Namibia South Africa Tours and Trips

This trip was hands down the best trip I’ve ever been on. From the very first day to the last day, I had the time of my life and I’m already itching to go back. During our kickstart meeting on day one, I knew we were in for a treat when we first met Sim. He engaged with the group and made it so much more comfortable being in a room full of strangers. We had a lot of rain during our time in Cape Town which forced a few plans to change, like not being able to go up Table Mountain. Sim changed our whole day around to make sure we made the best out of it and despite not going up the mountain, we had the most perfect time in the city and thoroughly enjoyed everything we had to do. In my opinion, it’s made me want to go back to experience it when it’s not raining! The game drives during the trip were brilliant too. We had the most knowledgeable guides and respectful too, not one of them crossed any boundaries with animals, especially a time when everyone was trying to follow a leopard in and there had to be at least 20 jeeps closing in, our guide, Neil (in the Delta), chose to forget about it because the poor cub would’ve been terrified and I really respected him for it. I have never felt more at peace with myself than I did during this trip. It healed something in me that I didn’t know was broken and I owe it not only to the trip itself but the trip managers, Sim and Often. Often, the Namibia trip manager, was outstanding and he always made sure everyone was feeling included. I was the youngest in the group and I never felt less than the others in the group. I will cherish the bond I created with Often in the short 7 days we were together. I wasn’t feeling too great mentally during my time in Namibia (he didn’t know that) but he helped me immensely without knowing, by just including me in conversation and making me feel welcomed. I hope he knows how great he is. Sim is a brilliant trip manager. He always went above and beyond to make sure we were enjoying our time. He joined in on activities where possible and made sure we were all comfortable. I’ve really grown to love him a lot and I will always hold him close to my heart. He has truly become like a brother to me. He uplifts everyone who is around. If you’re having a bad day, Sim will surely make it better. He creates deep and personal connections with each traveller on his trips and that is all anyone can ask for in a trip manager. He always remained professional when the time came and worked so hard to run the perfect trip (too hard sometimes). I’m unsure if i can do another contiki because Nothing! could beat this one.

A safari trip in Africa is THE bucket list adventure that we all dream about, and boy does Contiki make that dream come true. This trip traverses the incredible landscapes of four different countries, showcasing the individual gems that make each just as special as the last. From the depths of the overnight camps in Chobe National Park, Botswana and the peaks of the sandy dunes of Sossusvlei, Namibia to the thrilling sunrise game drives of Kruger National Park, South Africa and mesmerising helicopter rides over Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe. This trip is all about NATURE. You’ll never feel more grounded, more connected to the natural world. Contiki has curated the trip of all trips with this one. The highest of standards are kept across the board whether it’s the accomodation, food, activities or guides. Nothing has been overlooked and no matter your TM, they will ensure this is THE trip of a lifetime. Special shoutout to my TMs Sim & Often, two incredibly special humans that live and breath Contiki, so if you’re lucky enough to be on their trip, you’re in for a treat. Exploring every nook and cranny of Southern Africa that will only ever leave you awe inspired (and wanting more of course). There are way too many highlights of this trip to name them all, but one thing is a given, you will never thank yourself more than when you have booked this trip. Truly life changing. You won’t regret it.

Contiki really do know how to put an incredible itinerary together, but the Africa Team takes this to a whole other level. The Garden Route and Addo is such an immense blend of the culture, landscapes and adventure that make this specific region of South Africa special. From the rolling hills of award winning Cape Town wineries and the culinary melting pot of different cultures coming together, to the sprawling penguin colonies and incredible communities of the townships, no matter if you’re a diehard foodie, adrenaline nut, serious history enthusiast or animal whisperer, this trip really has everything you could ever ask South Africa for. Special shout out to the TM Luke and driver Pete. If you’re fortunate enough to be in their presence, relish it, they are truly incredible individuals that encompass all what Contiki is about. My only regret? Not booking the entire Sea Safari South Africa trip, if you can do it all, you must!

The trip overall was a great experience, one that I’m glad was planned out for me. The sheer amount of paper work, entry points and what not would be a complete hassle to do and figure out. So all the efforts of the guide was really appreciated. There were definitely locations where we all wished we had maybe a smidge more time in but the trip was overall well planned and now it’s a spot on my list I’d want to go back to and spend even more time at. One thing I will say though is that the pamphlet shared before the trip made it seem like you could only bring a large suitcase and a backpack or small hand bag but having a carryon was definitely possible, even on the smaller flights without extra charge and that may reduce down some of the weight off your back or large bag. But overall better to try to minimize as much as possible with the amount of moving around that’s done on this trip. Definitely a trip of a lifetime!

It was a bucket list trip for me, I had saved and planned for. What a beautiful country, friendly, warm people, and so diverse. We saw so much, travel was hard, I would recommend making the trip sooner than later. To see all the parts and countries we saw, that is the way it had to be. My trip was colored, unfortunately, because I became ill during the middle of the trip, and missed most of the game drives. I experienced South African medicine first hand. I was very sad, the part I wanted the most I did not get. The animals I did experience were amazing, Nature, what can you say? Victoria Falls was breathtaking, as was Table Mountain, and of course the Cape of Good Hope with the darling penguins. How can you not like the winelands especially on a rainy day. Cape Towne had terrible weather, the schools were closed, but our Guide was able to work with her contacts and get our schedule moved around so we did not miss anything that we were scheduled to see. Great job.

Being chased by an elephant on a drive!! The Ivory Tree lodge was the best staff was very friendly and helpful. Our driver from there Pinuo he was so friendly and knowledgeable. Taught us so many different things. The only thing is I would have liked more hands on experience with Elephants and giraffes.