Exquisite South Africa Exploration: Culture to Safari

Great relationship between ourselves and the agent. We had a general idea of what we wanted to do, but having never been to South Africa, we weren't sure what we should be aiming to do in our fortnight let alone how to plan it.

Zicasso came up with an itinerary and some options on top of that and we were able to plan our holiday. The prompt response from our travel agent was very helpful in this process.

We've never done this type of holiday before. We had some great tour guides, and the holiday was hassle free. Entrance to museums, etc were paid for by the guides and all we had to do was turn up and enjoy ourselves.

The safari in Simbavati was outstanding. we did 8 game drives and we always got to see something of interest, and we got so close to the leopards and lions! It was winter, so the nights got a bit chilly.

Cape Town was lovely, and our guide was top notch and gave us so much history about the area. We had a tour of Cape Point and went up the funicular railway. Once the weather was okay we had a fascinating visit to Robben Island (crossing was a bit rough) and got to see Nelson Mandela's cell. Taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain was an experience, and the cloud did disappear so we could have a wonderful view of Cape Town.

We got taken on a trip to the wine region staying in a beautiful hotel in Franschhoek. We stopped off at three wineries on the way! The following day we found the Wine Tram and visited three more wineries! 

One the way back to Cape Town airport we briefly stopped at  Victor Verster prison, which is the prison famous for Mandela being released from.

The last part of our trip was Victoria Falls. We stayed away from Victoria Falls, down the gorge. We saw a bit more of Zimbabwe and a bit of village life. The Falls were outstanding, but you got very wet from the spray, I'd wish I'd worn flip flops and shorts! We also did a helicopter ride over the Zambesi and the Falls, which was quite incredible! The evening involved a trip up the Zambesi which was more interesting than expected (we saw an elephant swim across to an island).

A great fortnight, exceeded our expectations on so many levels. Thanks to Zicasso and their organisation.

This was a phenomenal experience, perhaps my best yet facilitated by Zicasso, and the fulfillment of a childhood dream.

From start to finish, our agent was a superb planner and communicator. She was easy to talk to via email and over the phone, and expertly asked all the right questions to tease out the details she needed to craft the perfect trip for me. She was equally adept at answering all of the questions I had, which helped me to make informed decisions throughout the process.

Despite booking my safari less than a year in advance (when the standard practice is usually two years out) and on a budget that was no doubt way less than what luxury travelers splurge, our agent was able to arrange the perfect combination of accommodations and tours that provided me with a luxurious, comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable experience. She was even able to amend my confirmed plans a bit late in the game after what was originally a solo trip became a trip for two when my mom, awe-struck by the awesome itinerary, implored me to let her join.

This was our first safari and first venture into southern Africa. While our agent and all our guides along the way tempered our expectations about what we'd be able to see once out in the wilderness, luck was on our side. We ended up seeing just about everything. We spotted four of the Big Five on our three days in the reserve in the Kruger Park (elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino). The lions eluded us there, but we got more than our fill of them in the Okavango Delta. In addition to those, we had the pleasure of spotting wild dog and hyena packs with cubs in their dens, zebra, giraffe, hippos galore, crocodiles, baboons, monkeys, impalas to no end, kudu, an owl, ostriches, fish eagles, and a ton of other pretty birds. There was never a boring day. Despite our good fortune, I'm happy our agent was realistic and cautious in setting expectations.

One reason for this trip was to celebrate my mom's 75th birthday. Our agent went above and beyond in that regard, surprising us with a decorative towel arrangement in our first hotel, a bottle of wine in our first game camp, and another bottle of wine and a cake at our third hotel. That was a nice and unexpected touch, and much appreciated.

All of our accommodations were top-notch. The hotel in South Africa was in an excellent location, with modern facilities, friendly staff, and a superb kitchen. The private camp in the Kruger Park was a nice first introduction to the wilderness as it was basically a hotel in the middle of nowhere, complete with luxurious facilities and super-friendly and helpful staff. The lodge in Elandskop was wonderful and I regret that we didn't have more free time to enjoy it. The staff were very friendly, the restaurant very elegant, and the rooms very comfortable. The camp in Botswana was as close to camping as we'll ever come (glamping), but similarly offered wonderfully welcoming service, comfortable facilities, and a memorable experience. Finally, the Cape Town hotel offered a great location, friendly service, and wonderful food. Overall, the travel advisor did well with the choice of accommodations.

Similarly, our travel agent partnered with a great selection of local tour operators to ensure our every transfer and tour went smoothly and comfortably. I'd happily work with her again on future trips to the region and would highly recommend her services to all.

The Travel Company, particularly our travel designer, deserve a six star rating!  We started investigating a trip to Africa about one year prior to travel.  I made inquiries via the internet and heard from many companies.  This company quickly rose to the top of the list.  Our travel designer's knowledge level, thoughtfulness, communication skills, and efficiency were immediately a notch above the rest.  She seemed to truly "care" about our Africa experience.  This total approach was worthwhile-the trip could not have been better.  Upon arrival to Cape Town  we were met by our driver for the next four days.  This detail allowed us to establish a relationship with our driver and offered some flexibility.  In our drive to the wine area, we were able to meet several local owners.  Hotel choices, both in Capetown and Franschhoek, were charming-perfect! Our safari experience at Savanna Lodge, in the Sabi Sands area, was outstanding!  We spent some time communicating our expectations with this travel company and  everything exceeded our desires.  This place of friendly luxury is unique in our travels.  Lodging was incredible-imagine having your feet in your private plunge pool and watching zebras and monkeys in the background.  The game drives were exciting with easy animal sightings.  I will never forget our first night,  stopping for cocktails in the bush , and watching elephants and hippos at the watering hole.  Savanna Lodge has it all.....luxury accommodations, gourmet food, and a great staff. We finished our Africa experience at a Victoria Falls hotel.  Once again, our designer provided clarity as to visa applications, etc.  She also booked the perfect sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.  While we were cruising I looked at the other boats on the river and thought, "this is exactly the cruise I would have chosen".  That was true for the entire trip. Amazing!  If you are going to Africa....contact this travel company! 

This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Our travel agent who we found through Zicasso, was amazing. We are SO lucky to have found her! We went though about 10 different itineraries before settling on the one we booked, and our travel agent was extremely patient and attentive. She provided multiple options, in different prize ranges, responded quickly, and helped design an amazing honeymoon. Even more impressive, our agent was available throughout our trip. We had a flight delay and had to change a few of our plans due to weather, and our agent helped us reschedule things so it didn't even feel like there had been a problem. What really set her apart was her helpfulness during the trip--any question, big or small, she was available to help answer. She provides extraordinary, personalized service, from start to finish, and I can't recommend her enough.

Our itinerary included Cape Town, wine county, safari in Kruger, and Bazaruto Island in Mozambique. All of our lodging was five star--luxurious, classy, tasteful, and comfortable. We loved staying in Camps Bay. We still visited the Waterfront most nights for dinner, but Camps Bay is more our pace and style: beautiful ocean and beach views, close enough to easily get to the Waterfront, but away from the busy shopping and tourist centers. The private wine tour in Franschhoek was delightful. We were also lucky that our group Cape tour ended up being private. Our guides for both tours were friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining. Safari was incredible--we are hooked, and want to go on many more! The lodge was beautiful, the food was great (and plenty of variety for vegetarians and picky eaters). Our resort was a perfect way to end our trip. It's a gorgeous, paradise island in the Indian Ocean. We received a number of upgrades and free services for our honeymoon, including a spa treatment.

The trip was perfect, and we really have our travel agent to thank for that. Book your trip with her, and you won't regret it!!!!

The trip was absolutely amazing – truly the trip of a lifetime. The accommodations were perfect for us – the Cape Town hotel with its proximity to the V&A Waterfront and the boutique guesthouse in Franschhoek, which was also within easy walking distance to restaurants and the wine tram. The safari lodge was incredible – the food, service, safari drives, and our very comfortable glamping tent. The other lodge was also very comfortable, with great customer service.  

Our tour guide in Cape Town was the best – very knowledgeable, accommodating, and personable – and truly worked to make our trip extra special. The foodie tour was great – the most food we have ever had on a trip – with nice variety and local selections. 

The transfers were without a glitch.  

We can't say enough to thank our travel agent and her agency for making this a perfect trip.