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:
- $78 to $466 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 Ike | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Full of Breathtaking and Memorable Moments
I organised a party of 5 from London to go on a 4 day Garden Tour of the Western Cape area. The itinerary was negotiated so that it was bespoke. Gems of Africa was chosen from a short-list of 2 based on value for money. I would not be surprised if the tour company just broke even as it was significantly at a lower price point that its competitors. The driver/tour guide was highly experienced and knowledgable. (he told us he is freelance and works for serveral of the South African tour companies). He cleared up the confusion of the name - Garden Tour. Contrary to what you may think it is not a tour of wild flower-filled fields! It is a tour of an ever varied landscape of the Western Cape region that due to its abundant rainfall is known as the Garden of South Africa.
We started from our accommodation in Cape Town and joined Route 62 and witnessed some spectacular scenery from rugged mountains to semi-arid dessert. We ended Day 1 at Outdshoorn, 260 km away where we stopped outside an ostrich farm and visited the must-see Cango Caves and visitor centre. We could stop at viewpoints to take photos and Benjamin, the guide gave us a commentary on the towns, wineries, history and landscape. Our guest house accommodation was of a high standard with a reasureing electronic gate and strong perimeter security as a precaution against burglary. Day 2-4 was a relative 200 plus Kilometres amble mostly through the coastal N2 coastal Route road, stopping at Knysna; Storms River Village; a half-day safari at the Bottlierskop private game reserve; Mossel Bay; Hermanus (whale watching); and lastly Stony Point (a penguin colony).
At Knysna we went on a guided township tour (Emzini) where the tour fees help to fund an orphanage for children of parents unable to look after their children due to being alcoholics. We visited the orphanage and made music with the children by playing drums accompanying the tour guides singing a song. We also went on a 90 minute paddle cruiser trip up and down Knysna Bay.
The accommodation on days 2 and 3 were a Lodge and a B&B respectively (the Lodge is particulary recommended where I saw two adult baboons taking a morning stroll oustide the front door of my room!).
I, originally had wanted to go on a self-drive tour to save money but there is no way that I would have been able to cover the territory covered in the allotted 4 days. The distances covered were sometimes vast but the roads are excellent, the equivalent of UK motorway construction standards.
As a party of 5 black Britons, there were some poignant sights on the tour such as black women with children waiting for minibus transport. One scene summed up the inequality in the Western Cape area - as we approached the outskirts of Cape Town, a young white man had just landed at the end of his paraglider flight on a grass area next to a beach. His equipment was then rolled up into a neat bundle by a young black man. A few yards away was an elderly black woman sleeping on the grass with her few possessions.
Race is still an unspoken issue which simmers under the surface post-Apartheid but I am amazed that there are only rare acts of hostility, (particularly between the black and Afrikaaner ethinic groups) which is a minor miracle. But tensions between locals and migrants from other African countries occasionally erupts (the black unemployment rate is 32%). However as a foreign tourist with a local guide I always felt safe and highy recommend visiting a country which has had the courage to go undergo a Truth and Reconciliation process. It was a privelege to visit a country that I had only been able to experience on the TV screen for the past 55 years during its turbulent social and political history .
The food portions can be gargantuan and excellent value. Meat particularly is good value but we also had beautiful sea food. I will defintely be going back. This tour would have been good value at twice the price. This tour made our holiday one of the best holiday experiences ever. We went during spring time where the temperature was in the early 20s and the roads and tourist attractions were were not overcrowded we did not face long queues. After paying for the airfare; accommodation, food and domestic travel is significantly cheaper than an equivalent holiday in the UK. The Western Cape region is a gem of a holiday destination.
Email Niël | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Helpful and friendly.
They were very helpful and assisted with a broad range of options when we made our decision.
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 !
US
Email Stephanie V | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible!
Gems of Africa safari and tours were incredibly attentive and accommodating. When we experienced flight complications on the way to South Africa, delaying our trip multiple times, they were extremely responsive and worked with us to find solutions immediately. (A special shoutout to Janine!!) They helped us rebook flights and transportation and pushed back our stay at no extra cost. Their attention to customer service helped make a very stressful situation much less so.
The Lodge was beautifully appointed and luxurious, the staff was attentive, warm, and welcoming, and the food was delicious. (We loved Mary and the whole team at Imbali!) The safari itself was incredible and once in a lifetime. The guide, Connor, was extremely knowledgeable and personable and made the entire experience fun and exciting.
I could not recommend this company or safari option more highly!!
SG
Email Clement | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Personable and swift service
Excellent, personable and professional service. Travelled with my wife and 3yo son. We had queried about various lodges and the prices and had to make changes along the way. All these numerous requests were met swiftly by the service oriented team. Even went the extra mile in various situations and continued to wow us. We certainly enjoyed our trip and the credit has to be given to Gems!
Email Maxine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Organised and helpful.
Had the most amazing experience at Mabula Game Lodge through Gems of Africa Safari and Tours! We got an amazing deal for Mabula that was incredibly good value for money as the package included accommodation, all meals and 2 game drives per day. They organised a cake for the birthday we celebrated and helped us out when we had to cancel one of the guests. Had the best experience and the most amazing weekend away, will definitely be using them again!
Email Angelique | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazingly helpful and went the extra mile to give us the perfect safari trip.
Janine and Gem were amazing and went above and beyond assisting me with planning the most wonderful luxury safari.
NL
Email Santiago | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great tour and perfect service!
We went to Pilanesberg for a 3-day safari perfectly organized by Gems of Africa Safari and Tours. Thanks to the very good planning and support, everything went really smoothly and we had a great time. The value for money is really outstanding!
Email Zandile | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Above and beyond!!
Janine was so helping in getting us a booking into the beautiful Clifftop Lodge. We were welcomed so beautifully there and the staff were so helpful. They went the extra mile and organized a birthday cake as we we celebrating my husbands birthday.
Thank you sooo much Janine, looking forward to our next holiday booked through Gems of Africa.
Email Nanthicha Petersen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The staff is very helpful and professional.
The safari was ok not much animals to see a little bit boring but the hotel and service was excellent. The staffs was great.