Let me start by saying don’t even bother looking at any other safari company. You will waste your time. Our friends took a safari with Micato 3 years ago and raved enough to convince us to go about a month ago. We wondered can they possibly live up to the billing our friends gave them. Not only yes, but YES. Every box was checked off for us. We saw more animals then I could have dreamed of. All of the Big 5 and on multiple occasions.
It’s difficult for me to find the proper superlatives to capture what our 12 days were like. From the moment you arrive in Nairobi all logistics are managed for you, from luggage to maneuvering customs between countries to all the amazing game drives. And the superior quality and talent of their employees are second to none. We were warmly greeted at the airport and quickly taken to our hotel. After traveling all night we were immediately able to check into the room for rest. Nelly our concierge greeted us at the hotel with the biggest smile and welcome.
The next morning we met our tour director Tim Leperes. I know all the directors are excellent but we feel we had the best guide. He was knowledgeable, funny and so accommodating to all of us. His knowledge of all things related to animals, birds, photography and terrain simply amazing. And reassuring to me when I was nervous about the initial bush plane ride. All the plane rides were excellent. Along with Tim our driver Joseph was equally wonderful. Tim split his time evenly between the 2 vehicles, 4 of us in one and 3 in the other. We never felt like we were missing a thing when Tim was in the other vehicle. Joseph was excellent in his knowledge and maneuvering of the rough terrain(it was a safari after all. He too was funny and kind and just plain delightful.
What sets Micato apart from the others is not only the people, beginning with Tara in NYC when we booked our trip but the founders, Mr & Mrs Pinto who live in Nairobi. How many founders of a company come to meet you on your first full day, have you over to their home for a meal prepared by their staff and greet you upon your return to Nairobi from Tanzania. Along with them was Sean the CEO of African operations and Safari Jane who works for Mrs Pinto. In a crowded and competitive industry, these things are what set them apart. Not to mention the school Micato funds and their willingness to give money from each persons Safari, each individual person not each Safari to put kids through school in a way they normally wouldn’t be exposed too. They understand philanthropy and giving back in such a manner I’ve never known.
I could go on and on about the wonders of Micato, hopefully if your reading this you get the point. It’s worth every penny and then some. And btw, we’ve paid it forward like friends did for us; 2 friends of ours have already booked their safari for Sept 2020. And hoping they get Tim as well.
In closing there are so many details and surprises which I won’t share with you other then to say it’s marvelous. It’s been almost a month since we’ve returned home and part of our hearts remain in Africa.