Profile photo for Lucy Berndt
3354 messages
active 4 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! "

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.

Sunset over Epupa Falls in the Kaokoland area of Namibia
10 Days in Namibia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

10 days is a great amount of time to explore the best of Namibia's extreme, otherworldly landscapes and the giraffes, rhinos, and elephants that call it home. The salt pans and rolling dunes of Sossusvlei, the ancient rock engravings of Damaraland, and the abundance of wildlife in Etosha National Park are not to be missed. Indulge in luxury lodgings in the Namib Desert, or go off-grid with a trip to the spectacular yet elusive Kaokoveld and a hike up Waterberg Mountain.

Spitzkoppe scenery
Namibia Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari – 10 Days

Step off the tourist trail and discover Namibia's lesser-visited treasures on this 10-day safari. Witness Spitzkoppe's ancient rock art and track endangered rhinos in Palmwag, then head to the wild northwest to bathe in crashing waterfalls and meet Namibia's Indigenous communities. The adventure ends with a wildlife-studded safari in Etosha, followed by a hike up Waterberg Mountain.

Recent trip reviews for Lucy

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

P
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

C
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

S
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

M
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!