Esther Ruempol

The summary first: in general, we are very pleased with our Namibia trip; it was a great experience and fulfilled our expectations.

Let me now give some more detailed, constructive feedback and please keep in mind that this was our fourth trip with Kimkim.

Positive things first:
- We were really satisfied with our guide/driver Pagge, who did his job without one mistake during our 14 days of traveling together. He was very experienced and knowledgeable, plus he gave us a lot of information even beyond classic information for tourists.
- All accommodations were fine. They were quite different in style (from tent style lodge to ordinary hotel) and we liked the diversity. Quite satisfied also with all arranged breakfasts and dinners!
- Most of the time the “intensity” of the trip was just optimal. Meaning that we had some activities every day (except first day), but we also had some free time for some rest or optional activities.

Not so optimal:
- If we compare with our previous Kimkim trips, preparations for this trip were “below Kimkim’s standards”:
o Starting with Kimkim platform: there were a lot of small mistakes (persistent wrong maps, inconsistency in texts, copy-past errors…)
o We needed several iterations before we came to acceptable plan (for example we asked for the driver at the very beginning…) and delays between iterations.
o Our contact Esther was always responsive and cooperative, but we believe that most of the time it was out of her power to fix the problems or to speed up the process.
- Additional surprise came when we got detailed plan from Namibian company executing the trip: plan was in several points different to the agreed Kimkim plan, but it was also more logical and more “executable”, so we accepted it.
o Important to add: during the trip we additionally tuned a trip a little and the trip was very good(!), so we are speaking here only about the preparation phase.
- It is not on us to judge what were the reasons for non-optimal preparation phase, but one simple explanation could be that Ester’s company was just not also the company later executing the trip

- We had one only operational “problem” at the beginning of our trip: we had Windhoek city tour planed for 10am on 8th April and we were waiting for a guide at the gate of the guesthouse. Nobody arrived, so at the reception we learned that they were just informed that the city was postponed till afternoon!? When we complained that we do not intend to wait for a guide the whole day in the hotel, we finally settled that we would meet with a guide by the church at 3pm and we later got originally planned city tour.

- Last comment is our subjective opinion that the whole trip was slightly overpriced. This opinion is based on our comparation with other three Kimkim trips (all of them were cheaper, but approximately same duration and all were including multiple internal flights) plus we learned during the trip that the cost of living in Namibia is quite low. Again, one simple explanation for the high cost could be that in this case just too many intermediate companies were involved.

To end in a positive tone: overall we were pleased with our Namibia trip.

Regards
Zvonko

I travelled with my close friend and kinda had a budget going on this trip. Quote made by other aganecies were all pretty steep. Esther made our trip possible by providing necessary changes to become our personalised trip. Both of us were quite worried for the trip, especially safety wise. We really enjoyed the services, including Kagiso and Lucy's contact, even though we didn't meet them. Be it before when we were preparing to when we are travelling, they were always in contact till the day we depart. The transit from places to places were seamless. We felt really welcomed and assured through the trip. Thank you so much!

Hotel Reviews

The Onyx Hotel

Cape Town

The room was great! The receptionist was even better! We felt so welcomed for those few days. We were always greeted as we go in and out the hotel. They do make sure your stay or rest would be at its best too. But the area doesn't seem to have much going on. Waterfront was just 10mins away. Didn't manage to use the facilities in the hotel. The view from the room itself has Table Mountain in the background! Bed and pillow were all comfy too. Very spacious and clean!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

There were 2 that made a huge impression. The one who helped to check in and the one we spoke to last the day before we left. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get their names. But I do remember their cheerful friendly smiles :)

Cleanliness & Comfort

Washroom was very clean!

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Hoedspruit

It was amazinggggg. Stayed for 2 nights amd wished we could stay longer. We were so well fed and game drives were all exciting! The services were really were the best I had. The view from the lodge was so good that I could see all the wild coming to the waters in such heat.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Thank you both Danielx2 and Clement!They were so knowledgable! We learnt alot through the trip!

Cleanliness & Comfort

All things required are provided and all you need is just be there, enjoy and relax.

Pioneers Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

Everything was going great till the time I was going to bed. We felt welcomed and things were explained to us in details before checking in. I was glad to see mosquitoes net being provided in the room. We weren't told that there would be another small room in our room itself and was pretty shocked to see two extra beds in the dark room as we opened it. Spooked us a little at night and the mirror was just right in front of our bed with the small room's door in sight. When I flipped the blanket all I see is black dots like somebody stepped on with muddy shoes. I was really unhappy and called the reception for a change. All we got was two flat sheets with no service to change those dirty sheets. We had to rip out the dirty sheets ourselves. The new ones aren't exactly clean as well. The corners of it were stained. We didn't have much energy at that time so we just lay the cleanest side over. Pillows were bad too. The first night was pretty hot even though we had the aircon full blast. Fan is creaky and noisy too. We had the most unpleasant sleep. Toilets are fine and clean, all things provided. The walls can be a lil more soundproof or if you like nature, it might not bother you. But lightsleepers might have issues with it. The pools were not visually clean so we didn't use them. Food was great though, plenty of choices. Place out from the room itself was quite well maintained, comfortable. Hopefully room slippers can be provided too. Area is near to vic falls. Didn't explore outside the accomadation so not so sure about the location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Near to vic falls

Staff

The houseleeping staff should check those sheets while changing.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sheets not clean. Pillows can be better. Not too soft which doesn't support. Pool can be cleaner.

Nut Grove Manor

We only had a night stay before transiting to MQP flight to Vic Falls. The room is very spacious and the manor as most things provided. We didn't explore out from the manor but we didn't see much things going on and don't feel safe enough to go out from it. There are plenty of mosquitoes as we dine in their restaurant but the food was great. The bed was hard though.

Authenticity & Character

Location

I am not so sure what you can do here because I really don't see anything as we drove in. The long drive from our last sightseeing really makes a problem but we were very close to the airport.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

VOCO Hotel Rosebank

Gugu was really welcoming! She helped us with the check in and informed us the safety around the area. Even though it was just a night stay, we really had a good one. Breakfast was perfect too! I would stay here again if I'm back!

Authenticity & Character

The room itself and lobby. Never seen such a pretty decorations.

Location

Staff

Gugu

Cleanliness & Comfort

Just looking at the sun rays in our room as we checked in was so warm and comfy.

Activity Reviews

Classic Table Mountain Tour

South Africa

Didn't make it for the trip. Was only at the foot of the cable car. It'd be better with sunny weather.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tour of Vic Falls

Victoria Falls

Area is quite self explanatory. The guide didn't really explain as the group member were all moving from point to point at different speed. Time was a lil too short and had not much time to explore the area on our own.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Panorama Route & Blyde River Canyon

South Africa

Distance was a lil too long for thre route. I don't think we experience the best we could. The guide wasn't really participating, more like just a driver? I guess it was because of the long journey as well. Places we go are pretty but the journey to them, not so much. The vehicle we were in was too old, very hot and we don't feel comfortable throughout the route.

Quality of Experience

the route

Guides, Drivers and Staff

was a safe driver but not a good guide. it seem he was there not for a choice.

Transport

the vehicle is too lousy

Cape Point Tour - Full Day

South Africa

The introduction and guide was great. Journey was smooth and enjoyable with Ulrich.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ulrich is an interesting guide!

Transport

Afternoon Cape Town City Tour

Cape Town

Guide wasn't very engaging. The group of people travelling were not the best as well. Quite some waiting time around. It was our first tour in Cape Town and since we were still in good mood, didn't affect us that much as we did some self entertainment. The places of visit doesn't seem so exiciting as well. Weather was very cloudy and didn't manage to see most views either.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The knowledge and stories to tell maybe? There were a lot of uncertainties as the guide spoke.

Transport

Came on time and safe travel throughout.

Foodies on Foot walking & tasting tour

South Africa

I wasn't much of a drinker so I didn't really enjoy this area as much. But Stellenbosch is a pretty area itself, full or galleries and restaurants. Guide has quite a character and was quite interesting as she shared her knowledge. Food wise was going great, interesting to taste what the locals eat in the area. Stellenbosch wasn't big, so we realised we walked around and round the same places. 6 streets is all you need to recognise and get around.

Quality of Experience

Food

The red cuppocino and lamb samosa! Dessert was good too.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Marlene is pretty cool and authentic. I like how she guides us in her unique way.

Transport

Sunset Cruise

Victoria Falls

Hippos and crocs! The ones that we didn't see much during our safari game drives came visiting us during the cruise ride. The captain captures our attention pretty well, Grey served us well too. Plenty of food but not so much of sunset. The weather was cloudy and we quite missed the sun. There were quite some other cruise going on, so I guess the river really seemed very busy. Comparing other cruise, I'd say our crowd is good, not packed, which means chances of getting good pictures and less noise.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We recently entrusted our honeymoon plans to Esther, and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Over 18 unforgettable days, we explored Cape Town, Franschhoek, Sabi Sands, and Mauritius. Right from the beginning, Esther took the time to understand our preferences and seamlessly integrated them into a personalized itinerary. Her responsiveness was remarkable, making us feel like a top priority.

