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 tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $1,700 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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.
US
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
Email Leo | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attention to detail and no stone left unturned in pursuit of making your trip special
Andrew had a chat with me about where we’d like to go, what we’d like to do, what the occasion was and created two itineraries to choose from. Tanzania and Zanzibar or South Africa Safari and Garden Route.
Booked S Africa, and from the moment we landed the whole trip was perfect. Eagles Crag at Shamwari was an unforgettable experience, the wildlife, Leon our safari guide, accommodation, staff, food - everything was absolutely perfect.
Followed up by a self drive stopping along the Garden Route for a few days, Andrew provided a list of places to see, things to do along the way, I also stumbled across Rosie's Steak Bar in Sedgefield, which was well worth a visit.
Through yet more stunning scenery to Camps Bay and the most relaxing finale ever in Long Beach.
Along the way Lucy and Andrew both checked in to make sure everything was going well and met up for a drink in Cape Town.
Will be booking again for a Namibia trip with Safari 365.
Email Ruth | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing, book your holiday with Safari365
We used Safari365 to book our Honeymoon and we had such an amazing experience. We contacted Safari365 with our idea of a safari but we hadn't really thought what we wanted to do or which country we wanted to go to! Safar365 with their expert knowledge and experience,provided us with several options all costed out for us. We ended up choosing South Africa, starting with the safari at Shamwari Game Reserve and then driving the Garden Route. Honestly everything was taken care of, the car hire,the hotel bookings and even recommendations of things to do and see. Safari365 were amazing throughout with answering any queries we had and we even managed to meet up with Andrew when in Capetown.
The level of service was amazing, welcome notes and gifts from Safari365 just made it feel even more special and that they cared about the whole experience. They even made us a little photo album. We are already starting to think of our next holiday with Safari365
Email Bob & Angela | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Does their best to make your dreams come true
Our trip to Greater Kruger included 4 camps - Thornybush Game Lodge, Kapama Southern Camp, Simbavati Waterside and Simbavati River. As seasoned travellers we wanted to experience the best of what the area had to offer, with wildlife experiences that were up close and personal, whilst also exploring the choice of Classic and modern innovative Lodges. Safari 365 managed this for us to perfection. They understood and delivered what we asked of them and gave us, in return, a safari experience of a lifetime. It was a perfect itinerary. Each camp was distinctive and memorable, but all with excellent service and memories we shall treasure. Safari 365's organisation and arrangements worked so seamlessly all we had to do was turn up with bino's and a camera!
Email Becky | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Holiday of a lifetime, wonderful experience with Safari365
I booked a two week holiday for my 50th birthday and it was an experience I will never forget! Every detail was taken care of by Safari 365, including thoughtful planning of my schedule to balance activities with relaxation time. Firstly, a four hour guided trip through Cape Town and along the coast with Cape Sidecar Adventures, chauffeured on a vintage motorbike with sidecar! A wonderful way to view the stunning coastline with stops for coffee and lunch. Then a three night safari experience at the breathtaking Shamwari - just wow. The accommodation at Long Lee Manor was luxurious and the vegetarian food world class! I had many amazing animal sightings thanks to our knowledgeable guide, seeing lions, elephants, rhino, giraffe, buffalo and many species of antelope and birds. I also had a fabulous massage treatment in the Long Lee Manor spa, before flying back to Cape Town and heading to Stellenbosch. Here I stayed at the Clouds Estate and wine farm, in a gorgeous boutique hotel with breathtaking views across the valley to the mountains. After a day of relaxation by the pool, I explored the local wine farms on an e-bike with Vine Tours, which made the hills really easy to climb, even after the wine! I could not have asked for a more wonderful trip, and I thank Safari365 from the bottom of my heart for all the care and attention that went into making my holiday of a lifetime so memorable.
Email Julie Stewart | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding Service as they are a team which listen.
From start to finish Safari365 were there to help me plan my trip. They offered clear advice and listened carefully to my needs. The result was a perfect riding safari to Ants. Everything was organised beautifully and clearly explained by phone, text and email. Rest assured if your holiday is organised by them you are in for a wonderful time. I highly recommend them.
Email Nick | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Andrew Sinclair was excellent, and also helped me out of a tricky situation in the Kruger N P.
I visited three safari Lodges in Zambia. Anabezi Lodge Lower Zambezi, and Luangwa River Camp and Kafunta in the South Luangwa Game Reserve. Had to cancel the Kruger Park section. The game viewing was exceptional. The accommodation was great and so was the food. The guiding was brilliant. Previously, most of my safaris were done with family. You can not beat having a knowledgeable guide, who knew what to look for. The rhino was the only one off the big 5 I did not see. However, going to Kruger would’ve solved the rhino problem. At Anabezi, I saw wild dogs for the first time ever, plus an actual kudu chase and kill they had made. Also, did a days tiger fishing on the Zambezi River.
There was an abundance off all animals, lions, leopards,hippos and buck etc. Value for money was better than expected. On top off all the game viewing, I was given a partial refund for the cancelled Kruger section to be used on a future safari trip. Hope to do this later. I can not recommend Safari365 more highly. They went well above what I was hoping for. Andrew, my contact, did a magnificent job. Well done Safari365.
Email Richie and Stacey | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3 weeks - Family of 4 travellers - First time in South Africa/Zim – Easy, Organised and memorable!
Our holiday with Safari365 was amazing. We will never forget our experiences. It was a trip of a lifetime.
Andrew organised it meticulously and worked with us over 2 months to guide us to balance our holiday between bush camps, cities and game reserves.
All accommodation, internal flights, transfers and hire cars were organised for us, which made travelling with a young family easy.
Andrew was very responsive to queries and checked in with us regularly throughout our trip. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he tailored our holiday to suit our family and budget. We couldn’t recommend Andrew enough.
Each of the places we have stayed had their own style and charm and we loved them.
The relationship and the educational experiences the guides provided for the kids and us adults will be remembered for the rest of our lives. The determination to see a leopard or lion cubs will be a lasting memory. The consistency of having the same guides really made the experience personal and allowed our kids to comfortably interact with the guides and wildlife.
We were able to relax when we needed too and the game drives at never got too much. The accommodation booked during the breaks from the bush camps allowed us to catch up on washing, have some down time and go sightseeing without feeling rushed.
It's not a matter of if we will visit Africa again but when! We wouldn't hesitate to call on Andrew and Safari 365 to help organise the next trip.
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Email Bevy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best vacation ever - thanks to Andrew and Trevor-
My experience with the Safari365 Africa tour operator Andrew Sinclair for my vacation to Africa was absolutely incredible! From the moment my sister and I contacted them to inquire about a vacation we were impressed with Andrew Sinclair’s professionalism, thoroughness and attention to detail.
Andrew crafted a customized itinerary for us that perfectly matched our interests and preferences. He suggested the best places to visit, activities to do, and accommodations to stay at, ensuring that every aspect of my trip was tailored to our liking.
During our time in Africa, the concierge Trevor went above and beyond to make sure that everything ran smoothly. They were always ready to answer any questions. We felt safe and well taken care of throughout my entire trip.
Thanks to safari365 Andrew and Trevor , we were able to explore the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture of South Africa and Zimbabwe with ease and comfort. I cannot recommend them highly enough for anyone planning a vacation to beautiful Africa . Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
There should be more that 5 stars very deserving
