Bespoke Safari to South Africa - On Safari with Nancy Kelly - Nancy Kelly, Kelly Cruises & Tours - Kelly Cruises & Tours
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On Safari with
Nancy Kelly
Bespoke Safari to South Africa
November 6 to 15, 2018
Prepared on request by
Nancy Kelly, Kelly Cruises & Tours
September 7, 2017
On Safari with Nancy Kelly
Itinerary in Brief…
Tuesday November 6 Arrival in Cape Town International Airport, South Africa
Wednesday November 7 Cape Town
Thursday November 8 Cape Town
Friday November 9 Fly to Kapama Game Reserve via Johannesburg
Saturday November 10 Kapama Game Reserve
Sunday November 11 Fly to Kruger National Park
Monday November 12 Kruger National Park
Tuesday November 13 Kruger National Park
Wednesday November 14 Kruger National Park
Thursday November 15 Fly to Johannesburg; Depart
A Bespoke Safari... Imagine a safari that is… ….sophisticated and exclusive, offering privacy, flexibility and the undivided attention of each lodge owner, manager, tracker and ranger who are the consummate hosts, your personal guides to the bush, as well as dinner companions around a great table every evening. (But only if that is your desire, of course.) On a Micato Bespoke Safari you will... ….live the life of the landed locals in luxurious rooms in the city, sweeping farms in the winelands, or private game reserves. You will have a home and a place in Africa. This experience is quite different from a typical safari. Activities are not fixed according to a predetermined schedule… ….but decided by you, on the spot, following your impulses. Every morning your guide describes various options and your staff is at the ready. Then it’s your call. (Such decisions!) Choices for the day might include… …. a game drive in an open vehicle, or a spirited nature walk for a spot of exercise and a glorious view. Tracking wildlife at the traditional crack of dawn, or sleeping in and catching them later. (Much later even.) Exploring a cosmopolitan city, or sipping some of the world’s best wine while overlooking the vineyard on which it was grown. Perhaps most memorable of all will be… ….the people you meet during your African sojourn, from the hospitable staff at the lodges to the accomplished major domos of each camp, the skilled local trackers, and the erudite and genial Micato Guides. Your hosts on safari… ….the Pinto family friends in South Africa, the lodge owners, and your Micato Guides. They’re a fascinating lot with a passion and great vision for Africa. Getting to know these people—and doubtlessly considering them friends by the end of your stay—may even trump the wildlife experience that lured you to Africa in the first place. Each individual has a captivating story to tell and they are, to a person, endlessly interesting. Evenings on a Micato Bespoke Safari… …. are especially enchanting, when the lodges take on the atmosphere of an intimate, casual dinner party. The great room glows with the soft light of hurricane lanterns, the dinner table laid with an artful collection of damask, crystal and tribal artefacts… not to mention the solicitous waitstaff. There are drinks, dinner and stories around the fire. The meal itself is a graceful sit-down, multi- course affair and the cuisine, as you might expect, is extraordinary. “Micato Safaris treats guests like well-loved out-of-town relatives” is the Travel+Leisure tribute of which we’re most proud. For the unique experience of being at home in Africa, there is no equal to Micato.
On Safari with Nancy Kelly
Arrive Cape Town, South Africa {Tuesday, November 6}
Touch down Africa. Cape Town International Airport. The journey begins!
By special arrangement, you are met by a Micato representative immediately as you deplane and are
personally escorted through baggage claim and customs procedures. Our Guides are on hand to
seamlessly whisk you to your awaiting room, where you may catch up on rest and recalibrate for the
adventures ahead.
As we drive through Cape Town, we’ll bear witness to the most picturesque city in all of Africa, with
a breathtaking coastline, glamorous nightlife, decadent restaurants, and natural beauty.
Sheltered beneath the familiar shape of Table Mountain, Cape Town is the birthplace of modern
South Africa as well as a historic port with a vital role in overseas trade between Europe and the
East. Perhaps the most picturesque city in all of Africa, Cape Town presides over a coastline of
stunning grandeur, mountains rising above the seashore, and romantic, outlying vineyards whose
proprietors have been practicing the art of winemaking since the 18th century.
Cape Town is home to the best of everything—museums, restaurants, hotels, and natural beauty.
The recent addition of a convention center, film studios, theatres, and a number of new business
establishments are evidence of the tremendous expansion the city has undergone in the last few
years. And thankfully, such progress hasn’t tarnished Cape Town’s old world appeal. It has the aura
of a place where adventures begin—including your own!
