Itinerary

Day 1 United States

We set off today for Cape Town, which was ranked as the No. 2 city in the world. It won’t take us long to realize why—its striking natural features and cosmopolitan wiles make it a truly remarkable place to start our adventure.

Day 2 Cape Town

Micato whisks travellers from the airport to the Cape Grace Hotel, ranked the No. 2 City Hotel in Africa /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 and the surprising penguins of Boulders Beach. Back at the hotel, we enjoy a dip in the heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean or the secluded rock pool overlooking the mountains before heading out for drinks and dinner. Tonight, we are welcomed to the home of Micato’s Cape Town hosts, enjoying a delightful taste of local hospitality. Thus we end the day with newly found friends in this lovely land.

Day 4 Cape Town – Winelands

The civilised pleasures of wine tasting and estate touring await us in the winelands, where idyllic vineyards and manor houses nestle between misty mountains. At Delaire Estate, we'll enjoy lunch and raise a toast with exquisite vintages. Set high on a mountain pass and surrounded by lush, colourful gardens, the beauty of Delaire's outdoor setting is complimented by its impressive art collection indoors. We also stroll through quaint colonial towns like Franschhoek.

Day 5 - Day 6 Londolozi Private Game Reserve

We leave the city behind and wing our way to Londolozi, the No. 5 Lodge and Resort in Africa /Middle East. 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 plains with a cup of coffee in hand...yes, we know we've arrived in the heart of old Africa.

Accommodations offer luxury, comfort and striking African style. Each room has a private swimming pool, and the living spaces are raised off the ground beneath an arching canopy of branches. A wealth of activities is available: learning the tricks of tracking animals, river fishing or joining a yoga session. Game drives are alternately fascinating, relaxing and dramatic in the company of rangers who regale us with bush lore, educate us on conservation and entertain us with tall tales. Rangers are also our hosts in camp, joining us for cocktails, dinner and leisure time.

Day 7 - Day 8 Singita Private Game Reserve

Singita has been named the No. 1 Hotel in the world (not just Africa) several times by Travel+Leisure over the years and it's not hard to see why such wildly effusive praise has been lavished on this gem. 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 lodges include glass-walled suites and theatrical Murano chandeliers. Not to mention Singita's hidden treasure: the best bush wine 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, a walking safari, birdwatching around camp, or visiting the enormously interesting local village with its school and clinic. Or, we could simply choose to enjoy the quiet of Africa from our secluded deck, mesmerized by the bubbling swarms of hippos in the river. Accommodations will be provided at one of Singita's four magnificent lodges.

Day 9 Johannesburg

We arrive in Johannesburg, and find ourselves absolutely enchanted with our accommodations at the Westcliff Hotel, the No. 7 City Hotel in Africa/Middle East. The property is evocative of a sprawling Mediterranean village cascading down landscaped gardens with lush greenery, fountains and panoramic views over the leafy suburbs. A splendid place in which to unwind, or if we choose, an excellent launching point to explore the city.

Day 10 - Day 11 Victoria Falls

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 in the No. 10 Lodge and Resorts in Africa/Middle East, the fabulous Royal Livingstone Hotel which positively radiates romance and colonial glamour. Two days in Vic Falls allows for ample opportunities to leisurely tour the Falls and its network of rainforest trails, dare ourselves into the sky aboard the "Flight of Angels" or be hypnotized by a spectacular sunset on a cruise of the Zambezi. Quiet moments on the hotel's veranda with its breathtaking river views are always fine options as well.

Day 12-Day 13 Johannesburg - United States

The Travel+Leisure World's Best Safari draws to a reluctant close. We fly to Johannesburg and connect to our homebound flights tonight.

More information from Micato Safaris:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.micato.com/travel-and-leisure-worlds-best-safari/…
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• View all of their trips