Maximum Impact Travel
- Email address verified
357 reviews
Dec 1 - 10, 2025
Group size: 1 - 44
The Blakes Family - South Africa Excursion 2025 (Dec 1 - 10, 2025)
South Africa
Maximum Impact Travel
- Email address verified
357 reviews
$NaN
Dec 1 - 10, 2025
Group size: 1 - 44
About this trip
Flight Booking Disclaimer
What’s included
- Ground TransportationGround Transportation Ground transportation to and from scheduled destinations (Includes domestic airfare)
- Hotel AccommodationsDouble Occupancy OR Single Occupancy
- Hotel AmenitiesWiFi, Spa, Bar, Restaurant, Room Service, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Meeting Rooms, Air Conditioning, Wheelchair Accessible
- Admission To ActivitiesAdmission to all activities is covered
What’s not included
- International AirfareInternational Airfare IS NOT included. Unless you select the with international airfare option. Please read terms and conditions for the flight booking policy.
- PassportThe United States Postal Service offers passport services. Passportvisasexpress.com is another recommended provider.
- VisaSouth Africa does not require a VISA at this time.
- VaccinationsNo Vaccine requirements for South Africa.
- Travel InsuranceTravel insurance is highly recommended. Trip deposits and payments are non-refundable. Therefore, it is prudent to protect your investment. For insurance options visit bit.ly/travelinsuranceinfo
- Medical Travel InsuranceMedical travel insurance is highly recommended and is different from travel insurance. Your domestic medical policy may not cover an overseas medical emergency. Visit bit.ly/travelinsuranceinfo
- GratuitiesGratuities are not included, but are strongly encouraged.
Available Packages
Available Add-Ons
Business Class Flight Upgrade
$7,200
Sold Out
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
Dec 1, 2025 - Arrival to Johannesburg
Your Organizer
Reviews
CA
While this was not my first trip overseas, it was my first with an organized travel group. The early communication was adequate; the brochure elicited excitement but subsequent communication, particularly as we got closer to the travel dates was lacking. I think more care and thought was needed when planning airline flights... Some of the travel group had to change their flights to NYC because it was communicated so late that our originating flight to SA left on the 30th, not the 1st. We lost so much time waiting in airports. For example, leaving Johannesburg we flew to Capetown for the last 4 days of our experience. We flew back to Jo-burg to catch our Emirates flight to Dubai. We spent that entire day in the Jo-burg airport waiting for that evening flight. Why? When Emirates had flights leaving Capetown. How does that happen? We paid for a night at the hotel in Jo-burg while we were still traveling to SA. Logistics and Communications definitely need improvements. Getting flight information was very frustrating. I understand this was a group booking, but MIT should have understanding that travelers want and needed to provide travel and flight information to family members seems so elementary. There were some glitches with the planning and timing of some of the experiences but those seemed minor when compared with the flights.
The experiences, on the other hand and our guides were topnotch - simply brilliant really. Knowledgeable, caring, patient, funny, everything you would want in a travel guide. The fellowship gained with my travel group was wonderful. The experiences were wide ranging; they were educational, heartbreaking, joyous, revealing, awe-inspiring, just brilliant. SA is a country full of contradictions - the people are friendly, the country beautiful, breathtaking in many ways, heartbreaking in many others. And, SA has penguins! I would consider using MIT for future travel because the experiences were transformative and culturally relevant but I would probably make my own travel arrangements.
By Claudette A for The Blakes Family - South Africa Excursion 2025 (Dec 1 - 10, 2025) on Jan 10, 2026
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to outline both your concerns and the aspects of the experience you enjoyed.
We would like to clarify several important points regarding airline travel and group flight logistics, as there appears to be some understandable frustration regarding airline operations.
All flight schedules, routing, departure dates, and connection details provided to travelers were issued directly by the airline. Maximum Impact Travel does not control airline inventory, routing decisions, connection cities, or post-ticketing schedule changes. Airlines frequently adjust flight schedules, sometimes with limited notice, and those decisions are made independently of tour operators.
Regarding the routing through Johannesburg: although Emirates does operate individual consumer flights from Cape Town to Dubai, a group flight option on that route was not available to us at the time of booking. Group airfare operates under different availability and fare rules than individual bookings, and we can only book what airlines release for group inventory. In this case, a direct Cape Town to Dubai group option was not offered, which is why that routing was not possible.
