Reviews of trips to Swellendam

"Having visited South Africa briefly on several occasions we decided to make it our focus this time. The weather was good, though very, very hot at Kwandwe.

We had a good range of accommodation and the exchange rate meant that everything was extremely good value once we got there. We'd chosen our own accommodation at Oudtshoorn which we suggest Expert Africa look at for future travellers.

Cape Town was, as always, lovely!

Already booked to go back next year!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"Many thanks to Expert Africa for putting together such a good package with an excellent variety of places to visit and things to see.

Our 3 weeks has given us a taste of the country and we highly recommend to others. We thought our previous trip arranged by yourselves to Namibia could not be equalled but you proved us wrong. Many thanks AGAIN." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"A great success. We were delighted with Expert Africa. ( as expected after our experience in Namibia five years ago ) and would have no hesitation in recommending you to anybody wishing a great experience in Africa.

Clair and Tracy were always Very helpful and catered for our every need. Our reservations about Mimosa Lodge were easily resolved and did not reflect adversely on Expert Africa or its employees.

All in all we were hugely satisfied with the whole trip. Thank you all for you expertise and hard work to give us a memorable holiday.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No. Just keep up this standard." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"Very pleased with the input and organisation from Expert Africa about the trip.

Despite my reasonable knowledge of the country, Claire's suggestions were invaluable.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Please keep up your impeccable standards and looking forward to the next trip" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 5 on a South Africa trip

"Good hotels and good value. Food portions too large and too much meat to veg.

Felt very safe everywhere." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip

"Seeing that this was something of an instant arrangement, Claire worked miracles and came up with the perfect hotels and a perfect route. We started with the splendour of Grootbos and the whales and finished with the spectacular views of Long Beach and more whales!

Because of South Africa's bad press, we were a little concerned, but at no point did we feel unsafe. Everyone we met was very proud of their country and deservedly so. At times we had to remind ourselves we were not in the Home Counties; it was so well-kempt, smooth running and friendly. The quality of hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and shops is very high. Everyone strives to give the best service possible. The political issues that we hear about are evident, but not defining of a country which is looking forwards not back.

It was a great trip, wonderful hotels, beautiful scenery and welcoming people. We would happily recommend a visit to anyone else.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Our second excellent trip with Expert Africa and I really do not see how your service could be improved (Just a minor point - a better map would have helped our travels!)" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"The Sunvil section of our trip went very smoothly as did our unscheduled previous week at Hout Bay. We had no incidence of attemped theft nor did we at any time feel threatened.The main concern of the S.African tourist industry seems to blame falling visitor numbers on the European perception that Africa = Ebola (5k miles away!!) and that every time you get out of your car you are at risk.

We found the people friendly and helpful. The exchange rate is also ,very attractive.

We feel that this was one of our best holidays ever and we would love to go back.

Thanks Claire for organising it so well.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

In your brochure or when the clients itinerary is made up you may like to consider suggesting things to do /see at the suggested stopovers or on the way. e.g. Bartholomew Dias at Mossel bay, Drodsty Museum at Swallenburg etc." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"First of all we must complement Expert Africa for helping us choose where to go and where to stay, we have had a fantastic time, so many memories . . . .

Everything worked like clockwork - flights, transfers and car hire.

A bonus was being able to dip out of the programme to stay with my sister for a couple of days.

Each element of the holiday - Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, the Cape were all different but enjoyable in their own way.

One thing that worked particularly well was to have the leisurely stop at Victoria Falls at the beginning of the holiday, and the leisurely shopping stop in Cape Town at the end." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip

"The trip was even better than our last one - and we are already hoping to go again next year.

South Africa is perfect for families - the people are so friendly, the food and accommodation outstanding and the activities amazing. Driving around is easy and its great value for money. It just gets better on every visit." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a South Africa trip

"Excellent second trip to Namibia where we explored north of Windhoek, covering Etosha and Damaraland. Our previous visit was south of Windhoek to Kalahari, Fish River Canyon and Sossusvlei. Both were equally fabulous for scenery and animals.

It was brilliant seeing the wildlife at the waterholes in Etosha from our car and also at the waterholes in the various lodges we stayed in. The service everywhere in Namibia was excellent and very friendly.

No wonder Namibia has featured strongly for a number of years in the world's top ten countries to visit by readers of the Wanderlust travel magazine.

The garden route in South Africa, following Namibia, was a little tame and too touristy in comparison although it was great seeing whales in the bay at Hermanus. The food and wine in S.A. is extremely good and cheap in comparison to the UK.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

My husband thinks I should be paid for completing this feedback! It was a bit time consuming due to the number of lodges we stayed in over a three week period - it becomes a job to remember them all clearly.

Having said that the trip was brilliantly organised by Gwynneth and we will be contacting her again for our next trip in a couple of years time." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip