If you’re looking to buy a gold detector in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia, or South Sudan, one common question is: Should I choose a big machine or a small machine?
In African gold mining communities, gold scanners or detectors are often grouped into two categories:
- Big machines – using Pulse Induction (PI) technology
- Small machines – using Very Low Frequency (VLF) technology
But what really matters is not size—it’s how deep the machine detects gold, and how well it performs in tough ground conditions.
At Detecting with Akello, we are official dealers of Garrett USA detectors. We only supply original Garrett metal detectors—specifically the Garrett Axiom and Garrett Goldmaster 24k. These are two of the best gold detectors for Africa in 2025. Let’s help you decide which one is best for your prospecting needs.
Garrett Goldmaster 24k – The “Small” Machine (VLF)
The Garrett Goldmaster 24k is a VLF gold detector. It is easy to use and works well for beginners.
Features:
- Detects gold up to 1.5 meters deep in ideal soil
- Best for small gold nuggets
- Lightweight and simple design
- Affordable – Costs around 140,000 KES (1,080 USD)
Limitations:
- Limited performance in mineralized or salty soil
- Only 5 EMF cancellation channels
- Basic ground balance (XGB)
The Goldmaster 24k is ideal if you’re just starting out or working in areas with friendly soil like parts of western Kenya, southern Ethiopia, or northern Tanzania.
Garrett Axiom – The “Big” Machine (Pulse Induction)
The Garrett Axiom gold detector is a professional pulse induction gold scanner. It’s built for serious gold miners who work in challenging terrain.
Features:
- Detects gold up to 3 meters deep
- Excellent in hot rocks, black sand, and salty ground
- 99 channels for electromagnetic interference (EMF) cancellation
- Multiple modes for small gold, large nuggets, and salty water
- Ground Track with real-time ground balancing
- Advanced reactivity controls (fast or slow detection)
- Ground mineral values displayed on screen
Price:
- Around 850,000 KES (6,800 USD)
The Axiom performs extremely well in mineralized regions like Turkana, Moyale (Kenya), Solwezi (Zambia), Geita (Tanzania), Kapoeta (South Sudan), and Tigray (Ethiopia). It’s one of the best gold detectors for deep ground prospecting in Africa.
Axiom vs Goldmaster 24k – Which Gold Detector Should You Buy?
Here are key questions to guide your decision:
Are you new to gold detecting?
- Choose Goldmaster 24k if you want a simple, beginner-friendly detector.
- Choose Garrett Axiom if you have experience or are willing to incur transport and accommodation for field-based training.
What is your budget?
- The Goldmaster 24k is budget-friendly for small-scale miners.
- The Axiom is a professional detector with more advanced features and higher cost.
What soil type are you detecting in?
- If your soil is mild or less mineralized, like areas near Lake Victoria, VLF detectors work well.
- If your soil is hot, mineralized, or salty, like in parts of Tanzania, South Sudan, or northern Kenya, Pulse Induction detectors like the Axiom will give better results.
Are there special offers available?
Contact our sales team, and there might be a special offer, just for you!
We supply our detectors through out Eastern and Southern Africa. If you are reading this and are interested in becoming a sub-dealer, call or WhatsApp +254715693091.
BRIDGET ECLAUSE LIMITED 
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