Reviews of trips to Cape Town
205 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Cape Town.
Mr & Mrs H
Indiana
"Real Africa!"
I visited Botswana and 2 other countries between 28 Mar 2013 and 16 Apr 2013
"Outstanding in all respects. We have been to most of the world and certainly rank this trip among our favorites.
The assistance and guidance we received from Saskia Adye was fantastic, accurate and honest!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
If I were to go on safari and was assigned to a vehicle with nine people crowded together, not even mentioning the roads - I would end my trip then and there! This did not happen to us and usually it was either my wife and self on one other couple with two couples only once for a short period. Obviously, I prefer the two bench vehicles with a top (although I fully realize this is not always possible for a number of reasons. We are 77 and in good shape, I seriously doubt if anyone our age or approaching our age not in a reasonalbly good physical and mental condition would enjoy the trip we took. However, there are certainly many alternatives for any situation whereby almost anyone could be accomodated as long as they realize it is not a trip to New York City." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari
The assistance and guidance we received from Saskia Adye was fantastic, accurate and honest!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
If I were to go on safari and was assigned to a vehicle with nine people crowded together, not even mentioning the roads - I would end my trip then and there! This did not happen to us and usually it was either my wife and self on one other couple with two couples only once for a short period. Obviously, I prefer the two bench vehicles with a top (although I fully realize this is not always possible for a number of reasons. We are 77 and in good shape, I seriously doubt if anyone our age or approaching our age not in a reasonalbly good physical and mental condition would enjoy the trip we took. However, there are certainly many alternatives for any situation whereby almost anyone could be accomodated as long as they realize it is not a trip to New York City." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms R & Mr B
Lyneham
"One of the best holiday's we've had"
I visited South Africa between 15 Feb 2013 and 27 Feb 2013
"Our trip was brilliant. We were really pleased with the accommodation choices that Expert Africa suggested and the trip all went extremely smoothly. We'd love to go back!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps in the informatino you provide before the trip, you could provide a bit more detail about restaurant and activity ideas in each area." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps in the informatino you provide before the trip, you could provide a bit more detail about restaurant and activity ideas in each area." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Cambs
"My Feb 2013 trip"
I visited South Africa and 1 other country between 7 Feb 2013 and 26 Feb 2013
"A most enjoyable holiday. The highlights were Rovos, Vic Falls in full flow and the Chobe National Park."
Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs P
Twickenham
"SA 2013"
I visited South Africa between 6 Feb 2013 and 27 Feb 2013
"Re car hire with Budget; they no longer require copy passport or drivers licence. In addition the CT office is not familiar with the form at at the back of your handbook to be signed by them on the return of the car. I think it is essential and they need to be encouraged to get used to this practise.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No thanks unless you can persuade B.A to let you use your client,s air miles!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No thanks unless you can persuade B.A to let you use your client,s air miles!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs J
Evesham
"My Dec 2012 trip"
I visited South Africa between 29 Dec 2012 and 12 Jan 2013
"We had a brilliant trip - we and Allan and Ruth, all thought that it was our best trip to S. Africa ever so Megan our thanks for absolutely everything and your unfailing patience in getting us organised. It gives us so much confidence and increases our enjoyment 100% to know that everything goes according to plan e.g. transfers are waiting for us, as arranged, and are professional, helpful and friendly.
Reg wants to make Rorke's Drift and the Great Migration his next trip !" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 2 on a South Africa trip
Reg wants to make Rorke's Drift and the Great Migration his next trip !" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 2 on a South Africa trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr R
Chicago, USA
"A Wonderful Relaxing Experience"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 8 Dec 2012 and 28 Dec 2012
"We are very happy with most of the services and suggestions provided by Expert Africa. The lodge choices were excellent overall. We were also very happy that we decided to follow the recommendation of renting a 4x4. It made the driving much more comfortable and worry-free. Gwynn was a pleasure to work with. She is obviously very knowledgeable and passionate about her home country. The map provided was perfect! We had no problems at all driving ourselves.
I do have to mention two small bumps throughout the process. The first was a problem with the bank transfer from the US. Even though it is clearly explained in the instructions, I wish someone would have made it stand out. There are pages and pages of instructions to read and things are easily overlooked. It would be great if you could have a small list of highlights, including payment instructions. We ended spending over USD$300 to correct the bank transaction problem.
I was also disappointed about our lodging arrangements in the Kalahari. When we first discussed the lodging we were told that we were going to have to stay each one of the three nights at different places because everything was booked. To our surprise, when we arrived in Mata Mata and called !Xaus we were told that they had plenty of rooms available. They told us that they had availability when Expert Africa made our reservations. We ended up losing our entire payment for our night at Mata Mata Rest Camp which was not pleasant." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
I do have to mention two small bumps throughout the process. The first was a problem with the bank transfer from the US. Even though it is clearly explained in the instructions, I wish someone would have made it stand out. There are pages and pages of instructions to read and things are easily overlooked. It would be great if you could have a small list of highlights, including payment instructions. We ended spending over USD$300 to correct the bank transaction problem.
