4.7/5 Excellent
Excellent
428
Great
130
Average
9
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
South Africa Tour & Trip Ratings
Tour Reviews
Loved the trip and will probably take it again in 2019 - the places...
Loved the trip and will probably take it again in 2019 - the places...
Graeme, and Werner were excellent. This was my first trip with Explore and I was lucky enough to have a great group of people and tour guides. Unfortunately we had a...
Graeme, and Werner were excellent. This was my first trip with Explore and I was lucky enough to have a great group of people and tour guides. Unfortunately we had a...
This was a very good trip which covered a huge distance and range of scenery and therefore a lot of driving. The early starts might be a challenge for some but match...
This was a very good trip which covered a huge distance and range of scenery and therefore a lot of driving. The early starts might be a challenge for some but match...
An absolutely fantastic trip, it would have been nice to have a couple of days included in Johannesburg as there is so much to see with Soweto and the Cradle of Huma...
An absolutely fantastic trip, it would have been nice to have a couple of days included in Johannesburg as there is so much to see with Soweto and the Cradle of Huma...
Wonderful experience from start to finish. Excellent guides. Can’t beat it.
Wonderful experience from start to finish. Excellent guides. Can’t beat it.
Overall an excellent trip for the cost and would highly recommend it,
Overall an excellent trip for the cost and would highly recommend it,
It was a fabulous trip that has left me wanting to go back!
It was a fabulous trip that has left me wanting to go back!
Definitely an explore tour I will remember and recommend to others!
Definitely an explore tour I will remember and recommend to others!
Yet another good Explore trip, hope to make more.
Yet another good Explore trip, hope to make more.
As per usual, didn't disappoint
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