restaurants. The wineries were incredible, especially the Ernie Els Winery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Days on Safari
Days on Safari
South Africa

The safari was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were in the middle of nowhere and got up early for the safari. We wished we could have done a few more bushwalks but it was too hot. We spent our days reading and watching the animals come and go from the watering hole.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lize Enderstein
Lize
Lize Enderstein
Local specialist in South Africa | Replied on Sep 28, 2023

Dear Mike,
Thank you so much for this wonderful review and 5-star rating.
It was my pleasure to work with you on the crafting process of your perfect trip!
I am thrilled to know that your trip was nothing short of amazing and that you will recommend this trip to anyone visiting our beautiful country.
Our team at African Travel Gateway takes great pride in creating seamless and memorable experiences for travelers like you.
I will be looking forward to welcoming you back to Southern Africa, until then, I wish you and your wife all the best!
Best Regards, Lize