Similarly, the originating flight departure date was determined by the airline's group schedule and ticketing rules. Once flights are issued, changes to dates, routing, or timing are airline-driven, not operator-controlled.
We understand how long travel days, airport waiting times, and complex itineraries can feel frustrating. However, it is important to be clear that airline operations, scheduling, and availability fall outside the scope of what Maximum Impact Travel controls or manages. For that reason, we cannot accept responsibility for airline routing decisions or schedule changes.
That said, your feedback has reinforced an operational decision we have already made. Moving forward, Maximum Impact Travel will no longer coordinate or manage group flights. This allows travelers full autonomy to choose airlines, routing, connection times, and departure dates that best fit their personal needs, while allowing us to remain focused on delivering exceptional on-the-ground experiences.
We do appreciate your recognition of our guides, the cultural depth of the experience, and the overall impact of the journey. Those elements remain the core of what we do and where we consistently deliver excellence.
Thank you again for your feedback, and we wish you continued meaningful and enjoyable travels.
By Maximum Impact Travel on Jan 10, 2026
The trip was wonderful. The travel guides were very knowledgeable, friendly and patient. My problem was with the logistics. The lack of specific information provided to participants relative to air travel was ridiculous. First, the initial information had the wrong start date which resulted in travel on the Sunday after Thanksgiving (one of the busiest travel days of the year). Secondly, no consideration was given to those that had to schedule connecting flights or to the participants families needing information prior to boarding. When I inquired about details, I would sent the standard email with general information on it. In addition, it was totally ridiculous for us to travel back to Johannesburg in order to travel to Dubai when there were direct flights from CapeTown to Dubai. While it may have costs more and cut into your profits, you might want to consider the "positive customer service benefit". Instead, your customers had an extremely long layover in Johannesburg and Dubai after leaving for the airport at 5am that morning in CapeTown. Considering the costs associated with the trip, it was expected that there would be clear communication from the beginning to end and more attention to providing a comfortable travel expedience considering the long travel times. However, that is not what I experienced. There were many other participants who were not pleased as well. Whether they will be comfortable sharing their experience, I do not know.
By Natasha M for The Blakes Family - South Africa Excursion 2025 (Dec 1 - 10, 2025) on Jan 10, 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback about your travel experience with us. We appreciate the opportunity to address the concerns you've raised about the flight arrangements.
We want to clarify how group air travel works, as there seems to be some confusion about what was within our control versus what falls under airline operations.
Regarding the flight routing: All flight information and schedules we provided came directly from the airline. The routing through Johannesburg was based on the group flight inventory available to us at the time of booking. Group travel operates under different availability and pricing structures than individual bookings, and a direct Cape Town to Dubai option was not available through the airline for our group allocation. We understand this may differ from what individual travelers might find when searching on their own, but group inventory is managed separately by airlines.
About schedule changes and logistics: Airlines retain full control over their operations, including schedule adjustments, routing changes, aircraft assignments, and connection times, even after tickets are issued. Any modifications that occurred after booking were made by the airline and are outside our operational control. We recognize how frustrating unexpected travel changes can be, but these decisions rest entirely with the airline.
We do hear your concerns about the overall travel experience. In fact, feedback like yours has directly informed an important operational change: going forward, we will no longer coordinate group flights. Future travelers will book their own airfare independently, giving everyone full flexibility to choose airlines, routes, and connection times that work best for their individual needs and preferences.
We remain proud of the on-ground experience we deliver, our guides, itineraries, and in-destination support. We're committed to excellence in the areas we directly control, and we hope this clarification helps distinguish between our service delivery and airline operations.
We value all feedback as it helps us improve, and we wish you wonderful experiences in your future travels.
