Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The land-based whale watching was incredible. I honestly could not believe how close to shore the whales would be. The game drives were also amazing and I loved the cheeky little penguins on Boulders Beach. The botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch are worth a visit too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Justin was fab. His knowledge of the country, history, animals, birds etc was excellent and he brought it all to life by sharing details of his family life and growing up in South Africa. Justins passion and enthusiasm for his country was infectious. Watch out for his wicked sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think about doing some of the additional activities. I did the additional game drive that was offered - very reasonable cost, we saw lots of animals and had a delicious meal included. The kayaking at Tsitsikamma was hard work but fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

For both of us, the Langa township tour. The Democratic Alliance here in Cape Province (unlike the ANC in other parts of SA) is making a real difference to the lives of all the people starting from the bottom up with structured layers of building which provides incentive. We were impressed (nay, humbled) by the way people of all colours seem to be pulling together to advance the lot of all after the dreadful years of apartheid. Using two individual hand-picked locals found by our tour guide rather than just going to a tour sub-contractor again allowed us to get ' beneath the surface'. The passion they all showed was truly heartening and the lack of resentment, often commented on, was (again) humbling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Read the comments already given. In addition, Justin said he was 24 hours on duty for us. He had a chest infection needing medication but he didn't allow that to get him down or detract from his level of care to us. What more can we say? One in a million.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If Justin is your leader, listen carefully to all his advice e.g. 'Do not go on the Waterfall Trail in Tsitsikamma, it is too dangerous'. Be sensible - we aborted the Suspension Bridge walk in that park as we felt under-fit and too 'frail' to complete it - Take personal responsibility and don't end up embarrassing your Tour Leader. Go to South Africa with an open mind and this trip and this leader will open your eyes . We have had so much comment (starting with the taxi driver home from Heathrow) that 'You're one of the very few people who have come home with a positive view of South Africa; most people think it dangerous and going smartly downhill'. No preconceptions, please - If you go looking for the negative, you'll certainly find it in the poverty and the history; the future looks bright for SA to us provided the Democratic Alliance wins and the ANC go to the wall. There is enormous potential in this berautiful land and in the people.

Suggestions

Something which might be made clearer in the pre-information: Evening meals were our own responsibility but venues were pre-selected and booked by our Tour Leader to ensure no time wastage, quality and an overall experience. Lunches were much freer and we always had our own head and perhaps a little guidance now and then. A sensitive balance.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the varied wildlife of the game reserves, ostriches, whales and penguins up close in their natural habitats. Also had the opportunity of mingling with local South Africans in non tourist areas as well as meeting inhabitants of the Langa township. The group leader also gave a stirring recount of the history, culture and traditions of South Africa which helped to put to bed my own misconceptions of the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was amazing from his organisation skills in organising in advance the activities, meals and accommodation to his vast and deep knowledge of South Africa. The group leader also helped to make the group feel at ease through his easy going , patient and pleasant demeanour and was very obliging when small issues arose with his ability to resolve them quickly being remarkable. I would embark on his other tours that he leads in the future.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this adventure, you will not regret it. Listen to the group leader as he knows so much and is available to help when required.

Most Inspirational Moment

The safari, whale watching and table mountain we our highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was great, he was very organised and ensured we saw the best bits of South Africa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go in August take some warm cloths as it does get cold at night. This would not put me off going at this time of year but take trousers, jumper and a light weight warm jacket.

Suggestions

Prepare to put some weight on the food is plentiful, cheap and lovely.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit up Table mountain was excellent & in the afternoon we went along to the Cape of Good Hope. The scenery is amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was very friendly & helpful. He had a wide & varied knowledge which he imparted in a clear & interesting way. He was very good a picking excellent restaurants & wines. His attention to detail helped make the trip. Nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch the transfer time in Cape Town as you have to go through 2 sets of immigration & passport control . Also, collect your case. This takes at least 90 mins & the B.A. FLIGHT could let you down as it did us. The meals are usually taken as a group & in places there is little choice of places to eat.

