Reviews

Average User Rating
4.9/5

Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 52
  • 4 star 4
  • 3 star 0
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0

Sort By: Date Most Helpful Rating 1-10 of 56 Reviews
Frannie   –  
Canada CA
Visited: October 2016 Reviewed: Jan 16, 2017

Email Frannie  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Great First-Time in Africa
4/5

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.

Thale Børresen gropen   –  
Norway NO
Visited: July 2013 Reviewed: Apr 7, 2016

Email Thale Børresen gropen  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Unforgettable
4/5

We had such an amazing time in our travel.
I remember spending time in the Kruger park and we got to see so many great animals. Specially the big five and a leopard we spotted early in the morning.

I'm so happy I got this opportunity and having tour guides showing and telling us everything we waned to see. They make your travel experience unforgettable.

Johanna   –  
Sweden SE
Visited: January 2016 Reviewed: Apr 6, 2016

Email Johanna  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

It was a really grear!
4/5

I think it lived up to my expectations and the communications was great.

Nikita   –  
Denmark DK
Visited: June 2015 Reviewed: Apr 1, 2016

Email Nikita  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

It was fun and I felt that I could relax because things were taken care of.
4/5

It was a very nice experience with only good surprises. The place was beautiful and the guide was very good, fun, and knew a lot. I would do it again and recommend it to others.

John & Roslyn Vander Wyk   –  
Australia AU
Visited: May 2024 Reviewed: Jun 9, 2024

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.
5/5

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.

Jessica   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2022 Reviewed: Nov 22, 2022

Email Jessica  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Expert and committed to tailoring safaris to your exact preferences!
5/5

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.

Connie Kakalia   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2022 Reviewed: Aug 6, 2022

Email Connie Kakalia  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Neal de Jonge is a dedicated and excellent tour operator!
5/5

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.

Johann F. Szautner   –  
United States US
Visited: October 2017 Reviewed: Oct 23, 2017

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
5/5

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.

Joke   –  
Belgium BE
Visited: August 2016 Reviewed: Jan 9, 2017

Email Joke  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Simply the best!
5/5

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!

peter dewaele   –  
Belgium BE
Visited: August 2016 Reviewed: Jan 9, 2017

Email peter dewaele  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

a brilliant jewel of africa
5/5

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 :)

Average User Rating
4.9/5
Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 52
  • 4 star 4
  • 3 star 0
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0
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