Fantastic South Africa Trip with KimKim – Gre...

South Africa | Jan 26 - Feb 8, 2025

Perfect Location & Modern Comfort – Lawhill Apartments Lawhill Apartments is the perfect place to stay in Cape Town! The location is unbeatable—right in town and within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront. The apartment itself was very modern, spacious, and well-equipped, making for an extremely comfortable stay. The pool was a great bonus, and every aspect of our experience was excellent. Would highly recommend Lawhill Apartments for anyone looking for a stylish and convenient stay in Cape Town!

Great Stay at Whale Coast All Suite Hotel Whale Coast All Suite Hotel was a fantastic choice! The apartment was spacious, and very convenient, located just one block from the beach and inside a shopping mall, making it easy to get groceries and essentials. The breakfast was very good, and the staff was absolutely excellent—super helpful and attentive. A perfect place for a comfortable and hassle-free stay. Good 4 star option

Exceptional Stay at Hunter’s Country House Hunter’s Country House was an absolute gem! The setting is beautiful, with a peaceful and elegant atmosphere that made our stay truly special. The rooms were spacious, charming, and perfectly maintained, offering a luxurious yet cozy experience. The service was outstanding—the staff was incredibly attentive, warm, and always ready to help. The food was excellent, and every detail of our stay exceeded expectations. For those wishing to visit Plettenberg Bay, the hotel is a bit too far away, and you will need a car or driver to go back and forth. That would be the only drawback for staying there. A perfect retreat for anyone looking for tranquility, comfort, and top-notch hospitality. Highly recommended!

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Safari Experience at Sindile Lodge Our stay at Sindile Lodge was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we arrived, we were met with exceptional service, breathtaking accommodations, and world-class hospitality. The lodge itself is stunning—beautifully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering luxury, comfort, and an intimate connection with the wilderness. The suites are spacious, elegantly furnished, and provide unparalleled views of the reserve. The food was outstanding, with every meal exceeding our expectations. From gourmet breakfasts to exquisite dinners, each dish was crafted to perfection, making dining an experience in itself. A special thank you to our ranger, Siya, whose knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm made every game drive unforgettable. His deep understanding of the wildlife and the environment added incredible depth to our safari experience. Another heartfelt thank you to our butler, Siya, who went above and beyond to ensure our stay was nothing short of perfect. His warm and attentive service made us feel truly special, and his attention to detail was impeccable. Sindile Lodge is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of adventure and luxury. If I could give it 6 stars, I absolutely would! If you’re looking for an unforgettable safari experience, this is the place to be. We can’t wait to return! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (but truly a 6-star experience!)

Great Location, but Maintenance Could Be Improved – Belle Maroc Hotel Belle Maroc Hotel is exceptionally well located, making it a convenient spot for exploring the area. However, the general maintenance falls a bit short compared to the other hotels we stayed at. We encountered some electrical issues, which were resolved by running a cable to our TV—not the most elegant solution. The staff was okay, as was the breakfast—nothing exceptional, but nothing to complain about either. Overall, it’s a decent stay with a fantastic location, but it doesn’t quite reach a five-star experience.D

Amazing Alternative Hike – Lion’s Head Instead of Table Mountain Our original plan was to hike Table Mountain, but due to weather conditions, we had to switch to Lion’s Head at the last moment. The change was handled seamlessly, and honestly, we couldn’t have had a better experience! The hike was excellent—challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking views throughout. Our guide was exceptional, making the experience even more enjoyable with great insights and a perfect pace. Although we missed Table Mountain, this alternative turned out to be an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommended!

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour – A Well-Run and Fun Experience The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour was a very good experience—safe, well-organized, and professionally run. The guides were great, and everything was done with a high level of care. Since we had done a similar experience in Costa Rica, this felt familiar, so it didn’t have the same thrill for us. Some of the ziplines were a bit less exciting than others, but overall, it was still a fun and enjoyable activity. If you haven’t done a canopy tour before, this is definitely a great option and worth trying!

