Reviews of safaris to Addo Elephant National Park

"We really enjoyed our tour of the Cape. The weather was great except for a few days near the end of November. The roads, with driving on the left as in the UK, were perfectly manageable. However, it appears the norm for cars not to have satnavs, which means that you need google maps and a mobile signal to navigate

We enjoyed the contrasts between the coastal Garden Route on our way to Port Elisabeth and the inland desert and mountains on our way back to Franschhoek and Cape Town.

We felt that our decision to stay 3 or 4 days at most places gave us the opportunity to match weather and activities plus we were not perpetually unpacking and repacking.

Our biggest disappointment was that we were too late to see whales at either Hermanus or Plettenberg Bay. From advice on the ground we needed to be early October at the very latest to see the whales offshore, whereas we had read that early November would still be OK.

On the whole, we felt safe whilst travelling around South Africa but until we got to Franschhoek, we were totally discouraged from walking to restaurants and bars in the evenings as it was unsafe in the dark, which was by 7 30pm. This was inconvenient and undesirable but we needed to stay safe. Unfortunately, the contrast between those residents that have and those that have not financial stability is enormous and this will be evident to you in every urban area you visit." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 9 on a South Africa trip

"Big thanks to Tracy for planning this trip for us. My wife, my mother and my boy, they all had a great time.

This was our third trip with Expert Africa and we are always happy with their knowledge, communication and overall services. Twice over the course of this trip, we needed to contact Tracy and thankfully we could just rang her and things were resolved.

We look forward to our next trip with Expert Africa." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"We had a truly wonderful holiday, especially appreciated after the postponements.

It was so exciting to see the wildlife and we were cared for throughout with professionalism, enthusiasm and kindness. We'd like to thank everyone who made this trip so good.

We had excellent advice, service and understanding in tricky circumstances from everyone. Thanks.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service

No. We had excellent advice, service and understanding in tricky circumstances from everyone. Thanks." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip

"Overall it was completely fantastic the slight bumps did not cause us any major issues.

The country is fantastic, the animals were amazing but the people win my vote. The Xhosa people are warm, friendly, helpful with a high work ethic and an eagerness to learn, a joy to interact with.

We went from the old world glamour of the Blue Train to the vibe of the modern city of Cape Town. Then we enjoyed the laid back artistic atmosphere of Franschoek followed by whale watching at Hermanus and the surfing town that is Plettenberg. We needed with the amazing waterhole watching at Gorah followed by the long drives into the bush to see a wide range of local fauna and flora at Kwandwe." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"We had a great time in SA. it is a truly beautiful and spectacular country.

In hindsight, we regret not spending longer in Plettenberg Bay and would also have loved to spend a night or two in Prince Albert. At the expense of either Swellendam or Oudtshoorn; both of which towns were not as memorable.

Tracy was very helpful and gave great advice. If we travel to Africa again, we plan to use Expert Africa and have recommended it to several friends.
This was our second time to use Expert Africa. We travelled to Namibia in 2016.

Thank again" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 12 on a South Africa trip

"As mentioned elsewhere, the highlight of this trip was the Karoo National Park.

Its a pity that Expert Africa do not extend their horizon to this area. It is really worth taking a 3-4 day detour north of R62 and the Garden Route. Karoo National Park was truly exceptional, Graaff-Reinet worth a visit, Prince Albert simply delightful, the Swartberg Pass unmissable.

This was my fourth holiday with Expert Africa - they continue to be my first choice" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 11 on a South Africa trip

"Another fantastic trip with Expert Africa. Claire provides knowledge and reassurance during the planning. The logistics were incredibly smooth whilst in South Africa. Can’t wait for our next trip!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a South Africa trip

"This is the second time we have travelled with Expert Africa after our honeymoon in 2013, and on both occasions they have been superb (we never got round to doing the feedback on that first trip - sorry....).

Claire was very efficient and super-helpful with advice in response to our requests in terms of dates and locations, and her advice in terms of re-balancing the number of days we spent in different parts of the country proved to be spot-on.

Remote support for when things went slightly wrong - when our flight to Cape Town was very delayed - was great: on contacting Expert Africa, they were immediately able to re-schedule our transfer from the airport to our hotel.

South Africa - the second time we have visited, although the first was very briefly in a very wet August - was fantastic. At no point did we have any security concerns; the roads, admittedly generally between major population centres, were excellent; and the holiday experience itself was straightforward and relaxing, whilst encompassing some wonderfully special moments that will always live with us.

We now find ourselves as an informal local branch of the SA Tourist Board, so much do we rave about the country to friends and family!

Overall experience; trip as a whole:

You were superb - I can't really think of anything.

Thank you so much, and especially to Claire for making it all possible.

Happy New Year!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a South Africa trip

"It was amazing, easily one of the best trips we've ever been on.

The fact that we could do it with our small kids made it all the more special, and it was certainly a lot easier than we expected/feared.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

This trip has really made us interested other parts of South Africa as well.

It would be great if you could expand your coverage of the country. Perhaps in 2019 we can help you 'test' some lodges :)" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a South Africa trip

"It was a great trip but marred by a terrible hire car and extra De Hoop expenditure (both as outlined earlier). As a family we have made many life long memories which is the reason we wanted to do the trip in the first place. I will, however, steer well clear of self drive holidays for a while as the arguments Craig And I had over the driving and the car were too frequent and stressful!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip