The expert team at Safari365
Safari365
- Offices In:
-
Brazil
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2005)
- Member Of:
- SATSA, Travel Smart Crew & SATIB Safe
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $2,602 to $29,487 per person per day (MXN, 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 David | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
I'm not a happy camper
Promised helicopter over Botswana….never happened
Promised 2 different luxury camps in Botswana..never happen.
One day before going to the first camp they switched and sent us for 6 days at a cheaper camp. Even the manager at the camp said it was strange and unheard of for use to be there for 6 days.
Reply from Safari365
Posted on Mar 15, 2024Thank you for your review below, although we were shocked and saddened to read this feedback from a trip you and your son took with us 20 months ago. We have looked into the history of the booking and can see you originally booked with us in 2021 but had your plans changed by COVID. You then rebooked to travel with us in June 2022. From what we can see in the archive from this 2022 trip, after a 2 night stay in Victoria Falls and then 2 nights in Chobe, you were then booked to stay 3 nights in Camp Maru and 3 nights at Amber River Camp in the Delta. These two camps are operated by Okavango Hidden Gems: https://okavangohiddengems.com/. Some time after you booked, we were then notified by Okavango Hidden Gems (in April 2022) that Camp Maru unfortunately had to close and move sites, due to issues with their temporary land lease from the local Batswana owners. They offered to move you to the newer Amber River Camp for the entire 6 night stay, which was accepted by your party. I can then see from the history that unfortunately when you were enroute and actually travelling in June 2022, Amber River Camp contacted Safari365 just before your arrival to state there was an emergency at the camp which had caused their solar power to fail, halting operations. As a remote camp, it meant that had to then close at very short notice and couldn't honour any bookings (this was unprecedented, but operational issues such as this can be a risk in the remote African bush). They offered to move you to a partner property, Kadizora Camp, which offered both land and water based activities, plus offered you a free future stay at Amber River Camp should you ever return to Botswana. Your son graciously accepted in light of their emergency and I can see correspondence from your son to say you were having a great time at Kazidora. In fact I see you yourself wrote a positive review of Kazidora on Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/ShowUserReviews-g472673-d8337430-r844801730-Kadizora_Camp-Okavango_Delta_North_West_District.html Unfortunately part of your cancelled Amber River Lodge stay was the cancellation of the 20 minute compulsory return helicopter transfer to the lodge. Our records show however that a hot air balloon was organised instead at Kazidora. And the last email from your son in the middle of your holiday stated: "We've been informed the balloon tour is available to us, so this all has worked well. I am cognizant of how travel remains disrupted due to the pandemic and am thankful you and the Safari 365 team worked to remedy the circumstance to maintain our holiday plans. Thank you once again for your outstanding work." This was on the 13th June in the middle of your stay at Kazidora. I see a staff member then also followed up on the 17th June with your son to check all as well, as you were returning home. It is incredibly unfortunate (and rare) that you had multiple issues with the properties at Okavango Hidden Gems, but these operational circumstances were completely outside of Safari365's control. So again we are really disappointed that you feel duped in some way, and also saddened to not have had the opportunity to address your unhappiness 20 months ago. As for why you stayed 6 nights in the Delta, I cannot refer to the consultant as she no longer works for us, however she was an experienced member of the team, so I can only assume there was a misunderstanding regarding your needs. We go out of our way to make sure our clients have an amazing time and this is reflected in our 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor. I am sorry you were not satisfied in this instance, however we wish you all the best for your future travels in Africa. Kind Regards Safari365
BR
Email Sumaia Miguel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good for the ones that want a hassle free hotel reservation
Safari365 knows suppliers and can provide you with good options of hotels and local activities. However their influence to make adjustments (example we took a train for 4 nights at my mothers birthday and our cabine was ar the first car meaning that to reach the restaurant or smaking longe we had to cross the entire train about 25 cars... Luckly we managed to have the staff moving us to another car and also make a note on my mothers birthday) or understand your specific needs to fine tune itineraries is very poor.
As per consultants - the exclusive one in Brazil is very arrogant and talks to you as if you did not know what an airplane is and have never left home before leaving the core aspects that should be addressed out of the loop.
We managed to be supported by a South African consultant after requesting for a change. Clive is very friendly but yet, did not add much in terms of adjusting our itinerary and was kind to reply my message when asking for a change on hotels/City with Google and YouTube links with tips for activities where we were (??? Really??). Details such as the fact that electricity is an issue and South africa has to follow a schedule in which everybody stays in the dar at least 3 hours a day, were never shared in advance.
Again - I did not feel supported with qualified information on the itinerary preparativos not had I a 24x7 assistance. Actually, still waiting to understand if our shark dive activity that was cancelled due to a storm will ever be reimbursed. Not to mention the safari we missed due to poor logistics abd pick up time at the airport.
Reply from Safari365
Posted on Mar 15, 2024Responded on 18 October 2023.
Thank you for your recent review of your experience with Safari365, although we are really sorry to hear that you felt we fell short of your expectations.
