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:
- $83 to $497 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
DE
Email Alex | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Agency that brokers stays at Game lodges in South Africa
I was a little late looking for a Game Lodge close to Cape Town and somehow ended up with Gems of Africa.
They were not able to get me a stay at one lodge, but the stay had to be split on two lodges. Due to a storm one of those than had to close for a longer period for renovation and Gems got me an alternative - unfortunately with a 3-4 hour drive instead of 30 min. In the end the drive was not too bad, since I got to see a little bit of the country. Bad thing: I had to pay extra, because the alternative lodge was a little more expensive. Well, it probably also was a little more luxurious.
Gems of Africa handled everything nicely. Thank you!
Email Daniele Weber | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable
The safari was great, the animals were beautiful and I loved the opportunity of being as near as possible from them. Thank you Gems of Africa!
NL
Email Elena | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great!
What a great experience! Very nice resort, great game drives and beautiful spa !
Email Posh Obk | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great, very helpful
Great deals and Janine is very helpful. I loved the fact that they also included a list of what to pack to make sure you are ready for anything and have a great experience too. The lodge was amazing, good welcome by the staff. Overall I had an amazing time, staff takes care of you, whatever you want, they are super nice, just amazing. I'll definitely use Gems of Africa a lot.
Email Noel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Awesome service and quick response and more affordable than other operators.
I was very happy from start to finish with all the arrangements.
a few days before we went to Mabula we were contacted again and reminded.
They also hoped that we would have a good break.
That we did indeed! Was a much needed very enjoyable 3nights 4day stay.
look forward to using them again in the future.
regards
Noel
IT
Email Jacopo Brogiotti | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One day Safari + quad bike ride in Aquila Private Reserve
I experienced the full day activity in the Aquila Private Reserve. The Resort was fantastic, with great food and a nice spa. The safari, though, was not as exciting as I expected, but it's a matter of external conditions.
I had the greatest time with the quad bike ride!
I totally recomment Gems of Africa!
US
Email Sarah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive and Easy to Coordinate
Gems of Africa was quick to respond to a request for a quote for my trip to Pilanesberg for a 2 day safari. They gave me a couple of options at different lounges and the booking process was smooth. My only critique was that I would have liked more information on the transportation side. I arranged for a transfer from my hotel in Johannesburg to the park and I wasn't even sure what kind of car to expect. The driver was courteous and the ride was OK.
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