Suggestions

All the problems we encountered at the beginning were dealt with & there was a letter apology & a refund waiting for me on my return-very efficient. The food could be a problem . There were a couple of people who expressed a preference for certain foods & this influenced where we went & sometimes what was on a limited menu.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being charged by a Rhino whilst on a safari and zip lining across the gorge at Tsitsikamma, the penguins at Boulder Beach, Robben Island and Table Mountain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very knowledgeable, helpful and made the journey a very interesting one. His advice on local food and restaurants was particularly well informed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are thinking of doing the Garden Route, you could not do it a better way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Addo elephant game reserve.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good, but lacked a little confidence also found it sometimes difficult to explain and express herself . A good knowledge of wildlife.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Review extra tour options before departure. eg Game drives, sea life boat trip, township tour.

Suggestions

The Tsitsikamma accommodation was not the best, outdated, small and cramped (a shed on stilts). Location was great but a better standard of accomodation even nearby and bused in would make it a more enjoyable stay.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were wonderful moments every day. I was delighted to see so many animals on the game viewing day at the start of the trip and Table Mountain was stunning. I really enjoyed walking along the cliff path in Hermanus to Grotto Beach and back which I did on my own on the free day. I also loved the walk in Tsitsikamma along the boardwalk which is a fairly easy walk unless you have any mobility issues or are exceptionally unfit so most people should be able to do it without a problem. I also went up to the look out point which is on uneven ground and uphill so you need to a reasonable level of fitness to do that as well but is worth the effort. The scenery throughout the trip was really varied but always stunning and was a definite highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin is an exceptional tour leader. I have done many trips with Exodus and other similar companies and he is probably the best tour leader I have ever had. He is very friendly but also very professional and organised. His love for his country is infectious but he is honest about the problems and challenges the country still faces. I came away from this trip feeling I understood more about South Africa than I ever have about any country I have previously travelled to and that was thanks to Justin. He strikes the perfect balance of giving you a lot of information without ever making you feel overloaded with it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Unless your have done a lot of safari's before and are a bit bored of animals I would definitely recommend doing the optional Tooth and Claw Safari at Schotia which was excellent as there is a very high probability of seeing lions, hippos and giraffes which you are less likely to see at Addo in the morning, although Addo itself is also excellent. I would also recommend staying a few extra days in Cape Town at the end. I didn't and really regretted it as there is so much to do.

Suggestions

You hear scare stories about South Africa which I think are nonsense. I am sure things happen like they do everywhere but I went off on my own a couple of times and never felt anything other than completely safe, certainly safer than I do back in the UK at times. I found the majority of the people really friendly and welcoming as well. After about the first 2 days I developed a rule of always taking Justin's advice on food as he really does know what he is talking about. I am not much of a meat eater normally but did become a bit of a carnivore on this trip as the South Africans do love their meat and with good reason. In particular I would recommend trying warthog ribs in Cape Town as they were delicious.

Most Inspirational Moment

A lot to choose from, but Table Mountain akes some beating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was simply excellent. The trip was very well planned and organised, and I gained an insight into the real South Africa from the knowledge and experience that he was happy to share. Outstanding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be comfortable to go on this trip. The only problem I has was the mosquitoes in Cape Town, with whom I was far too popular. Some of the group were completely immune!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many. The Tooth and Claw Safari at Schotia Game Reserve, zip lininig at Tsitsikamma and everything about Cape Town. We were lucky enough to get up Table Mountain on our first attempt and the views were amazing. But, my lasting impression from this trip will be of the South African people who all seemed so happy and welcoming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were incredibly lucky to have Justin as our tour leader. He’s friendly, knowledgeable, entertaining and professional. A real credit to Exodus and a pleasure to be with. I would be happy to tour with him again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t be put off by tales of violence and crime in South Africa. Everywhere we visited seemed very safe and we were able to wander around after dark without fear. ALthough do make sure you are the right sort of person to join a group tour as if you are a lover of 5 star luxury or find it difficult to fit in then this sort of holiday may not suit. Having said that, the hotels all had their own charms, and the one at De Rust was exceptional as was it’s owners who really welcomed us.

Suggestions

We added a night in Port Elizabeth before the start of the tour and a few extra nights in Camps Bay on the end. This made for a pretty perfect holiday. Where to next?