By Maximum Impact Travel on Jan 10, 2026
Thank you for the experience and our guides Hurbby and his son as well as Brad were amazing. If things could be changed I would add these: It should be required to tell people that they will want to by a phone plan for international or internet for international. Having whatsapp if only useful when you are at the hotel or an area with free internet. All the other times you hope to not loose your group or you hope to find other people in your group and stay together when you are off the grid like that. Have an ice breaker for the group there are people that do not know the Blakes or other travelers and it would help with being able to connect with each other early. Many people did not start connecting until near the end of the trip, which is a shame since it is a great opportunity to network, make friends and connection as a whole when you are traveling such a long distance together. There should be morning briefings either in whatsapp or in person. Not knowing if there is a change in schedule or what events we are doing and getting to chose if that is something you want can be frustrating. For example when going to Kliptown it was an option to stay on the bus. But it was not explained that there would be an entire program of touring Kliptown, meeting the children, the children having an entire program of music dancing, singing and a play. Many people on the bus had no idea and us that walked into town did not even get to walk all of Kliptown like planned nor see the full child program even though we said that we wanted to. Which brings up another point of time management. The trip felt rushed and time did not compensate for a 40 plus group. It felt like we had the time for a group of ten trying to make it would with a group of 40. Because of this just about everyday we are rushing, being told we have no time, being rushed to shop, sightsee, look around and wander and that is not acceptable when you have paid thousands of dollars and saved up the time to travel the world and be told that you cannot do what you want on your own trip. Another example would be the Apartheid museum. Our guide was informed that he had limited time and so we rushed and hour and a half into what is 3 to 4 hour museum only seeing highlights that he mentions and not getting to shop either. All this to say there should be another way to go about the time. There should also be two groups one that is ok with speeding through and one that is slower and takes their time looking at what they want. We had people in wheelchairs, people that were older and people that were younger, and rushing a big group like that was not the right way to go about it. Another is the excursions if it was mentioned that it takes 3 hours to get to the safari and then a 3 hour safari ride and another 3 hours to get home people would have probably opted out to do other things. Because our group was always behind time the days that were planned with free time
were taken and we would be returning to our hotel around dinner time. As days passed on more and more people would be vocal in the back of the bus about last minute changes or being rushed and felt like they were not being heard. There should be a briefing on bartering as well. I did not feel comfortable bartering for a price, where I come from the price is the price and you pay that is all there is to it. If we need to have that mindset that should be explained and prepped for. There was a lot of time dedicated to travel rather then touring which should probably be changed. Flying to Cape Town took a whole day. Outside of this there is the second hotel. Hyde hotel was lovely, but the second one was not up to par and much older of a building. Typically this is fine, but even the adaptors for this hotel were not compatible with our multiuse adaptors. Overall my biggest recommendation would be to listen to the group rather then force a schedule and to make more time for people to look around, it would be beneficial to have to two buses and staggering groups for this.
By Jaden G for The Blakes Family - South Africa Excursion 2025 (Dec 1 - 10, 2025) on Dec 25, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We appreciate hearing from our guests and we take all comments seriously, especially when they are offered with the intention of improving future experiences.
Because this is a public forum, it is important to provide additional context so those reading understand that several factors during this experience were outside of Maximum Impact Travel’s control.
First, during this trip, an unauthorized group communication channel was created and used to share information, discuss changes, and set expectations without the knowledge or approval of Maximum Impact Travel. As a result, participants received mixed and, at times, inaccurate messaging that did not reflect MIT’s official itinerary, timing, or operational plans. These unapproved communications and informal adjustments contributed to confusion and the perception of feeling rushed, despite MIT’s established schedule and pacing having been clearly communicated in advance and executed by our on-ground team.
In preparation for the trip, Maximum Impact Travel hosted two live culture training sessions that specifically addressed phone plans, WhatsApp usage, daily communication expectations, and cultural norms while abroad. In addition, multiple pre-departure emails were sent to participants, each of which included a culture training manual outlining these same topics in detail. For clarity, the official daily schedule was consistently posted in the authorized WhatsApp group the day before each scheduled activity, ensuring guests had accurate information directly from MIT.
It is important to note that the trip may have felt rushed to some due to unauthorized individuals sharing altered schedules or informal changes without MIT approval, which created conflicting expectations within the group. MIT’s official itinerary was intentionally structured to balance meaningful experiences with adequate rest, and that pacing was followed by our operational team.
Additionally, there was a situation involving an individual who attempted to join the tour after capacity had been reached and again after being formally declined. For safety, logistical, and liability reasons, this request was denied in accordance with MIT policies. Following this decision, there were statements made indicating an intention to leave negative reviews as a result of not being accommodated. While we respect the right of anyone to share their experience, decisions related to safety, authorization, and group capacity cannot be influenced by pressure or threats. Allowing an unauthorized participant to join would have exposed the company, our guides, and other guests to unnecessary risk, which we could not ethically or responsibly permit.
