South Africa Wildlife Tours

We had a wonderful time on this tour. The accommodations were very good, especially The Wallow in Victoria falls and the Black Rhino lodge in Pilanesberg, beautiful grounds, large luxurious rooms, great service and delicious meals. We had perfect weather, a fun tour guide Andrew Penn, great excursions and we saw tons of beautiful animals and all of the big Five, including the leopard which we were told was very rare. Victoria Falls was breathtaking with tons of rainbows everywhere. Had a perfect clear sunny day in Capetown to table mountain and the wine country of Stellenbosch was so scenic with the mountains and fall colors. A perfect trip, Collette did a wonderful job of organizing this trip and we are planning to go back in 2028 to Tanzania and Kenya!

Tour was exceptional. The safaris and the rangers were fun and adventurous. Our safari fod guides were so informative on rhe animals and where they were located. The made the ride so memorable. Loved the Wallow Lodge. Victoria Falls went beyond my expectations. Khosi, our tour manager made all of us feel like family. She was so knowledgeable about the places we visited. Loved hearing her personal stories about growing up in South Africa.

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.