Neil de Jonge | Safari Travel Expert
Jewel of Africa Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2002)
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $359 to $993 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email John & Roslyn Vander Wyk | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best taste of Africa that a 14-day tour would allow, superbly organised by Jewel of Africa.
When looking to visit South Africa we examined the tours offered by several operators, but settled on Jewel of Africa Safaris for the promise of a personalised, bespoke tour at a reasonable price. They more than lived up to our expectations. Our tour was organised by Elize, who was a pleasure to deal with, personable and knowledgeable, who arranged a great tour after listening to us about our interests and what we would like to see and do. Unlike some tour organisers, she maintained contact after finalising the tour which made us continue to feel involved and heightened our anticipation. During the tour we also met Neil, one of the owners, again that personal touch which we appreciated.
After overnighting in Johannesburg we spent the best part of a week at two safari camps, Phelwana Game Lodge and Bateleur Safari Camp. Each gave us a different experience, but together we were able to see a wide range of African wild life, including the "big five". We also toured the Panorama Route. Then to Cape Town, where side trips included a Cape Peninsula Tour, the Cape Winelands, and of course Robben Island. Then to Victoria Falls, where we stayed at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. All in 14 days. The hotel accommodation at Johannesburg and Cape Town was first class, and in the case of Cape Town, the Commodore Hotel at which we stayed was right on the V&A Waterfront, as well situated as it could be. Accommodation and all-included meals at each of the three safari lodges, including two luxury tent stays, was for us unique and an experience in itself. The organisation of transfers and flights was seamless, with no hiccups or delays.
All in all, Jewel of Africa Safaris made our first overseas visit after Covid probably the best. An experience we will long remember.
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Email Jessica | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Expert and committed to tailoring safaris to your exact preferences!
Jewel of Africa was excellent and expert at customizing our multi-stop African vacation in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Neil de Jonge took the time to listen to our personal interests and tailored each stop and activity to meet our desires. He adeptly advised us how to best arrange a complicated itinerary, patiently answered our questions (several video calls over the course of 12 months, including once while he was in the bush in Botswana!) and guided us through planning during the uncertainty and turmoil of the pandemic. We were so relieved to be able to travel in June 2022! Elize Lobser managed the details with finesse and communicated reservation information and requirements. Really appreciated the copious information available to us through the online safari portal. Highly recommend Jewel of Africa for a personalized African experience.
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Email Connie Kakalia | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Neal de Jonge is a dedicated and excellent tour operator!
My husband and I had a trip of a lifetime with Jewel of Africa. I started planning this trip in 2019, but because of covid it was postponed until June 2022. So I was in communication with Neal and Elize for almost three years. They were so quick to reply to my many emails.
Our trip began in Windhoek, Namibia. Our itinerary in Namibia included Sossusvlei, Swakopmund,
Hoanib Valley, and Etosha. We saw all of the big 5 animals.
We then flew to Capetown and had a great tour of the Cape and the surrounding area.
Then we flew to Botswana and visited the Okavango Delta and Chobe. Wildlife was abundant!
Our final destination was Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
I would have never chosen this itinerary on my own, so I am so thankful that I was able to trust Neal to plan this amazing 21 day journey! Every accommodation was over the top. Safari drives, boat rides, flights to the remote lodges, meals, and drinks were included with the price of the tour. Everything went smoothly and I can’t thank Jewel of Africa for a perfect trip of a lifetime!
This tour company is beyond excellent. I would highly recommend using this company for any trip to Africa.
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Email Johann F. Szautner | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Jewel of Africa safaris provide great opportunities for spiritual renewal, cultural enrichment & fun
This was our 4th. safari with Jewel of Africa, a customized 10-day tour of the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Zambia's Elephant camp and of course Kruger Park. Accommodations and service were first class, our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Every day was a new adventure, and an opportunity for incredible photographs. Wherever we went, we were welcomed by an African smile, and always felt safe.
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Email Frannie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great First-Time in Africa
My husband and I wanted a safari trip with a visit to Victoria Falls as an add-on. Kobus at Jewel of Africa helped us planned a ten day trip that included staying 4 different lodges in South Africa and Zimbabwe. This offered us a diverse range of experience. The accommodations and game drives were all very good. We had an amazing time in Africa and saw all of the Big 5 thanks to Jewel of Africa.
