South African Sweeping Sojourn

Simply Sensational Sea to Savannah

South Africa has been blessed with abundant graces. It is a nation that at once offers pristine lands teeming with wildlife and stylish cities brimming with sophisticated flair.  A rich tribal heritage and an optimistic people victoriously welcome the world to their new South Africa. This brilliantly designed exploration of South Africa offers it all from the rugged southwestern Cape Coast where you’ll breathe in brisk ocean air, to the gentle breezes of the vast bushveld and legendary safari game parks. Canyons to coastlines, whales to wildebeests, urban sophistication to untamed wilderness. Activities abound for every age and interest on this sweeping safari experience.

13 Days Departs Thursday, Returns Tuesday

Day 1 United States

The adventure begins as we board our international flight.

Day 2 Cape Town

Cape Town, one of the world’s great travel treasures! Your Micato Tour Manager whisks you to the five-star Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa, a chic property at the heart of the city where you’ll be warmly welcomed.

Day 3 Cape Town

We discover the colourful threads that make up Cape Town’s rich cultural tapestry, first at Khayelitsha Township, to witness 21st century township life with complete insider access at a remarkable place: Rosie’s Kitchen. For the last 19 years, Rosie has fed the destitute children and elderly of the township…one woman’s determination to make a difference. In addition to glimpsing this life-changing place, we also get a chance to participate. Our tour then visits other city highlights including Malay Quarter with its multi-cultural flavour. The day culminates with cocktails and dinner at the home of Micato’s hosts—a delightful Cape Town couple—who share their local knowledge and convivial hospitality.

Day 4- Day 5 Cape Town – Cape Peninsula

Cape Town’s delights include a full day of touring the spectacular Cape Peninsula, visiting Cape Point for a view of the union of two oceans, historic Simon’s Town with its charming Victorian architecture, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and Kalk Bay where traditions run deep
and the characters are as colourful as their bright-toned fishing boats. There’s even a full unscheduled day for pursuing your own interests—the Micato Concierge will assist of course! Dinner one evening features marvelous interactive drumming, the likes of which you’ve never
seen before!

Day 6 - Day 7 Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

A delightful morning drive along the coast and we arrive Grootbos Private Nature Reserve whose resplendent natural surroundings leave us, quite simply, in stunned awe. Land and water based activities flourish and choosing what to do first is a challenge. Four-wheel drive excursions
reveal the most beautiful scenery imaginable and activities for families are bountiful. Discovering the grounds with a botanical guide, birdwatching while ambling the meandering
paths through the dramatic Milkwood Forest—the largest in the world. Exploring the extraordinary Cape Floral Kingdom—an ecosystem explosion of plants and flowers found only in this small area, which is home to the vast majority of the world’s Erica, gladiolus and protea species, and fynbos. Horseback riding through the Mopane forest or sizing up stone-age caves. Astonishing!

Pristine deserted beaches also entice, as do excursions like whale watching in the crystalline waters beyond. Overactive daredevils may wish to try shark-cage diving, while the rest of us can spend that time enjoying our utterly indulgent eco-lodge with suites featuring large wooden decks and spectacular sea views. Here we are one with nature, admiring sunset over the ocean or awakening with coffee to a chorus of forest birds.

Day 8 Blyde River Canyon - Sabi Sabi

This morning we’ll fly to “Paradise Country” of mountains and valleys, rivers and waterfalls on the east side of South Africa, the site of a major gold rush in the 1870s. From here, we make our way through Blyde River Canyon—just a short drive, but one that we will be talking about for
years to come. It will be as if we are driving through a piece of artwork—a deep, wooded canyon peppered with natural phenomenon from imposing quartzite columns to immense spirals of dolomite rock. This brilliant drive culminates at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve where accommodations are frankly fantastic. Each of its four lodges embraces a historical period in theme and décor—all dazzling cocoons of comfort for discerning guests. Four nights of bliss.

Day 9 - Day 11 Sabi Sabi Game Reserve

Sabi Sabi epitomises Africa’s magic. With no fences between the reserve and adjacent Kruger National Park, big game abounds, moving freely through these unspoiled ancient lands. The reserve is blessed with great biodiversity of habitat, affording an excellent chance of encounters with elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as wild dog and cheetah. With over 300 bird species, the reserve is also a birdwatcher's delight. Wildlife has become habituated to the presence of safari vehicles, allowing for relaxed encounters as animals continue their natural patterns unperturbed by our observation. The days slow and deepen here and we gain a profound appreciation for the rhythms of safari life. Mornings begin early with the sun. Animals are on the move and so are we, advancing deep into the bushveld by open top vehicle or on foot. Middays are spent in quiet pursuits, perhaps the pool, a book, birdwatching, walking with a Ranger, visiting a Shangaan village, or simply enjoying the exquisite tranquility and lodge views. Evenings bring another foray into the bush, a sumptuous dinner, the Southern Cross, and perhaps a fine brandy. Such are the joys of safari life.

Day 12 - Day 13 Johannesburg - United States

With eternal gratitude for safari life and new appreciation for the grandeur of South Africa, we fly to Johannesburg to begin our journey home, arriving Stateside on Day 13.

Sound good? Give us a call at 1-800-MICATO-1 or email us for more information.

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