An amazing trip to South Africa
South Africa | Mar 19 - Mar 30, 2023

Andrew
Andrew C.
East Hampton, VA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2023

My wife and I just returned from an amazing self-drive tour to South Africa that was organized by Petru of Kimkim. It was a 11 day custom tour that included both Kazulu Natal and the Garden Route. We had some rough ideas of where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see, and Petru filled in the details and made the bookings. There is a lot to cover and of course not enough time to do it all, but since my first time in South Africa I was happy to see some highlights of each region. The accommodations were typically 3- and 4-star guest houses with bed and breakfast, very comfortable, fabulous food, and reasonably priced (to a visitor from the USA). Also, each was very unique and beautiful. We particularly liked the Drakensberg Cavern Resort, St Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse, and Parkes Manor in Knysna. We loved the Drakensberg mountains and the coastline around Tsitsikamma, Knysna and the Garden Route. We enjoyed the Hippo Cruise and exploring the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park (self-drive game drive to Cape Vidal) at St. Lucia. Also, Addo Elephant Park (self-drive game drive). I took probably at least 1000 photos of birds and animals large and small in the wild, and spectacular scenery. Petru was very helpful in helping us with the planning, and giving suggestions of things to do while we were on the trip. Everything went smoothly and without a hitch.

Hotel Reviews
Parkes Manor
Knysna

The accommodations were a spacious room with high ceiling and large balcony looking out onto a fabulous view across the bay. The common areas were spacious and very comfortable. Service was great as were the hosts.

Authenticity & Character
Restored literally a manor house.
Location
Convenient to the attraction of Knysna with a great view.
Staff
Great service and great breakfast.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room and common areas were clean, comfortable and spacious.
The Cavern
Bergville

This is a really cool place. The rooms were very comfortable. All meals are provided as it is a bit out of the way, and the food is excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
This is a resort with large mountain bowl around it for the use of the guests for hiking, trail running, mountain bike, etc, and guided walks and hikes. Very beautiful.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
St Lucia Wetlands Guest House
Kwa Zulu Natal

Loved this bed and breakfast. A beautiful place, good accommodations and fabulous breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Subtropical comfort.
Location
A beautiful spot adjacent to the Isimangaliso wetlands park. If you like beautiful scenery and seeing wildlife, you must do the self-drive game drive to Cape Vidal.
Staff
I loved the hosts - they were fun to talk to and extremely helpful in planning our activities.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable. Common area was comfortable and sociable.
Local specialist: Petru van Zyl
Petru
Petru van Zyl
Local specialist in Western Cape, South Africa | Replied on Apr 13, 2023

Hi Andrew,
I am delighted to receive your review and to hear that all went well on your trip.
Thank you for your time to send your feedback about the accommodation.
Stay well, and hope to assist you again soon.
Best wishes, Petru