Spectacular Cape Peninsula – Penguins Were Okay Our trip to the Cape Peninsula was absolutely outstanding—definitely a 5-star experience! The landscapes and views were breathtaking, making for an unforgettable day. Every stop along the way was stunning, and we truly enjoyed exploring this beautiful region. The visit to the penguins was okay, but a bit too crowded for our taste. It was still nice to see them, but it didn’t quite match the spectacular experience of the Cape Peninsula itself. We were originally supposed to do a kayaking tour, which would have been a great addition, but unfortunately, it had to be canceled due to the weather. Despite that, it was a fantastic day overall!

Nice Horse Ride, But Not What We Originally Planned Our original plan was to do a beach horse ride at Noordhoek, which we were really looking forward to. However, due to weather conditions, it was changed to a ride along the mountains instead. The experience itself was pleasant—the guide was very friendly and experienced, and the scenery was beautiful, with a peaceful ride through the vineyards. However, it was a very easy walk, and I would have liked the opportunity to trot or gallop a bit. The timing of our ride made it quite hot, and we couldn’t help but feel that the beach would have been a much better setting. That being said, we understand that the change was necessary due to the weather. Overall, it was a nice experience, just not quite what we had hoped for.

Tsitsikamma National Park Walk – A Scenic and Enjoyable Experience Our visit to Tsitsikamma National Park was a nice and enjoyable experience. We did the walks, took in the beautiful views, and had a great time exploring the area. The landscapes were stunning, and it was a peaceful way to connect with nature. Compared to some of the more mind-blowing experiences on our trip, this one felt like a step below, but it’s still definitely worth doing. If you enjoy scenic walks and coastal beauty, it’s a great addition to any itinerary!

Shark Cage Diving – A Truly 6-Star Experience! One of the absolute highlights of our trip! Everything about this experience was flawless. The company that took us out was incredibly professional—they explained everything clearly, provided an excellent introduction, and made sure we had top-quality wetsuits. Their attention to detail was exceptional. We were extremely lucky to see plenty of sharks, and the feeling of being in the cage, up close with these incredible creatures, was absolutely mind-blowing. After getting out of the water, we were welcomed with a hot shower inside our wetsuits—something we had never experienced before—and a cup of hot chocolate, which made it even more special. This was truly an unforgettable adventure, and I would highly, highly recommend it. If I could give it 6 stars, I absolutely would!

Kayak, Lilo, and Cliff Jumping on the Storms River – A Fantastic Adventure! This was a very good experience and one of the highlights of our time in Tsitsikamma. We loved the kayaking, especially going out into the ocean—it was safe, well-organized, and the guides were excellent. After paddling into the river, we continued through beautiful surroundings with top-quality equipment. The experience was a mix of adventure and fun: we hiked, paddled to some rocks, crossed them, and then floated on inflatable rafts (similar to lilos). It was a unique and relaxing way to enjoy the stunning scenery. We took some great pictures and had an amazing time. Definitely an experience worth doing!

Authentic Coastal Dining at Perlemoen Restaurant Perlemoen Restaurant was a nice stop during our trip. The highlight was definitely the food—we had the best fish of the entire trip, cooked to perfection with fresh, high-quality ingredients. However, the restaurant was quite crowded, and we couldn’t find a great table with a view of the ocean, which would have made the experience even better. Despite that, the meal itself was excellent, and it’s a good spot for those looking for fresh seafood in a coastal setting.

Marine Big 5 Boat Tour – Canceled but Great Replacement! Our Marine Big 5 Boat Tour was unfortunately canceled due to weather conditions, but we were offered a quad biking experience instead—and we ended up really enjoying it! The quad biking was different from what we originally planned, but it was safe, fun, and a great way to explore the area. We had a fantastic time and truly enjoyed the experience. Although we missed out on seeing marine life on this tour, our cage diving experience gave us a great feel for the ocean and its incredible wildlife. In the end, everything worked out, and we had an amazing adventure!

