Micato Safaris Google Reviews
5.0 rating out of 688 reviews
Ise Kannebecker
Put to rest any doubts or deliberation you may have about embarking on a safari adventure.
Invest in a Micato safari. You will not regret it.
My husband, our two college aged children, and I returned from our tour of East Africa three days ago. We have traveled in the United States but are not seasoned international travelers and one of us has multiple severe food allergies, so we had some concerns. An African safari was a dream of ours, however, so we decided to put our trust in Micato.
There are no words to express the fantastic experience and care that Micato provided. They will take you on a life-changing experience supported by an impeccable network of safari guides, drivers, and concierge support. The depth of professional knowledge, and I believe heartfelt care, that they provide is seamless. I can honestly say that I have never experienced such a high level of commitment to imparting knowledge and hospitality.
While it is a highly professional company, there is a genuine warmth that touches your heart right from your first steps into this adventure. They extend their offer for you to trust them and you absolutely can.
One moment that I will never forget is when I climbed out of our balloon basket after landing in the Masai Mara. As I stepped down into the grass, I was surprised because the ground was very uneven, and I felt my foot nestle into what seemed to be a hole. In regaining my balance, I realized it wasn’t it a hole at all, but I had stepped into an elephant footprint! Can you imagine? It was such a quiet, personal, unexpected, and quick moment, yet it had somehow connected the enormity of what I had been seeing on safari to my soul. It was like I was inside a presence within that footprint.
I don’t want to reveal the many surprises you will encounter on this trip but know that if you choose Micato, you are in for transformative experiences. For us, we knew the general itinerary, but every day was like opening a new and exciting door. So, again, trust in Micato and let yourself be guided into the new worlds that Micato can show you.
We love our safari guide and conservationist, Peter, for his ability to weave his intricate knowledge of Africa’s natural world and culture into the fiber of our hearts. He is a man of great depth and wise humor. We won’t ever forget him.
We thank all the people who so graciously helped us but especially Jacki who, along with Peter was our initial contact on the ground in Africa and always made sure we were fine. She offers top-level organizational skills (with a beautiful smile) went out of her way to find fun foods that would work with within our food restrictions and was even willing to find us a battery charger for our camera when we thought we needed one. We thank all our drivers who transported us safely from Charles in Nairobi, to George, Mishek, Roderick, finally Elphi at the Ngorongoro crater.
Finally, our tremendous thanks go to Carson Huffstetter, our first contact with Micato and the person who made us believe that it would be possible for us to take this trip. She helped us prepare for our trip months before we even stepped foot in Africa and we will always be grateful to her for her support.
My last words in this review will be to again encourage you take this exceptional journey with Micato! Put any reservations aside. This company meets the highest standards of travel on all fronts, and we pray that someday we will be able to have another Micato adventure. Thank you Micato.
Ise Kannebecker
Pennsylvania
Dub Hay
Micato Safari is not just a tour, it is a beyond any expectation you might have. From the moment you land to the time you leave, you are embraced by personal service beyond any expectations.
The guides are so knowledgeable and calm. You don’t want the African safari experience to end.
Five stars does not capture the experience we had- it was much higher. We will do this again.
Mary Stanton
We will be traveling with Micato Safaris in just a few weeks and I can hardly wait. We first experienced Africa with them in 2008. It was such an amazing experience that when we decided to go back to Africa, we didn’t bother looking at any other company. When Micato says they take care of everything from the moment you are greeted at the airport until the moment you are returned to the airport, they mean it. We never had to think about logistics, a meal, nor tipping anyone (although we chose to give a monetary gift to our Safari Guide and the Driver Guides because their service was way above and beyond anything we could have hoped to experience). For example, I somehow lost my sunglasses in their case on one of the bush flights. I mentioned it to Patrick Angugo, our fantastic Safari Guide, and next thing I know my glasses are being delivered to my room! Patrick was also responsible for one of my most treasured memories from that trip. I have always been intrigued by the history of man and greatly admired the work done by the Leakey family to advance our knowledge of our human beginnings. I had told Patrick about this early in the trip. On one of our last days we were at the airport in Tanzania and Patrick quietly informed me that Meave Leakey was going to be on our plane. He let me know she is a very private person and not to make a fuss. Luckily, she was seated behind us on the plane and I was able to meet her and say thank you for the amazing work she had done! It was incredible! Micato does so many things to make you feel like you are not just a client but a treasured guest. Our first night in Nairobi, our group was invited to the home of Felix and Jane Pinto, the owners of Micato Safaris! The meal was incredible and they even had a birthday cake for my husband whose birthday was occurring shortly after our return from our safari! Micato has continued to send us yearly Christmas cards and ornaments even though our trip was 17 years ago! These are just the little things beyond the phenomenal food, lodgings, and game drives! Every part of our trip was way above our expectations and I can’t wait to return to Africa with Micato Safaris!