I was also disappointed about our lodging arrangements in the Kalahari. When we first discussed the lodging we were told that we were going to have to stay each one of the three nights at different places because everything was booked. To our surprise, when we arrived in Mata Mata and called !Xaus we were told that they had plenty of rooms available. They told us that they had availability when Expert Africa made our reservations. We ended up losing our entire payment for our night at Mata Mata Rest Camp which was not pleasant." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr & Mrs T
Kent
"Relaxing and interesting holiday"
I visited South Africa between 25 Nov 2012 and 12 Dec 2012
"We really enjoyed our first trip to S Africa and would really recommend it.
Wonderful scenery and lots to do. We stayed in lovely hotels and had great food and wine. We also saw some of the problems the country has, and learned much more about its recent political evolution and past history. We also enjoyed the wildlife with whales, dolphins, seals and penguins. The Fynbos was really amazing to see with incredible flowers wherever you looked whilst the remnants of indiginous forest were remarkable.
Our abiding memory will be of the kindness and good humour of the people we met, often living in such difficult circumstances surrounded by such affluence; unsettling and inspiring at the same time.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have travelled twice with you now and been impressed. You get what you pay for. We will be back." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 14 on a South Africa trip
Wonderful scenery and lots to do. We stayed in lovely hotels and had great food and wine. We also saw some of the problems the country has, and learned much more about its recent political evolution and past history. We also enjoyed the wildlife with whales, dolphins, seals and penguins. The Fynbos was really amazing to see with incredible flowers wherever you looked whilst the remnants of indiginous forest were remarkable.
Our abiding memory will be of the kindness and good humour of the people we met, often living in such difficult circumstances surrounded by such affluence; unsettling and inspiring at the same time.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have travelled twice with you now and been impressed. You get what you pay for. We will be back." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 14 on a South Africa trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr R & Mrs C
France
"Another Great Holiday With Expert Africa"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 3 Nov 2012 and 18 Nov 2012
"Our third trip with Expert Africa and the best yet. Gwynneth was very helpful and efficient and the arrangements were perfect. Locations and accommodation were just what we wanted and were all of a very high standard.
We hope to be travelling with you again soon.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None at all." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
We hope to be travelling with you again soon.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None at all." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr C & Mrs K
UK
"My Sept 2012 5088Km trip."
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 20 Sep 2012 and 13 Oct 2012
"I can't find enough superlatives to describe the overall experience of the trip (despite the few difficulties listed in the wider feedback). In fact, even the tyre problems, listed at the begining of the document, were a part of the overall experience and have now become a signifiicant part of the 'adventure' and of the telling.
This was very well organised and the accomodation excellent. I can't thank Sabina enough.
A great trip though hard work at times. Deffinitely not a holiday for those with poolside inclinations but what an adventure.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Some additional recomendations for any one doing a similar trip at this time i.e probably wanting to see the flowers. Don't miss out a trip round the cape for wild protea. Don't miss out Kirstenbosch. On the journey north take the coast road from Cape Town and take in the West Coast National Park with the Postberg reserve. The flowers are stunning and there are also game and bird viewings to be had. The coast road is good with good tarmac. Make sure your car has a ZA sticker on the back as the Namibian police at the Orange river border will threaten to fine you if you don't get one put on at the service station just after the border.
As soon as you get into Namibia go to the service station anyway and get your type pressures checked and deflated to about 1.80 - 2.00Atm for the gravel roads or you risk having punctures." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
This was very well organised and the accomodation excellent. I can't thank Sabina enough.
A great trip though hard work at times. Deffinitely not a holiday for those with poolside inclinations but what an adventure.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Some additional recomendations for any one doing a similar trip at this time i.e probably wanting to see the flowers. Don't miss out a trip round the cape for wild protea. Don't miss out Kirstenbosch. On the journey north take the coast road from Cape Town and take in the West Coast National Park with the Postberg reserve. The flowers are stunning and there are also game and bird viewings to be had. The coast road is good with good tarmac. Make sure your car has a ZA sticker on the back as the Namibian police at the Orange river border will threaten to fine you if you don't get one put on at the service station just after the border.
As soon as you get into Namibia go to the service station anyway and get your type pressures checked and deflated to about 1.80 - 2.00Atm for the gravel roads or you risk having punctures." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs T
Glasgow
"september trip to cederberg and Namibia"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 8 Sep 2012 and 23 Sep 2012
"we really appreciate the approach of expert africa in allowing us the freedom to outline our wishes and make individual arrangements as needed but can rely 100% on your expertise in arranging venues and other aspects so efficiently. We like the personal touch and feel we know you well!
Gwyneth was able to help us when we had a problem with vehicle hire (see below) this was timely and efficient!
We have often recommended your services and have no hesitation whatsoever in planning to 'use'you for our next trip which is already formulating in our minds!
We also appreciate the extra information and notes, additional items you supply
The comprehensive feedback is appreciated as we know you continually monitor and check on venues and arrangements
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Please don't relax your careful 'quality control' which makes you such a reliable company and such good value for money!
Our only suggestion is that for (the presumably small number) guests who wish as we did to make driving part of our holiday and who want 4x4 vehicles you consider linking to one of the specialist 4x4 suppliers. Budget SA really did not come 'up to the mark ' in this respect.
They advertise 4x4 vehicles but then do not supply as expected...in our case we effectively were provided with a 'bakkie' from the truck hire division The trouble with this is they are not on site at the airport and when we had a problem with the vehicle allocated we had to await the truck hire manager to arrive and as you know he then was not very helpful in allowing an alternative vehicle!
Also the idea that vehicles for use in Namibia should have a double fuel tank was completely denied by both the car hire staff and the truck division manager (despite what I think is a statement on their website)" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
Gwyneth was able to help us when we had a problem with vehicle hire (see below) this was timely and efficient!
We have often recommended your services and have no hesitation whatsoever in planning to 'use'you for our next trip which is already formulating in our minds!
We also appreciate the extra information and notes, additional items you supply
The comprehensive feedback is appreciated as we know you continually monitor and check on venues and arrangements
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Please don't relax your careful 'quality control' which makes you such a reliable company and such good value for money!
Our only suggestion is that for (the presumably small number) guests who wish as we did to make driving part of our holiday and who want 4x4 vehicles you consider linking to one of the specialist 4x4 suppliers. Budget SA really did not come 'up to the mark ' in this respect.
They advertise 4x4 vehicles but then do not supply as expected...in our case we effectively were provided with a 'bakkie' from the truck hire division The trouble with this is they are not on site at the airport and when we had a problem with the vehicle allocated we had to await the truck hire manager to arrive and as you know he then was not very helpful in allowing an alternative vehicle!
Also the idea that vehicles for use in Namibia should have a double fuel tank was completely denied by both the car hire staff and the truck division manager (despite what I think is a statement on their website)" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
205
reviews of Cape Town by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Inspire meWhere to stay in Cape Town
Our suggestions for places to stay in Cape Town
Vineyard Hotel
In the quiet, leafy suburb of Newlands, the sophisticated Vineyard Hotel has close access to smart shops, sports facilities and the main sights of Cape Town.
Acorn House
Against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Table Mountain, Acorn House offers a traditional guesthouse welcome in a historic setting.
Victoria & Alfred Hotel
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is a pleasant place to stay whilst visiting Cape Town. It's located at one of the Cape's most visited destinations, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
The Constantia
The five-star Constantia is an elegant, country-style boutique hotel with well-appointed rooms, situated close to Cape Town’s attractions, five world-class wine estates and many superb restaurants.
Camps Bay Retreat
Camps Bay Retreat is a peaceful sanctuary set in a lush green private reserve overlooking the sea, close to one of Cape Town's most desirable beachfront areas.
Four Rosmead
Four Rosmead is a comfortable, very friendly guest house located very close to the city centre and all its nearby attractions.
Cape Grace
The Cape Grace is set in the centre of Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. It's a perfect base for those wanting to be close to restaurants and shops.
Long Beach
Located on one of Cape Town's best beaches, the Long Beach is a great place to relax and explore, although it is further from the city than many other hotels and guesthouses.
Radisson Blu Waterfront
The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront is located beside the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and has great views of the Atlantic Ocean
Hotel Verde
The contemporary and comfortable Hotel Verde, within a stone’s throw of Cape Town International Airport, has a strong focus on sustainability and the environment.
Cellars-Hohenort
Cellars Hohenort is a luxury hotel set in stunning gardens. Situated in the wine-growing Constantia Valley it is not far from many of Cape Town's attractions.
Bay Hotel
On the beachfront at Camps Bay, the Bay Hotel has luxury 5-star amenities, plus close access to one of Cape Towns best beaches as well as lots of restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Mount Nelson Hotel
Mount Nelson Hotel is Cape Town's oldest and most famous hotel. It's a place to be seen and the best address for a delicious afternoon tea.
Twelve Apostles
The welcoming Twelve Apostles Hotel has a great location overlooking the ocean, just a short drive to the beach and restaurants of Camps Bay.
