13 scathing TripAdvisor reviews of South African tourist attractions

In a world where we are constantly plugged in and online, venturing to new and exciting places often begins with a quick internet search. More often than not we find ourselves trawling through the reviews on TripAdvisor before we are able to formulate our own opinions.

While most South African tourist attractions have glowing reviews from locals and tourists alike, there are always a handful of grumbling trolls dishing out one or two stars and a whole lot of criticism. Some of it is valid, some of it is ludicrous and some of it is downright hilarious.

All of these posts are direct quotes from TripAdvisor users who gave the various attractions one or two stars.

Let’s take a look.

Cango Caves: “Unless you’ve never been to a cave, don’t bother”

“The caves are really no big deal and have been WAY over developed. The tours are in very large groups which just makes the experience even worse.”

Robben Island “Get your facts straight”

“The trip to Robben Island was just anti-Apartheid in reverse and the show was only for the overseas visitors. Get your facts straight and stop lying to people.”

Apartheid Museum “South Africa and the whole world should be ashamed of this museum”

“This is one of the worst piles of garbage I have ever seen labeled as a Museum. This is not a museum that chronicles history of progression of mankind from a state of ignorance and apathy to an age of understanding, wisdom and equality, but rather a pileup of racial hatred and all that was bad about the South African History.”

Long Street: “Full of crime, high prices and nothing that interesting”

“The bars while conveniantly close to each other are overcrowded with poor sound systems, high cover charges and street people waiting to rob you outside.”

Soweto: “Disappointing”

“Not much of interest to be seen. Looks like most other townships in the world. If you like delapidated structures, this is for you.”

Montecasino: “Totally tacky and tasteless”

“What is the point of this piece of design monstrosity! I cringe every time I pass it and shudder whenever I enter its not very hallowed halls. Why did we subject ourselves to this and how could someone have paid to put it up?!!!”

Knysna Elephant Park: “Not worth the money”

“Watched a video for 8 min then went on tractor trailer for 2 min then fed elephants and touched for 5 min and it was all over.”

uShaka Marine World: “Nauseating”

“Nauseating music and lights combined with heat and humidity. Very touristy. I advice all self-respecting South Africans to stay away.”

Johannesburg Zoo: “Jhb Zoo poorly maintained”

“The zoo was poorly maintained with a lot of empty cages without any explanation. Not sure if it is due to a lack of funds or just the general trend in South Africa where nothing is looked after anymore.”

Table Mountain Cableway: “Turn around, around, around and around again”

“It’s a cabe way with a cabin that turns around while going up (or at least the floor is turning around). At the beginning you see Cape Town getting smaller and Table Mountain approaching and we go down its just the opposite.”

Gold Reef City: “Waste of time and huge queues”

“Run down with poor eating options and really just somewhere to send your kids while the adults go to the seedy casino.”

Kruger National Park: “The Most Overrated Attraction”

“We came with a lot of expectations. Maybe we came to the wrong side but we spent more than 12 hours into the park to see very few animals, it was not worth the time nor the money spent.”

Addo Elephant Park: “Spend your money somewhere else”

“In short there is very little game and we were rather unlucky to see only two elephants from a great distance away. I will not be returning to Addo nor will I be recommending it.”

Photos by Shutterstock.com
uShaka Marine World photo by Flickr.com/RobinOrchard
Gold Reef City photo by Flickr.com/George M. Groutas