Regarding travel to Cape Town, the flight time was approximately two hours, followed by less than one hour of ground transportation from the airport to the hotel. This portion of the itinerary did not require an entire day, nor was it intended to rush guests. On the contrary, the schedule was designed to allow adequate time to rest and reset prior to the late-afternoon flight, ensuring a smoother transition between destinations.
As it relates to the Cape Town hotel, the property in question is a vintage, antique four-star hotel with consistent reviews across all major platforms. While many guests appreciate its historical character and charm, we recognize that individual preferences vary and will continue to keep this in mind as we serve a diverse range of travelers.
Regarding Kliptown, we appreciate the feedback and will certainly take the suggestion into consideration for future groups. Historically, this portion of the experience has not presented communication issues; however, we recognize that each group dynamic is different and we continually refine our processes.
We regret anytime a guest leaves feeling frustrated and value constructive feedback. At the same time, we believe it is important for readers to understand that not all challenges experienced on a group tour are the result of the tour operator, particularly when unauthorized communications and external disruptions occur.
We appreciate you traveling with us, wish you the very best in your future travels, and remain committed to delivering meaningful, well-organized experiences with professionalism, integrity, and care. We will continue refining our pre-departure communication tools to further minimize confusion and ensure all guests are aligned with official schedules.
By Maximum Impact Travel on Dec 25, 2025
I had a wonderful trip filled with great hotels, food, safari adventure, travel from Johannesburg to Capetown, touring, entertainment and shopping accommodations. Learning how Black people of South Africa overcame impossible odds gave me such great respect for Nelson Mandela and all who gave their lives to end apartheid. Along with the cultural history, I saw some the best unforgettable scenic views. This trip is highly recommended!!
By Sakile F for MIT - South Africa Excursion 2025 (Dec 1 - 10, 2025) on Dec 22, 2025
So happy to hear you had a wonderful experience! Thank you for the feedback!
By Maximum Impact Travel on Dec 22, 2025
PROS: The Historical and Cultural Excursions in Johannesburg were very impactful, educational and enlightening. Cape Town was beautiful, (mtns/ocean/Table Mountain) so much so, that pictures/video could in no way capture the Splendor. The Tour Guides were professional, knowledgeable, helpful, entertaining and a pleasure to socialize with.
- Overall; the sightseeing excursions met and satisfied my expectations.
CONS: The mismanaged scheduling and communication between Maximum Travel Team lacked professionalism and traveler consideration for the following reasons.
- Travelers were Never provided a full flight Itinerary, despite several requests for one.
- Travelers were emailed the following information Feb 26th
- On November 30, 2025 at 11:00pm EST, the flight departs JFK (Kennedy International Airport) in New York. There is a short 3 hour layover in Dubai (DXB). You will arrive in South Africa on December 1, 2025 at 7:25am.
It is Absolutely Impossible to Arrive in SA from the US within this short timeframe. It is understood that changes in Flight Itinerary is subject to the Airline, yet Maximum travel should have caught this Very Obvious error upfront and 'kicked' it back to the Airlines for an Amended schedule that enable the Travelers to arrive on the contracted day of Dec 1st, yet instead Maximum Impact emailed the following information June 13th (note: 4-months later).
- While your departure time remains unchanged, your flight is now scheduled to arrive in Johannesburg on December 2 at 5:35 AM.
This change did not provide for the contracted 10-day Tour yet shortened it by 1- day.
I contact the Maximum Travel support team regarding this prior to Dec 30th yet was merely and succinctly told that the company is Not held responsible for Airline Itinerary changes.
- Departure from Cape Town to Jo'burg then back to the U.S. was arduous, because despite there being an earlier departure flight, Maximum Travel booked for a flight that had a layover of 9hts out of Jo'burg. This came as an unexpected/unwelcomed surprise, and because travelers did not have a Flight Itinerary, and thus didn't learn of these scheduling until arriving at the airport.
- Day 5 - Full Day Safari Adventure with Lunch (per Itinerary on-line). Lunch indeed was NOT provided. Bishop Sam, therefore, generously paid for everyone's lunch.
