Profile photo for Lucy Berndt
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active 12 hours ago

Lucy Berndt

Mother, wife, traveller and dreamer!

Having travelled extensively throughout Southern Africa, I know the importance of logistics and selecting the right product offerings.

Southern Africa is one of the most beautiful places in the world and I get so excited putting programs together that shows off our countries! My speciality is tailor making each tour to meet my customers expectations in order to make their dreams come true!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"PLACES
Southern Africa: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana
Indian Ocean Islands: Mauritius, Seychelles, and Zanzibar
South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route, West Coast, Kruger, Johannesburg and Durban

ACTIVITIES
Safari, wine tour, food tours, adventure, sport and fitness activities, cultural and historical tours"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I started off with a National Diploma qualification in Ecotourism management, later went on to finish my Honours in travel and tourism management. Spent some time in Sales as the National Sales Manager in KZN for Trafalgar Tours, Contiki Tours, Insight Vacations and Busabout. I then decided to go behind the scenes with Thompsons Africa where I extensively grew my product knowledge and worked my way to Senior Procurement Executive. Now I am embedded in tourism and just cannot get enough. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Zimbabwe: Microlight over the Mighty Victoria Falls
Botswana: Living the dream on the Zambezi Queen
South Africa: Taking in beautiful views on the rugged trails whether it’s hiking, biking or trail running
Austria: Learning to snowboard
Las Vegas: Enjoying night life
Grand Canyon: Feeling so small in comparison
Thailand: Getting lost driving Vespa’s and finding hidden gems
Bali: Snorkelling and having fun at waterbom
Switzerland: Taking the steepest cogwheel train in the world from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm
Amsterdam: Meeting locals and joining them on their little boats in the canals for sundowners
Germany: Beer and Eisbeins at Hofbräuhaus for the win! "

See loggerhead sea turtles on the Elephant Coast
Adventures in South Africa: Cape Town to Thonga Beach Lodge - 11 Days

Discover South Africa's beautiful landscapes and wild animals on this 11-day adventure. Begin in Cape Town and tour the city and surrounding peninsula. You'll have the chance to swim with sharks or go whale watching and visit wineries. Next, head to Kruger National Park for wildlife safaris, moving on to Johannesburg before enjoying a few relaxing days at Thonga Beach Lodge. There, you can see wild sea turtles laying their eggs, and scuba dive and snorkel in the Indian Ocean.

Namibia
Namibia & South Africa Adventure: Deserts, Coastlines & National Parks - 21 Days

Get ready for three weeks of safaris and road trips throughout southern Africa. It begins in Namibia, where you'll hit the road on the famous Skeleton Coast, visit iconic red deserts, and enjoy game drives in Indigenous conservation areas. Next up is South Africa, where you'll tour Cape Town, walk with penguins on the beach, go on wine and food tours, and enjoy multiple safaris in the legendary Kruger National Park.

Drakensberg
South Africa Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days

Hit the road on this 10-day self-drive adventure to explore the highlights of South Africa's eastern region. First, travel along the Panorama Route, one of the most scenic drives in the country, then continue to the majestic plateaus of the Drakensberg escarpment. After enjoying nature hikes and mountain fun, travel to the coast for boat tours and safaris to spot exotic animals like leopards and rhinos.

Rock Formations in Cederberg National Reserve
South Africa's Hidden Gems: Cape Town, Langebaan, Cederberg & Kruger National Park - 12 Days

Go off the beaten path in South Africa on this diverse trip which explores the southern tip of the country and its plentiful wildlife. Start in Cape Town and learn its living history, then visit West Coast National Park to discover aquatic life along with rock formations, wildflowers, and prehistoric cave art. Take a series of big game drives in search of the "Big Five" at Kruger National Park, and finish up your journey marveling at the sumptuous vistas of Blyde River Canyon.

