Kruger, Mountains & Cape

Overall the trip was good. We saw so much of South Africa and its awesome beauty and wonderful people. The majority of the people on our little red truck were fantastic company and I have made many new friends from around the world. Highlights for me were our time in Kruger, the stunning mountains, Mkuzi and whale watching in Hermanus. 

We had one group leader and one, new to the job, assistant. Our group leader was only 23 years old and worked very hard. Not only did he have to do all the driving, which was immense and far more hours than the literary suggests and often in awful weather conditions, but he also had to organise all the shopping and cooking for fourteen of us, breakfast lunch and dinner. I think this was too much and made the driving unsafe. Invariably we would be on the road at a very early hour, drive all day and then have to camp cook in the evening. Some nights he would have a drink (and who could blame him!), stay up in to the small hours and then get up early to drive the tour bus. Whilst the assistant was lovely, the leader should’ve had far more help and also have someone to share the driving with. 

Our guide's knowledge helped maximize the number of animals/birds we saw overall. His knowledge of South Africa and his ability to articulate was fabulous as well he was kind and fun.

A little too much ground travelled.  Long drive to Drakensburg for really only one day and a long drive after - would have preferred another night elsewhere like Knysna or Hermanus maybe to do optional activities like whale watching or shark diving.

Most of the places we stayed were confortable and clean - a variety of lodgings but overall very good.  The Drakensburg Lotheni cabins were drafty, dirty and not up to standard - the only positive was the kitchen we could cook in.  In the morning soot and dirt was all over everything due to the open spaces around windows - also cockroaches.

Although we had communal toilets in Kruger everything was good - very nice in Graskop, Mkuzi and Sweet Orange/Baleen/Wild Coast/Knysna were exceptional. Already commented on Drakensburg/Lotheni. Loved having the on site restaurant at Baleen - after a long travel day it was great.

Our leader was training a new guide and he was very patient and encouraging.  Our group was supportive as well and tried to help as best we could.  It was a lot to ask of the main guide - perhaps more pre-trip training could have been given to the assistance guide.

Ms M - Travelled in July 2012

All lodges were good, however my favourite was tented lodge in the bush I could of stayed there for a week.I was visited up close by impala herd-nyala bull and 28 guinee fowl in quick succession.Game viewing superb everywhere, particularly Kruger.

Also our guides Adriaan & Jonathan were brilliant & as we were a small group of just 4,we had a very personal interaction,we were like a family,good cooking too !

[least enjoyed] 'shared showers & toilets in Kruger/a bit of a walk to the block.

'Although our trip was safari for softies,it was quite full-on and we covered a lot of miles,however this meant we saw a lot of the country and so many beautiful places.
Apart from Kruger all the accommodation was first class.

'Although quite young @ 28 his knowledge and enthusiastic love of his country was a joy. A true south african charmer.

Ms P travelled in March 2012

Trying to spot the "Big 5" in the Kruger National Park
Visiting the Wild  Coast around Kei Mouth
Walking up in the Drakensberg Mountains and swimming in the waterfalls.
However most of all, the comradery of the group and guides - one of the best we have ever travelled with.

The Long distance and travelling times sometimes left little time to fully enjoy the destination. Certainly a very tight schedule.

All accommodation was much better than was specified in the itinerary.

Always very professional and considerate but fun as well.

Mrs P - Travelled in January 2012