Jewel of Africa Safaris
Jewel of Africa Safaris
Jewel of Africa Safaris
5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Welcome to Jewel of Africa Safaris, your gateway to unforgettable luxury safari experiences across Southern and Eastern Africa. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized, tailor-made itineraries that showcase the best of Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultures. Founded in 2004, we specialize in creating bespoke safaris that cater to your unique preferences, ensuring the adventure of a lifetime. Whether exploring the Okavango Delta, witnessing the majestic Victoria Falls, or embarking on a Big 5 safari in Kruger National Park, our dedicated team offers unmatched expertise and exceptional service. Join us for an authentic African journey that will leave you with memories to cherish forever.
Cape Town Central, South Africa
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
120 reviews
Excellent
115
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Conniealoha
Wailua, HI28 contributions
Jun 2022
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.
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.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Connie,
Thank you for the lovely review! I am so happy that you enjoyed your African Safari. We strive for excellence and pride ourselves on personal attention to design the perfect custom safari package.
We hope to see you again shortly!
Best regards
Written 15 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessica Y
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Couples
My husband and I had a small window of opportunity come up in our schedule to book a safari, which has been on our bucket list for years. I contacted several agencies and kept coming up short, until we found Neil and his team at JOA. Despite the time difference, Neil was incredibly responsive via email and adaptable in creating a custom itinerary that hit all of the best that Botswana had to offer; booking was seamless and everything went without a hitch despite only booking a few months out. We flew out to JNB and Neil met us there, which was really reassuring and next level service. Every leg of our trip was A+; the accommodations that JOA booked for us, the transfers, the custom tours booked-- Jewel of Africa really is the best. Don't hesitate to reach out to them!
Written 7 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca C.
Miami, FL5 contributions
Aug 2021
Traveling with Jewel of Africa Safaris made every moment of my South African adventure an amazing and wonderful experience! From meeting us at the airport after a 15 hour flight to escort us to our hotel, to driving us through the breath-taking views of Kruger National Park, to teaching us all about South Africa's native wildlife and flora, to making every single arrangement from soup to nuts, the team at Jewel of Africa made us feel like long-lost family for the entire length of our visit.
Jewel of Africa made arrangements for us in Kruger National Parks (so hard to make reservations on your own!), for us in a private reserve that's Kruger adjacent (also impossible to make reservations on your own), to beautiful accommodations in Cape Town and Hermanus as well expert travel guides to take us and teach us every step of the way.
Jewel of Africa thought of every detail: we never lacked for rusk before our early morning game drives, and the biltong and brai were amazing every night! More than that, Jewel of Africa also made sure we had ample animal sightings while in Kruger. Not only did we get to see the "Magnificent Seven" we also got a treat in seeing a porcupine, a honey badger, and quite possibly the cutest baby hippo practicing swimming with his mum!
I have been recommending Jewel of Africa to all of my friends since my return. It's easy: If you want to travel to South Africa, GO! And use Jewel of Africa to make all of your arrangements.
They are the family you never knew you had and will never lose touch with once you've returned home.
Jewel of Africa made arrangements for us in Kruger National Parks (so hard to make reservations on your own!), for us in a private reserve that's Kruger adjacent (also impossible to make reservations on your own), to beautiful accommodations in Cape Town and Hermanus as well expert travel guides to take us and teach us every step of the way.
Jewel of Africa thought of every detail: we never lacked for rusk before our early morning game drives, and the biltong and brai were amazing every night! More than that, Jewel of Africa also made sure we had ample animal sightings while in Kruger. Not only did we get to see the "Magnificent Seven" we also got a treat in seeing a porcupine, a honey badger, and quite possibly the cutest baby hippo practicing swimming with his mum!
I have been recommending Jewel of Africa to all of my friends since my return. It's easy: If you want to travel to South Africa, GO! And use Jewel of Africa to make all of your arrangements.
They are the family you never knew you had and will never lose touch with once you've returned home.
