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  3. Johannesburg, Kruger, Cape Town and Franschhoek

Roll out the superlatives!
South Africa | Aug 16 - Aug 25, 2023

Andrew
Andrew F.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Aug 27, 2023

All three of us thought this was a truly wonderful trip, beautifully planned by Deb. There were so many high points: In Jo'burg: the Peech Hotel and the tour of Soweto,. The amazing Ivory Wilderness Lodge near Kruger NP and the extraordinary guides Warren ("elephant whisperer") and Shane (infectious enthusiasm). The enjoyable Panorama Route tour. In Cape Town: our excellent tour guide Matthew for both the Cape Peninsula tour (including Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden) and the breathtaking spring flowers in the West Coast NP.
Deb and her team were exceptionally responsive throughout. This was a once in a lifetime experience.

Hotel Reviews
The Peech Boutique Hotel
Johannesburg

A great place to get over jet lag. Staff exceptional.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
Bushbuckridge

Incredible service way out in the bush. Extraordinary guides. Fine dining among the animals. Our agent, Deb, really pushed this place and she was 100% right.

Authenticity & Character
Slept in rondavels with all the modern conveniences.
Location
Location was great, but it was 2 hours on a bumpy road to reach it.
Staff
Cannot say enough about our guides Warren and Shane--experienced and in love with the animals. The rest of the staff was great too.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hard to believe this was far out in the bush.
Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa
Hoedspruit

Very comfortable but had to leave room before our flight pickup. My family loved the private reserve right outside our door.

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town

Very comfortable and great staff though we got one of the smaller rooms with no view.

Authenticity & Character
Fine but not distinctive.
Location
In the center of the V&A waterfront.
Staff
Very responsive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Soweto & Apartheid Museum
Soweto & Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg

The Soweto tour was led by proud residents who showed us the full spectrum of Soweto. Very educational. The Apartheid Museum was sobering but necessary.

Quality of Experience
Food
Authentic African cuisine.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Soweto tour by Lebo was very informative.
Transport
Tuk tusk were fine, but bumpy.
Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive
Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive
South Africa

As said in lodging section, a long and bumpy drive, but amazing accommodations out in the bush.

Quality of Experience
See comments in lodging.
Food
Hard to believe this fine dining out in the bush.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I wish there were six stars for this. Up close to animals with someone who loves them.
Transport
Very bumpy, but unavoidable.
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Private Game Drives
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Private Game Drives
South Africa

Both drives with the infectiously enthusiastic Shane. Among other animals, saw a lovely parade of elephants.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Another Day in the Kruger with 2 game drives
Another Day in the Kruger with 2 game drives
South Africa

Both drives with Warren, who is extraordinarily knowledgeable. Loves the animals, a true "elephant whisperer." Can't say enough about his quality.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
See above.
Transport
Final morning game drive & next stop
Final morning game drive & next stop
South Africa

A fine finish to an extraordinary experience. Got up close with a lion. Enjoyable Panorama tour, dramatic scenery. Unembeza Lodge was a good way station stop.

Panorama Route Tour
Panorama Route Tour
South Africa

Not the most amazing scenery ever, but well worth the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver/guide explained things well.
Transport
Like all the SUVs, comfortable.
Dinner at GOLD Restaurant
Dinner at GOLD Restaurant
Cape Town

Worth the experience, though a little discomfort about cultural appropriation .

Quality of Experience
Very well thought out. Good portions of food. Entertainers could have explained the cultural history of the music and dance at least a little.
Food
A good sampler of African food.
Transport
Explore Table Mountain
Explore Table Mountain
Cape Town

It was a little hazy, but glad to have done it.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide Matthew was excellent.
Transport
SUV good as usual.
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa

Very enjoyable, especially as sun came out at Cape Point.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guide.
Transport
West Coast Wildflowers Tour - August & September
West Coast Wildflowers Tour - August & September
Cape Town

We were really looking forward to this, and the fields of flowers did not disappoint.

Quality of Experience
The flowers were awesome.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide Matthew knew exactly were to go.
Transport
Local specialist: Deborah Smook
Deborah
Deborah Smook
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Aug 29, 2023

Hello Andy

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed and good review as well as adding some photos! It was wonderful planning this trip with you and meeting you.

I look forward to seeing you in Denver soon. Please send my regards to Sam and Sharon.

Thank you for trusting us to plan this special trip for you!

Deb

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