Explore Cango Caves – A Good Stop, but a Long Journey Visiting the Cango Caves was a good stop during our trip, offering an interesting and well-organized experience. The caves themselves were impressive, and the guided tour was engaging and informative. However, the downside of that day—especially since it was my birthday—was the incredibly long drive. We spent about 6 to 7 hours in the car, which made the day feel exhausting. Looking back, I might have chosen to take a short flight instead of enduring such a long drive. That said, the caves were worth seeing, and overall, it was still a good experience despite the travel time.

Tsitsikamma Segway Experience – Fun and Unique! This was a really fun activity, especially since we had never ridden Segways before! It was a great way to explore the area in a different and exciting way. What made the experience even better was our guide—absolutely fantastic! They made sure we felt comfortable, kept the tour engaging, and added to the overall enjoyment. It was a very, very nice experience, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to try something new and have a great time in Tsitsikamma!

Bloukrans Bungy & Bridge Zipline – A Thrilling, World-Class Experience Only Valentina was brave enough to take on this adventure, and it turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of our trip! Bloukrans Bungy holds the world record for the highest bungee jump, and the entire operation is run with the utmost professionalism. The facility is extremely safe, with top-quality, well-maintained equipment that gave us full confidence in the experience. The jump itself was absolutely awesome—pure adrenaline! They also offer a video package, which is a great way to relive the moment and make the experience even more memorable. For anyone looking for the ultimate thrill, this is a must-do. Highly recommended!

Arriving at Shamwari Game Reserve – A 6-Star Welcome! Shamwari was the absolute highlight of our trip. From the very first moment, we were warmly welcomed with hot tea and the friendliest staff, setting the tone for an incredible stay. We were fortunate to go on a safari the same day we arrived, making our first day at Shamwari already a 6-star experience. Everything about it—service, atmosphere, and the excitement of the wildlife—was beyond expectations. From the start, it was clear that Shamwari is a truly special place. We couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to this unforgettable adventure!

Shamwari Experiences – A 6-Star Adventure in Every Way As I mentioned before, Shamwari was a truly 6-star experience. We had incredible opportunities to see all the animals in their natural setting, making every game drive unforgettable. The wildlife, the landscapes, and the expert guidance from our rangers made it an exceptional adventure. Beyond the safari itself, the gourmet experience was outstanding. A special highlight for us was the care and attention given to my three kids, who are gluten-intolerant. The staff went above and beyond to create a special menu for them, ensuring they had the same high-quality dining experience as everyone else, despite their dietary restrictions. Shamwari exceeded every expectation, not just in wildlife and luxury but in its outstanding hospitality. It was truly an experience we’ll never forget!

Kitesurfing at Bloubergstrand Beach – A Missed Opportunity but a Great Day We arrived the afternoon before our scheduled kitesurfing session and were lucky to witness Bloubergstrand in all its glory—hundreds of kitesurfers on the water, showing why this is one of the world’s best spots for the sport. It was an incredible sight! Unfortunately, on the actual day of our session, the wind didn’t show up, and we had to cancel. Looking back, we had to cancel other activities earlier in the trip due to strong winds—had we planned kitesurfing on one of those days instead, we probably would have had the perfect conditions. If I could redo the trip, I would definitely make that adjustment. In place of kitesurfing, we made the most of our time with a relaxing walk along the beach, enjoying lunch and dinner at seaside restaurants. It turned out to be a great and chilled-out way to wrap up our trip before heading back to Argentina!

Smooth and Well-Organized Departure from Africa Our departure was seamless and well-organized. On Saturday morning, our driver arrived on time and took us swiftly to the airport, making the process stress-free. Everything went smoothly, allowing us to finish our incredible trip on a relaxed note. A well-handled end to an unforgettable adventure!