Experiencing South Africa with Contiki: A Travel Consultant’s Insider View

Dec 11, 2025
4 min read

Travel Consultant: Lowri Aspire Travel Role: Travel Consultant Tour Operator Hosting the Trip: Conteki Destination: South Africa Dates: 29th November to 7th December 2025 Trip Type: Immersive Educational

As part of our commitment to giving clients expert advice and first-hand knowledge, Lowri joined this Contiki educational trip to experience the brand, the tours, the excursions, and the accommodations across South Africa. From safaris to city explorations, this trip was designed to immerse us in everything a client could experience.

Where We Stayed

Our accommodation across South Africa was exceptional:

Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge
Protea Hotel Riempie Estate
Town Lodge Hotel Gqeberha
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays

Each hotel was modern, immaculately clean, and perfectly located. Rooms were generously sized - some even offering two bedrooms - and staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive. Every day ended with freshly made beds and towels, ready for our next adventure. Staying centrally meant easy access to local attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Excursions & Experiences

The trip was packed with incredible excursions:

Table Mountain: The views of Cape Town from the top are unforgettable. Perfect for photos and appreciating the city’s stunning setting.
Nuy Winery Wine Tasting: Fine wines paired with vineyard views - a must for wine lovers.
Cango Caves: An educational, guided tour through stunning limestone caves.
Sunset Mountain Bike Ride & Braai: A thrilling downhill ride ending with a traditional South African BBQ - an experience that combines adrenaline and culture.
SANCCOB Centre: Learn about seabird rescue and rehabilitation, including the African penguin.
Addo Elephant & Amakhala Game Reserve Safaris: One of my favourite highlights! Knowledgeable guides, up-close wildlife encounters, and immersive safari experiences.
Jeffrey’s Bay: Surf town vibes, white sandy beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tsitsikamma National Park Kayaking: A physically engaging activity with breathtaking gorge and ocean views.
Plettenberg Marine Safari: Dolphins, whales, sea lions - an unforgettable marine encounter.
Knysna Lagoon Sunset Cruise: Peaceful evening sail with drinks included.
Knysna Township (Xhosa Culture) Tour: Insightful cultural immersion with local guides.
Stoney Beach Penguins: Witness African penguins in their natural habitat.
Food Jams Cooking Experience: Group cooking, cocktails, and a shared meal.
Cape Town Helicopter Ride: A bird’s-eye view of the city - the perfect finale to the trip.

Overall, the itinerary was very active and immersive, and although Contiki targets 18–35 year olds, many of these experiences are suitable for a wide range of travellers.

Standout Moments

The safaris were a personal highlight. Experiencing elephants, lions, and other wildlife up close was breathtaking. The guides’ expertise enhanced the experience and provided insights I can now share with my clients confidently.

Who Should Visit South Africa

South Africa is incredibly diverse, making it perfect for:

Families and multigenerational travellers
Honeymooners and couples
Adventure seekers and luxury travellers
Anyone looking for a mix of city, culture, beach, and wildlife

Whether you’re exploring Cape Town, wine regions, or game reserves, there’s something for everyone.

Insider Knowledge for Clients

Key Insights

Domestic travel is booming - South Africans are exploring their own country more than ever.
Incredible value for money - safaris, boutique hotels, and fine dining are often cheaper than similar experiences in Europe or the US.
Travel infrastructure is reliable - airports, roads, and hotels run efficiently.

Practical Tips

Book a mix of city + safari + coastline to get the full South African experience.
Smaller reserves like Pilanesberg, Madikwe, and Amakhala offer intimate wildlife encounters.
Locally guided tours - township visits, cultural walks, and foodie journeys - offer authentic experiences.
Safari lodges fill up fast, so book early.
Pack layers, swimwear, sunscreen, binoculars, and comfortable shoes.

Food & Drink Highlights

South Africa’s food scene is diverse, fresh, and accessible:

Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and allergy-friendly options widely available
Dishes blend African, Dutch, Indian, Malay, and Portuguese influences
Fresh, farm-to-table ingredients and exceptional service
Highlights: Cape Malay curry, traditional braais, Durban bunny chow, seafood delights

Every meal was an experience, from fine dining to local markets, with staff providing personalised service and insider knowledge.

Travel Experience

Flights were smooth and well-timed, with quick passport control and seamless transfers. Coach travel between destinations was efficient, and all excursions ran on schedule, making the trip stress-free.

Why I’d Recommend This Trip

South Africa offers spectacular landscapes, diverse activities, and unforgettable experiences. Having been there myself, I can confidently guide clients, offer insider tips, and tailor trips perfectly to families, couples, or solo travellers.

From table-top mountains to coastal adventures, safaris to wine tastings, every day brought new experiences. I left inspired, knowledgeable, and ready to create dream trips for my clients.

Thank You

A huge thank you to Contiki and ATAS for hosting this incredible fam trip. The itinerary, guides, accommodations, and activities exceeded every expectation, providing an invaluable insight into what makes South Africa a must-visit destination.

If you’re inspired by South Africa or want advice tailored to your travel style, get in touch with the Aspire Travel team today. Whether you’re planning a couples’ getaway, a family holiday, or your next bucket-list adventure, we’ll help make it seamless, memorable, and exactly what you’re looking for.

Call us, email us, or pop into one of our stores – your next dream holiday starts here!