Colorful Cape Town
South Africa Highlights: Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Durban & St Lucia - 9 Days

Explore the magic of South Africa on this nine-day, self-drive adventure. Start in Cape Town, where you'll take a cable car up Table Mountain and visit penguins on Boulders Beach. Then, it's off to the seaside town of Mossel Bay for a guided safari and close encounters with wildlife like zebras, elephants, and rhinos. Hop a flight to the beaches of Durban for some swimming and surfing, then finish your trip in St Lucia, where you'll cruise the St Lucia Estuary and see the hippos and crocodiles that live there.

Kruger National Park
Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Mauritius - 13 Days

On this 13-day adventure in South Africa and beyond, you'll check some major activities off your bucket list. Start on the coast of Cape Town, where you'll experience highlights like visiting Cape Point, walking with penguins, going on wine tours, and enjoying the views from Table Mountain. Then, spend a few unforgettable days on safari in Kruger National Park, followed by a jaunt to Mauritius for beach time and aquatic excursions in the Indian Ocean.

Recent trip reviews for Lucy

Good Trip
South Africa | Feb 14 - Feb 24, 2023

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Yin Peng L.
Australia | Reviewed on Feb 25, 2023

I didn't initiate the booking and planning with kimkim. Overall, the trip has been pleasant as we managed to see big 4/5 and the accommodation has been okay in general.

As this is the first time in South Africa for the group, there have been a lot of times where we weren't sure what we can do especially on free days. While instructions are provided, it would be good if it is clearer or in details given everyone is not familiar with the place. Understandably that the group got larger as time... read more

I didn't initiate the booking and planning with kimkim. Overall, the trip has been pleasant as we managed to see big 4/5 and the accommodation has been okay in general.

As this is the first time in South Africa for the group, there have been a lot of times where we weren't sure what we can do especially on free days. While instructions are provided, it would be good if it is clearer or in details given everyone is not familiar with the place. Understandably that the group got larger as time goes and the original plan might not work too well with more people.

The major unpleasant moment was with the hop on hop off bus as the information provided was not consistent (with when we can use the ticket if we didn't go on to the bus/cableway on the booked day). No further communication was provided afterward and we had to check with the company ourselves. The wine tram was not a real hop on hop off experience and because of that some of us have to take Uber to leave earlier. While some of the information could have been found on website, it would have been nicer if it is provided on almost daily basis as it is quite inconvenience to have to refer to KimKim.com sometimes.

While we understand the incident in airport and weather is not under anyone's control, it seems like dietary requirements was not considered given there are a lot of us who don't eat beef. While we are thankful for the goodies bag, some of us can't have biltong. During the meet up session, while expressing our opinions on the trip, we don't think we were taken too seriously.

Cresta hotel need some improvement in housekeeping service. Bathroom mat was taken away everyday without replenish.

Special shout out and thanks to our private tour guides and drivers as they have done an amazing job showing us the beautiful South Africa and go above and beyond helping out one of the members who unfortunately injured her leg at the end of the trip.

Local specialist: Lucy Berndt

Lucy and her communication and suggestions made this trip really enjoyable
South Africa | Dec 31 - Jan 14, 2023

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Saturday L.
Trinidad & Tobago | Reviewed on Jan 25, 2023

If I could give Lucy 10 stars for how well she communicated from start to finish and even after the trip was over I would and that communication really made all the difference. If your expecting perfect stay at home, minor hiccups is all part of the experience and Lucy, Kimkim and the team stayed committed. Some of there venders were excellent, Capey Tours and there guide Henrik was the best for a small group like ours, always on time gave great advice to be early for most tours to avoid the... read more

If I could give Lucy 10 stars for how well she communicated from start to finish and even after the trip was over I would and that communication really made all the difference. If your expecting perfect stay at home, minor hiccups is all part of the experience and Lucy, Kimkim and the team stayed committed. Some of there venders were excellent, Capey Tours and there guide Henrik was the best for a small group like ours, always on time gave great advice to be early for most tours to avoid the long lines during peak season and really added the family like personal touch. Vomba tour made an avoidable error on the Kruger national park side of the trip but was quick to recover and make up they did with an excellent Panoramic drive with a guide that was super warm and was at our side every step of that journey. Lebo's Soweto backpackers gave our group a really good tour of the Soweto township and the tour guide Lollypop was extremally knowledgeable not just about Soweto but about the history of South Africa and even current world events and kept everyone entuned and engaged as we drove around Johannesburg. Some of the other Johannesburg vender needs to be reviewed and brought up to level of Capey Tours

