I have been quite unimpressed with Curiocity’s poor treatment and business practices. My reservation number is 8353 in case they try to claim that this is a fake or false review. Since June 2022, I have been attempting to be refunded money without avail. At this point, they have stolen from me.
On June 20, 2022, I made an advanced payment in the amount of R11,9000 for a booking from December 27, 2022-January 3, 2023. On June 22, 2022, I informed Curiocity that my travel plans had changed and I would no longer be traveling to CPT. They informed me that, in accordance with their refund policy, I was eligible for a full refund given how much advanced notice I had given them. They requested me to share my bank details with them, which I did. They then informed me that the refund would take 30-60 days to be debited back to my account because it was a non-South African banking account (I am American).
At the 60 day mark, I followed up with Curiocity as I had not received the refund. They claimed that it was an issue with their accounts department and that they would “check with accounts” and get back to me. I followed up repeatedly and kept getting the same response that someone on the Curiocity team would “check with accounts;’ however, no one ever followed up with me regarding the outcome of this supposed conversation with their accounts department. I reached out to Curiocity once again on September 14, 2022 and they did not bother to respond. In the correspondence on September 14, 2022, I forwarded communication from PayGate that stated that Curiocity could issue the refund through PayGate instead of to my bank account. Issuing the refund through PayGate would have eliminated the “issues” that Curiocity was having with my account being international. Again, my emails and WhatsApp messages were ignored.
I had to enlist the help of a law firm in Cape Town to assist me with trying to recover my money. Curiocity is continuing to give the same excuse that there is some sort of hold up with their accounts department. The year is 2022—transferring money between international bank accounts can be accomplished quickly and through several different modalities, as evidenced by the quick (1 business day), successful transfers to my lawyers in SA. There is really no excuse why the refund would take nearly four months and there is certainly no excuse or rationale why a business should stop all communication with a customer regarding a refund. In doing so, they have stolen from me. I still have not received my refund as of October 11, 2022. Given Curiocity’s grotesque handling of this situation, I recommend that no one book with them as I truly would not want anyone else to be...
Read moreMy recent stay at Curiocity Backpackers in Cape Town's Green Point was an unforgettable experience, largely due to the warm and inclusive community spirit fostered by the full team- Bheki, King, Gail, Nyasha, Josh and Tsholo. From the moment of arrival, the heartfelt welcome set a positive tone for the entire stay. The team's genuine warmth and dedication to creating a vibrant, inclusive environment are immediately evident and deeply impactful.
Under Bheki's leadership, a remarkable community has flourished, with guests from various backgrounds coming together to share stories, adventures, and laughter. This family-like atmosphere is enhanced by numerous organized events and activities such as communal dinners, game nights and cultural experiences such as Jazzy Vibes Sundays, all designed to encourage interaction and connection among guests.
However, the true standout feature of this hostel is the sense of belonging it cultivates. The team’s genuine care for their guests and their commitment to creating a welcoming environment transform Curiocity Backpackers from merely a place to stay into a home away from home.
The owner’s dedication makes this hostel a special place, leaving guests with wonderful memories, new friends, and a deep appreciation. Highly...
Read moreTraveling with Curiocity in Johannesburg and Cape Town was far from your typical crowded, impersonal tour. From the start, it was clear that this wasn’t just about checking off landmarks—it was about connection. Our amazing tour guides didn’t just share facts; they shared their love for the city, weaving in personal stories and insights that made every stop come alive.
The experience was well-organized yet relaxed, making it feel more like exploring with a knowledgeable friend than following a script. Instead of being herded through tourist traps, I got a deeper, more authentic sense of the city’s culture, history, and everyday life. Whether it was uncovering hidden gems or learning fascinating local stories, every moment felt immersive and engaging. They gave perfect recommendations for restaurants, Nightlife , shopping etc.
It’s an experience I will never forget. If you’re looking for a tour that blends knowledge, authenticity, and a genuine passion for the city, Curiocity is the way to go. Highly recommended for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want to truly experience Johannesburg...
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