Azamara is delighted to announce its return to South Africa this winter as the country reopens to international cruises in South African waters and ports. Azamara Pursuit will sail from January to March 2022 with six consecutive voyages and will resume pre- and post-cruise shore excursions with leading luxury safari operator Micato Safaris, recently named the World’s Best Safari Provider by Travel+Leisure for the tenth time.
“A trip to Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the kind of travel Azamara is known for, so I am delighted to confirm that our guests are now welcome to South Africa following the reopening of its ports to international cruise ships,” says Azamara President Carol Cabezas. “Once again, Micato Safaris will offer unparalleled pre- and post-cruise land programs, as they share Azamara’s passion for travel, exploration, and the value of creating unique experiences for travelers.” “Together with Carol Cabezas and her team, we have developed a series of unique, customized programs showcasing the best of Southern Africa for Azamara’s discerning passengers,” says Micato Managing Director Dennis Pinto.
Highlights of the pre- and post-trip immersion programs at Azamara with Micato include:
– Kruger National Park and Wine Country Safari (five nights before the cruise, five nights after the cruise): Azamara travelers will experience two very different sides of South Africa. First, they will explore Kapama Game Reserve, home to more than 40 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Next, they will travel to the Western Cape Province, blessed with a climate perfect for producing world-class wines, to explore the country’s wine country and taste local vintages from wineries such as Vergelegen Estate, followed by a gourmet meal at the Tokara Restaurant.
– Victoria Falls and Chobe Game Park Safari (five nights before the cruise, five nights after):
Guests will travel through Zimbabwe to Botswana: Experience Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Then, continue to Botswana for sunrise and sunset safaris in Botswana's Chobe National Park to observe wildlife such as Cape buffalo, lions, elephants, and more.
Azamara's South African voyages will offer 16-night and 11-night cruises throughout the winter season, as well as five intensive country itineraries, allowing guests to travel more deeply and visit more ports within a country.
Trip highlights include:
– PerryGolf Cruises: Azamara’s South African voyages will also feature a 12-night Golf Trip through its ongoing partnership with PerryGolf, the leading provider of international luxury golf holidays. Providing a truly integrated golf cruise program, the trip will include five rounds, beginning at Humewood Golf Club, a true golf course in Port Elizabeth that has hosted numerous PGA events and is one of South Africa’s highest-rated gold clubs. It will stop for play at notable clubs along the coast, including East London, Zimbali, Durban Country Club, and Pearl Valley.
– Programming of immersive destinations:
On land, embark on an Azamara shore excursion. Discover Thula Thula, one of KwaZulu-Natal's oldest private game reserves, in an open-top 4x4 vehicle as you drive through the African savanna, spotting elephants, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, birds, and more. The day concludes with a delicious buffet of local African cuisine.
Onboard, guests will enjoy a District Six-themed cabaret show as part of Azamara's Destination Celebration. The show takes guests on a journey to the heart of District Six for an evening designed not only to entertain but also to educate through the popular musical production inspired by the rich history of Cape Town's oppressive past, which attempted to destroy its vibrant community and spirit.