We have reviewed your booking and are disappointed to read your comments and feedback, primarily as both Travel Consultants who assisted you (who combined have nearly 35 years of Africa travel experience between them) felt they had worked really hard over the previous 12 months to create a special vacation which fit your needs and budget.
Regarding the challenges you experienced while travelling, we apologise you were not aware that the complimentary transfers to your Kruger safari lodge departed at set times. We were not aware that you had booked another separate excursion that day yourself which meant the timings were not convenient. While it would have helped to know this, we do apologise that the transfer times were not listed on your vouchers - this is something we will rectify in future.
We apologise if you were not forewarned that South Africa experiences intermittent power outages. These vary hugely and are not always in place, but to mitigate the impact many hotels, restaurants, lodges, airports etc make alternative arrangements for their guests which include buying expensive power generators, UPS's for internet access or smaller invertors, which generate power for lights. The reality is many international guests are completely unaware of poor electricity issues due to these arrangements (and the fact that the outages are usually 2-4 hours max at a time) - so much so that this is the first complaint we have received regarding power losses in 2 years. However we take on board that you did experience outages at a time you needed it for work, and for that we apologise. We will take on board this feedback to alert future clients and we hope these unexpected sporadic outages didn't cause you too much inconvenience.
We understand you also missed out on a shark cage diving trip due to poor weather and we were in the process of obtaining the refund for this.
Finally, Safari365 are based in South Africa and we are available and online 24/7 via our 24-hour emergency telephone number and 24 hour emergency email address. This is in addition to be able to contact your consultant whenever you need, and both consultants have confirmed they were on call before, during and after your trip (we understand your South Africa based consultant was in constant contact with you throughout the actual trip, making amendments and suggestions).
All in all we are sorry we disappointed you, however hope these issued did not spoil your trip - and you left Africa with some incredible memories with your family.
SG
Email Amanda | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Efficient, fast and dedicated service, with the customer's needs and wants at the forefront.
Communication from itinerary curation, booking, to pre, during and post tour have been consistent, prompt, and dedicated. I especially appreciate that the itinerary was what I've always wanted to experience in SA but wasn't able to based on the tours available. Namely, Safari, Shark cage diving and whale watching.
I managed to visit Zimbabwe, Victoria falls; Botswana, Chobe National Park; Kruger National Park, Simbavati Waterside; Cape Town, Table Mountain, Cape Point; Hermanus, Sharkcage diving and whale watching; Stellenbosch.
All airport and hotel transfers were prompt, fuss free and comfortable. Less the transfer from Hermanus to Stellenbosch, where the driver was inappropriate when he entered he hotel and waited at the lobby. Then proceeded to request to be tipped, and when given, remarked that it was insufficient.
All accommodations were top notch, especially at Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls (Victoria Falls Safari Club); Simbavati Waterside; Hermanus (Marine Hermanus); and Stellenbosch (The Hazendal Hotel). Classy, clean and comfortable, with amazing views and ambience. The service was exceptional and dedicatedly genuine, making guests feel at home in a foreign country.
All the catered meals at Victoria Falls Safari Club were tasty and done with passion, I especially enjoyed the thick and juicy beef steak. And the Vulture Culture lunch in Makuwa-Kuwa restaurant is a Must, the experience was like none other. We especially loved the multiple surprise animal visits near the accommodation and waterhole and appreciate the binoculars facing the waterhole. The large herds of buffaloes was such a magnificent sight!
Simbavati Waterside accommodation was fantastically luxurious and comfortable, the service was impeccable, especially the daily mixers made to order for each guest. The food was excellent and made with heart. And the snacks and beverages available for free was well stocked and of great selection. The view facing the waterside was unmatched, with a multitude of excellent animal views. From herds of elephants frolicking, taking a bath and being playful, to large herds of deer and antelope, family of giraffes, warthogs, meerkats, and wild dogs. The Safari covered All the Big 5 and Ugly 5 as well. The pace of activities of the itinerary was comfortable and eventful, allowing guests to rest and fully enjoy the great ambience, sights and sounds of the lodge, while ensuring we got the Safari experience.
The location of Marine Hermanus was excellent, right outside was the coastal walk with fantastic views of the ocean and we were able to see multiple whale sightings, and I actually caught one breaching while on shore! The restaurant selection along the entire stretch were also very enticing. Each meal had been value for money and delicious, special mention to Gelato Mania Hermanus, the quality and taste of the ice cream was very rich and marvelous, with a very affordable price point. Although for the Sharkcage diving and whale watching, I'd prefer for it to be of a longer duration and more private to get the most out of the entire experience.
The Hazendal Hotel landscape was breathtakingly beautiful, simply serene, relaxing and takes you into another reality. I would recommend guests to dine at The Deli instead of The Restaurant, as the price point is more affordable, food portions are filling and better tasting in my opinion. I especially enjoyed the chocolate and wine pairing, the quality of the chocolates were great and paired with tailored wine made the experience unique.
The experience at Victoria & Alfred wasn't too pleasant. From an unexpected change in hotel stay from the main hotel to the boutique hotel created some inconvenience. The boutique hotel, while unique, seemed less modern and more aged design which was not preferred. It also directly faced the waterfront, which at night, there was loud music blaring. Although it does allow guest to soak up the nightlife.
