AfricaStay is one of the most reputable travel agencies in Johannesburg that specialise in creating tailor-made travel experiences for clients. They’re a sub company of Silver Peach Marketing and were established in 2004.

The agency provides a wide range of travel packages, including wildlife safaris, luxury retreats, beach holidays, and cultural tours, among others. They offer trips to popular destinations worldwide.

AfricaStay also offers visa assistance and travel insurance, which we love. Another thing we appreciate about this agency is its commitment to providing 24/7 support during the clients’ trips. 

Previous clients how prompt the agents are in responding to urgent requests. With their attention to detail and commitment to excellence, AfricaStay is a reliable choice, especially for first-time travellers.

AfricaStay boasts about offering unbeatable deals, and they’re not lying. We love how their vacation packages are all-inclusive and that they have a package fitting every budget.

They’re also partnered with over 1.2 million hotels and transfer and day tour service providers, which we find impressive. Furthermore, we’re pleased to know that all of their hotel and supplier partners are COVID safety approved.

However, we suggest that you’re 100% sure before you book your holiday with them because we heard requesting refunds can be a pain in the butt, which is disheartening.

A few of their previous clients also have complaints about their experience with unprofessional receptionists at the agency. We’re told they were shouted at and rudely dismissed after a misunderstanding, which is appalling.

SMS Travel is a small but high-performing travel agency based in Johannesburg. They offer a range of travel services such as flights, accommodation, car rentals, travel insurance, and holiday packages. 

In addition, they also offer their assistance in the completion of visa applications as well as submissions, which is a valuable service.

Despite being a newer company, SMS Travel has owned its spot among the leading travel agencies in the city. We also found it noteworthy how they’re one of the most- and highest-rated agencies in and around Joburg.

The agency caters to both corporate and leisure travellers and is known for its personalised service and attention to detail. 

SMS Travel has a team of experienced travel consultants who are often complimented for their friendliness and apparent expertise.

They also offer 24-hour emergency service to ensure that their clients are always taken care of in case of any unexpected situations. Although, some report that their agents can be difficult to reach out to at times, which isn’t ideal, especially during emergencies.

SMS Travel has won numerous awards over the years, including the prestigious World Travel Award for South Africa’s Leading Travel Agency, which we find impressive.

While they boast to offer flexible holiday packages for trips to many countries in the world, unfortunately, the agency doesn’t feature their products on their website. 

Instead, interested travellers need to either reach them through their social media accounts or call the office, which can be a hassle, especially if you’re only looking to compare prices.

Pentravel is a well-known travel agency that boasts 30 years of experience in the travel industry. They’re a well-established business with multiple branches all over South Africa.

They specialise in offering personalised travel experiences to their clients, ranging from local getaways to international adventures. We love that they offer their clients a wide range of choices in terms of destination and costs.

Pentravel has a team of knowledgeable travel experts who are passionate about creating customised travel packages tailored to their clients’ preferences. We love that all of their agents are properly trained and obviously experienced.

It’s also a plus for us that they’re a one-stop shop for all travel needs. They offer an extensive list of travel services, including flights, accommodation, tours, cruises, car rentals, travel insurance, and more.

The agency is also partnered with reputable airlines, hotels, and tour operators worldwide to provide their clients with the best travel deals and experiences. 

Another feature we love about this agency is its flexible payment options for its products, including lay-by payment plans and credit card payments.

We’re also impressed to find how Pentravel has won several awards for its exceptional customer service, including the Sunday Times Top Brand Award for Best Travel Agency in South Africa for six consecutive years. 

However, it’s worth noting that their client communication can still be improved, as there are several grumbles about previous experiences with seemingly uninterested staff.

On top of that, some of their previous clients also complain about the agency’s occasional delayed processing of travel requests, which affected the schedule and itinerary of the trips.

Last but not least, we have XL Nexus Travel, a Johannesburg-based full-service travel agency. They were founded over two decades ago, making them one of the first travel agencies in the city.

They’re a proud level 1 BBEE-rated owned and managed travel agency that has proven their name in the field over the years.

We also found it noteworthy how they’re accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as well as the South African Association for the Conference Industry, which reflects the business’ strong credibility.

Aside from offering a wide range of holiday packages, they also provide value-added services like booking car rentals, cruises, and tours, which is awesome. 

On top of that, the agency also sells travel insurance and offers foreign exchange and visa assistance services.

We like that the agency’s holiday packages cater to a range of travel preferences, including beach getaways, city breaks, and adventure travel. These packages are also flexible depending on the client’s budget, which we commend.

Although, we would’ve liked it better if the vacation packages that they’re offering are featured on their website, so it’s easier for clients to explore destinations and compare rates.

As a result, interested clients need to get ahold of one of the travel agents just to inquire, which isn’t very convenient – especially given that there are multiple complaints about the agency’s delayed response to potential clients’ inquiries.