We have always wanted to visit South Africa after numerous friends recommended various parts and experiences. On first looking, we were clueless about where to start and what to include in our time frame of 10 days. Discover Africa came to the rescue when I came across their website and various suggested itineraries, so I made contact and Susan got back to me promptly. Within a few emails and video calls, our entire trip, transfers, tours and hotel stays were booked and planned for us. What a trip this was!!

We started in Cape Town, staying at a gorgeous hotel at the V&A waterfront, The Queen Victoria. This boutique, stylish hotel with pool and spa, stands on a small hill overlooking the main hub of shops, bars and restaurants. By no means was it noisy but a safe distance from which we could walk down to the area when needed.

Our time at the hotel was fantastic. The staff were so friendly and attentive; we highly recommend breakfast on the terrace overlooking the Time Out market and Table Mountain. Whilst here we had several private booked tours of the Cape (with the amazing Reginald from African Eagle tours) and a half day tour of Cape Town itself. The latter included Table Mountain cable car tickets – albeit a misty day, our schedule was tight to come back, so we went through with it. The views below the clouds that day were breathtaking.

We moved onto the Franschhoek Country House & Villas, after a 50 minute private transfer from Cape Town. WOW! What a picturesque setting with a fantastic team running this gorgeous hotel. We enjoyed local wine and bubbles around the pool with lunch, then I had a great massage at the spa. The town itself is close by, we walked on one morning but most of the time availed of the hotels shuttle which runs on demand whenever needed. Such beautiful architecture and lots of options for food, drinks and coffee.

We dined in town one night then at the hotels restaurant on another. Both lovely meals, with friendly staff. We have nothing negative to say! The wine tram was a great way to visit local vineyards for tasting. We visited 3 and had such a great time learning and sampling the local produce. We need to now order some to have it shipped home!!! You must visit the wine district on any trip to South Africa.

Bryan & Neil's Beach and Bush Experience

We took a 2 hour internal flight up to Kruger for a 3 day safari. Susan arranged for us to stay in the presidential suite at the Karongwe River Lodge on the Karongwe Private Reserve. We hadn’t a clue what to expect on safari, but the team made us feel so welcome, took every care to meet any request and their attention to detail was second to none. From them collecting us from the airport, right through to daily breakfast, changing the location and set up for dinner around the hotel each night, to the twice daily 3 hour game drives – we were blown away.

Our room was palatial, with our own pool and terrace overlooking a watering hole next door. We observed frequent animals visiting during our mid afternoon naps before the evening safari drive. Our safaris were unreal. The guide Jack and tracker Raimundo were professional, knowledgeable and comical. We had one of the best experiences on safari than we have ever had on any holiday. We were genuinely sad to leave.

After a short flight to Johannesburg to stay overnight before our flight back to the UK, Susan arranged transfers and a stay at the stylish Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton. We had a massive corner suite, and an amazing breakfast. The hotel is adjacent to the mall leading to Nelson Mandela Square. It was safe to walk around and there were plentiful options for dinner.

All in all our trip was fabulous. I could not fault it and cannot thank Susan and Discover Africa enough. I highly recommend you book with them for a well organised, personalised and once-in-a-lifetime experience for your trip. We cannot wait to tell our friends and family all about it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Bryan & Neil travelled to South Africa in March and wrote the 10 Days Cape Town, Winelands and Kruger Park Safari Review on 13 March 2024

The trip included: Cape Town Vacation Exploring Franschhoek Johannesburg Tours Beach Holidays in Africa Big Five Safaris in Africa Big Cat Safaris in Africa Queen Victoria Hotel Franschhoek Country House & Villas Karongwe River Lodge DAVINCI Hotel & Suites Nelson Mandela Square