The let down was right after the first breakfast, where the staff incorrectly directed us to out tour guide. And the mix up incurred additional tour cost which would have been included in my tour package. This is where Safari 365 certainly shone through and provided excellent, consistent and prompt communication to rectify the situation. We received a complimentary pack from Safari 365 and the hotel provided a meal voucher, platter an wine as service recovery. And it was very apparent that after the hotel knew that we were guests of Safari 365, they treated us with dedicated regard. Also kudos to Safari 365 for having the network and resources to contact the errant Jarat Tours to have the unwarranted tour cost lowered by negating the vehicle rental.
Jarat Tour was felt to be unprofessional and unfeeling, as despite their tour guide having made the mistake by collecting incorrect guests and was later found to lack basic authentication procedures, she was money focused and soon revealed that she couldn't care less about us who were not her guests. A Big Lose for Jarat Tour here.
In addition to the above service recovery episode, another occurrence which Safari 365 came through was when I dropped my new waterproof digital camera into the sea while sharkcage diving. Safari 365 immediately contacted the sharkcage diving tour operator to request for an official memo to facilitate my insurance claim.
Overall, Safari 365 is highly recommended for tailored itineraries unique to your preferences and needs. And they provide assurance, support and genuine dedication. This trip had been on my bucket list and considered a once in a lifetime must experience. While there were mishaps, Safari 365's service dedication and recovery had made it good.
I look forward to more travel adventures with Safari 365!
Thumbs up to my pre-tour point of contact Andrew and for during and post tour, Frederik.
My experience with Safari365 was uniformly excellent
I had a great experience using Safari365 to plan my safari in South Africa. They helped me identify the place to stay (Kambaku Sands) which was a perfect fit for what I was looking for, and they managed all the logistics of travel, connections, transfers, etc. Kambaku Sands was absolutely outstanding, with excellent wildlife viewing, staff who were helpful, knowledgeable and friendly, and excellent amenities and cuisine. So everything Safari365 said would be part of my experience was delivered.
And while I was in South Africa, my agent, Chantal, checked in with me regularly to make sure things were going well, and to see if I needed anything. I really appreciate her conscientious support and service.
I would highly recommend using Safari365 to help you craft the safari trip that is right for you, and you can have confidence they will listen to what you are looking for, and build an itinerary to meet your requirements.
PT
Email Mariana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best safari company we could have chosen—extremely professional, truly five-star service.
We absolutely loved our experience with this safari company. Everything was exceptionally well organized from start to finish, which allowed us to relax and enjoy every moment of our trip. The accommodations were fantastic, comfortable, and exceeded our expectations throughout the journey. Choosing this safari for our honeymoon was one of the best decisions we made, and it created memories we will cherish forever. We would love to repeat this incredible experience one day and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly special adventure.
CA
Email Roxanne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They planned an unforgettable vacation.
We had an amazing experience with Safari365. This was our first trip to South Africa and we didn’t know what to expect. We were blown away. They looked after every detail and planned the perfect trip making sure that we saw all the highlights in our short 10 day stay.
Email Loretta | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari365 arranged our tour based exactly on what I asked for and did it within our budget.
We went to Chobe Chilwero and Chiefs Camp based on our experience there 23 years ago. Chobe Chilwero was almost exactly as I remember it with a few minor updates. I would still highly recommend it.
Chiefs Camp has been greatly upgraded and I'm not sure it was all necessary. The room is huge and I missed the luxury tents that they used to have. They are planning another upgrade in a couple of years so who knows what they will do next. We also thought there were fewer herds of animals than our first visit. I don't know if that is due to flooding in the area or if there are just fewer animals. We did see a couple of lion prides and a couple of leopards, which is a huge plus. I'm not sure that I would recommend this camp due to the cost.
The staff and guides at both camps were excellent. Safari365 put together our itinerary quickly and within our budget. We didn't have any glitches in our travels. Safaris are magical. We had a lovely time.
Email The Brights | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An end-to-end African Booking service, that users reliable 3rd party operators
It was a seamless holiday from Airport pick-up to the final departure flight and for first time tourist in Africa it made for a real holiday.
Email Warren | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely Amazing
My family and I have travelled the world and have done a number of tours and Safari365 has provided the best holiday of lifetime and would highly recommend to anyone thinking of travelling to South Africa to contact them. Their Professionalism, reliability and value for money was outstanding. The transfer, tour guides and accommodation were all first class and very welcoming. We rate them a 10 out of 10.
Amazing service and holiday
My wife and I have just come back from a safari in Botswana, followed by a stay in Victoria Falls. It was an amazing time and far exceeded our expectations. It was the holiday of a lifetime. The recommendations and itinerary were put together by Clive Murray of Safari 365. He could not have done more for myself and my wife. His knowledge and expertise re the area was invaluable. He helped us every step of the way and made the whole experience for us fabulous. We would thoroughly recommend anyone to use him and Safari 365. We have memories which will last a lifetime. Thank you.