Hotel Reviews
Lavender Farm Guest House
Franschhoek

This place is simply amazing, the rooms are large and excellent, if your looking for peace and quite after a day spent doing wine tasting and a nice dinner in Franschhoek this is the place. the host is super cool and friendly would definitely stay here again and would highly recommend

Authenticity & Character
This place just says peace
Location
Less than 10mins from main attractions
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean large room space, home away from home
Mjejane River Lodge
Hectorspruit
Authenticity & Character
Very nice spot being on the bank of the river, like the fact that there is no TV in the rooms
Location
South entrance to the park was blocked off, so we were limited to the lodge
Staff
Super Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were pretty comfy and had everything in it
Radisson Red Rosebank
Johannesburg

Location Location Location, This hotel is very well located, 5mins walk from the Rosebank Mall 8-10mins drive from Mandela Square

Authenticity & Character
Location
Felt safe
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and modern, rooms on the smaller side of the scale but functional, the bathroom is to die for
Cresta Grande Cape Town
Cape Town

My reason for a three star rating has to do more with the time of my visit as there was some sort of political meeting and high level of security around making the hotel extremally busy, but the staff is very warm and welcoming

Authenticity & Character
Location
nice location, easy walk to restaurants and activities
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cape Town City Tour & Table Mountain
Cape Town
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Robben Island Tour
Cape Town

This place is so rich with history

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dinner Restaurant Suggestions
Cape Town
Quality of Experience
Food and Drinks are really affordable
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Peninsula Tour
Cape Town

Welcome to the United States of South Africa The views and coastal drive is so beautiful

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience South African Cuisine and Culture
Cape Town

This can be optional was nice and the host was super, I think I was just expecting more

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Winelands Half Day Tour (45 minute drive from Cape Town)
South Africa

This is a must do

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Big 5 Sunset Game Drive
Hoedspruit

Was able to see 4 of the notable big 5 only missed the Leppard. was also expecting to actually drive in Kruger but the south entrance over the bridge was blocked

Quality of Experience
Very good experience to be honest, but was expecting more
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mjejane River Lodge Activities
Kruger National Park

The food in Mjejane River Lodge was some of the best our group had throughout South Africa

Quality of Experience
Good food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff is the best
Transport
Soweto Guided Tour & Storytelling Dinner
South Africa

Lollypop is the man, He made this part of the trip really worth it, very knowledgeable guide, Soweto has a very dark history, really different side of SA. The Apartheid Museum is a must visit to really understand the history of the struggles. Lunch at Lebo's was more of the taste of SA cuisine

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide and Driver was really great and accommodating
Transport
The vehicle needs to be updated or replaced, only bad thing about this experience
Depart Africa
South Africa

The original pick up time was 5:15pm, to avoid the rush we ask that the pick up be changed to 4pm this was clearly communicated by our Kimkim team and the information shared with out group from the day before our departure, the arrived 40 mins late so everyone was just standing around in the hotel lobby

Quality of Experience
40mins Late for our pick up
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Vehicle and Transport was good just late
Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Reviewed on Jan 25, 2023

Thank you so much to the Saturday Lime Group for this extensive feedback. We appreciate all the constructive feedback which we have already taken onboard and made amendments accordingly to ensure future guests only have the best services and experience. I am pleased to hear that overall you had an incredible trip and that is what I always strive to achieve for my guests.
Thank you for taking the time to do this write up.
Lucy

Perfect Time in South Africa
South Africa | Jan 6 - Jan 13, 2023

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steve s.
Livingston, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

Total trip was perfect except for the last night in Soweto when the event was canceled without being aware. Guudes were great, activities interesting and unique and hotels beautiful.

Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

Hi Steve
Thank you so much for posting a review, it is much appreciated. I am pleased to hear that you had a wonderful trip overall. I can understand that the last nights event being cancelled was disappointing, and we are truly sorry that that this service could not be delivered at the highest standard. We have ensured you receive a full refund on this although we would love to have you back to show you more of our wonderful land in the future.
many thanks
Lucy

Honeymoon trip to South Africa
South Africa | Dec 29 - Jan 7, 2023

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Conor W.
Leesburg, VA | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2023

Lucy was an incredible travel planner. We worked with her for over a year planning our honeymoon to South Africa. She was very supportive, responsive, and flexible with us throughout the entire process.

Our in-country guide Craig Taljaardt from Capey Tours took our trip to a whole new level with his expert knowledge of the country and his over the top kindness to us. We spent a lot of time with Craig and his wife, Michelle, and they both were a pleasure.

The highlights of our trip... read more

Lucy was an incredible travel planner. We worked with her for over a year planning our honeymoon to South Africa. She was very supportive, responsive, and flexible with us throughout the entire process.

Our in-country guide Craig Taljaardt from Capey Tours took our trip to a whole new level with his expert knowledge of the country and his over the top kindness to us. We spent a lot of time with Craig and his wife, Michelle, and they both were a pleasure.

The highlights of our trip included a safari experience at the Kuzuko Lodge, Table Mountain in Cape Town, great white shark diving in Mossel Bay, kayaking in the Tsitsikamma National Park, and staying at La Terra de Luc in Franschhoek.

We would recommend kimkim and Capey Tours to anyone!

Hotel Review
Old Foundry Hotel
Cape Town
Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Reviewed on Jan 15, 2023

Wow Conor and Carly
Thank you so much for the beautiful review! I am just so pleased to hear you had an incredible honeymoon! It gives me a happy heart knowing that you now have memories you will cherish for a life time ❤️
Take care
Lucy

Best trip ever!
South Africa | Nov 17 - Nov 28, 2022

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Parinaz A.
Los Gatos, CA | Reviewed on Nov 29, 2022

First we were so skeptical cause we didnt know kimkim.com. Now that we are back, we have been recommending to everyone ! We had an amazing time. Everything was so well planned. We could have never done such a great job ourselves. we have decided to use kimkim.com to any upcoming trip. Lucy and her team were so kind to accommodate any request we had. They had planned everything perfectly. Great communication. read more

First we were so skeptical cause we didnt know kimkim.com. Now that we are back, we have been recommending to everyone ! We had an amazing time. Everything was so well planned. We could have never done such a great job ourselves. we have decided to use kimkim.com to any upcoming trip. Lucy and her team were so kind to accommodate any request we had. They had planned everything perfectly. Great communication.

Hotel Reviews
Chacma Bush Camp
Phalaborwa

Great time! This safari is super luxury. Henry and Nadim and rest of the staff were all so welcoming and accommodating. We saw all big 5 in one day :) Amazing room, amazing safari experience and great food. We highly recommend this place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
They are so welcoming you feel like they are all part of family.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Peninsula Hotel
Cape Town

Great hotel for families. Our room was facing the ocean, I didnt even want to leave our balcony. We had 2 bedroom, 2 bath; its awesome location. downstairs they have a game room where kids can stay as long as needed; they will take care of them. My kids are older, they liked xbox and PS there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near beach, stores, restaurants, hop on and off bus station.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Reviewed on Nov 30, 2022

Good day, welcome back home! Thank you for taking the time to review all the properties and our guest service, it is much appreciated.
We loved having you here with us, thank you for letting us take care of you!
Stay well, and hope to see you again in the near future.
Thanks
Lucy

Wonderful Cape Town/Johannesburg Tour
South Africa | Oct 15 - Oct 28, 2022

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Caroline S.
Winder, GA | Reviewed on Oct 31, 2022

Many thanks to Lucy at Salty Travel, who set us up with a fantastic holiday in Cape Town/environs and Johannesburg, South Africa. The lodgings were diverse, comfortable and welcoming. The daily activities were varied and exceeded expectations and the guides and drivers, without exception, were deeply knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with. In addition to Lucy, special thanks go to Craig Taljaard and Humphrey at Capey Travel, for great driving, great food, insights into ZA and... read more

