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:
- $348 to $963 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Jodi Keeling | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I can't imagine a better guide than Pieter!
I was a bit overwhelmed and scared to visit South Africa by myself, so having a guide that would pick me up from my hotel, and take me back to the airport was awesome. I am so happy that I chose Jewel of Africa, and the itinerary that included a variety of activities. Unfortunately, I got really sick with strep throat, but Pieter was a lifesaver. He found me a doctor, took me to the pharmacy, rearranged my itinerary twice to accommodate my unexpected illness, and coordinated with Cheetah Paw Ecolodge (wonderful place and people) to feed me soup because I was having such a hard time swallowing. I had neck surgery a few months ago, so Pieter made sure that I was able to ride in the front seat during game drives, and Cheetah Paw made sure I had enough pillows for the ride as well. I felt completely safe the whole time with such a good driver, which is a good feeling for a woman traveling alone in a foreign country. Pieter clearly loves South Africa, the bush, and the flora and fauna, and his passion made every part of my safari better. Jewel of Africa greatly exceeded my expectations. Thank you for taking such good care of me!!!
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Email Anja | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!!!!!
Most amazing experience I've ever had while travelling. Love it!
DE
Email Konstantin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Just Awesome
Well, what am I supposed to say?
I did spend three days with Jewel of Africa Safaris and it was astonishing!! Neal was not only well mannered but also funny, entertaining and brought a cornucopia of knowledge. I would recommend this company to everybody i know and love and even to people I do not like because it would be just cruel to take the chance of an experience like this from them. It is an absolutely must do when you are down in South Africa!
BE
Email Bin W | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
Four weeks in South Africa, I schall never forget this trip! It become a beautiful travel in a relax sphere. Our guide, Kobus De Jonghe, was a very kind man and also an excellent guide. He knows his country very well, so we learn a lot about South Africa.
Practical things he arrange it on the best way. The planning of the tour was very good and varied.
Kobus give personal attention to everyone, and with his humour, he created a very relax atmosphere....
IN one word: a trip fron the begin to the end,... to do once again!
NL
Email Kees & Marion van Belzen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable tour from Johannesburg to Capetown.
In october 2014 we made an organized trip from Johannesburg to Capetown in 4 weeks. Our guide was Kobus de Jonge from the Jewel of Africa Safaris who showed an enormous knowlegde of the country, all the different people and their history as well as the animals we saw in the different parks we visited. Kobus was serious when needed and he could make us laugh when on a lot of other occasions. He was very helpful when one of the women broke her hip. He also organized a lot of things when we had free time. I think I can speak for the group when I say that he made this trip an unforgettable one !
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Email Camilla Skjær Brugrand | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The heart of Africa
I went to work as a volunteer in South Africa for three weeks in the summer of 2013. During my trip, I had the fantastic opportunity to see the heart of African culture through the eyes of our amazing guide and friend, Neil De Jonge. The group explored the incredible wildlife that lives in Kruger National Park, we gazed at the spectacular view from God's Window, enjoyed local food and hidden and wonderful restaurants, but most of all, we experienced the kindness and calm of the African people. I will forever be grateful and astonished over the friendly and informative guide we had in Neil. He made us feel safe all the time and opened our eyes to a whole new world.
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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.
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Email Whitney | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Trip Ever!!!
Giving Jewel of Africa 5 stars because Neil made my Africa trip the best trip of my life! If you're researching African safaris or tours stop the research and go with Jewel of Africa. You will not regret it!! Neil was an amazing tour guide... Educational, professional, and super fun to be around. We met as strangers and parted as friends. I could go on an on about how awesome of a tour guide he is but you should just take my word for it and contact Jewel of Africa as soon as possible.
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Email Katie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best vacation ever!
5 stars just doesn't even do this justice. My friends and I had the most incredible time in South Africa and I couldn't have imagined spending it with anyone other than Neil. He is very knowledgable and passionate about what he does. I expected to have an amazing time however this trip exceeded any expectations I ever had! Everything about this trip was simply amazing!! No need to shop around anymore. Book any of the many options they have to offer on tours. There is no way you could be disappointed!
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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