4.7/5 Excellent
Excellent
428
Great
130
Average
9
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
South Africa Tour & Trip Ratings
Tour Reviews
This is an amazing trip that allows you to see a wide range of places and things. I agree with the other reviewer who said this trip has many highlights, but no one ...
Just thought I'd respond to Heidi's comment that people should be prepared to help out if you are to keep to your schedule: On a previous trip (Nambia) our guide Max...
An excellent trip slightly ruined by the lack of support vehicle which added hours to already lengthy days and meant we nearly always arrived at new places in the da...
An excellent trip overall. Long days were expected, but some were TOO long. But the variety of experiences, and places we visited more than made up for it! Not inclu...
Overall an excellent trip, with good knwledgeable guides, which i can heartily recommend. Lots of beautiful scenery, animals, and interesting sites. Mozambique, espe...
Had a great time , pity there were only 6 of us on the trip. South Africa is a great country and this trip gives you a great view of it.There were a few hiccups on t...
This is an excellent way to experience a considerable portion of South Africa and three adjacent countries. This was not one of those trips with inspirational moment...
Overall a very enjoyable if tiring holiday. Lots of fantastic scenery, culure and wildlife along the way. Each day finished off with some good food and wine - often ...
An interesting and varied itinerary but exhausting with too much to do in the time allowed, this trip would benefit from being at least a week longer. Highpoints inc...
Karen
Apr 2024
A magical holiday with so many amazing experiences, starting at Table Mountain with beautiful views to ending at Ado Elephant Park watching the wildlife. The coastal...
Trusted Customer
Aug 2023
climbing Table mountain..
Trusted Customer
Apr 2023
Amazing trip with Explore. So many highlights, Robbin Island, surfing lesson, seal boat trip, ostrich farm, penguin colony, table mountain, breede river kayaking, ca...
Trusted Customer
Mar 2024
The trip was enjoyable because we got lucky with the group, but I would NOT recommend Costsaver to any of my friends or family. In summary, there were unorganized,...
Trusted Customer
Apr 2024
Great tour guide very well knowledgeable, incredible locations some for enjoyme...
Liza Hickey
Apr 2024
Well planned trip with great mix of activities. *Personal Information Removed* was fantastic trip manager. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Camping at Kruger Nationa...
Rachael Russell
Apr 2024
*Personal Information Removed* was great being able to spot a Leopard! A lot of activities were not included in the tour price. Still had a great time as the fellow ...
Aqib Javed
Apr 2024
Trip manager was so good couldn’t have had a better tour guide he’s s...
Richard Light
Apr 2024
Exciting activities and beauitful backdrops
Pierre George Maurin
Apr 2024
Amazing trip good memories
Olivia
Jan 2024
This trip was one of the best trips I’ve ever done! Jesse and Melissa were amazing and always ensured everyone was having the best time. I met so many amazing people...
Editor’s Take
Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.
Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.
First, for a majority of travelers, the flight to South Africa is long. From many spots in the United States, you’ll spend near 21 hours each direction in the air. Australia and Asia experience similarly long flights. For travelers who find themselves having a layover, consider an overnight layover, where you can spend a night sleeping in a bed. This helps ease exhaustion, especially for those who can’t sleep on planes. You’ll arrive ready for your South African adventure.
There are some security issues when it comes to South Africa, which can be a shock for some travelers. Especially if you go to Johannesburg, you’ll feel the more “dangerous” sides just by being outside and driving through the city. This should not discourage you from traveling to South Africa!
Being prepared and knowing your surroundings, it can help immensely. Many homes have bars on the windows, and security guards, even in the higher end areas. Violence was a huge concern, and can still be, but don’t let this break your trip. There will be a shock but shortly after, travelers see this is just the way of life in South Africa.
Many travelers have mentioned South Africa as one of the best experiences of their life, which is no surprise. Between the ocean, the mountains, the wineries in the capelands, and the wildlife, it’s pretty hard to not enjoy yourself. There is surely something that everyone will enjoy. South Africa is filled with history, art, and great food. There are endless adventures, and the pace of life is very relaxed.
Many reviewers mentioned the safari. Some may say a day or two is enough for a safari. You can see these animals at the zoo. This is far from the truth. There are very few things that beat seeing a family of elephants strolling during sunrise, or watching the hippo crossings between dusk.
Looking in the brush for the lions trying to hide from the hot sun, and zebras running through the grass. All of it is amazing and every game drive is different. Every animal encounter is magical.
Another South Africa “hot spot” among reviewers is Cape Town with a side trip to the wine area, either Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. Stroll through the cute towns filled with restaurants, shops, and markets. Hop on the wine tram, that transports you between wineries in the region.
Consider a stay in a bed and breakfast. Transportation between wine country and Cape Town is about an hour, and there are numerous buses that leave each day between the two. While this is an easy day trip, you may want to consider staying overnight. The region makes for a great weekend trip!
If you want a professional take on traveling in South Africa, see the Travelstride South Africa Guide »
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