2 independent reviews for Family holiday to South Africa & Swaziland
Reviews for Family holiday to South Africa & Swaziland
Noreen Gomez review 20 Apr 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Nature did not disappoint, every day & night we saw the most amazing sights and many days we saw more animals than people. The variety and contrast as well as the history and cultures we travelled through brought alive by our incredibly knowledgeable guide Andrew. Each location was a different delight staying in everything from bee huts to hippo chalets as well as the amazing Tshukudu Game Reserve, a place we were sorry to leave and will most definitely return to. Andrew so much more than a guide, he ensured we experienced everything and took us on an unforgettable adventure, cared for us, cooked amazing bbq’s for us and gave us such an amazing insight into both South Africa and Eswatini and from the youngest to the oldest he could relate to all.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The guidance shared for this trip is spot on, so follow it, trust your guide they absolutely know more than we do and will ensure you have the best and most memorable time.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Throughout our trip we were able to support local people and given great advice where to shop to avoid imports. We stayed in eco lodges and accommodation that were actively adopting environmentally friendly practices and which were supporting conservation, we were welcomed warmly by our hosts/staff and locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Totally exceeded our expectations. An amazing safari with a guide who is clearly as passionate about his Country as he is knowledgeable. Amazing experiences every day, we returned home with the most unforgettable memories, new friends and an overwhelming desire to return.Marina Symvoulidou review 5 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Tsukudu Game Reserve. Excellent guide, very knowleadgeable, fun, knew how to make the most of environmental interpretation.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
As a lot of things are optional keep in mind that depending on the optional activities you want to book you may need another 300-500 euros each for food and activities. Also pack warm clothes too. For the early morning late evening game drives you will need them.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I am not really sure since we do not know what percentage goes to local people. We visited a zulu village that seemed quite touristic as an experience, too pre-fabricated but at least I hope the proceeds go to them. The "orphanage" optional experience in Swaziland was a complete no for me. It was just another turistic show of their cultural songs and dances, not really unerstanding their needs. It would be preferable if wwe could actually visit the scool and orphanage and instead of an oprtional experience make it a basic one, with pre-information of the travellers so that they could bring textbooks or pencils or clothes or other items of need instead of asking for a voluntary conmtribution on our way out. As for the environmental aspect we did visit a glass recycling facility however for the most part we saw very little of the actual conservation that is supported, we could have visited a rehab or a conservation dfacility, talk with a couple of rangers etc (which we didn't)4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall it was a good experience, I was expecting a bit more on the responsible side to be honest as well as more time spend in Kruger.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your comments, at Responsible Travel we do not promote orphanage visits
See our guidelines below:
https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/volunteering-with-children/travel-guide/volunteering-with-children-issues
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