Safari, Wine & Romance Tour of South Africa

Zicasso's travel designer was extremely helpful in our trip planning process, giving us multiple suggestions for itineraries and price ranges. He listened to our ideas and shared his experiences to aid us in our final decisions. Communication during the preparation for our trip was amazing. We were very pleased with the five-star accommodations he recommended, the pace of the activities included, and the order of the destinations we visited.

We spent three days in Stellenbosch, three days in Cape Town, three days in Victoria Falls, and three days at the private game reserve in Sabi Sands. The accommodations, service, and scenery started out top-notch and seemed to get better as we went along.

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.

Zicasso's travel partner planned a trip for us that exceeded even our very high expectations. We started our search by contacting three travel agents and explaining what we wanted in terms of timeline, cost, and experiences. Our travel agent came back with a plan that was exactly what we were looking for. He clearly understood that our main goal was a variety of experiences, a trip that included Cape Town and Victoria Falls, safaris where we could have a chance of seeing the Big Five, no driving of our own, a pace that would not leave us exhausted, a price that would not break our budget, accommodations that were comfortable but not extravagant, and to end our trip sitting by a beach for several days. He managed to do all that and more.

The result was a 33-day trip in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique that included all of the above, plus two days of whale watching, two days in the heart of South Africa's wine country, with multiple winery visits and tastings led by a very knowledgeable guide, three safaris (11 safari days in total), and six days relaxing by the Indian Ocean at an amazing, intimate, foodie paradise complete with free daily massages.

He also arranged all transfers ‒ car and large and small planes ‒ and had someone help us find a good deal on our transatlantic flights. Every vendor he selected was excellent and there was not a single glitch the whole trip, despite the numerous transfers.

What impressed me the most was his knowledge of all the properties and the thought he put into the ones he suggested, including the order of our stays. For example, he gave us plenty of time to relax and explore the Cape Town, Hermanus (whales), and Stellenbosch (wine) areas before going on our safaris. He then had our first safari stay be a tented camp. It was very comfortable and we enjoyed it immensely, seeing four of the Big Five there. Then, he stepped us up to somewhat fancier accommodations for our second safari, also an amazing experience, where we saw the last of the Big Five and the quite rare wild dogs (or painted wolves as they are sometimes known). Our last safari stay was one he had to talk me into because it seemed like the accommodations were fancier than what we were looking for or needed. However, he assured me that the experience would also be a step up, and wow, was he right. While the accommodations were great, what made the experience perfect was the knowledge of our guide, his tracking ability, and the unique location of the reserve, which even in drought conditions had a river running through it that attracted lots of animals we hadn't seen elsewhere. Our safaris were all on private land adjoining unfenced game reserves, so the animals could travel freely back and forth. We weren't faced with a slew of other vehicles vying to see the animals and we were able to go off-road to better track the animals we were following.

The back-and-forth dialogue with our agent in the planning process was something I truly appreciated. While some people might want to just set a budget and get a final itinerary (which I'm sure our agent can do), I wanted a more interactive process where he would give us different options and we would discuss the pros and cons, and then come to a decision. No question was too stupid and he never tried to rush us. I would book with him again in a heartbeat and have already recommended him to several friends.

On top of all I've already mentioned, he was fantastic when we had to delay our trip for a year because I learned shortly before we were going to go that I had to undergo chemotherapy. He was great in helping me make my claim on my travel insurance and in working with the properties so I was out very little money at all. And amazingly, when I was finally cleared to go, he was able to rebook almost exactly the same itinerary we had originally planned. There were also some other nice surprise extras he arranged, but I won't spoil them for you by saying what they were. I will say, however, that I can't imagine a more perfect trip or a more perfect travel agent to work with!

We just returned from a fantastic two-week trip to Africa, coordinated by our Zicasso travel agent. We started in South Africa (Cape Town/Franschhoek), then went up to Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), and to Botswana (Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta). Every step of the trip was well coordinated and seamless. The guides and accommodations were fantastic and comfortable.

I can't say enough positive things about our travel agent. She is the most detail-oriented and responsive travel agent I have ever worked with. She has extensive knowledge of travel in Africa and was able to provide outstanding recommendations for every question we had for her. She checked in with us regularly during the trip to make sure everything was going well, which was greatly appreciated. She genuinely cared about providing us with the best experience possible. I highly recommend using her and her agency if you are thinking about traveling to Africa!

First, the booking experience with Zicasso's trip coordinator was seamless. She was always very attentive, responsive, and prompt with her replies. She listened to our wants and delivered beyond our expectations. Even our guides commented that she chose well for us. I would highly recommend booking with her.

Our itinerary in South Africa was pure perfection. Everything from the accommodations to the timing was perfect. We cannot say enough great things about the safari in Sabi Sands and the lodge. The lodge in Franschhoek was exceptional and the one in Gansbaai was the ideal ending to our trip.

This was truly a trip of a lifetime for our family. I’m not sure how we will ever top this experience. Thank you to Zicasso for connecting us with our agent.

The trip was extraordinary, amazing, and perfect in every way! Every aspect of the trip Zicasso’s travel agent planned for us was perfectly executed.

Our drivers were punctual and professional.

The hotel in Cape Town was lovely and the staff were so attentive. The staff at the nature reserve made everyone feel like part of the family.

We saw the Big Five within the first two days there! Super-fun!

The Cessna Caravan flight between lodges enabled us to see the African savannah and bush from the air, which was so beautiful.

The lodge in Sabi Sand Game Reserve was elegant and the staff were so attentive, meeting our every need and anticipating our every wish!

We had some excellent surprises, such as a full breakfast in the bush.

Our trackers and our rangers were truly wonderful and knowledgeable, and made the experience delightful.

Other travelers at the lodges were so friendly.

It was a trip of a lifetime... though we may have to go back again!