George Legg
I have only good things to say about Micato! Our safari was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am going to include names, apologies for any misspellings. Our safari guide was Peter, who was unbelievably knowledgeable on all of the wildlife and geography and more than happy to answer any and all questions. As a someone whose primary interest was in the myriad of animal facts, I felt like he was the perfect fit. Our concierge was Jackie, who catered to our every need and always went the extra mile. Jackie and Peter were a phenomenal team, with the most obvious evidence being a flight complication that was solved before we heard the problem! I have a number of very severe food allergies and every eating arrangement was handled smoothly(and the food was incredible!). And considering that was my primary concern before the trip, it speaks volumes to the quality of service I experienced. Our drivers, Charles, George, Mishek, Roderick, and Eli, were all excellent in their roles as well. Our time was spent exclusively in Kenya and Tanzania, which were absolutely beautiful! All the best to the Micato team and I pray I will be able to return!
Steve Van Pelt
Our multiple safari's (Passage Through Botswana and Zimbabwe) were to start on 5 May in Johannesburg, South Africa...unfortunately our flights were delayed (due to air traffic control issues in Newark, NJ) and we arrived both late and without our luggage.
When we arrived 2 days later than expected we were greeted by 3 Micato representatives who provided us with all of the toiletries, clothing etc. that we were without (at no charge to us}. It was wonderful! We were "green-lighted" through customs and connecting flights...and were able to participate in the late pm safari drive!
The attention to detail at each of the camps we visited were most appreciated. Our first Safari Director was Lucia Bellairs...a South African native...her attention to detail was beyond any expectations. We truly appreciated her ability to use the "what's app" to notify our entire group of upcoming events, schedules and a listing of animals that were sighted that day. This included pictures and videos!
We were very impressed with the meals, accommodations, game drives, and experienced guides that could answer any and all questions posed to them....which included a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls (etc)..upon conclusion of Safari Number 1, Lucia was still our guide/director for a 4 night/3 day extension in Cape Town. Upon conclusion of the extension in Cape Town she whisked us off to Safari #2 starting in Kenya. Upon arrival we were greeted by our driver (Sula) to meet our group and guide (Patrick Nyaleta) who has been with Micato for 28 years!
Our second safari (20 May - 5 June 2025} began with a wonderful visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage for elephants and rhino. We appreciated being up close and personal with them...especially the babies (orphans that are 3 years old or younger)! The Giraffe Centre enabled us to hand-feed the Rothschild giraffes and also visit the home of Karen von Blixen "Out of Africa" author!
We also enjoyed each and every game drive! The Toyota Land Cruisers were perfect for viewing and fresh air. Our hot air balloon experience was perfect...and a lovely finish with a champagne breakfast.
The experience of ascending to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater (at Serengeti National Park) was fantastic...the animals were numerous and varied!
During the gorilla treks at Volcanoes National Park we were very impressed with our porters and guides...they didn't leave our side and held our hands for the entire trek! The gorillas were amazing and very interested in us as well...we loved the babies!
The Golden Monkeys in Kigali were also fantastic! They were active and very curious...our guides explained everything we questioned in a very understandable way. We were very grateful for all of them during our African visit!
In closing, we are very grateful to have been able to experience Africa with Micato. From the start of the process with Carson Huffstutter to the thoughtful gifts left in our room each night...
as well as the "Sundowners" events each evening. The trip was well worth the money spent and the memories we will keep close to our heart.
Thank you,
Deb and Steve Van Pelt
Clermont, Florida
tom loproto
Looking to go on a safari.....then look no further.....talk to Micato Here is a snippet of some feedback we provided to Micato after our trip. "We had the adventure of a lifetime. Your planning, advice, and guidance made for an incredibly wornderful experience. Your team took care of EVERY SINGLE DETAIL. The camps and lodges were spectacular, all travel connections were right on time and planned perfectly, and the service at every location was impeccable. But most of all the people we met at Micato (and in Africa) were so incredibly nice, warm, giving, and respectful.
And what can we say about George, our Guide....we will never forget him. His incredibly warm persona, and deep passion for what he does MADE THE TRIP SO SPECIAL for us. He was with us every step of the way....from the minute we landed in Nairobi, until the time we said a tearful goodbye before boarding our airplane back home.
Thank you for everything you did, and all the time you spent helping us plan this magical trip of a lifetime."
Courtney Claussen
This was a trip of a lifetime! I was treated like a princess: Micato reps and guides took care of me every step of the way. The accommodations were top notch, food was delicious, guides were experienced and knowledgeable and we saw so many amazing animals: elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, leopards in Batswana. And gorillas in Rwanda.
I will recommend Micato to everyone. They are rated #1 for so many reasons. Fabulous experience!
Deborah Rice
I read some Micato reviews ahead of writing my own and I see some general themes:
Micato is with you EVERY step of the way; their entire goal is doing whatever they can to give you the best experience ever; and how did we get the best guide on the planet? (In our case, the best guide on the planet is Phillip.) Well, I am here for ALL of this. Our perfect itinerary; our amazing lodges; our incredible drivers at each lodge (it was hard to say goodbye to them!); feeling like we were royalty; and finally, the game drives themselves. It surpassed our wildest dreams. During quiet times, Phillip shared his knowledge about pretty much everything. (Our group agreed he may be the wisest person we’ve ever met.) if I could turn the clock back I’d go to day one - arriving in Nairobi.
I’ve never wished repeating a trip as much as this one. But I’ve never been on a trip like this.
Thank you, Micato.
Russell Averna
The safari was not just a relaxing vacation but an intellectual experience paired with an emotionally fulfilling one as well. We got to explore nature and see species in their natural habitat, and learn about the Kenyan people, culture, and geography. In addition, the view from a hot air balloon, peacefully floating 3000 feet above the plains, with the sun rising was but one moment that shifts your perspective and connection to life on earth. The Micato staff were very bright, warm, and and interesting people who excitedly shared their knowledge and love of Kenya with us. They were focused on making our time with them memorable.
Michel Duhamel
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.
Niall Moynihan
We just returned from the most amazing journey to India with Micato Safaris. An incredible trip.
Our itinerary was thoughtfully designed by Marion Miller and was the perfect balance for our group of five. I would not have changed a thing.
From the moment we landed in Delhi, through our tours of that amazing city, on to Agra and visits to the Taj Mahal, to spotting tigers in Ranthambhore, and finally to Jaipur, every detail was meticulously taken care of.
The people were lovely and the food was beyond our expectations. The experiences lifted the soul. Our guide Rajdeep made the trip informative, and fun!
We would highly recommend using Micato. I can’t imagine it being done any better.
PJJP JPPJ
Our time touching four countries in Southern Africa and being cared for as we have never before experienced was life opening and expanding for this 75 & 80 year old couple. We call it Micato Magic and hope we are able to experience it again.
Peter Githaka
Truly an amazing experience!!! From being met by MICATO representatives as we deplaned, to being taken through customs seamlessly was the ultimate reception after the long flight. Rajesh was our Tour Director. His wealth of knowledge, experience, jokes and friendliness made him the perfect guide through our India trip. He knew everyone and everyone knew him at all the sites and hotels we visited. Raj was there with us all the way and made sure we got the best.
MICATO brings you to the best of India. The incredible sites, history, culture, colors and food make India an unforgettable experience!
Stephen Bell
An Unforgettable Journey Through India with Micato Safaris
I recently had the privilege of embarking on a remarkable journey through India with Micato Safaris. From the bustling streets of New Delhi to the serene beauty of Jaipur, every moment was meticulously curated to offer an authentic and luxurious experience.
Our accommodations were nothing short of exceptional, with stays at the renowned Oberoi hotels, including the Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambore. This award-winning property provided a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, offering a tranquil retreat after our daily adventures.
Micato Safaris
A standout feature of our trip was our guide, Rejesh. His extensive knowledge and passion for India's rich history and culture were evident in every conversation. He seamlessly blended storytelling with insightful commentary, making each site we visited come alive. Whether it was the intricate details of the Taj Mahal or the vibrant markets of Jaipur, Rejesh's expertise enriched our experience immeasurably.
The itinerary, thoughtfully designed by Marion, was a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. From the majestic Taj Mahal to the wildlife wonders of Ranthambore National Park, every destination offered a unique glimpse into India's diverse heritage. Micato's attention to detail ensured that we had VIP access to key sites, allowing us to experience the country's treasures without the usual crowds.
This trip was more than just a vacation; it was a deep dive into the heart of India, facilitated by a team that genuinely cares about providing an unparalleled travel experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Micato Safaris to anyone seeking a journey that combines luxury, authenticity, and unforgettable memories.
Julius Kosgei
I had an exceptional safari with Micato India, old architectural designs with lots of history explaining the structures, our guide Raj has them all, wildlife are incredible (sloth bears, tigers and leopards), accommodation selected by micato are the best!!!!!.
David Herer
This trip was beyond the level of service and discovery we could ever have expected in India. We knew, however, that Marion Miller and all her colleagues at Micato would provide an outstanding experience for us, and that is what we received. Having traveled with Micato before to Kenya and Tanzania, we found they were expert at helping their guests to feel both transported into a marvelous new travel frontier and also to feel at home. My wife and I appreciated all of the care. Marion took before our trip to answer our questions, help us on logistical matters, and also give us advice about books to read and points of view to consider. I’m so glad we went to India, and I am especially glad we went with Micato. Thank you, Marion!
Paige Lewiecki
Sharing the letter I sent to Micato:
I cannot say enough good things about the experience I had with Micato. This safari was my first “big” trip after my husband passed away in 2020 (my only other travel since then being a long weekend here and there). Needless to say it was daunting to get on a plane and fly 19 hours away from home alone but from there being someone waiting for me when I got off the plane in Nairobi to dropping me off at the departure gate the experience vastly exceeded all expectations. But as excellent as the accommodations, facilities, excursions, food and animals were, the best part by far was the people. From our drivers in Kenya (James) and Tanzania (Arthur) to our concierge in Nairobi, not only was everything taken care of before I even thought of it, things I didn’t even think of were taken care of for me.
Now let me talk about our guide Bless. What a lovely, thoughtful and caring person you have working on your behalf! Our group was small, only three of us, but my guess is Bless makes everyone feel as special as we did no matter how many there are. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and the consummate guide but he’s so much more than just that. On our first day in Nairobi I mentioned my late husband and Bless expressed his sympathy and said we should do something in his memory on the trip. I honestly didn’t think anything more about it until I was walking to the main building at O’ldeani Lodge our first night there for dinner and he met me outside and said he had a surprise before dinner. Imagine my surprise when he had a coffee plant (I love coffee, so did my late husband) ready to be planted on the hotel grounds (and the hotel staff had dug the hole took my phone and recorded us putting it in the ground and watering it). This kind gesture meant more to me than I can ever express, I genuinely feel like I was able to share a little of Africa with my late husband and a little bit of my late husband with Africa. I was a Micato fan for life even without Bless and his amazing tribute but now I’ll be singing Micato’s praises to anyone who will listen.
Thank you again for the trip of a lifetime.
Paige Lewiecki
Shefali Rouen
From the moment we landed in India, we knew we were in for an extraordinary experience with Micato. Micato offers an unparalleled travel experience that sets the standard for luxury and adventure. From the moment you embark on your journey, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and personalized service that is second to none. Every aspect of the trip is designed to ensure comfort, enjoyment, and enlightenment. The staff goes above and beyond to cater to your needs and preferences, making you feel like royalty throughout your adventure. Micato is renowned for its thoughtful touches that madee the journey extra special. Whether it’s a surprise stop in a scenic spot or a personalized gift waiting for you at your accommodation, these gestures add a layer of warmth and individuality to the experience. The company actively invests in local communities and conservation efforts, ensuring that your travel not only enriches your life but also positively impacts the destinations you visit.
A special mention goes to our Travel Director, Munir Suri, whose exceptional leadership and dedication made our journey truly unforgettable. Munir's expertise, warmth, and attention to detail ensured that every moment was perfect. His passion for travel and commitment to excellence are truly unmatched.
Another special mention goes to our Travel Advisor, Marion Miler, whose exceptional guidance and support made our travel planning seamless and stress-free. Marion's deep knowledge of destinations, personalized recommendations, and unwavering dedication to ensuring a perfect trip were invaluable. Her enthusiasm and commitment to excellence truly enhanced our travel experience.
Overall, Micato provides a travel experience that is truly five-star in every sense; the ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking the very best. A journey with Micato is not just a trip; it’s a lifetime memory that leaves you yearning for more. Highly recommended!
Steven S
Having previously has a great experience on an African Safari with Micato, we planned and just returned from a trip to India with them as our advisor and guide. India is amazing - the places to visit (Palaces, Forts, Temples, Markets, Gardens...) are all seeped in history and having a guide with the knowledge to explain that history just made our journey unforgettable.
Russ Rhodes
Our favorite trip ever. Kenya and Tanzania!Simply world class service, rooms, food and the animals we saw!! Our tour guides, George and Bless, were world class. Our concierge at the Fairmont, Eve, was able to handle any challenge. We will be back!