I am giving them a 4-star because I think communication could have been handled better.
1) Email communication at times was delayed and many follow up emails were required.
2) Our package included a lion walk and a hippo feeding, when we got to both places, both tried to collect money from us because they claimed they hadn't received prepayment for our visits. Even though the payment issue was resolved eventually, it was still very awkward for us to be a part of.
3) Our return flight was supposed to depart from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. When the final airline ticket was issued, it had changed to depart from Livingstone in Zambia. We were not advised of this change beforehand. This was not only inconvenient, it also made it so that we had to pay extra Visa fee to enter Zambia.
All in all, Jewel of Africa delivered on the itinerary they planned for us. The lodges they chose and the activities they included were really good. I obtained quotes from 8-10 different companies before deciding on Jewel of Africa. This is a legitimate business that offers good value for your budget.
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Email Joke | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Simply the best!
Our first trip to Africa, with the kids in 2014 was full of wonders. Luckily we had a great guide, Kobus. He knows all the stories, also some fun anecdotes and is very entertaining. Since he is a ranger too, we got to know all about the wildlife on our trip to Kruger where he managed to show us a large variety of animals.
As Kobus says:"you may leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you", so we started dreaming about going back the minute we got home. This time we were a bit more demanding and had a customized trip made for us. South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, .... all in a 16 day trip. The organization was impeccable, the guide (again) super, the trip a journey never to forget.
Kobus has become a dear friend and we hope to be back with him soon!
BE
Email peter dewaele | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
a brilliant jewel of africa
Jewel of Africa safaris: a jewel in the crown of south-africa!
great program, fantastic safaris, awesome sightseeing, all adapted to our own needs.
"springbokkie", a drink with mint and amuralla however, - only tastes good in Africa :)
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Email Tammy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip ever - totally awesome
I found Jewel of Africa Safaris on the SafariBookings.com site. Neil de Jonge responded quickly and clearly to all of my questions. We booked a 4-day trip that included a guided safari of the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route, staying at Cheetah Paw Eco Lodge.
Our trip was last month. Andrew picked us up at the airport and showed us an awesome time. We were fortunate enough to see 4 ½ of the Big 5 at Kruger. The leopard was in the ravine behind the bush. We also saw a honey bagger, which our guide told us, is a rare sight. Andrew made excellent recommendations for food and made us feel like family friends. He also recommended the Lion Walk – just amazing. Because we had such a great time, we planning on going back and bringing family/friends with us.
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Email Matt | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This was an incredible experience!
My wife and I went on a 5 day Kruger Safari and had an amazing time. The experiences were amazing and we discovered so many new things about South Africa. Our Guide Neil was amazing and incredibly knowledgeable. We were very impressed at everything he taught us about not only the animals and Kruger, but also of South Africa in general. Everyday felt like a new experience as we did so many different things. I would definitely recommend Jewel of Africa as your tour company, they were amazing. Thanks again Neil.
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Email Natalie & Brad | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
So much more than expected!
I booked this tour because I knew it would be the best way to experience the area around Kruger National Park. Neil was incredible & an amazing example of this company is all about! Its customers. Neil was prompt in responding to all of my emails in trying to plan what I thought would be the most enjoyable activities for my husband and I. He was very flexible & hospitable.
What I expected was a nice tour guide who would sort of distance himself from us until we arrived at our final destination & began engaging in our activities.... but not Neil. Neil was all about sharing the history and facts of South Africa. He was very informative in all aspects of our trip. Honestly, it was like traveling with a friend. We all shared biltong & had some great conversations. He took the time to get to know us, & vice-versa! He also, was our personal photographer at times ( we didn't have to ask, he asked us!), and he knew some great places for some awesome photos! He gave us great tips on other places in Africa to visit! If something wasn't quite working out in the schedule, Neil would figure out a way to make it work. He was always going above and beyond!
If you are looking for a tour guide company, I would highly recommend this one, unless you don't like to have fun! Should we require one again.... this is who we will choose, hands down!
Thanks, Neil! You helped give us a trip that we will never forget!