Written 5 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deniselovett
Westport, CT2 contributions
Sept 2022
Neil of JOA created an excellent safari experience for me and my husband in South Africa and Botswana. The camps he chose offered different wildlife experiences. All the guides were terrific. Mala Mala in South Africa was spectacular, offering first-rate accomodations, service, and wildlife viewing. The camps in Botswana were all different, especially Camp Mombo in the Okavenga Delta, which has a great diversity of wildlife and topography. Camp Moremi in Botswana was less luxurious than Mombo, more an eco-lodge experience, but very comfortable. Camp Mombo was exceptionally luxurious, with incredibly comfortable huts and outstanding food and service. Neil was always available by phone/text and made sure that our trip was problem-free. My only regret is that we did not do more. Southern Africa offers so much variety and beauty. I recommend that travellers explore all the options with Neil. One tip to future travellers: we were surprised at how dramatically the weather can change in southern Africa, from very cold in the mornings and evenings to hot and dry in the afternoons. I recommend that you choose your gear wisely depending on the time of year. We could have used a wooly hat and gloves. We ended up buying jackets at the gift shops. I also recommend that travellers bring a portable charger as some of the camps have limited outlets for camera and phone charging.
Written 1 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Encina A
8 contributions
May 2023 • Family
We met Neil thirteen years ago in SouthAfrica when our family was doing a safari in Kruger Park. The experience was so great that we promised to come back to Africa to do another safari with him.
This time we arrived in Johannesburg, where we spent the day visiting the Apartheid museum and Soweto. The following day we flew to Zimbabwe to visit the Victoria Falls and the elephant Orphanage. Neil had chosen for us the most wonderful hotel. Each room with a swimming pool and a magnificent view. The staff and the food could not be any nicer. We felt so welcome and happy there!
Then we moved to Chobe where, apart from the land safaris we could enjoy some river ones at sunrise and sunset.
After two days we flew in a small plane to Okavango delta. That was a great experience, a safari from the air! We flew so low that we could even watch the animals. There we spent the rest of the days in the most authentic and welcoming hotel. Our family has done a few safaris in other countries and we found that there is nowhere like Botswana to watch the animals so close in their natural environment. We saw a leopard fighting a small monkey on a tree, ten lions stalking and hunting an impala and even a pangolin!
We can only highly recommend this safari with "Jewel of Africa". These memories will stay with you for the rest of your lives! Thank you again Neil and your team for this fabulous experience. Hopefully next year in Uganda!
This time we arrived in Johannesburg, where we spent the day visiting the Apartheid museum and Soweto. The following day we flew to Zimbabwe to visit the Victoria Falls and the elephant Orphanage. Neil had chosen for us the most wonderful hotel. Each room with a swimming pool and a magnificent view. The staff and the food could not be any nicer. We felt so welcome and happy there!
Then we moved to Chobe where, apart from the land safaris we could enjoy some river ones at sunrise and sunset.
After two days we flew in a small plane to Okavango delta. That was a great experience, a safari from the air! We flew so low that we could even watch the animals. There we spent the rest of the days in the most authentic and welcoming hotel. Our family has done a few safaris in other countries and we found that there is nowhere like Botswana to watch the animals so close in their natural environment. We saw a leopard fighting a small monkey on a tree, ten lions stalking and hunting an impala and even a pangolin!
We can only highly recommend this safari with "Jewel of Africa". These memories will stay with you for the rest of your lives! Thank you again Neil and your team for this fabulous experience. Hopefully next year in Uganda!
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
darrell r
Nanoose Bay, Canada43 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Amazing once in a lifetime trip through S. Africa & Namibia. Exceptional advice and assistance from Neil De Jonge and his team at, "Jewel of Africa".
I will try and be brief however there were so many positive experiences over 5 1/2 weeks it is difficult. The organization and guidance by Neil on planning our trip did not disappoint. We traveled from Capetown and the West Cape to the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park and a 4 night booking at the all inclusive "Arathusa" Game Lodge. A must do.
