Trip of a lifetime
South Africa
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Sep 4 - Sep 17, 2024
As our first trip to Africa in general and South Africa specifically, we had no idea where to start in planning, though we had some idea about experiences that we wanted. We jumped online to search for a travel agency to assist us, another first for us. We found KimKim somewhat randomly, but the feedback of other traveler led us to take a chance. What we found was that from start to finish, Anna-marie was attentive, responsive, energetic, and proactive. She took our somewhat neophytic thoughts and arranged an experience that will be indelibly fixed in our memories for the rest of our lives. The guides provided not only their knowledge, but their openness and willingness to share insights beyond geography, food and textbook history. The authenticity of those discussions truly made the journey one that was holistically edifying. Radheeka and Stephanie of Earthstompers, as well as Marlene of Adventure Shop were excellent. Probably most impactful personally for us was the day spent in Soweto with the guide from Lebo's Soweto Backpackers. The tuk-tuk tour gave us the opportunity to engage with people of all ages and the culture on a deeper level. The smiles and waves of the children, not to mention their innumerable high-fives, will not be forgotten or unappreciated for the hope for the future that they represented. Lastly, we are still in awe of the natural wonders that we shared in during our stay at the Walker Plains Camp. Our days there were never the same, with new animals and behaviors seemingly by the hour. Paul and Kenwell, our driver and tracker, were fantastic hosts for our daily drives, expert in their crafts and exceedingly gracious as they dealt with non-stop questions.
So with all of the wonderful personal and natural experiences, as well as the well appointed accommodations, we definitely look forward to our next adventure as curated by KimKim.
Hotel Reviews
The location was great and it was modern hotel. We did not find it to very inviting. The staff was polite but did not go out of their way. We found the room to be small and standard. The breakfast was lovely.
Beautiful and well appointed accommodations. The staff was attentive and friendly. We felt like home in a very short amount of time. This hotel is not gated which we appreciated. The views were absolutely stunning.
Our home away from home. We fell in love with everything about this place. The accommodations were first class. The community was wonderful. The staff was friendly and professional. The meals were outstanding. We were celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary and they planned a romantic dinner in our cottage by the pool. Absolutely beautiful. We hope to return soon.
The property was very nice with the exception of being a gated community. We are the type of travelers that immerse ourselves into our environment. This was not possible at this location. The staff was professional but not overly friendly or accommodating with the exception of the gentlemen at the gate.
Activity Reviews
The conversation with the chef and her staff, the tasting walk through the house garden.
We enjoyed the entire experience, visiting the parks and seeing the wildlife. Radheeka was a wonderful guide for the day.
The experience was thought provoking and one we would not have missed.
As dinner theatre goes, it was a reasonably entertaining evening. However, it had too much of a touristy flavor.
Hello Dana & David,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for taking the time to rate all the hotels and experiences. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our services. I loved reading about the high-fives in Soweto—it was definitely a highlight for me too!
It was great to meet you in person at Bochendal; I wish we could have spent more time together.
We truly hope that you will bring the kids to Africa someday!
Warm greetings,
Anna-Marie