WORLD'S BEST SAFARI ITINERARY:
Day 1 United States
We set off today for Cape Town, ranked the number six
World’s Best City. Numbers one and two (Rome and Florence) may
be hard to beat, but Cape Town bested such
perennial favorites as Paris and London!
Day 2 Cape Town
Micato seamlessly whisks travelers from the airport to the
heart of the stylish waterfront area, checking in to the Cape
Grace Hotel, ranked eighth in Africa and the Middle East.
Day 3 Cape Town
A full-day tour of the stunning Cape Peninsula includes the
fabled Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point of Flying Dutchman fame,
Simon’s Town and the surprising penguins of Boulders Beach.
Tonight, Micato travelers are welcomed to the home of our Cape
Town hosts for drinks and dinner. A prominent “Capetonian”
speaks on local issues of universal interest.
Day 4 Cape Town –Winelands
The civilised pleasures of wine tasting and estate touring
await us in the winelands, where idyllic vineyards and grand
manor houses nestle between dramatic misty mountains. At
Vergelegen Wine Estate, we’ll raise a toast with vintages
regularly voted best in South Africa and enjoy an epicurean
luncheon. Vergelegen has hosted such dignitaries as Queen
Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela and a number of U.S. presidents. We
also stroll through Stellenbosch and other quaint colonial
towns.
Day 5 – Day 6 Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Today we fly to Sabi Sabi and prepare to be dazzled by
glamorous luxury in the bush. Sabi Sabi comprises several
different lodges, all differing in decor and style, but all
heartstoppingly stunning. Glorious days of fruitful game
viewing and sublime
comfort lie ahead. Stepping out on our private deck in the pale
light of the early morning, scanning the shimmering plains with
a cup of strong coffee in hand…yes, we know we’ve arrived in the
heart of old Africa. Game drives set out in the cool
of morning, long before the dew is dry on the grass. Traversing
the veld in open-top,
four-wheel drive vehicles is, in itself, exhilarating, but even
more so in the company of rangers who regale us with bush lore,
educate us on conservation and entertain us with tall tales.
These congenial companions are also our hosts in camp, joining
us for cocktails, dinner and leisure time.
Day 7 – Day 8 Singita Private Game Reserve
Cosseted and divinely comfortable at Sabi Sabi, we can’t
imagine anything finer. But Singita, the number one hotel in the
world awaits us, so we eagerly traverse the Sabi Sands Reserve
to reach this fabled hostelry. Any traveller having read
even the slightest bit about South Africa will have heard
the wildly effusive praise being lavished on Singita. And, it
turns out, for excellent reason. Yes, the game viewing is
terrific and the rangers are hugely informative, but one can
almost take that for granted. What boggles the mind and renders
travellers utterly speechless are the accommodations, from the
nostalgic and romantic to the exotic and sexy. Where
African arts and crafts merge with the avant-garde and vintage
hunting lodges include glass-walled suites and theatrical Murano
chandeliers. Not to mention Singita’s hidden treasure: the best
bush cellar in Africa. Buried deep in the cool rock below a
lodge is a stellar selection of over 12,000 premier bottles.
Between game drives we spend our days in peaceful pursuits: at
the pool, perhaps a walking safari, birdwatching around camp,
settling down with a book or video from the
library, or visiting the enormously interesting local village
with its school and clinic. Or, we could simply choose to do
nothing at all…to enjoy the quiet of Africa from our
secluded deck, mesmerised by the bubbling swarms of hippos in
the river. And, did we mention the night game drives by
moonlight and spotlight? As most predators are
nocturnal, the game viewing is unparalleled. And the
experience…well, it’s nigh dreamlike.
Day 9 Rosebank
Another leisurely morning at Singita before our expedition
takes us to Rosebank, a leafy and stylish community outside of
Johannesburg. Cosmopolitan in character and rich in eclectic
restaurants, shopping, cinemas and culture, our hotel is
conveniently connected by covered elevated walkways to the
Rosebank Mall. Those with energy to spare might want to tour the
“new” Jo’burg—a historic city undergoing a cultural and artistic
rebirth of exceptional proportions. We overnight at the
luxurious Grace Hotel.
Day 10 – Day 11 Victoria Falls, Zambia
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, no words can
prepare the visitor for the scale and splendour of this mighty
cascade. And here we contentedly establish ourselves into the
Royal Livingstone Hotel, rich in romance and colonial character.
Two days in Vic Falls allows for ample opportunities to
leisurely tour the Falls and its
network of trails through the rainforest, dare ourselves into
the sky aboard the “Flight of Angels” or simply let sunset over
the Zambezi hypnotize us into a state of serenity on a sunset
cruise. Quiet moments on the hotel’s veranda with its
breathtaking river views are always fine options as well.
Day 12 Victoria Falls – Johannesburg – USA
The Travel+Leisure World’s Best Safari draws to a reluctant
close. We fly to Johannesburg and connect to our homebound
flights tonight.
Day 13 United States
Crossing continents in the air, we reflect on the splendour
of this World’s Best sojourn and ponder returning next year when
the new Travel+Leisure hotel winners are announced!
Back to AFRICA - Menu Page
2008 Departure Dates (New rates and dates may
apply):
|
Depart - Return |
Depart - Return |
Depart - Return |
Depart - Return |
|
Jan 06 – Jan 18* |
Apr 13 – Apr 25 |
Jul 20 – Aug 01 |
Oct 26 – Nov 07 |
|
Jan 20 – Feb 01 |
Apr 27 – May 09 |
Aug 03 – Aug 15 |
Nov 09 – Nov 21 |
|
Feb 03 – Feb 15 |
May 11 – May 23 |
Aug 17 – Aug 29 |
Nov 23 – Dec 05 |
|
Feb 17 – Feb 29 |
May 25 – Jun 06 |
Aug 31 – Sep 12 |
Dec 07 – Dec
19* |
|
Mar 02 – Mar 14 |
Jun 08 – Jun 20 |
Sep 14 – Sep 26 |
Dec 21 – Jan
02* |
|
Mar 16 – Mar 28 |
Jun 22 – Jul 04 |
Sep 28 – Oct 10 |
|
|
Mar 30 – Apr 11 |
Jul 06 – Jul 18 |
Oct 12 – Oct 24 |
|
2009 Departure Dates (New rates and dates may apply)
|
Depart - Return |
Depart - Return |
Depart - Return |
|
Jan 04 – Jan 16* |
Mar 29 – Apr
10 |
Jun 21 – Jul 03 |
|
Jan 18 – Jan 30 |
Apr 12 – Apr 24 |
Jul 05 – Jul 17 |
|
Feb 01 – Feb 13 |
Apr 26 – May 08 |
Jul 19 – Jul 31 |
|
Feb 15 – Feb 27 |
May 10 – May 22 |
Aug 02 – Aug 14 |
|
Mar 01 – Mar 13 |
May 24 – Jun
05 |
|
|
Mar
15 – Mar 27 |
Jun 07 – Jun
19 |
|
*Holiday supplement may apply.
