Webster organized perfectly my stay and he was flexible adjusting schedule so that i see the big 5 for sure. he also took me to the hospital after a light food poisoning and he assisted me all the way
Highlights -
Stunning landscapes, especially around the Namib desert/Sossusvlei, Brandberg area and Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.
Wildlife viewing was excellent - plenty of time to view and observe and search both mammals and birds throughout the trip. You will get some amazing photos and memories!
A knowledgeable guide who sorted everything that needed doing and had a great understanding of the wildlife/country.
A couple of the lodges were above expectations (NB the app stated that there might be changes and there were).
Things that surprised me:
One of the lodges was disappointing but we were only there for one night (Brandberg White Lady Lodge - no proper AC and nowhere to charge anything plus very basic room and the food was also below par).
There wasn't much time to decompress and just enjoy the areas without being on the move - ideally this should be a 14 or 15 day trip with Toshari or Makuti and Swapokmund stays being extended by a further day.
Water is not provided at many of the lodges or at the inclusive meals so you end up buying plastic bottles of water (more costly than a beer!) that you then can't keep chilled as the rooms often did not have a fridge.
One of the recommended excursions in Walvis Bay was a waste of time and very expensive. The Shifting Sands excursion to Sandwich Harbour was vastly more costly (x3) than the Desert Discovery trip (both 3 hours) and yet covered much the same but at a much lower standard. The Desert Discovery Trip had much better guides, much more to see and a far superior dune driving experience. The Sandwich Harbour trip just gave the "dunes meeting the sea" and a fraction of the elements covered in the other trip but for the time/cost and drive it would have been better to have stayed in Walvis Bay and appreciate all the birdlife and coast there. Avoid that if offered.
What I needed on the trip:
The following items were really useful:
A sarong - to sit on a very hot seat or use as a sunshield in various locations; a water bottle flask that kept my water chilled all day;
A broad brimmed hat - in summer a baseball cap did not cut it at Sossusvlei;
Binoculars - even a basic pair;
A power bank for your phone as some days you are on the road for 12 hours and with all the photos you'll need an extra power source.;
A usb adaptor for your phone charger as a few lodges had these in the socket spaces;
Washing powder as you may end up hand washing a lot;
A basic set of general medications..... you never know!
Additionally I would recommend going at least one day earlier so you have time to take in a township and Windhoek tour. The on-cost of the hotel was minimal (arranged directly) but it meant we had no stress of being late and we had a chance to acclimatise, plus had a good look around prior to meeting the rest of the group and the guide. The Mercure has full access to the sister Movenpick which has a great pool area, other restaurants and spa/gym for use by all residents.
If you fly through Germany and direct on to Windhoek, you travel overnight and arrive morning time giving you a whole afternoon plus a whole day before you meet the group at 6pm. Plus your return flight is early evening so you get the departure day too if you extend your room at the Mercure. Well worth it!
Overall a truly great and varied trip even if you have done safaris before.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Windhoek, Otjiwarongo, Sesriem
Windhoek, Otjiwarongo, Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Uis, Etosha National Park
11% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover the breathtaking Garden Route & Wine Adventure in South Africa, an exhilarating escape blending coastal beauty and vineyard visits. Explore lush forests, indulge in premium wine tastings, and encounter wildlife in renowned reserves. Highlights include the scenic Knysna lagoon, rugged Tsitsikamma National Park, and charming Stellenbosch wine estates. Perfect for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts, this immersive journey promises unforgettable experiences amidst dramatic landscapes and exquisite culinary delights along South Africa's famed Garden Route.
ExplorerAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an unforgettable South African adventure exploring Cape Town’s vibrant culture, the breathtaking Garden Route, and the untamed wilderness of Addo National Park. Dive into thrilling safaris, scenic coastal drives, and astonishing wildlife encounters. Wander through lush forests, picturesque vineyards, and stunning beaches. Enjoy exhilarating activities such as whale watching, bungee jumping, and exploring ancient caves. With curated experiences at each destination, this journey offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and exhilarating adventures in South Africa's most iconic regions.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hostel, Resort, Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Cape
Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Cape Agulhas, Oudtshoorn, Sedgefield, Addo
Discover the vibrant flavors and rich heritage of Cape Town with an immersive cultural and culinary adventure. Indulge in authentic South African cuisine, explore bustling local markets, and marvel at iconic landmarks like Table Mountain. This unforgettable journey combines food tours, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty, giving you an insider’s look at Cape Town’s unique essence. Perfect for foodies and culture enthusiasts, this tour promises a taste of Cape Town’s soul in every bite and sight.
ExplorerAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the ultimate South African adventure with a volunteer twist on a stunning Cape Town & Garden Route journey. Immerse yourself in Cape Town's vibrant culture, explore breathtaking landscapes, and make a difference through wildlife conservation projects. Highlights include Big Five safaris, the Garden Route's scenic beauty, and hands-on community projects. Perfect for those seeking meaningful travel experiences combining adventure, nature, and voluntourism in South Africa's most iconic destinations. Make memories while contributing to local communities!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A great trip led by our expert driver/guide Colin. We saw lots of wildlife, drove through ever changing landscape and stayed in excellent accommodation. The only downside was long driving days with no aircon in the truck.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Sleeper Bus
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Victoria Falls, Fish River Canyo
Victoria Falls, Fish River Canyon, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Augrabies Falls National Park, Namaqualand, Cape Town, Chobe River, Okavango Delta, Kavango, Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei
This was a great tour - albeit full on and with a lot of travelling involved. However this was outweighed by seeing such a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife and experiencing so much in a short space of time. The game drives were the stand out for me, we were lucky enough to see the big 5 and it was honestly an incredible experience. I'd have loved to have had more time in the Kruger National Park, as our time was limited.
Highlights include: The incredible landscapes in the Drankensberg Mountains, the hippo cruise in St Lucia and the game drives in Kruger. Seeing lions in their natural habitat was a dream come true, but the elephants have to be the star of the show.
As someone who has never been on safari, this was the perfect introduction to this type of holiday and I'm already planning the next. Thanks Explore!
ExplorerActive and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Drakensberg Mounta
Johannesburg, Drakensberg Mountains, St. Lucia, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, Eswatini, Mlilwane, Kruger National Park, Graskop
22% OFF TODAY
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I really enjoyed the trip and the way camping was mixed into the other accommodations.
However, it would have been nice to have some more options for Cape Town add-ons, even if we couldn’t do all of them. I.e see Nelson Mandela’s prison. I also think the township tour should be an inclusion.
The walking safari in Zambia was a bit too expensive though, considering we only did like 30-40min of walking.
was fantastic in the way he welcomed us to his home country and spoke about life in Africa.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Tent, Guest House
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Kruger National Park
Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Maun, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls
9% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover the ultimate African adventure with an exhilarating tour that takes you from Livingstone to Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. This unforgettable journey offers breathtaking experiences, including a thrilling Victoria Falls tour, a captivating wildlife safari in Chobe, and a scenic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, and cultural encounters of this diverse region. Book now for an inspiring blend of adventure and serenity in Africa's heart.
AdventureWildlifeExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an unforgettable African adventure, exploring Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, indulge in heart-pounding activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping, and enjoy a scenic river cruise. Spot the Big Five on thrilling Chobe safaris, where you'll encounter elephants, lions, and more in their natural habitat. This ultimate blend of adrenaline and wildlife promises memories to last a lifetime. Ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike!
AdventureWildlifeExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Experience the ultimate African adventure with an exhilarating visit to Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. Dive into breathtaking activities like white-water rafting on the Zambezi River and guided safari game drives in Botswana's premier wildlife sanctuary. Discover awe-inspiring landscapes, meet majestic African wildlife up close, and relish unique cultural encounters. Immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur with this adrenaline-packed tour, perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers looking to explore Africa’s iconic natural wonders.
AdventureWildlifeExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa's stunning landscapes with this adventure-packed tour. Experience the vibrant Garden Route, explore the wild beauty of Addo Elephant National Park, and enjoy exhilarating activities like safari game drives, scenic hikes, and coastal walks. Delight in the diverse flora and fauna, visit charming towns, and relish regional cuisine. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to immerse themselves in the region's rich biodiversity and breathtaking scenery. Book now for a stellar South African escapade!
AdventureExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers