Review: Africa Safari, Luxury 2-Week Trip to South Africa, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Wine & Food, Beer & Cheese Tasting

Review by traveler

Allison E.

2.25.2019

General Info

Traveler Review

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

South Africa

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

We were very pleased with the recommendations that we got from our travel specialist and Zicasso. She took the time to speak with us about our trip objectives and traveling style and she did an excellent job matching dining, travel, and accommodations to our taste and budget! We had some world class meals in SA (wine of course too) and one meal that our specialist urged us to try was Spectacular! Kapama was lovely, very high end but if you are wanting to see a ton of animals, you'd probably be better served by another location. The hotel in Cape Town was serviceable...what we expected given that we booked late at high season. Our Stellenbosch hotel was nice. A lot of families with young children there if that is what you are looking for. However, watch your valuables carefully there for sure. It is the one place we did not use the travel safe and we were robbed, of course.

Also, we did have a weird experience with our driver in Cape Town/Stellenbosch. Although she was very knowledge about the area and generally pleasant, she essentially became another member of our travel party including eating meals with us and on our dime. We assumed that this was a cultural thing but learned after our trip that this was not typical. Not only was this unexpected but given that she was our driver for 5 or so days, this became pretty intrusive and expensive.

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

We loved the wine country. Very different from CA wine country. A lot more to do and generally all of the estates had a boutique, food, and a beautiful picnic areas. We also did beer tasting and cheese tasting. There were quite a lot of family friendly activities so don't be scared off if your kids are on the younger side.

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

I would probably take a couple days to spend in one of the beach towns. We liked Cape Town a lot but it is a city. There wasn't a lot of chill time and the pool at the hotel was just meh. Also, we did the Shark Experience which was fun but a LONG way from Cape Town and essentially took the entire day. Also, "calm waters" even in the protected bay left 5 of the 10 passengers on board sick as dogs.

Travel Company Comments

Thank you for your kind words around the service you received from me for your family vacation to South Africa. I appreciate your feedback regarding both the highlights and some negative experiences. As a tour company we strive to create outstanding and unforgettable experiences for all travellers and any negative feedback is taken very seriously.

As we had discussed telephonically after your travels, the tour guide in Cape Town was unprofessional in her actions, despite the knowledge she had of the areas and locations. Her service was discussed with the Tour Guiding Company and with her and it was decided that she will no longer be hosting any travellers who are booked through our Travel Agency. Her behavior was unusual and unacceptable and I personally apologize for the experience you encountered in this regard.

I was extremely sad to learn that your valuables were taken at your Winelands hotel during your stay. I can assure you that the hotel has done a thorough investigation in this regard and an email with their findings should be heading your way soon. I do know that they take theft very seriously, as do we.

Your feedback has been invaluable to us and that of my Travel Service Providers. I have noted your comments around the distance for Shark Cage Diving, perhaps a beach town overnight stay and your safari experience. These are very valuable in the creation process of creating tailor-made itineraries.

Should you ever wish to travel to South Africa again, please feel free to contact me as I would love the opportunity to showcase more of my country and to introduce you to the service levels we expect from all our Travel Providers. Once again, I do apologies for the negative experiences you encounted but pleased to read that you had some lovely memorable moments and that you still had a wonderful family holiday.

Photos

Review: Africa Safari, Luxury 2-Week Trip to South Africa, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Wine & Food, Beer & Cheese Tasting

General Info

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

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