4.7/5 Excellent
Excellent
428
Great
130
Average
9
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
South Africa Tour & Trip Reviews
South Africa Tour & Trip Ratings
Tour Reviews
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Shirley
Oct 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
We got to see all of the big five, and we had an excellent group ...
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Trusted Customer
Oct 2023
Written on
South Africa and Eswatini
We loved the chance to experience the wildlife, history and landscapes of the different regions of South Africa we visited. This was brought to life by our knowledge...
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Elaine
Oct 2023
Written on
South Africa and Eswatini
Seeing the African elephants close by and the rhin...
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Sarah
Oct 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
"GERT LUSH !!!" Seeing the animals in their natural habitat. Immersing myself into the South African traditions & culture. Learning a more in-depth knowledge of ...
South Africa Reviews
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Simon
Oct 2023
Written on
South Africa and Eswatini
Memorable experience! Saw so much, our excellent guide Graeme took us to the best places!
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Trusted Customer
Oct 2023
Written on
South Africa and Eswatini
Gazing at elephant aunties standing silent vigil around 2 ...
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Cassandra
Sep 2023
Written on
South Africa and Eswatini
I had an amazing time and found this to be an extremely well organised tour. Despite travelling alone I was well looked after and always made to feel part of the gro...
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Trusted Customer
Sep 2023
Written on
South Africa and Eswatini
Great trip, knowledgeable and passionate guide - for myself and my partner, the highlights were the hippo cruise, whale watching and seeing three lions in Kruger Nat...
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John
Sep 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
Simply put it was an amazing experience,
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South Africa Reviews
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Emma
Sep 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
Staying in some beautiful accommodation (rondavels and beehives) in the national...
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Trusted Customer
Aug 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
It was an amazing trip covering different locations. That also makes that we had to travel longer distances which our guide Graeme filled with historical and current...
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Trusted Customer
Aug 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
The sheer number of places we visited and activities we did was excell...
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Jane
Aug 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
The leader Graeme was excellent, full of knowledge, very organised, funny and friendly. seeing 6 leopards in the space of an hour in the Kruger was amazing. Walking ...
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Helen
Aug 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
I can't say that one part of the trip was my favourite as there were several amazing days. I did love walking in Eswatini being able to get up and close to the wild...
South Africa Reviews
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Trusted Customer
Aug 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
Our Explore Leader Graeme, was incredible throughout the trip. His knowledge of the battlefield, wildlife and history of South Africa and eSwatini was fantastic and ...
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Pamela
Aug 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
This was the most incredible trip I've ever been on Gra...
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Helen
Aug 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
Variety of animals seen on safari & whale watching.
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Sue O
Jul 2023
Written on
South Africa and Swaziland
So many highlights. Starting with our guide (guide chef, driver, history teacher) Graeme. From previous reviews, I had high expectations and he exceeded them all. ...
Editor’s Take
What to Look For in South Africa Tour Reviews
Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.
Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.
First, for a majority of travelers, the flight to South Africa is long. From many spots in the United States, you’ll spend near 21 hours each direction in the air. Australia and Asia experience similarly long flights. For travelers who find themselves having a layover, consider an overnight layover, where you can spend a night sleeping in a bed. This helps ease exhaustion, especially for those who can’t sleep on planes. You’ll arrive ready for your South African adventure.
There are some security issues when it comes to South Africa, which can be a shock for some travelers. Especially if you go to Johannesburg, you’ll feel the more “dangerous” sides just by being outside and driving through the city. This should not discourage you from traveling to South Africa!
Being prepared and knowing your surroundings, it can help immensely. Many homes have bars on the windows, and security guards, even in the higher end areas. Violence was a huge concern, and can still be, but don’t let this break your trip. There will be a shock but shortly after, travelers see this is just the way of life in South Africa.
Many travelers have mentioned South Africa as one of the best experiences of their life, which is no surprise. Between the ocean, the mountains, the wineries in the capelands, and the wildlife, it’s pretty hard to not enjoy yourself. There is surely something that everyone will enjoy. South Africa is filled with history, art, and great food. There are endless adventures, and the pace of life is very relaxed.
Many reviewers mentioned the safari. Some may say a day or two is enough for a safari. You can see these animals at the zoo. This is far from the truth. There are very few things that beat seeing a family of elephants strolling during sunrise, or watching the hippo crossings between dusk.
Looking in the brush for the lions trying to hide from the hot sun, and zebras running through the grass. All of it is amazing and every game drive is different. Every animal encounter is magical.
Another South Africa “hot spot” among reviewers is Cape Town with a side trip to the wine area, either Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. Stroll through the cute towns filled with restaurants, shops, and markets. Hop on the wine tram, that transports you between wineries in the region.
Consider a stay in a bed and breakfast. Transportation between wine country and Cape Town is about an hour, and there are numerous buses that leave each day between the two. While this is an easy day trip, you may want to consider staying overnight. The region makes for a great weekend trip!
If you want a professional take on traveling in South Africa, see the Travelstride South Africa Guide »
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