4.7/5 Excellent
Excellent
428
Great
130
Average
9
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
South Africa Tour & Trip Ratings
Tour Reviews
Trusted Customer
Aug 2023
Our Explore Leader Graeme, was incredible throughout the trip. His knowledge of the battlefield, wildlife and history of South Africa and eSwatini was fantastic and ...
Helen
Aug 2023
Variety of animals seen on safari & whale watching.
Sue O
Jul 2023
So many highlights. Starting with our guide (guide chef, driver, history teacher) Graeme. From previous reviews, I had high expectations and he exceeded them all. ...
Rebecca
Mar 2023
A very busy, fast paced trip with an excellent tour leader, Graeme, who went above and beyond. Some long drives, but worth it to see everything. We were lucky with t...
Joanne
Mar 2023
Safari was just amazing best trip ever!! From start to finish everything was w...
Christine
Mar 2023
Too many to pick just one! Our guide, Graeme made it.
(Elizabeth) Anne Turner
Mar 2023
such variety and so much packed in, all made possible through an exceptional tour leader
Tracy Thompson
Mar 2023
South Africa and Eswatini - Absolutely incredible trip , fabulous group of people and a totally outstanding combo of guide, driver, chef in the form of Graeme . Th...
Alan
Feb 2023
Standards of accommodation used poor in some places
Graham
Jan 2023
The game reserve and accommodation in Eswatini
Kathleen
Jan 2023
The promised itinerary wasn’t followed so we missed out on safaris and nightdrives because they hadn’t been booked. That was very disappointing. Also the accommodati...
Katherine
Dec 2022
So great to do a long haul trip after the last few years. I think the highlight was staying in the beehive hut at Mlilwane - it was so warm and cosy despite the moth...
Fiona
Nov 2022
This trip was so varied from walks in the Drakensburg Mountains and in Mlilwane Nature Park to a boat ride observing hippos and safari drives in Kruger. The guide r...
Kate and Paul
Nov 2022
Booking this trip was made so much easier by helpful advice from Explore team. The trip itself was beyond our expectations. It was our first time in South Africa and...
Catherine
Sep 2022
The whole trip was amazing from start to finish. It was my 1st trip to SA and certainly wont be my last!! Graeme, the guide, was fantastic. He was so knowledgeable a...
Pauline
Sep 2022
A very well-organised trip and an excellent, varied itinerary. Loved our camp in the Drakensberg mountains and the hike we did there. Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana we...
ANDRE
Sep 2022
The trip offers a packed, well organised itinerary and options with an experienced, sociable and knowledgeable guide. The variety of parks and reserves maximise you...
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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