Reviews

Sort By: Date Most Helpful Rating 11-20 of 113 Reviews
Sarah   –  
United States US
Visited: October 2019 Reviewed: Oct 16, 2019

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

Responsive and Easy to Coordinate
4/5

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.

Jelmar   –  
Belgium BE
Visited: September 2019 Reviewed: Sep 25, 2019

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
4/5

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.

Catherine   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: September 2018 Reviewed: Oct 3, 2018

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...
4/5

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
Reply from Gems of Africa Safari and Tours
Posted on Oct 3, 2018

Dear 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

Dan   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: October 2024 Reviewed: Oct 24, 2024

Email Dan  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

An amazing experience
5/5

From start to finish, the experience was outstanding. The team accommodated an error on my part, going above and beyond. The guides and experience leads were amazing.
We did the E-Bike, Cheetah experience and the Horse riding, as well as the game drives.
The food was great and plentiful.
The game drive was comfortable and had an intimate feel to it.

I would highly recommend them.

Cherine   –  
Australia AU
Visited: September 2024 Reviewed: Oct 3, 2024

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

Reliable
5/5

I want to personally thank Janien for organizing a very last-minute (one day prior the trip) 3-days safari.
The communication was great and she has been very cooperative when the payment link wasn't working, so we could pay in person on the first day of the safari.

The trip has gone smoothly and it was wonderful.

I recommend the tour operator!

Daniel   –  
Kenya KE
Visited: September 2024 Reviewed: Sep 29, 2024

Email Daniel  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Very Realiable.
5/5

My trip to South Africa was really amazing and interesting at the same time. Alot really happened but all in all i really enjoyed myself. Many thanks to Gems of Africa Tours. You guys are just the best. My next safari to South Africa I will still choose you guys.

Dilyara   –  
Luxembourg LU
Visited: August 2024 Reviewed: Sep 12, 2024

Email Dilyara  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Me and my mom were the luckiest to have Vaughan as our guide. Everything about the tour was perfect!
5/5

Perfect organisation, Customer Service provided me with very useful info, booked a taxi to pick us up from the airport and a night at the hotel the day before the tour.

Nigel   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: August 2024 Reviewed: Sep 3, 2024

Email Nigel  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

FANTASTIC!!!
5/5

Had the most amazing time at the Garden Route Game Lodge.
The entire trip was superb, the Gems Of Africa guide was superb & incredibly knowledgable.
The game lodge was amazing - I would highly recommend the Luxury Suites - they were out of this world - incredible views overlooking the reserve.

The Garden Route Game Lodge staff couldn't do enough for you & the food was great.

Sandra Sossa   –  
Colombia CO
Visited: July 2024 Reviewed: Jul 30, 2024

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

Good attetion and solution to all detalis, we required.
5/5

I felt very comfortable with this operator. They answer very soon , all our requires. I recommed them absolutately.

Akiko   –  
Japan JP
Visited: July 2024 Reviewed: Jul 20, 2024

Email Akiko  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Good assistance
5/5

Good assistance for our booking and good response.

Average User Rating
4.9/5
Rating Breakdown
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