On Safari with Nancy Kelly Chic Urban Lodgings With its chic island design and contemporary African flair—not to mention stunning views of Table Mountain—One&Only Resort is one of the most luxurious addresses on the exclusive Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Rich, dark African woodwork is juxtaposed with contemporary local artwork, lush fabrics and furnishings that reflect both the muted tones of the savannah and the bright colours of South Africa’s vibrant personality. Dedicated butlers discreetly attend to your every need. The One&Only is not just a place to stay in Cape Town; it is a destination in itself. It is not only the visitors who think so—Capetonians flock to the One&Only as a hub of luxury in the city’s cosmopolitan centre. From the legendary cuisines of Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa and Reuben Riffel to the 6,000 vintages at the Wine Loft, the One&Only fuses modern glamour with classic South African style. Not just elegance, but energy. Not just uncompromising quality, but warm hospitality. Not just luxurious accommodations, but enriching experiences. In short, it has it all. Truly a One&Only…
On Safari with Nancy Kelly
Wildlife in the City {Wednesday, November 7}
Cape Peninsula National Park is truly stunning—walking trails, low hills, and wide beaches—and a
surprising variety of wildlife congregates here: eland, ostrich, bontebok and baboons, among others.
Cape Point offers a viewing platform that looks out to False Bay and the Hottentots Holland
Mountains. As we hear the stories of this fascinating place—ghosts from centuries of shipwrecks
said to inhabit the shores—we marvel at its beauty as well.
We stroll this area, and then motor to nearby False Bay—home to almost 3,000 African penguins
which congregate amidst the rounded rocks and fish-filled bay. It is one of the few sites where this
fascinating bird (Spheniscus demersus) can be observed at close range, wandering freely in a
protected natural environment.
On Safari with Nancy Kelly
Cape Winelands {Thursday, November 8}
Some of the most beautiful—and bountiful—countryside in the world awaits you in the Cape
Winelands. Rolling purple vineyards, lush green farms, and charming cobblestone villages are all
cupped in the protective foothills of the surrounding craggy mountains. The food and wine in this
small pocket of land is some of the best in the world… the crisp mountain air practically demands it!
Life in the Cape Winelands moves at a different pace than the rest of the world. Spend the day
doing as much or as little as you desire. Thus the key ingredient for enjoyment is to go at your own
pace as you explore vast vineyards and farms—stopping perhaps for a wine tasting here, a farm-to-
table meal there, or a chance to roam around the estate of a grand manor-house or the cobbled
streets of a Cape Dutch village.
On Safari with Nancy Kelly
Kapama Game Reserve
{Friday, November 9 & Saturday, November 10}
On Friday we board the scheduled flight to Johannesburg and further connect to Kapama Game
Reserve.
The boundless wildlife of Kruger National Park is ours to explore on this gorgeous private reserve,
adjacent to the park. Here we have free reign over 30,000 acres of spectacular game viewing,
extensive flora and never-ending African skies. Up close and intensely personal, the spirit of the
bushveld utterly seduces our senses. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino and a
million more await….
On Safari with Nancy Kelly Gorgeous Bush Lodge Set on the banks of the perennial Klaserie River, Kapama Karula exudes calmness and luxury: In fact, the very name, Kapama Karula. means ‘place of peace’ in the local language. The meandering river running through the camp enhances the sense of tranquillity. The suites, each exquisitely decorated and with generous private space, each have an opulent en- suite bathroom featuring indoor and outdoor showers, his and hers basins, and a bath tub. Wrapped by glass sliding doors, each suite enjoys seamless views over the Klaserie River, and an outdoor deck with heated swimming pool.
On Safari with Nancy Kelly Wildlife Discoveries Enjoy your days with morning and afternoon game runs. A typical day on safari starts with an early wake-up call, then set out on the morning game drive with your ranger and tracker. Return to the lodge for breakfast, and the option of a guided walk in the reserve. In the afternoons, depart on game drives, keeping a keen eye out for the elusive and shy leopard or watching the exhilarating speed of the lion preying his dinner. Kapama Reserve supports a wide variety of game including, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, kudu and many other species of antelope. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and many more smaller species. Bird-watching is most rewarding and more than 350 species have been recorded. The vegetation is typical of the lowveld: mixed woodland, which is dominated by a variety of acacia and bushwillow species, but also includes tamboti, marula, silver clusterleaf and jackalberry. With the dust of the day settled and a lifetime of memories packed into one short day, dwell on your experience over a refreshing drink, or simply enjoy a perfect sunset from your terrace as the horizon captures that special moment when the evening sun bids farewell in a blaze of red.
On Safari with Nancy Kelly
Kruger National Park
{Sunday, November 11 – Wednesday, November 14}
On Sunday we board our flight to Singita’s private concession in Kruger National Park.
Singita means “the miracle” in the local Shangaan dialect—a translation that becomes abundantly
clear as soon as you set foot on the Reserve: rolling hills, abundant game, transcendent views… One
cannot heap enough praise on Singita—the game viewing, the rangers’ knowledge and the service
are all fantastic, and yet it is the lodge’s inspired design that renders guests speechless. If there’s
heaven on earth, then this surely must be it!On Safari with Nancy Kelly Luxury in the Wild Singita’s Lebombo Lodge is poised over one of Africa's most dramatic landscapes in the Kruger National Park's glorious south-east. Walkways snake their way along a ridge, leading to lofts clasped like eagles' nests to the mountainside. Designed with all the style and sophistication that we have come to expect from Singita, the fifteen suites have painstakingly been built right into the cliff overlooking a river. Floor to ceiling glass walls ensure that you have a 360° view as you relax under the slatted roof of woven branches.
On Safari with Nancy Kelly Exciting Adventures Await Take to the rugged bush in safari vehicle or on foot, and discover an incredible diversity of species…lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo are just the beginning of what we’ll see. Days here start, like safaris of yore, with coffee and snacks in bed, then an early morning game drive or nature walk followed by a leisurely breakfast. Thereafter, we bask in the luxury of the camp or set out on an invigorating trek before lunch is served. An afternoon game drive and sundowners follow the sumptuous high tea, culminating in a night drive in search of exciting nocturnal game. After a day full of adventure, relax at Singita’s Bush Spa. Completely surrounded by the untamed African bush, the spa is a veritable oasis of calm. With internationally qualified therapists on hand to provide therapeutic massage, luxurious body treatments and hydrotherapy, this is the ultimate refuge for those seeking to refresh and restore the mind, body and spirit.
On Safari with Nancy Kelly
Farewell to Africa {Thursday, November 15}
You have one last, heartfelt look at the bush before embarking for Johannesburg. On arrival in
Johannesburg, you will be escorted to your hotel where dayrooms have been reserved for you.
As you wing away this evening you recall your splendid sojourn—wilderness and wildlife, villages
and cities—your fondest safari memory may very well be the warmth and kindness of the African
people. Be assured that you live in their memories too, and all of us look forward to welcoming you
back to Micato’s Africa someday….
“The charm of Africa is a painful one: it gives you pleasure when you are out there, but when you are back here it
gives you pain by calling you... Come back, come back, this is your home.” —Mary KingsleyBespoke Safari Inclusions Our aim is to make it easy for you to concentrate on Africa’s many amazements, freeing you from logistical, financial, and other nagging worries. And so the following services and amenities are included in your safari programme: Accommodations according to the itinerary • One&Only Cape Town in eight Marina Table Mountain Room • Kapama Karula Lodge in eight Luxury Suites • Singita Lebombo Lodge in eight Lembobo Suites A personal Micato Safari Guide who will travel with you throughout your trip, as well as the services of Rangers and Trackers in the bush and Tour Leaders in the city. Micato is immensely proud of our staff, from Safari Guides to everyone in front of and behind your safari’s scenes. We believe Micato has earned a continent-wide reputation as the safari company to work for. Micato’s unique Private Concierge Service available in person or phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from just about anywhere a Micato safari will take you, from deep in the bush to downtown Jo’burg. They’re ready to get your prescription medicine to you, make flight changes, return the backpack you left at the previous camp, or arrange a dinner reservation in one of Cape Town’s chicest boîtes. If you need it, they’ll move mountains to get it done. All activities, sightseeing excursions, and game drives in the city and in the bush as noted in the itinerary. All tips and gratuities are included, from touchdown to takeoff and at every point in between. This includes traditional gratuities for Safari Guides, Rangers, Trackers, and Tour Leaders, all tips to porters, hotel concierges, waiters, anybody and everybody. It’s our pleasure to take care of these things for you; we’re travellers, too, and we know what a balm it can be to have nagging concerns erased from our vacationing consciousness. One scheduled business class flight and three scheduled bush flights within Africa: • Cape Town to Johannesburg (Business Class) • Johannesburg to Kapama Game Reserve (Bush Flight) • Kapama Game Reserve to Kruger National Park (Bush Flight) • Kruger National Park to Johannesburg (Bush Flight) Bountifully equipped safari vehicles, complete with: • Ice chests brimming with complimentary beverages • Safari library of wildlife and field guidebooks Safari vehicles are shared by six to nine guests in camp.
Bespoke Safari Inclusions, continued… Complete porterage at every point, throughout the safari. Every meal, at every hotel, camp, or lodge, with mineral water , soft drinks local beer and wines are also provided free of charge. Complete and Informative Safari Documents before departure, including a detailed Safari Planning Information Kit, flashlights, travel wallets, and various and sundry safari goodies. A roomy Micato Safaris wheeled duffle bag, one per traveller, for your safari packing convenience. All airport arrival and departure transfers, including the services of Micato staff for assistance and baggage handling. All permits, entrance fees to parks, government taxes, VAT and service charges relating to accommodations and included meals. Once again, our philosophy is to free you from such concerns.
Terms and Conditions and Binding Arbitration
Terms and Conditions and Binding Arbitration Registration: A deposit of 30% is requested at the time of booking. The balance or final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Cancellations: Cancellations received more than 150 days prior to departure will be subject to a 20% cancellation fee. Cancellations received 149-120 days prior to departure are subject to a fee of 30% of the total retail tour rate; 119 – 90 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour rate. Cancellations 89 days or less are subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Air Transportation: Your travel agent should arrange international flights or Micato can refer you to its preferred purveyor of air tickets. Internal African flights on safari must be purchased through Micato. Taxes: The tour program includes hotel taxes as imposed by city and state governments, entrance fees to National Parks and Game Reserves, and airport taxes for intra-country flights. Not Included in the Tour Rate: Costs of obtaining passports; visas; excess baggage charges; items of a purely personal nature, communication (calls, faxes, emails, etc.); international airport departure tax (to be paid in U.S. dollars or acceptable foreign currencies); excursions or deviations from the programme. Responsibility: Taicoa Corporation d/b/a Micato Safaris, its employees, shareholders, officers and directors (collectively “Micato”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground or safari operators, including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Micato name, guides, entertainment, food or drink service providers, equipment suppliers, etc. As a result, Micato is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity. In addition, Micato is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity it does not own or control, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control. Without limitation Micato is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as an airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van or safari operator, local groundhandler or guide, whether or not it uses the Micato name, financial default or insolvency of any supplier and /or restaurant which is to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip. Similarly, Micato is not responsible for any loss, injury, death or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodation, default of any third party, attacks or bites by animals, pests or insects, injury or death while on activities sponsored by lodging facilities or by other third parties, sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care, evacuation to same, if necessary, weather, strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, or the threat thereof, force majeure, war, quarantine, epidemics, or the threat thereof, criminal activity, or any other cause beyond its control. In addition, guest holds Micato harmless from its own negligence and assumes all risk thereof.
Terms and Conditions and Binding Arbitration The right is reserved to alter or cancel the itinerary, at Micato’s sole discretion, as it may deem necessary or advisable. Micato reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any passenger on any of its tours if, in its sole discretion, it deems accepting or retaining any such passenger as being detrimental to the tour. In the event any passenger is removed from a trip, Micato’s only obligation is to refund to that person that portion of the payment allocable to unused services. Guests are urged to review the United States Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s country specific information available at http://www.state.gov/travel and http://www.cdc.gov. Changes in the Responsibility clause can be made only in writing signed by an officer of Micato. Photography: Micato may take photographs or film of its trips and trip participants, and participant grants Micato express permission to do so and for Micato to use such for promotional or commercial use without payment or any compensation therefor. Unused Services: There are no refunds for unused portions of the programme. It is understood and agreed that refunds should not be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for any cause. Miscellaneous: Baggage is at “owner’s risk” throughout the tour unless insured. Air arrangements are based on December 15, 2016, airfares which are subject to change. Rates may vary accordingly. All airfares and conditions are subject to change. All scheduled airline flights are occasionally subject to overbooking, delay or cancellation. If this occurs, Micato will use its best efforts to assist clients in finding alternative arrangements. Micato, however, is not responsible for any such events and the costs associated therewith. Binding Arbitration: Any and all disputes concerning this contract, the brochure or your trip shall be resolved solely and exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then current commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Any such arbitration will take place in New York City, New York. In any such arbitration, the substantive (but not procedural) law of New York will apply. The arbitrator and not any federal, state or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. © Copyright Micato Safaris 2017
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