The accommodations Esther curated in Cape Town and Franschhoek were nothing short of spectacular, and our Safari at Dulini Moya in Sabi Sands Game Reserve was the absolute highlight of our trip. Each of the hotels was truly a 5 star experience with incredible and attentive staff, luxurious accommodations, and delicious food.

We found ourselves stuck in Franschhoek during a natural disaster. Due to unprecedented flooding, there was no way in or out of the town, and we were unable to depart for our safari. Esther truly went above and beyond, tirelessly working at odd hours to find a solution. Her dedication and support during this unexpected situation not only alleviated our stress but demonstrated her professionalism and genuine care for her clients.

From the outset, every detail was meticulously planned, allowing us to relax and fully immerse ourselves in the joy of our honeymoon. We can't thank Esther enough for this truly unforgettable experience!

Our three week self-driving tour of South Africa far exceeded our hopes and expectations. On past vacations we've always done our own research and booking, and typically that's worked out great. But for our first African vacation, and our first safaris, we reached out to the experts and they really delivered for us.

Our trip was a mix of animals, landscapes and culture. We started in Joburg with a bicycle tour of Soweto. From there we drove to Graskop and the Panorama Route along the Blyde River Canyon. The highlight was a half day hike into the canyon, where we saw our first monkeys and baboons and swam in a lovely water hole. Then it was on to Kruger, where we spent three nights at the Umkumbe Lodge in Sabi Sands and two nights at the Mjejane Lodge on the Crocodile River. The animal sightings were nearly constant, including a morning drive at Umkumbe where we saw the big 5 plus a cheetah. Watching a herd of elephants come to drink, play and cool off in the Crocodile River from the patio at Mjejane was another highlight.

From Kruger we headed south for two nights at Stone Camp in the Mkhaya game park in Eswatini. There the focus was on rhinos, including a pair that walked right through the camp! We continued south from Eswatini with two nights in Mkuze. The highlight there was a private birding safari in the Manyoni game park, which oh by the way included time with a pair of lions. We finished this segment of the tour with three nights at St Lucia, exploring the iSimangaliso World Heritage Park (hippos! crocodiles!) before flying to Cape Town. The weather on the cape was perfect for a drive to the Cape of Good Hope (penguins!), an exploration of the Kirstenbosch gardens and a hike on Table Mountain.

Throughout the trip the accommodations were excellent. We very much appreciated Esther and Lucy's suggestions for things to see and do and places to eat and shop. Three weeks went zipping by and we feel like we just scratched the surface. We hope we can come visit again soon.

Hotel Review

Stone Camp

We stayed in some beautiful places on our 3 week tour, but Stone Camp was our favorite. We loved the fact that there is no electricity, no phone and no internet. The huts are gorgeous, the food excellent, the people friendly, and the feeling of being out in the bush is unparalleled.

Authenticity & Character

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Despite being totally off the grid the huts felt quite luxurious

Activity Reviews

Soweto Cycling Tour

South Africa

The 4 hour cycling tour through Soweto was an excellent introduction to South African culture and history from the perspective of those who suffered most under the apartheid system. We very much appreciated the local guides sharing their lived experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Transport

Manyoni Birding Safari

Mkuze

Our birding safari was a welcome change from the safaris we had done previously in Kruger and Eswatini. While it was thrilling to chase the big game on the typical safari, it was quite satisfying to slow things down and have the birds come to us. Our guide Lucky was quite knowledgeable, teaching us not only about the birds we were seeing but also about the whole Manyoni park and ecosystem.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cape Malay Cooking Safari

Cape Town

It was fun to learn about the history and culture of the Cape Malay population, but the highlight was making and eating amazing food with Faldela. We are so grateful to her for opening her home and sharing her expertise and personal stories.

My husband & I enjoyed a wonderful 5wk journey through Namibia & South Africa thanks to the expert help of Esther! We had a general outline of what we wanted to do, but working with a local company was invaluable. Esther helped us refine & enhance this outine into a wonderful & varied itinerary. In Namibia, we did a 2wk road trip that included the Namib Desert & Damaraland. In South Africa, we spent time in Johannesburg and Cape Town, of course... but also took a fantastic road trip between the two cities! Our hotels (mid/high-range) were excellent, including several that we would not have found on our own. We always had beautiful rooms, and she often had special treats waiting for us upon arrival (welcome notes, bottle of wine) . She also suggested many wonderful excursions that helped us get on & off the beaten path while experiencing both beautiful countries. And Sandra, her lovely concierge, helped us book restaurants and other events... what wonderful people! Our group chat was full of information, humor & timely responses! They both helped make our trip seamless and unforgettable. We recommend Esther very highly!