Trip of a Lifetime!
South Africa | May 25 - Jun 7, 2024

L
Liz T.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 14, 2024

We cannot say enough positive things about our experience with KimKim and our trip to Africa. Our specialist was able to recommend an itinerary that perfectly suited the travel interests of both myself and my husband with only a paragraph or two of input from us. As we got closer to the trip, they continued to add and update details with our itinerary, which became a wonderful reference as we moved from one place to another once our journey began. And we have run out of compliments about the locations that they chose for us...... the accommodations in every city were amazing, as was the service. I would especially like to recognize Kruger Shalati for their amazing property, food, game drives and overall service, and to Unembezza (and our specialist) for surprising us with an amazing suite and birthday goodies to celebrate my milestone. All of our drivers were early for our pickups, and all transportation was entirely smooth throughout the trip (and we moved quite a bit!). We had an amazing time in Victoria Falls and South Africa and will forever cherish the memories.

Hotel Reviews
Victoria Falls Safari Club
Victoria Falls

Lovely property with rooms/ balconies overlooking a waterhole that brings amazing wildlife to view! Beautiful common area for meals, relaxation, drinks and excellent/ attentive staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Relatively quick drive to/from airport, privacy once on the property
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa
Hoedspruit

Small boutique type hotel, outside of big game area but that allowed for us to take long walks in the area and see amazing wildlife like giraffe! Pool and overlook deck were very nice. Nice spa options. The honeymoon suite is amazing, with an outdoor shower and relaxation area, huge closet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Loved the proximity to walk and biking trails but the resort was a bit difficult to locate (no signs from the street)
Staff
Meal staff were not as friendly as accommodating as within other resorts that we visited. It was sometimes difficult to find or reach someone to request a food or drink order, for example, and staff at meals was not very attentive. Management and spa staff were great.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dock House Boutique Hotel

The combination of the privacy and charm of the Dock House with access to the Queen Victoria amenities is pretty fantastic. The guest house is AMAZING..... huge rooms, including a sitting room and private patio area. Right across the street from shops and restaurants on the V&A Waterfront. Service is outstanding (especially Ashley, our breakfast host!)

Authenticity & Character
Original building
Location
Walkway that takes you directly to the V&A Waterfront. Minutes from the hop-on-hop-off bus stop.
Staff
Should out to Ashley, our morning host that made our breakfast so special!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kruger Shalati Train on the bridge
Kruger National Park, Skukuza

This is perhaps the most amazing place that I have ever stayed. What a unique property with incredible touches (and service). If you have any interest in trains, this is your spot! The carriages were beautiful, with direct views of the river and all the wildlife that it brings. We were able to watch buffalo, crocodile, hippo, and even giraffe from our room. It's worth noting, though, that the train rooms do require some walking on the bridge to access them, so just a heads-up for anyone that doesn't love heights (garden suites are also available). The pool area in the middle of the bridge is a very special spot (and the bartenders take good care of you!) All meals were amazing, as was the staff, from beginning to end. And each of the game drives brought something special. What a treat to have been able to spend three nights here. We highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
The thought and detail put in to recreating the carriages from the time period is evident throughout
Location
The rooms being situated on the bridge were just spectacular. The resort is a bit of a drive from the airport(s) but highly worth it.
Staff
Amazing from start to finish
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Esther Ruempol
Esther
Esther Ruempol
Local specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa | Replied on Jun 23, 2024

Hi Liz, thank you so much for your wonderful review and for the hotel reviews. We couldn't be happier that you had a wonderful holiday and birthday in South Africa :-)