South Africa Wildlife safaris game drives Trips

Had a wonderful time on the tour, Willam was a superb tour guide, friendly, informative and helpful with a great sense of humour. Chris our coach driver was very good and helped us see some fantastic animals on our way to Timbavati Lodge. Our safari guide Vincent, was also great, if we asked us something he didn't know the answer to he immediately either looked it us in his book of birds or on his mobile. All in all a wonderful experience, Thank you!

What a trip, we can highly recommend it! We booked an extra night pre-tour in Cape Town and could easily have filled an extra 2 nights, there is so much to see and do in Cape Town that isn't covered in the tour itininary. A Hop On Hop Off bus is a good option on arrival day, the red route will take you to the cable car for Table Mountain. Ubers are incredibly cheap and the best way to get around. We were pleased that we made the boat trip out to Robben Island, if we'd had an extra day we would have visited the Kirstenbosch National Botancial Gardens. Bee (Bianca) is an exceptional, top rate guide, she made our trip super special for us, particularly as we ended being the only 2 travellers and not the usual Explore small group experience. Although we stuck pretty much to the itininary Bee's flexibility ensured that we got the very most out of everywhere that we visited. We loved our additional stop at the Ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn - an ostrich neck massage is a must-do once in a lifetime experience! The hiking trails in the Robberg Nature Reserve involve steep uneven and precipitous climbs and descents, not for the faint hearted, so instead we opted for a fun boat trip spotting many fur seals and cormorants at the foot of the Robberg cliffs and a trip to the Monkeyland sancturay - both excellent alternatives that we were very pleased that we visited. The accommodation lived up to all expectations, each place unique in its own way; comfy beds, good showers, plenty of hot water and good breakfasts including the novelty of a 'bagged' breakfast from Elna, our fabulous host at De Poort. The sheer variety of this trip, the great hospiltality from the South African people and our superb guide made this a very memorable holiday. Practical notes: power sockets - you need the fat round 3 pin plugs not the skinnier ones that Amazon sell as compatable, not all usb sockets work, many hotels also have European 2 pin sockets; not all accommodation provide hairdryers in the room but you can probably borrow from reception; you can pay for everything with credit card even at Sedgefield market, no surcharge for small purchases, we only used cash for tips; expect to pay roughly half of what you would pay for food and drink in the UK.

Excellent trip, enjoyed the people, places, the little things make a big difference on these trips, you guys did that very well, for instance, having someone collect me at the hotel on the day to go to cape town airport, and having somebody meet me at the airport to take me to the check in desk. also the standard of the hotels were top notch, the food offering was generally very good. I thought the trip was great value for the money . The bus driver was a lovely man, and the tour guide had a lot of information and did his best to manage his audience. The extra tours not included were good value.

Exceptional customer service from Explore from start to finish. Excellent itinerary: really varied - with lovely walks, history, culture and LOTS of wildlife. Accommodation was superb - interesting hotels/lodges all in remarkable locations. Be prepared for long drives though.

A thoroughly enjoyable trip with a great group of people. Lots of interesting places and beautiful walks - if quite strenuous. I’m sure a bit more information about places and life living in Cape Town now and in the past would have been interesting.

From Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, we loved every minute of the tour, learning so much about the country, the culture, the people, the food and the wildlife. Our guide Marco had a wealth of knowledge on all of the above and with boundless energy was prepared to go to enormous lengths to make the trip special (he also has a wonderful sense of humour). The group comprising 15 people (about the right size) was so warm and friendly, making it a pleasure to get to know everyone. The hotels were all well equipped, with some better than others: Tsitsikama had amazing views of the sea, House Martin was a clear step up (run by a lovely couple), while The Windsor was great provided you have a sea facing room (do pay for this to avoid overlooking the car park). City Lodge is a typical city travellers hotel but has just been refurbished so it was in good condition. The trip may not be super-active but the pace is full on as you move from activity to activity and from location to location. We ate in some fantastic spots and Marco was always on hand to recommend the local specialities / what not to eat at each restaurant. He even managed to convince us to try Mopane worms by the end! Wine tasting under the trees in Stellenbosch was lovely despite the food and tour around the facility being a little shambolic. When in Cape Town, the Robben Island tour was well worth attending especially for the second part when you are guided by an ex-political prisoner. Our last night of the tour at Marco's Restaurant (not related) in Cape Town which was such a fun way to bring it to an end. Overall, a fabulous trip which we thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend.