Micato Safaris Google Reviews

If Google would allow 6 stars, that is what we would give. My wife and I have travelled extensively around the globe and seek luxurious accommodations and services. It was our first trip in sub-Sahara Africa and we had selected Micato after extensive research on the best outfitter for our safari adventure. We pick two safaris back-to-back, each two weeks long covering five countries - Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Having just returned, we can now say without hesitation that Micato has given us the most extraordinary and unforgettable travel experience of our lives. Breaking down our trip in various components, from start to finish, the trip was thoughtfully designed. The booking and pre-departure preparation were seamless, thanks to the attentive New York-based staff, in particular Ariel. Upon arrival in Africa, we were immediately put at ease by the outstanding airport assistance, beginning in Johannesburg and echoed in every country we visited. These thoughtful touches made us feel supported and confident from the moment we landed—Micato truly sets a gold standard in this regard. We were consistently impressed with the way Micato manages guest expectations and delivers above and beyond. From the generous welcome gifts—including hats, fleece sweaters, and keepsakes at each camp—to the unexpected thoughtfulness of providing extra bags for our accumulated treasures, anniversary massages and specialty dinners, every detail was carefully considered. These gestures brought joy and created a sense of delightful anticipation at each new stop. While we were consistently impressed by the entire team, those that made our trip truly special were Peter Nuugonya in Namibia and Leza Morton in Victoria Falls. But one individual that truly stood out was our Safari Director from South Africa, Brian Nel. He is, without a doubt, a rare gem. As a tour photographer, coordinator, and safari director, he operated at the highest level of professionalism. His organizational skills were flawless, his command of the history and geography of each destination was remarkable, and his ability to anticipate and gracefully navigate challenges was nothing short of masterful. Brian’s combination of insight, diplomacy, and quick wit made him not just a remarkable expedition leader, but a trusted companion throughout our journey. Throughout our trip, we stayed at the following 10 different camps/lodges/hotels - Intercontinental Johannesburg Airport, Kwessi Dunes, Namibia, Onguma The Fort, Namibia, One and Only, Cape Town, Ulusaba Safari Lodge, SA , Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa in Johannesburg, Sable Alley, Botswana, North Island Camp, Botswana , Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia and Somalisa Camp, Zimbabwe. Except for Sable Alley and Somalisa Camp, the accommodations matched or exceeded our expectations of the quality portrayed on Micato's website. In particular, we would recommend scheduling visits to the Somalisa camp only during periods when nighttime temperatures are reliably above 15–20°C since heating is by wood stove. While we admire the charm of wood stoves, they require frequent tending throughout the night, which severely detracted from our rest and recovery. Since Micato does not own camps, there was little they could do to improve the comfort of our tent at night so in true Micato fashion, we were able to shorten our stay at that camp from the planned three nights to just one, and returned us to the wonderful Thorntree River Lodge to finish our safari adventure on a high note. In closing, our journey with Micato was filled with wonder, warmth, and discovery. Despite the small suggestions we've shared, our overall experience was nothing short of exceptional. The level of care, attention to detail, and personal touches consistently exceeded our expectations. Micato has not only redefined what we expect from luxury travel—it has gifted us memories we will cherish forever. We look forward to traveling with Micato again.