From S.Africa to Namibia, Windhoek to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert to Etosha National Park, 5000 kms by road and three flights within. Neil was there right from the beginning of our planning, he made fantastic suggestions for accommodation, destinations, and experiences. Throughout we had telephone and email communication resulting in a well documented itinerary for our trip. All flight, hotel reservations and rental vehicles went without hitch. This was my 6th trip to Africa, I can honestly say that the assistance of Neil and his team made it the best. I look forward to returning and Arathusa will be a top destination.
I will try and be brief however there were so many positive experiences over 5 1/2 weeks it is difficult. The organization and guidance by Neil on planning our trip did not disappoint. We traveled from Capetown and the West Cape to the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park and a 4 night booking at the all inclusive "Arathusa" Game Lodge. A must do.
From S.Africa to Namibia, Windhoek to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert to Etosha National Park, 5000 kms by road and three flights within. Neil was there right from the beginning of our planning, he made fantastic suggestions for accommodation, destinations, and experiences. Throughout we had telephone and email communication resulting in a well documented itinerary for our trip. All flight, hotel reservations and rental vehicles went without hitch. This was my 6th trip to Africa, I can honestly say that the assistance of Neil and his team made it the best. I look forward to returning and Arathusa will be a top destination.
Written 12 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn B
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
This is our second safari experience with Jewel of Africa Safaris and we weren’t disappointed. Elize was our contact and she managed to exceed our expectations regarding the lodges in Botswana and the planning of the itinerary. All our transfers ( and there were plenty!!) were seamless. All communication was via email and was very informative. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend JOA Safaris to anyone wanting to visit the best lodges in Africa and see amazing wildlife. PS A must do if you get the chance is Angels Pool on Livingstone Island- terrifying, yet exhilarating at the same time!
Written 5 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mehre H.
1 contribution
Sept 2021
Jewel of Africa made our South Africa dreams come true. We chose JOA over all the others because of their attention to detail and ability to turn our dream into reality. We knew the basics of what we did and did not want to do. Many other companies tried to push agendas on us. JOA listened and designed our wonderful magical trip. That was in fall of 2019. Our trip planned for May of 2020 was postponed a few times due COVID and flight restrictions. Changes were required and JOA communicated clearly and often, keeping us aware of the situation. I know this was not an easy task.
In September we finally arrived in Cape Town after many hours of travel - with Neil and Dave waiting for us with smiling faces! Dave led us through Cape Town more like family than tourists. He was amazing! His love of the town was apparent and we loved it too. The sites in Cape Town are miraculous!
We had an easy flight to the Kruger area. Our driver from the Phelwana Game Reserve was waiting for us and took us on the short drive to the Lodge. We were overwhelmed with the beauty of the Lodge and the Staff! Too many accolades to list but it was beyond compare. The Tent and Food are memories we will hold forever.
SAFARI - again - not enough words to describe how well arranged all of this was. Every ride, transport to the parks, meals, snacks, drinks was thought about and planned. We never had to think about any logistics. The rides were amazing. Our guides were experienced, safe and incredible at finding animals. We witnessed incredible sites; lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhino etc. So many other rare animals . The staff at the lodge were always excited to hear our stories and share our pictures when we returned.
Mostly I will remember the South African people. Of course Elize, Neil, and Dave but everyone we met was so warm and friendly. I would recommend that if you ever considered Africa as a destination DO IT!! Don't wait and get in touch with JOA. I've talked to many friends that visited Africa and did not have such a superior experience. We are looking forward to planning a second trip!
In September we finally arrived in Cape Town after many hours of travel - with Neil and Dave waiting for us with smiling faces! Dave led us through Cape Town more like family than tourists. He was amazing! His love of the town was apparent and we loved it too. The sites in Cape Town are miraculous!
We had an easy flight to the Kruger area. Our driver from the Phelwana Game Reserve was waiting for us and took us on the short drive to the Lodge. We were overwhelmed with the beauty of the Lodge and the Staff! Too many accolades to list but it was beyond compare. The Tent and Food are memories we will hold forever.
SAFARI - again - not enough words to describe how well arranged all of this was. Every ride, transport to the parks, meals, snacks, drinks was thought about and planned. We never had to think about any logistics. The rides were amazing. Our guides were experienced, safe and incredible at finding animals. We witnessed incredible sites; lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhino etc. So many other rare animals . The staff at the lodge were always excited to hear our stories and share our pictures when we returned.
Mostly I will remember the South African people. Of course Elize, Neil, and Dave but everyone we met was so warm and friendly. I would recommend that if you ever considered Africa as a destination DO IT!! Don't wait and get in touch with JOA. I've talked to many friends that visited Africa and did not have such a superior experience. We are looking forward to planning a second trip!
Written 16 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Briana B
Chicago, IL2 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
The idea of booking a trip to SA was initially very overwhelming, but as soon as I started working with Elize I knew I was in good hands. From start to finish we had a flawless experience and were able to enjoy the journey of a lifetime due to the hard work and friendly team at Jewel of Africa.
During the planning stage, Elize listened to what my husband and I wanted for our honeymoon and personalized our trip to make sure we found the perfect locations, accommodations, and activities for us. Some personal favorites were our epic hike of Table Mountain, being drenched in the mist of Victoria falls, and seeing all big 5 (plus many other amazing animals) on safari.
Despite a 2 year postponement due to the pandemic, Elize kept us informed on the changes happening in SA, as well as checked in to make sure we were doing ok. During that uncertain time, her warmth and integrity was reassuring that we would indeed go on our dream vacation eventually.
While in Africa, every detail of the trip was set to a tee and perfectly executed. Communication was easy and everyone we encountered was so personable, enjoyable and kind. From airport transfers to day long tours, we sat back and let the Jewel of Africa team work it’s magic. We felt like royalty being so well taken care of and living in such luxury!
If you’re considering working with a travel agency do yourself a favor and work with these guys. Hands down one of the most amazing experiences of our entire lives. We are beyond appreciative of the personalized touches that Jewel of Africa provided and will forever cherish our sweet memories of our African adventure. Thank you all so so much!!!
During the planning stage, Elize listened to what my husband and I wanted for our honeymoon and personalized our trip to make sure we found the perfect locations, accommodations, and activities for us. Some personal favorites were our epic hike of Table Mountain, being drenched in the mist of Victoria falls, and seeing all big 5 (plus many other amazing animals) on safari.
Despite a 2 year postponement due to the pandemic, Elize kept us informed on the changes happening in SA, as well as checked in to make sure we were doing ok. During that uncertain time, her warmth and integrity was reassuring that we would indeed go on our dream vacation eventually.
While in Africa, every detail of the trip was set to a tee and perfectly executed. Communication was easy and everyone we encountered was so personable, enjoyable and kind. From airport transfers to day long tours, we sat back and let the Jewel of Africa team work it’s magic. We felt like royalty being so well taken care of and living in such luxury!
If you’re considering working with a travel agency do yourself a favor and work with these guys. Hands down one of the most amazing experiences of our entire lives. We are beyond appreciative of the personalized touches that Jewel of Africa provided and will forever cherish our sweet memories of our African adventure. Thank you all so so much!!!
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Briana & Liam,
Thank you very much for your wonderful review.
It was a pleasure to host you in South Africa & Victoria Falls.
I am so happy that we could make your dream (honeymoon) safari a reality and that it was worth the wait!
We strive to offer our guests unforgettable Africa safaris of a lifetime - every time!
I am looking forward to welcoming you both back to Africa again soon.
Warm regards
Your friendly travel consultant, Elize
Written 29 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lexy
Newton, MA10 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
My husband, mom, and I had a wonderful time exploring Namibia and Cape Town, thanks to Jewel of Africa Safaris! Our guide, Kobus, made this journey unforgettable with his expertise, passion, and contagious love of adventure. Highlights of our trip include safari rides in Etosha to see all of the incredible animals, climbing the dunes in beautiful Sossusvlei, and paragliding over the picturesque mountains of Cape Town. Our experience would not have been the same without Kobus, and Jewel of Africa Safaris, which is why we highly recommend booking with them for your next adventure!!!
-Lexy, Will, and Angie 💜
-Lexy, Will, and Angie 💜
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience