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:
- $85 to $509 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
BE
Email Jelmar | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
it was an amazing experience, everything was well handled and the safari was super
this was our first multiple day safari. the booking was really easy, there was good communication and enough information for our trip. the lodge was beautiful and the game drives were amazing.
Email Catherine | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Aquila is not a safari. It is a game park. As long as you understand that...
I am in South Africa for just a short time. I didn't want to schlep up to the Kruger for a safari. This seemed ideal. 2 hours from cape town and reasonably priced. The pluses - food was good and plentiful. The staff were nice. John the safari guide was funny and knowledgeable. The minuses- the luxury cottages are not really luxury. The paint was peeling. There was graffiti on the door , the outside shower was very badly put together and it was dirty outside especially the table.
The camp is basically a very large zoo so you are guaranteed to see lions. To be fair to the camp the lions are rescued canned lions and are unable to fend for themselves.
So my advice is just go for the night. You will get two games drives which will basically be the same. Don't bother with the horseback safari unless you really like just strolling around.
Reply from Gems of Africa Safari and Tours
Posted on Oct 3, 2018Dear Ms Munro,
Thank you very much for your feedback as Gems of Africa Safari & Tours do not own Aquila Private Game Reserve but we will most definitely pass the information on to Aquila Private Game Reserve's Management as it can only assist them in making sure they offer the best service and facilities possible. We at Gems of Africa Safari & Tours want to make sure that our guests have an enjoyable time. We only offer it as an option for guests who are short on time in South Africa, will be staying in Cape Town and would like to possibly see the BIG 5.
We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the food and that your guide was funny and knowledgeable. When we went to visit, that is what I did enjoy, was the guide. I learnt quite a bit on the game drive. I am sorry to hear that you did not enjoy the horseback safari, we have many, including myself, who enjoyed it very much especially if you have the opportunity of coming across elephant, buck and giraffe on horseback.
We trust that your experience with the quoting and booking process with Gems of Africa Safari & Tours and our travel enthusiasts was satisfactory. We hope to be of service to you in the future.
Kind Regards
Janine Bouwer
DIRECTOR
GEMS OF AFRICA SAFARI & TOURS
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