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
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
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.
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.
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!
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 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!
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!
FR
Email Nicolas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Alright. Serious and great guide
Very responsive, they organized a garden route circuit for us in a very short time with a top guide.
(automatic translation from French)
SE
Email Per | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good organized and very welcoming
I did a 2 nigit safari and went on an atv tour ond of the afternoons it was a fantastic experience.
Food was good and they also had a good selection of wines
SG
Email edwin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive
Mpho Thulo was responsive via email (within same day or within 3 working days) and answered all my queries well. I was presented with good options that catered to a wide range of budgets and needs.
We really enjoyed the service and the safari at Bottlierskop Private Reserve! Got up SUPER close to lions, elephants, rhinos, impalas, elands, and many more. The guides were humorous and extremely knowlegeable. Food was excellent. The lodging was gorgeous.
Only room for improvement would be to have gotten confirmation of the driver pick up timings and contact earlier. We had to call the company for it the day before when we didn't hear anything. That said, the driver was EXCELLENT.