Reviews of trips to De Hoop Nature Reserve

"Another very successful trip to Africa. It was all a very interesting experience but it was so different from the Africa of further north with which we are very familiar.

We enjoyed everything, but the one thing that stands out is the charm, the efficiency and the helpfulness of all the staff everywhere. Well done South Africa! Come here and teach us a lesson.

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well done Tracy keep up the good work !" Read full review: 31 nights in Africa; 21 on a South Africa trip

"Excellent. We booked late but Claire did as well as ever with accommodating our traveling wishes. Thank you" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a South Africa trip

"Once again, Tracy came up trumps! We had been spoiled on our previous trip, to Zambia and Namibia, and weren't expecting to be quite so blown away this time - but we were, thanks to the sheer variety of the package that Tracy put together for us. From our safari experience at Kwandwe, to the opulence of the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town, we were stunned by the quality of accommodation and service we encountered throughout our trip. Thank you so much, Tracy!

We loved South Africa, and very much look forward to returning there in the near future.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service

None at all - our experience with Expert Africa has been just what we wanted, and we know we can trust you to put together the ideal holiday experience to suit our requirements. We look forward to our next trip with you!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 21 on a South Africa trip

"This was our first time in the Western Cape, the scenery is stunning and it was a special holiday.

We saw what we hoped for during a September/October trip: Southern Right Whales African penguins, and fabulous spring flora generally and in the Postberg Reserve. The opportunity to walk unguided in all of the reserves we visited is a bit special (West Coast, Bontebok, De Hoop, Chapman's Peak, Cape Point)

We had not expected the weather to be so cold with persistent bitter winds; but it was mostly dry.

Some of the driving directions were out of date and some ignored more obvious, shorter routes.

We were correctly warned that driving standards in SA are poor. We saw the aftermath of 2 serious accidents; were overtaken while driving single file through road works and generally felt we were lucky to escape alive!

Overall, accommodation standards were high, but someone should have warned us (and Expert Africa?) that De Hoop is still undergoing redevelopment and our beautiful room was adjacent to a noisy building site.

We discovered the penguin colony at Betty's Bay by accident: much larger than at Boulders on the Cape peninsular, and worth highlighting for anyone visiting the Hermanus area, as is the Harold Porter botanical garden." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip

"Having visited South Africa briefly on several occasions we decided to make it our focus this time. The weather was good, though very, very hot at Kwandwe.

We had a good range of accommodation and the exchange rate meant that everything was extremely good value once we got there. We'd chosen our own accommodation at Oudtshoorn which we suggest Expert Africa look at for future travellers.

Cape Town was, as always, lovely!

Already booked to go back next year!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"Our first trip to South Africa but hopefully not our last.

Everywhere we went was different and lovely in its own way.

We found people friendly, efficient and enthusiastic.

We stayed in and drove through some wonderful places.

The itinerary suggested by Claire after listening to what we enjoy doing was excellent- thank you." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a South Africa trip

"We both thoroughly enjoyed our holiday. We loved the landscape, the food, the wines and sunshine and warmth in January.

The Winelands were more amazingly beautiful than anticipated. People very helfpul and friendly.

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Thank you for organising a super holiday for us.

If we had to make one recommendation it would be an appeal for better maps for self-drive." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a South Africa trip

"It was a great trip but marred by a terrible hire car and extra De Hoop expenditure (both as outlined earlier). As a family we have made many life long memories which is the reason we wanted to do the trip in the first place. I will, however, steer well clear of self drive holidays for a while as the arguments Craig And I had over the driving and the car were too frequent and stressful!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"This was our 16th trip with Expert Africa but the first we have made since we moved our domicile to Zambia. As always, we had genuinely expert advice from the EA team - Lucy Copson primarily in this case but also with a valuable steer from Claire Scott which took us to the excellent Grootbos Forest Lodge (rather than its sister Garden Lodge). We achieved all of our objectives in terms of wildlife (including 112 bird species identified, 44 of which were 'lifers' - this being terra incognita for us); and we learned a great deal about the remarkable Fynbos. Our trip to Robben Island was another highlight, albeit of a very different nature. We shall be back to the Cape." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip

"Seeing that this was something of an instant arrangement, Claire worked miracles and came up with the perfect hotels and a perfect route. We started with the splendour of Grootbos and the whales and finished with the spectacular views of Long Beach and more whales!

Because of South Africa's bad press, we were a little concerned, but at no point did we feel unsafe. Everyone we met was very proud of their country and deservedly so. At times we had to remind ourselves we were not in the Home Counties; it was so well-kempt, smooth running and friendly. The quality of hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and shops is very high. Everyone strives to give the best service possible. The political issues that we hear about are evident, but not defining of a country which is looking forwards not back.

It was a great trip, wonderful hotels, beautiful scenery and welcoming people. We would happily recommend a visit to anyone else.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Our second excellent trip with Expert Africa and I really do not see how your service could be improved (Just a minor point - a better map would have helped our travels!)" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip