The Travel+Leisure World’s Best Safari

Featuring only “World’s Best” List Hotels

We are proud that Micato is the first tour company to win Travel+Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Tour Operator & Safari Outfitter” award seven times. As a boutique family company in an industry of large international operators, we are indeed gratified that Micato’s deep and personal commitment to excellence has been acknowledged so overwhelmingly. Simply stated, travellers have been voicing a consistent and astonishingly high level of satisfaction with their Micato experience and with five-star African safaris in general. The No. 1 ranked hotel in the world (not just in Africa) is a safari lodge, Bushmans Kloof, which we’ve combined with the divine Sabi Sabi Game Reserve (No. 3 in the world), and the celebrated Singita Game Reserve (No. 6 this year, but No. 1 last year). Cape Town's Twelve Apostles, a jaw-droppingly beautiful new addition to the list at No. 12, completes this exceptional itineary. It seems that some of the most splendid escapes in the world can be found in the most wild and unforgettable lands.

13 Days Departs Sunday, Returns Friday

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 Twelve Apostles Hotel, ranked the No.1 City Hotel in Africa/Middle East and No.12 in the world. There is so much to love here—the indulgent Sanctuary Spa (voted No. 1 in Africa), walking the wilderness trails of the Table Mountain Nationa lPark and of course the sophisticated comfort of our luxurious room. While the serene coastal scenery might make you forget, you are just a short car ride—or even shorter helicopter hop!—to the sophisticated centre of Cape Town.

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 - Day 6 Bushmans Kloof –Cederberg Mountains

We leave the city behind for remote mountain landscapes and ancient plains—and for the peerless experience of staying at the No.1 World’s Best Hotel. Truly, Bushmans Kloof is special. A national heritage site, it offers our first taste of game viewing, but even more dramatically, the rock art of the ancient San Bushman people. Home to the world’s “largest open-air art gallery,” there are over 125 rock art sites, some dating back ten thousand years. To view the paintings in their original setting is practically a spiritual experience. Our luxury rooms here include custom-designed furniture and a private patio overlooking the landscaped indigenous gardens. In addition to winning the World’s Best Award, Bushmans Kloof has won numerous wildlife conservation awards and been recognized as a top ecolodge. It’s no wonder this stunning property has delighted celebrities such as the Thatchers, Bransons and Caines. Combined with botanical walks, river and bush trails, bird watching, nature hikes, organic garden tours, botanical tours, archery, canoeing, croquet, fly-fishing and more, Bushmans Kloof is an ecological oasis richly deserving of its No.1 World’s Best triumph.

Day 7 Cape Town

We return to the incomparable Twelve Apostles, where we enjoy the finer points of staying in a highly-ranked oasis. Perhaps we’ll watch a film in the private 16-seat cinema, or simply savour a glass of wine—selected by the hotel’s award-winning sommelier—while watching the breathtaking Atlantic sunset from our private terrace.

Day 8 - Day 9 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. Traversing the veld in open-top, four-wheel drive vehicles is exhilarating, and even more so in the company of rangers who regale us with bush lore, educate us about 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 10 - Day 11 Singita Private Game Reserve

Wildly effusive praise has been lavished on Singita—and for excellent reason. Yes, the game viewing is terrific and the rangers are hugely informative, but what 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 of wine. 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, mesmerised by the bubbling swarms of hippos in the river.

Day 12 Singita 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.

Day 12-Day 16 Optional Extension to Victoria Falls

The grand cascade of Victoria Falls compels us to linger in this corner of the world. We overnight in Johannesburg on Day 12 and hop a flight to Vic Falls the next day. For two days and nights we’re mesmerized by the shimmering veils of mist, viewpoints, cataracts, gorges, footpaths, rainforests and orchids. We’ll take to the skies on the Flight of Angels and float along the Zambezi sipping sundowners. (Sublime!) Our hotel, the Royal Livingstone along the banks of the river, is equally enchanting. On Day 15 we depart, connecting in Jo’burg, arriving home on Day 16.

Interested? Give us a call at 1-800-MICATO-1. Or email us.

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