Explore the Hidden Gems of Africa
Gems of Africa Safari and Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $81 to $487 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 Rhys | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic customer service!
Andre, Janine and Lindo ensured that we had a great safari and really went the extra mile. I strongly recommend booking through Gems of Africa when booking your safari!
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
Email Margaret | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gems of Africa was extremely thorough
We found all Gems of Africa very prompt with communication and was able to address all concerns. They were value for money and meticulous in their information. A great provider.
Email Petra | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect experience, start to finish!
So glad we chose Gems of Africa to plan our first ever Safari experience. It went so smoothly and we didn't have to worry about a thing and just enjoy our holidays. The team even gave us a little welcome treats and made us feel truly special!
Thank you!
CA
Email Marc | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing and timely
I want to thank the whole team at Gems of Africa for so much help planning a bucket list trip that met and exceeded all expectations. From start to finish we had plenty of questions and requests and they were always handled promptly with professionalism, including transport to and the safari experience itself. I also want to send a thank you to the resort Shalati Train on Bridge that was absolutely magical – we would not have found this gem with Gems of Africa. Thank you!!!!!!!
GI
Email Julian | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience for our first safari in Inverdoorn
We had a great time on the Safari. Saw loads of animals up close and enjoyed the whole experience.
It is relatively close to Cape Town - around 2.5 - 3 hours drive, but feels like another planet.
The Inverdoorn resort was lovely, great food and service.
The stars experience was amazing, saw many more stars than back home.
The lions are kept in a separate reserve at the moment, so that is not so great, but as a first time safari it was really good. If you have already been on larger safaris maybe this is not the one for you. But, if you are looking for something close to Cape Town, that gives you the safari experience then this is a great choice.
Email Robert pain | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant
From the moment we contacted gem they were excellent kept you informed the whole time everything was on time Tom our driver was brilliant also thanks for the gin
Email Barry Power | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kelly your travel advisor made the whole booking process very easy and was a delightful person to wo
We were treated like privileged guest the only negative was a lunch and dinner there was no tea facility unless you paid for it
Email Keeley | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attentive, responsive and helpful!
I first reached out to Gems of Africa when looking at booking a 2 night safari for our January trip. Within 24 hours, Kelly got back to me saying that the option I had enquired about was not available. Attached to the email was then a document of options that were available for my selected dates - options that I would not have been able to find myself when looking online. Kelly was extremely responsive and answered all of my questions quickly. We had decided to go with the presented option of Inverdoorn, a reserve that we had not heard of before but found out it is the sister reserve of Aquila. The booking process was easy and smooth, and Inverdoorn were in touch the day before our safari to inform us of pick up time from our accommodation to the safari. When we arrived, we were presented with a (huge!) cake as I had told Kelly that we were visiting for my birthday. A really nice touch that definitely was not needed, but was very much appreciated.
The tour itself was amazing, on our first drive when we arrived we saw lions, rhino, giraffes, springbok, buffalo and ostriches. Then the following morning we saw the same again alongside the elephants. We got very close to the animals without it becoming intrusive and our ranger was both extremely passionate and knowledgeable. You could tell he loved the animals and what he does. I would definitely recommend Gems of Africa to anyone who is looking to book a safari. Hassle free, great communication and reliable!
BR
Email Raphael | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Support from Gems of Africa!
Gems of Africa provided flawless support, exceeding expectations in planning my South Africa trip. Every service was executed with excellence. Delighted with the experience, I would unquestionably choose them again.