- The Hyde Hotel accommodations and location in Jo'burg were easily a 4-star !!!
- The Commodore Hotel accommodations and location in Cape Town were easily a 3-star.
It was assumed that because it is Jay Cameron's company, he would be more involved in our Experience, and yet he wasn't. He did Not accompany the group on any excursion, nor socialize with us during the entire tour. He introduced himself on the 1st day, and then again on another, yet thereafter was sparsely seen.
To Sum: I would recommend Maximum Impact Travel Group, yet only after the issues above are addressed.
By Toshiko R for The Blakes Family - South Africa Excursion 2025 (Dec 1 - 10, 2025) on Dec 20, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We genuinely appreciate hearing from our travelers, and we take all comments seriously as we continue to improve the experience we provide.
We would like to offer clarification on a few points raised in your review, while also acknowledging your perspective.
Airline Itineraries and Schedule Changes
Maximum Impact Travel does not control airline schedules or operational changes. As with all group and individual travel, flight itineraries are ultimately managed by the airline, and changes are communicated to guests once they are confirmed. In this case, updates were shared when received from the airline. Because airline schedule changes can create frustration for travelers despite being outside our control, we are actively evaluating the discontinuation of group flight options in the future to avoid confusion or misplaced responsibility.
Safari Lunch
Lunch was not included as part of the tour experience. Only daily breakfast is included with this South Africa tour. This was stated on the booking page before booking the tour, on the itinerary sent 2 weeks before the tour, and daily updates in the group while on the tour.
Hotel Accommodations
The Commodore Hotel in Cape Town is a well-established property with a consistent four-star rating across major travel platforms. While we respect that personal preferences and experiences vary, the majority of our travelers have found the accommodations to be comfortable and well-located. We acknowledge your perspective and appreciate the feedback.
Role and Presence of Company Leadership
This was the Blakes Family South Africa Excursion, and all individuals who were advertised as hosts and guides were present throughout the experience. At no time was Jay Cameron marketed or advertised as a tour guide or full-time host for this trip. While this is his company, Maximum Impact Travel operates multiple tours concurrently and is not structured as a small, owner-led operation. Mr. Cameron attended all scheduled days in Johannesburg as a courtesy, interacted with guests, and participated as his schedule allowed. His presence was not a requirement of the tour, nor was it represented as such in any marketing materials.
Return Flight Layover
The extended layover on the return journey was intentionally selected to minimize the risk of missed international connections. Due to prior industry experiences and the unpredictability of airline operations, we prioritize safeguarding return travel even when it requires longer layovers. This approach is designed to reduce the risk of travelers being stranded or missing transatlantic flights.
We appreciate you traveling with Maximum Impact Travel and taking the time to provide your feedback. We hope this additional context offers clarity, and we wish you the very best in your future travels.
By Maximum Impact Travel on Dec 20, 2025
References
My Ghana experience with the Maximum Impact Travel team in November 2025 was WONDERFUL! Before, during, and after the trip the service was impeccable. Transportation, cultural tours, and restaurants exceeded my expectations. Jay Cameron's team exemplified the spirit of hospitality. I recommend this trip first as you explore the continent of Africa.
Jordan W.
By Carol W on 06 Dec, 2025
I have been traveling with Global travel and Sherrie we went Jamaica, Bahamas, Egypt and now I have this deep feeling to go to the motherland especially Ghana, and I am thinking about moving to Ghana. I am a veteran, retired and ready to do what it will take to make this happen.
By Denise G on 19 Sep, 2025
I had the absolute privilege of joining the Gateway Experience Ghana, July 2022. There's only one word to describe it - TRANSFORMATIVE. Jay has done the work and created a truly phenomenal travel experience. Because of his efforts, I connected with the ancestors, with Ghanaians, with Africans and with myself. I fell in love with Ghana and am now planning to move there. Jay and his local team - the incomparable Morris and the loyal Ernest - took care of every detail and provided a trip that was informative, enjoyable and safe. I don't think I could have that experience with any other tour operator. From now on, I will only travel with Jay and Maximum Impact when I visit any place in Africa. In fact, my group and I are planning to travel together again to Tanzania next year. It's just that deep. If you love Black people and Blackness, then love yourself by booking a trip with Maximum Impact!
By Audra S on 30 Aug, 2022