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 $994 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
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.
US
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.
BE
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!
US
Email Jorge | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Completely professional, but feel like family.
Jewel of Africa does not deliver as they promise. They do so much more! The service is personalized while maintaining the highest degree of professionalism.
US
Email Joel Lang | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Immaculate
Our Kruger safari with Neil was a dream trip in every sense for my mother and I. We'd dreamt of such an adventure for years, and when we were actually there it was an immaculate dream of a trip...hypnotizing landscapes/wild, dusty roads/lions literally close enough to touch (if the windows had been down)/galloping herds/lazy jaguars/royal giraffes. This really can't be overstated. I've just tried, but I've failed.
Regarding the day-to-day, the most important thing is Neil. He's a classy, fun, intelligent dude with a mildly humorous accent. As a result of this, everything else falls into place. Lodging could be described as rustic, spectacular. And South African bacon should be considered a national treasure.
The only thing anyone really needs to understand is that if Neil were not guiding others, he'd probably be out there himself. He, and Jewel of Africa Safaris, have a real and proud hunger for what they do.
NO
Email Margrethe | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fun and professional :D
I was with a group of volunteers, who went to Kruger nationalpark for safari in 2014. We had such good time with Neil (our tour operator). He is so much fun, and he knows so much about all the animals and the nature. He is a great guide, and we all had so much fun, so I went back the year after too, with the same tour operator. Neil told us a lot about nature, the big five, birds and all other animals, and he has a lot of funny jokes and stories to tell, so you will never be bored (even if there is some dead time, when your just driving around looking for animals). We got to see most of the animals we wanted, and it was great. I would definitely recommend Jewel of Africa Safaris to everyone! You will have a great time! :D Next time i'm back in South Africa I will definitely book a safari with Jewel of Africa Safaris again, for a third time! :D
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.
US
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.
US
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.
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 :)