South Africa Highlights & Safari Reviews

5 Rating 173 Reviews

About smarTours:

smarTours is a leading provider of direct-to-consumer, affordable travel experiences to exotic global destinations. The Company offers travelers curated, pre-packaged itineraries to over 50 destinations across the globe. By offering tours directly to consumers, the Company provides premium-quality experiences at value prices, and as a result, has cultivated a highly passionate and loyal community of repeat travelers. More than 200,000 travelers have taken a smarTours trip since the founding of the Company in 1996. smarTours is… the smarter way to see the world.

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New York
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“Once again we traveled with SmarTours and were thoroughly satisfied with the trip. This was an active trip with early morning departures, and as a result, we were fortunate to see much of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Swaziland without long lines. Our guide, Ron McGregor was knowledgeable, organized, and a fascinating story teller. We learned so much about the regions we visited. He also put us at ease regarding any concerns regarding our safety and health, and we never felt threatened. We experienced such diversity from the stunning coastline of Cape Town and the Peninsula, the serene wine lands, beautiful Blyde River Canyon, and the exciting safaris in Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe, where we felt as though we were on a National Geographic filming. The extension to Victoria Falls was amazing. We rode and fed elephants, petted lions and cheetahs, viewed rainbows at the falls, and relaxed on boat rides in Chobe and the Zambezi River. We visited the Apartheid Museum, learned much about Mandela's life and contributions, and witnessed everyday life of the South Africans. The food was very good, with lots of choices, and for the more adventurous, opportunities to experience crocodile, kudu, and impala. What a value for the price of this tour. We highly recommend this trip”

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Posted 7 years ago

“This tour was really very good and our tour director, Ron McGregor was great. He is very knowledgeable and gave us great insight into life in South Africa at the present time. The safaris were very good with the drivers getting us very close to a lot of animals. The Victoria Falls add-on was also very good and our tour guide there covered everything very well. Too bad he couldn't go with us into Botswana.”

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Posted 7 years ago

“Smartours provided a very interesting and thoroughly picked itinerary for this trip. All hotels were good and conveniently located. Informative tours were carefully scheduled. We've see many beautiful places, lots of animals and birds. We had multiple different safaris using boats and safari vehicles, in the morning and in the afternoons. Victoria Falls extension was very interesting also. Optional tours provided options for those who wanted to get more different experience. Stuff was very good also.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Excellent and very informative review of Yvonne Alexander - perfect for people who are planning to go to this wonderful place. Did not have any doubts about Smartours - already went 4 times, last time in September to Greece with unforgettable Granville. Yvonne, would it be possible to add what pills and (if at all) shots have you taken and at which part of the trip? With this information I am ready to book. Kind regards, Dr. Boris Mintseris”

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Posted 8 years ago

“This tour has far exceeded my expectations. An avid independent traveler, I admittedly am skeptical of large tour groups. However I would not have experienced all that Southern Africa has to offer if traveling alone. This tour delivered it all, from the beautiful crystal blue coastline of Cape Town, the intensity of Zululand, the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, inspirational Johannesburg, the wild Kruger National Park...and the optional extension to one of the seven Natural Wonders of the world, the magnificent Victoria Falls. We could not have had a better tour guide than Jonathan Muller. His efficiency and professionalism provided me with a new respect for group touring. He came to know each personality in our group, and embraced each individual's sensitivity . With 35 person onboard, that was no easy task. Jonathan is truly a people person, also patient and knowledgeable...all aspects of a great tour guide. He kept us entertained during the long motor coach rides with humor and personal views of his homeland. While we were all enjoying ourselves during downtime, Jonathan was behind the scenes making arrangements and phone calls, so that our tour succeeded with only one glitch, a missing suitcase that eventually arrived to the hotel. All included hotels were high quality, per US standards. The beds were all comfortable. Some had bathtubs whereas the others had huge showers with strong water flow. All had room safes, only two did not have a refrigerator, and two did not have a television. We were greeted at every hotel with a non-alcoholic beverage, and room keys were distributed expeditiously. Dining opportunities were convenient at all locations. The included buffet meals were top notch. If there is any negativity to mention, it occurred during the end of our 3 day extension to Zimbabwe. Everyone was really hot, exhausted, and ready to return home. Victoria Falls itself was absolutely breathtaking, and the side trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana was was also memorable. Unfortunately, we didn't have Jonathan to hold our hands, so there was a little more exertion on our parts. However the guides and bus drivers that we had were all very friendly. I'm really glad that I did the tour and the extension; one of the best trips I've ever taken.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“There are several reasons this was a fantastic trip: 1) the itinerary had a little bit of everything, from the amazing city life of Cape Town to wildlife safaris to the natural beauty of Victoria Falls to the apartheid museum in Joburg. 2) Jeremy Poole was our tour director. He made sure everything was organized, he took special requests, he offered great advice, and he was always patient. But what really made him such an amazing host was his knowledge of and his passion for his country in every aspect, from its history to its geography and botany. I doubt that we would have learned as much or been as captivated by South Africa had he not been our guide. 3) the accommodations, value for money, meals covered, etc. were all excellent. This was our first Smartour but will not be our last.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Just retuned from African Highlights with the Victoria Falls extension. Can not say enough about Jeriemy Poole, tour director, and the entire once in a lifetime African experience. The whole tour was fantastic and I did every single optional tour. Well worth it. I highly recommend this tour. It's my second tour with Smartours and I'm booking 2 more trips for next year. You get your monies worth and then some.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“This was a great trip! We saw and learned a lot in our group of 22. Tour guide Jeremy Poole was informative, passionate and shared his extensive knowledge of South Africa and the region. He kept us on schedule, entertained and informed above and beyond. The hotels were great (Swaziland hotel was so-so but okay for just one night, but the other hotels and lodges were fantastic!). Food was great too. A nice combination of buffets and chances to dine out on your own. smarTours gives a lot of value for the price and everything was delivered as stated and more.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago