Safari365

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.