Many thanks to Lucy at Salty Travel, who set us up with a fantastic holiday in Cape Town/environs and Johannesburg, South Africa. The lodgings were diverse, comfortable and welcoming. The daily activities were varied and exceeded expectations and the guides and drivers, without exception, were deeply knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with. In addition to Lucy, special thanks go to Craig Taljaard and Humphrey at Capey Travel, for great driving, great food, insights into ZA and excellent reggae. Also, the entire staff at Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge for general wonderfulness and special birthday treats, with a special mention to David, the guide who took us walking to see the rock art. The Penguins were amazing! Our Cape Sidecar Adventure was a delight. Our Johannesburg visit was eye-opening, deeply meaningful, and often fun, thanks to our hosts at Lebo's Backpackers, who supported and challenged us. This was our second outing with kimkim and we will continue to use them or future trips. Thank you!!!

Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Reviewed on Nov 18, 2022

Hi Caroline
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. I am always so pleased to hear that you loved the itinerary that we specifically tailored for you.
We would love to have you back and show you more in the future!
Take care
Lucy

A long safari made pleasant by meticulous planning
Madagascar | Jul 3 - Aug 2, 2022

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Shirish P.
Rochester, NY | Reviewed on Aug 23, 2022

Lucy was meticulous in organizing our trip. She happily juggled things around as our preferences . She was available whenever we ran into a glitch (of which there were not many) but her timely interventions were reassuring. All the places of accommodation that she chose were unique and comfortable. Perhaps, one day I will do a tour of boutique hotels of southern Africa!
Five star sites/experiences: Robben island, Penguin Colony, Sandwich harbor, Ongava Lodge, Helicopter ride over and into Okavango. Mbangula Lungile, the guide who took us around Soweto.

Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2022

Hi Shirish
Thank you for your review. I am so pleased you had a wonderful journey exploring so many of our African Countries! We look forward to planning your next trip, as we sure do have so many beautiful boutique hotel and lodges, each offering unique and experiential offerings. Till then please take care.
Many thanks
Lucy

Craig with Capey Tours in Capetown was amazin...
South Africa | Jul 4 - Jul 8, 2022

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Martha B.
East Chattanooga, TN | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2022

Craig with Capey Tours in Capetown was amazing he made our trip even better with his knowledge of Capetown and fun personality

Eddy and Adolph at Chisomo went above and beyond to make our safari exciting and packed with a great variety of animals.

Lucy was so easy to work with on our entire trip and was very fast to respond to any query. I will definitely recommend Kimkim to family and friends our trip could not have been better short of staying another week.

Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2022

Thank you Martha for all the incredible feedback. We are so pleased that you had a great time! Thank you for the wonderful review.

When asked if we enjoyed our trip....Answer was "we are going to come back!"
South Africa | Jun 18 - Jul 1, 2022

Kim
Kim P.
Williamsburg, VA | Reviewed on Jul 11, 2022

Our trip was absolutely fantastic! IT was 2 weeks and we did so much. There were a few activities that had to change and we received communication way ahead of time. This is the second time I have used Kimkim Travel for trips and I will continue to use them. I was so please with how Lucy stayed in touch and responded quickly. This trip was only my youngest son and myself. We will be taking the entire family back after such a wonderful time we had. We WILL be contacting Lucy through... read more

Our trip was absolutely fantastic! IT was 2 weeks and we did so much. There were a few activities that had to change and we received communication way ahead of time. This is the second time I have used Kimkim Travel for trips and I will continue to use them. I was so please with how Lucy stayed in touch and responded quickly. This trip was only my youngest son and myself. We will be taking the entire family back after such a wonderful time we had. We WILL be contacting Lucy through KimKim.com again! We had a very detailed itinerary with rest days and were able to move things around if needed.

I loved the people in South Africa. I felt at home everywhere we went. I have way too many wonderful pictures, so picking one for this is NOT easy.

Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2022

Thank you Kim for taking the time to write a review. I am so pleased you had a fantastic time, cannot wait to help you plan your next adventure!