Explore the Hidden Gems of Africa
Gems of Africa Safari and Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $82 to $494 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
NZ
Email Maureen Piper | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable and communicative
We have just finished a two night stay on the Garden Route. I can only speak in superlatives about our experience. From the reservations consultant to the driver to the accommodation to the food to the staff, everything was wonderful and exceeded expectations. The breakfast was the best we have eaten anywhere in the world.
For other travellers: we were not given an option about the standard of our accommodation, so ended up in a luxury two bedroom villa, when we would have been just as happy in the cheaper option of a one bedroom villa on the same property, which also looked great. We were also incorrectly advised by the reservations consultant that we would have a 50% chance of seeing the big five, when the property only had the big four. These two issues did not affect our enjoyment of our stay, but it's important for transparency.
I would definitely use this tour operator again, but it's important to ask all the questions when booking.
CH
Email Anja | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Smooth!
Our group of friends embarked on an unforgettable Safari experience thanks to the exceptional service provided by Gems of Africa Safari & Tours. From the initial booking to accommodating our last-minute changes, they went above and beyond to ensure a seamless journey. We couldn't be happier with our experience and eagerly look forward to booking with them again in the future!
Email Stephanie P | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Helpful, beuatiful lodgings and incredible safari experience!
Mdluli lodge were so helpful. The emails were prompt and let us know the details of the different options to help us decide. They even accomodated a last minute request to change departure time on the final day when we realised we needed to back in Joberg earlier
Th Lodge itself was beautiful. On both times we relaxed by the pool we so Bull Elephants casually walking past across the river beyond the fence! The tents were spacious, comfortable, and airconditioned.
Our safaris were both incredible. We went on the sunset drive the day we arrived. It was mainly elephants, local deer, and finished with a drink near a lake that was home to three hippopatami
Th next day we went deeper into Kreuger on the 10 hour all day game drive as we wanted to maximise our chances of seeing the big five. We were incredibly lucky and saw all big 5, two times over! 2 lepoards, 9 lions (across two prides), two groups of buffalo and rhino + countless elephants. Our guide was fun, skilled at in looking out for animals and always made sure we had enough food and water. Just a note, you need to let them know if you want to do the game drives a couple hour prior - so if youre arriving just before the 2pm-6pm Kreuger drive I recommend emailing them ahead of time to let them know
Overall I couldn't recommend Mdluli lodge more highly!
US
Email Mary | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience
We had a wonderful experience on our 3 day safari! The lodge was beautiful with amazing views and the staff was very friendly. The food was great. We had 4 rides (2 mornings and 2 Afternoons) that were 3 hours long! We saw so many magnificent animals up close and it was very exciting. Our guide was so knowledgeable about them and their habitats. Opportunity to learn about conservation efforts.
Email Rhys | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic customer service!
Andre, Janine and Lindo ensured that we had a great safari and really went the extra mile. I strongly recommend booking through Gems of Africa when booking your safari!
ES
Email Dave Dunlop | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Recent Visit
The lodge facilities were excellent as was the area surrounding the compex. Fabulous views from the hotel room and an excellent staff who were very helpfull with any requests. The safari was a big disappointment as there is no such thing as the guaranteed viewing of the big 5, there are no leopards. Very view animals to view, 3 giraffes visiable from 200 mtrs, 5 elephants,5 rhino, 1 lion and 3 lioness, 5 hippos, 3 eland and a handful of sprinboks was all that was seen during the 3 days. The animals all appeared be fed by the staff and appeared relatively tame, certainly not wild. The terrain they live in is not really their natural habitat as there is nothing for them to eat or hunt. It you want to see the animals in their natural habitat then go to Kruger or Chobe and see the animals in the real world.
Reply from Gems of Africa Safari and Tours
Posted on Mar 6, 2024Dear Mr Dunlop, Trust you are well and thank you very much for sharing your review.
We are very happy to hear that the staff and facilities at Aquila Private Game Reserve were great. Unfortunately, all the safari lodges near Cape Town, 7 in total, have all reintroduced wildlife where some of them once roamed and offer more of a taste of a safari experience near Cape Town if you don't have the time to travel to Kruger National Park. For a first time safari, Aquila Private Game Reserve is perfect but if you have been to Botswana or Kruger National Park before, I would not recommend it. I have personally been to Aquila Private Game Reserve a few times with my 8yr old and Husband and we love it with many guests coming back having enjoyed it. It really depends on the guests and their expectations. These private game reserves don't have the size to accommodate herds and herds of each type of species, and therefore provide a glimpse of these beautiful creatures. We hope to assist you in the future if you ever want to travel to Botswana, Zimbabwe or Kruger National Park. Kind Regards the Gems of Africa Safari & Tours Family
Email Margaret | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gems of Africa was extremely thorough
We found all Gems of Africa very prompt with communication and was able to address all concerns. They were value for money and meticulous in their information. A great provider.
Email Petra | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect experience, start to finish!
So glad we chose Gems of Africa to plan our first ever Safari experience. It went so smoothly and we didn't have to worry about a thing and just enjoy our holidays. The team even gave us a little welcome treats and made us feel truly special!
Thank you!
CA
Email Marc | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing and timely
I want to thank the whole team at Gems of Africa for so much help planning a bucket list trip that met and exceeded all expectations. From start to finish we had plenty of questions and requests and they were always handled promptly with professionalism, including transport to and the safari experience itself. I also want to send a thank you to the resort Shalati Train on Bridge that was absolutely magical – we would not have found this gem with Gems of Africa. Thank you!!!!!!!
GI
Email Julian | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience for our first safari in Inverdoorn
We had a great time on the Safari. Saw loads of animals up close and enjoyed the whole experience.
It is relatively close to Cape Town - around 2.5 - 3 hours drive, but feels like another planet.
The Inverdoorn resort was lovely, great food and service.
The stars experience was amazing, saw many more stars than back home.
The lions are kept in a separate reserve at the moment, so that is not so great, but as a first time safari it was really good. If you have already been on larger safaris maybe this is not the one for you. But, if you are looking for something close to Cape Town, that gives you the safari experience then this is a great choice.