South Africa Wildlife safaris game drives Trips

Everything from the trip manager to the included and add on experiences were the best! Our trip manager was so knowledgeable about the countries we visited. The stays were clean, comfortable, and welcoming. The food was incredible.

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.

A fantastic trip which was excellent value for money. Our guides, who were with us throughout, were very knowledgeable and worked incredibly hard. The locations were outstanding and the wildlife was superb.

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.