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 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
ES
Email Virginia | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic customer service.
All was great. Customer service was professional and caring. Highly recommended.
IT
Email francesco | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great service!
Excellent service and really smart and fast communication during the booking and before departure: we had a great time in Pilanesberg with our 2 kids! Totally recommended
Email Justin Etkin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Shawn was great and so knowledgeable
Communications with gem was great and the booking was made so easy.
The Safari was one of the best experiences I have had. A whole day in the south African Bush with animals in their natural environment
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.
US
Email Steven M | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
10/10, Amazing Experience I will never forget!
The driver who picked us up was incredibly knowledgable and gave an amazing start even prior to entering the park. I was given vast knowledge about the area, the animals, and the experience that fueled my imagination.
Entering the lodge, it was like straight out of a dream. Very friendly staff, rooms that are air conditioned, and within view to giraffes, warthogs, baboons, and elephants that would be in the vicinity (but never enter the grounds).
The safari drives themselves were incredible. Every driver had a vast amount of knowledge on every bit of animals and flora we saw. Within the first drive I saw all the animals that I came to see, and pretty close!
By the end of the trip I was already planning on returning!
Thank you Janine who made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. 10/10 would return again.
Email Dave, Ed, Simon and 2 kids (5 & 8 years old) | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A trip of a life time, we were looked after like gods !
A trip of a life time, saw so many amazing things and were looked after like gods !
SI
Email Katja | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We spent great time in South Africa and really have excelent experience with our tour organizer!
We booked our safari tour in Pillanesberg national park with Gems of Africa Safari & Tours. We worked with Janine. Janine organise our tailored three days package. Package includes lodging, safaries, lion park and trasfer from airport and back to Johannesburg. From the first communication to the final result the experience was superb. It was so easy to communicate with her. She was very responsive and helpfull. We had a lot of questions because it was our first visit to South Africa. We had a minor issue at lion park. We called Janine even though it was Sunday, and she immediately settled the matter. We definitely recommend Janine to everyone who is planning to visit South Africa.
Email Debbie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
From start to finish: luxury and attention to detail
The two lodges that Gems of Africa Safari and Tours arranged for us were fantastic. The staff were wonderful and attentive. We had the same game driver each time - who was extremely knowledgeable and very nice. Everyone we met went the extra mile to attend to us. The lodges were clean, well maintained and luxurious + air conditioned. We can't thank Janine and the team at Gems of Africa enough for arranging every component of our African adventure from start to finish (including flights and transfers). Thank you!