AMAZING trip for 2 of us
South Africa | Nov 22 - Dec 1, 2023

Y
Yin Ling K.
Singapore | Reviewed on Dec 03, 2023

I travelled with my close friend and kinda had a budget going on this trip. Quote made by other aganecies were all pretty steep. Esther made our trip possible by providing necessary changes to become our personalised trip. Both of us were quite worried for the trip, especially safety wise. We really enjoyed the services, including Kagiso and Lucy's contact, even though we didn't meet them. Be it before when we were preparing to when we are travelling, they were always in contact till the day we depart. The transit from places to places were seamless. We felt really welcomed and assured through the trip. Thank you so much!

Hotel Reviews
The Onyx Hotel
Cape Town

The room was great! The receptionist was even better! We felt so welcomed for those few days. We were always greeted as we go in and out the hotel. They do make sure your stay or rest would be at its best too. But the area doesn't seem to have much going on. Waterfront was just 10mins away. Didn't manage to use the facilities in the hotel. The view from the room itself has Table Mountain in the background! Bed and pillow were all comfy too. Very spacious and clean!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
There were 2 that made a huge impression. The one who helped to check in and the one we spoke to last the day before we left. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get their names. But I do remember their cheerful friendly smiles :)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Washroom was very clean!
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Hoedspruit

It was amazinggggg. Stayed for 2 nights amd wished we could stay longer. We were so well fed and game drives were all exciting! The services were really were the best I had. The view from the lodge was so good that I could see all the wild coming to the waters in such heat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Thank you both Danielx2 and Clement!They were so knowledgable! We learnt alot through the trip!
Cleanliness & Comfort
All things required are provided and all you need is just be there, enjoy and relax.
Pioneers Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls

Everything was going great till the time I was going to bed. We felt welcomed and things were explained to us in details before checking in. I was glad to see mosquitoes net being provided in the room. We weren't told that there would be another small room in our room itself and was pretty shocked to see two extra beds in the dark room as we opened it. Spooked us a little at night and the mirror was just right in front of our bed with the small room's door in sight. When I flipped the blanket all I see is black dots like somebody stepped on with muddy shoes. I was really unhappy and called the reception for a change. All we got was two flat sheets with no service to change those dirty sheets. We had to rip out the dirty sheets ourselves. The new ones aren't exactly clean as well. The corners of it were stained. We didn't have much energy at that time so we just lay the cleanest side over. Pillows were bad too. The first night was pretty hot even though we had the aircon full blast. Fan is creaky and noisy too. We had the most unpleasant sleep. Toilets are fine and clean, all things provided. The walls can be a lil more soundproof or if you like nature, it might not bother you. But lightsleepers might have issues with it. The pools were not visually clean so we didn't use them. Food was great though, plenty of choices. Place out from the room itself was quite well maintained, comfortable. Hopefully room slippers can be provided too. Area is near to vic falls. Didn't explore outside the accomadation so not so sure about the location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near to vic falls
Staff
The houseleeping staff should check those sheets while changing.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sheets not clean. Pillows can be better. Not too soft which doesn't support. Pool can be cleaner.
Nut Grove Manor

We only had a night stay before transiting to MQP flight to Vic Falls. The room is very spacious and the manor as most things provided. We didn't explore out from the manor but we didn't see much things going on and don't feel safe enough to go out from it. There are plenty of mosquitoes as we dine in their restaurant but the food was great. The bed was hard though.

Authenticity & Character
Location
I am not so sure what you can do here because I really don't see anything as we drove in. The long drive from our last sightseeing really makes a problem but we were very close to the airport.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
VOCO Hotel Rosebank

Gugu was really welcoming! She helped us with the check in and informed us the safety around the area. Even though it was just a night stay, we really had a good one. Breakfast was perfect too! I would stay here again if I'm back!

Authenticity & Character
The room itself and lobby. Never seen such a pretty decorations.
Location
Staff
Gugu
Cleanliness & Comfort
Just looking at the sun rays in our room as we checked in was so warm and comfy.
Activity Reviews
Visit Table Mountain by Cable Car
Visit Table Mountain by Cable Car
South Africa

Didn't make it for the trip. Was only at the foot of the cable car. It'd be better with sunny weather.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour of Vic Falls
Guided Tour of Vic Falls
Victoria Falls

Area is quite self explanatory. The guide didn't really explain as the group member were all moving from point to point at different speed. Time was a lil too short and had not much time to explore the area on our own.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Panorama Route & Blyde River Canyon
Full Day Panorama Route & Blyde River Canyon
South Africa

Distance was a lil too long for thre route. I don't think we experience the best we could. The guide wasn't really participating, more like just a driver? I guess it was because of the long journey as well. Places we go are pretty but the journey to them, not so much. The vehicle we were in was too old, very hot and we don't feel comfortable throughout the route.

Quality of Experience
the route
Guides, Drivers and Staff
was a safe driver but not a good guide. it seem he was there not for a choice.
Transport
the vehicle is too lousy
Cape Point Tour - Full Day
Cape Point Tour - Full Day
South Africa

The introduction and guide was great. Journey was smooth and enjoyable with Ulrich.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ulrich is an interesting guide!
Transport
Afternoon Cape Town City Tour
Afternoon Cape Town City Tour
Cape Town

Guide wasn't very engaging. The group of people travelling were not the best as well. Quite some waiting time around. It was our first tour in Cape Town and since we were still in good mood, didn't affect us that much as we did some self entertainment. The places of visit doesn't seem so exiciting as well. Weather was very cloudy and didn't manage to see most views either.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The knowledge and stories to tell maybe? There were a lot of uncertainties as the guide spoke.
Transport
Came on time and safe travel throughout.
Foodies on Foot walking & tasting tour
Foodies on Foot walking & tasting tour
South Africa

I wasn't much of a drinker so I didn't really enjoy this area as much. But Stellenbosch is a pretty area itself, full or galleries and restaurants. Guide has quite a character and was quite interesting as she shared her knowledge. Food wise was going great, interesting to taste what the locals eat in the area. Stellenbosch wasn't big, so we realised we walked around and round the same places. 6 streets is all you need to recognise and get around.

Quality of Experience
Food
The red cuppocino and lamb samosa! Dessert was good too.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Marlene is pretty cool and authentic. I like how she guides us in her unique way.
Transport
Sunset Cruise
Sunset Cruise
Victoria Falls

Hippos and crocs! The ones that we didn't see much during our safari game drives came visiting us during the cruise ride. The captain captures our attention pretty well, Grey served us well too. Plenty of food but not so much of sunset. The weather was cloudy and we quite missed the sun. There were quite some other cruise going on, so I guess the river really seemed very busy. Comparing other cruise, I'd say our crowd is good, not packed, which means chances of getting good pictures and less noise.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Esther Ruempol
Esther
Esther Ruempol
Local specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa | Replied on Jan 06, 2024

Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback. It was a privilege planning this trip with you and your extensive report is incredibly valuable and helps us improve continuously!