4.7/5 Excellent
Excellent
428
Great
130
Average
9
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
South Africa Tour & Trip Ratings
Tour Reviews
Great trip with a good cost.
The South Africa tour was incredible, and so all-encompassing. Our tour guide, Jeremy, was THE BEST. EVER. He was so knowledgable and passionate about what he does. ...
TOUR DIRECTOR RON MCGREGOR WAS THE BEST I HAVE HAD IN ALL MY TRAVELS. THE TOUR WAS AN INTELLECTUAL FEAST. WE SAW SO MUCH OF THE COUNTRY AND I LEARNED MORE THAN I EVE...
This tour went way beyond my expectations for its ability to present all levels of society in South Africa. The excursions that were included were enhanced by additi...
This was the fourth Smartour I've taken, and one of many over the years. Our tour guide Jeremy was the BEST! His knowledge of South Africa was incredible. The entire...
We loved the South Africa trip. Our guide Shaun Bartnick was fantastic. He was knowledgable, and never lost patience with some folks on our tour who kept asking ques...
Couldn't find a thing wrong from the wonderful guide Ron to the hotels, f...
The tour guide on this trip was the best I've ever had on ANY trip anywhere. Jeremy Poole was excellent. His knowledge of South Africa was incredible. History/botany...
This trip is amazing and our tour guide, Ron McGregor, was the most organized and his knowledge of the country and the people made for a great experience! He went ou...
This was a great tour. Really enjoyed seeing the animals and learning about So Africa, Zimbabwe , and Botswana . Our guide, Ron McGregor was very knowledgeable and t...
You would have to search the earth far and wide to find another tour guide as good as Ron McGregor. His knowledge of the country and his organizational skills are wi...
This is a high energy, compact tour where you see a lot, eat a lot, and everything in between. Great value for the money. Such beautiful scenery and included tours w...
Loved every minute...the people on tour, the locals we ...
Perfect combination of history, culture and nature. Our guide, Jeremy, provided a fascinating glimpse into South African life with his in depth knowledge of politics...
I traveled with SmarTours in April, 2015 on the South Africa Highlights and Safari Tour. I have done many trips but this was my first with SmarTours. Some of the thi...
The only word that I can think of to describe my recent smarTours South African adventure is: life-changing. I am blown away by this company's ability to deliver a t...
This was an amazing trip which far exceeded our expections. Our tour director Ron McGregor was the best we have ever had looking after every detail I will never take...
We recently returned from the South Africa tour with Victoria Falls extension. Ron McGregor did an amazing job in a country that requires a little more "guiding" tha...
Quite a country, quite a tour, this trip more than matched our expectations. We enjoyed every day of this fascinating excursion with tour guide Ron McGregor, whose k...
Every trip I take is good, but South Africa was extraordinary. Its hard to describe the thrill of being up close and personal to the wild animals. The numerous safar...
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 »
Top South Africa Travel Packages