The sun is starting to set over the floodplains of the Okavango Delta, marking another successful day in the bush. Your private guide pulls the vehicle up near a watering hole. You get out, stretch your legs, and are handed a Gin and Tonic (or whatever you fancy). Turning to your group, you chat about all the amazing things you saw today. Perhaps it was the once in a lifetime opportunity to watch a female Leopard with her cubs, or a visit to a den of wild dogs. You can enjoy the conversation while watching another uniquely gorgeous African sunset.
This feeling and 100s of more uniquely amazing experiences are what we strive to achieve here at Sundowner Safaris.
We are Africa (and travel) obsessed. We curate custom, individualized African itineraries, many of which are privately guided (What is private guiding? Click here to learn more). Although we specialize in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, we also offer guidance and custom itineraries across all of Southern and Eastern Africa including cities like Cape Town and beach destinations like Seychelles.
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE
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WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE -
We are co-owned by one of Africa’s top guides, Benson Siyawareva.
Benson is based in Zimbabwe which provides us with local contacts and up-to-date knowledge on animal migration and the best game viewing locations.
We never pass off your trip.
From the time. you begin dreaming of and planning your trip, to the after-trip report, you will work with the same contact. Many larger travel agents pass you off once they make the sale,; not Sundowner. We will be with you the entire time from picking the best camps to suggesting our favorite mosquito repellent. Whichever destination you choose, you can be confident that we will make it the trip of a lifetime. For more information, check out our travel tips!
We are independent.
This means we will book you at the best lodges to fit your trip’s needs and wants, even if that involves multiple suppliers.
Each client and each trip is 100% unique and customizable.
We at Sundowner Safaris believe in conservation, and building communities through low-impact tourism. A portion of our profits goes to Lesedi School and Clinic. A charity co-founded by Benson. If your trip happens to begin or ends in Victoria Falls, we will have the opportunity to add a visit to the school and clinic as part of your itinerary.
Meet The Team
Samar Farhangi
Managing Director- Trip Creator
You know that friend you can always call or text because you are in a random city and looking for something good to eat or fun to do? Meet Samar; she is that friend.! A travel addict, Samar has been planning her family and friends’ trips for years. Samar had the opportunity to meet Benson when he was her private guide in Botswana. After Benson’s business partner, Fiona, decided to step away from safaris to focus on Lesedi, Samar and Jon decided to partner with Benson to continue sharing the amazing experiences Africa has to offer. When you reach out to us, Samar will be the person you will be working with day to day to help plan your trip.
Favorite Animal in Africa? It is tied between the Honey Badger and the Hippo. Both have traits I can appreciate.
Favorite Sundowner Drink? Gin and Tonic
Benson Siyawareva
Managing Director- African Operations and Private Guiding
Originally from Zimbabwe, Benson has been a guide in Africa since 1988. He is an encyclopedia of knowledge on everything on safari from the animals to the habitat. Point out any tree, plant, bird, insect, or otherwise and Benson will immediately give you a Wikipedia page worth of information. Who needs google when you have Benson? One of the best guides in Africa and an overall amazing person with a contagious smile and an always positive attitude, safari with Benson is a life-changing experience
Favorite Animal in Africa? A dung rolling beetle. In Egyptian mythology, they believed there was a huge one rolling the sun determining day & night. Of the big animals, It’s the African Painted Dogs, they stay in socially bonded packs, share the spoils from the hunt and also look after the underprivileged and sick members of the pack.
Favorite Sundowner Drink? Gin and Tonic
Reza Farhangi
Managing Director- Aviation and Technology
If you are driving down the freeway with Reza and a plane flies closely above, he will turn and say something like “I bet that Boeing 787-9 is headed to Amsterdam.” How does he know this? We have no idea. However, if you decide to also book your airfare with us, Reza will help get you the best price and the best seat on the plane. Reza is technology-obsessed and helps ensure we have the best tools available at Sundowner to give you a seamless experience, from booking to travel.
Favorite Animal in Africa? All the species of antelope because they are “cute”, but he is especially fond of the Lechwe
Favorite Sundowner Drink? Gin and Tonic
Jon Pfortmiller
Managing Director
Jon loves going to Africa so much, that he decided to start a safari company. His background is in technology, and he has been to Africa over 15 times. He started traveling with Benson in 2002 and has never looked back. Jon has a passion for photography and many of the photos on our website and in our gallery were taken by him. Though Jon is not necessarily involved in the day-to-day operation of Sundowner, he is always available should you want to chat about camera equipment or his favorite camps.
Favorite Animal in Africa?: Cheetah
Favorite Sundowner Drink? : Scotch on the Rocks