Micato Safaris Google Reviews
5.0 rating out of 766 reviews
Kelly McKeon
My spouse and I recently returned from a 9-day Micato safari in South Africa and it was the trip of a lifetime. From the planning and proposal stage working with Meg Buffkin in New York to the Micato representative who travelled with us throughout our trip (Stephen Bell) to the local game reserve guides and trackers at the three camps where we stayed, every detail was anticipated and every need taken care of. The accommodations were exquisite, the food was spectacular and the animal sightings were other-worldly. Many thanks to Micato for making this very special for us !
Stacy G
Micato Safaris: Cape Town, 3 Camps, and Victoria Falls — An Unforgettable Journey
From the first day to the last, Micato handled every detail of our trip — flights, transfers, hotels, camp transitions, guides, gratuities — so smoothly that all we had to think about was where to look next.
We started in Cape Town for a few days. A visit to Robben Island set a reflective tone for the trip, seeing where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The penguins at Boulders Beach were plentiful and entertaining. We spent an afternoon with the kids at the Red Hill Library, funded by people like us that book with Micato . The food throughout the city was a highlight in itself — fresh, inventive, and consistently excellent.
From there we moved onto three safari camps, two nights each, and each one offered something different. We took a helicopter ride from the second camp to the third one, over the landscape that gave us a completely new perspective on the terrain we'd been driving through. On game drives, our guides got us remarkably close to the animals without ever disturbing them — a skill that made every sighting feel earned rather than staged. We watched a tense standoff between a leopard and a warthog, came across several prides of lions, and saw the Botswana Big Five. Along the way, we also became unexpected fans of the birdlife — the variety was extraordinary.
We closed the trip with two nights at Victoria Falls, a fitting finale to a journey that moved from ocean to bush to waterfall without a single hiccup.
This trip would suit almost anyone — first-timers on safari, experienced travelers looking for variety, couples celebrating something special, or simply people who want a beautifully planned trip where nothing is left to chance. Micato's guides, planning, experience and attention to detail made this one of the best trips we've ever taken.
Thanks to our guide Steve Lake, whose knowledge and experience made our trip exceptional.
Jana Hankinson
We have just returned from our fourth trip with Micato and they are simply the best. From the planning, to arrival until departure no detail is overlooked.
This trip was a family trip with our two children and thirteen year old grandson. Our guide Wesley made every game drive fun and exciting. He was extremely knowledgeable and had a wonderful sense of humor. His attention to detail was unbelievable. Our grandson could not wait to get in the vehicle to see what we could find each trip.
The accommodations were excellent and the staff extremely attentive and caring. I have never seen so many smiles and such detailed attention.
There is a reason Micato has been selected for so many awards and they deserve everyone of them. If only everyone could just once experience their magic.
Michael Hasaka
JAMBO
My wife and I recently took a Micato safari to Kenya and Tanzania. We spent a total of 11-days in country. There was one day on the frontend and one day on the backend with 9-nights on safari.
We enjoyed stays at the Four Seasons Serengeti, JW Marriott Masai Mara and Ol Donyo Lodge Chyulu Hills. All properties were well-appointed and provide next level service. All employees at each property were friendly and attentive to guest needs.
Our favorite was Ol Donyo Lodge. It was Out of Arica-esque. You would almost believe that Denys or Karen would walk around the corner. It was nestled on a ridge overlooking an expansive plain all the way to "Killy" as the natives refer to Mt Kilimanjaro. There was a watering hole with a blind which allowed up close and personal view of wildlife coming to drink.
JW Marriott provided a unique indoor/outdoor experience overlooking the Talek River with monkeys, baboons and hippos along the river and in the trees. Rooms don't have AC and were warm in the afternoon. However, fans were provided.
The Four Seasons continues to shine and that goes for Africa as well. Outdoor dining and swimming overlooking a watering hole where at times there was as many as 30-40 elephants.
However, the real star of the trip was Micato Safaris. Our expectations were absolutely eclipsed. The dedicated staff both on-the-ground and in the back round were flawless.
Our Safari Director, George, was absolutely wonderful. His knowledge of wildlife and ability to keep everything on pace without being rushed is a skill well-learned. He is very professional but most importantly very personable.
The worst thing that happened was a charter flight mixup which was the fault of the carrier that caused a delay of 3-hours. We were still able to get to our next location at a reasonable hour.
NOW - the safari drives, hot air balloon and helicopter. The perfect weather. We sure drew a lucky ticket. My wife and I were totally blown-away. It feels like we saw and did it all. I could go on and on about what we saw and experienced but we saw the BIG 5, including 3-Cheetahs, 2-Leopards. Moments of a lifetime to cherish and remember.
People have asked me since we got back - would we go again? Hard question to answer. I'm not sure we could ever recreate our recent experience to Africa.
If Micato was a word in Swahili it would be "Africa!"
Hakuna Matata or Hakuna Micato
Lala Salama
Michael & Laura
Natali Taglic
My mom and I just got back from the most beautiful two weeks in Africa with Micato, and I don't think either of us will ever stop talking about it. There was so much fun, so much to see, so much to learn.
From the beginning of the booking process to our departure home, and everything in between, the entire experience was seamless. And I really mean everything.
Wherever we arrived, "Micato" was the magic word, say it and doors open, bags appear, someone is already smiling and waiting for you. Somehow every little detail had been thought of before we even thought to ask. There was such a level of care throughout the entire trip that we never had to worry about what came next.
Of course, we came to Africa dreaming about seeing the animals, and we were lucky enough to have experiences we will remember for the rest of our lives. But we truly believe Wesley was a huge part of what made this trip so extraordinary. If there is such a thing as perfection, its name is Wesley.
He was with us throughout our journey and became such a huge part of our experience. He answered our endless questions, taught us so much about the animals, the land, and the people, and somehow always seemed to know what we needed before we did. He cared for us in a way that went far beyond simply being our safari director, and he did all of it with patience, warmth, humor, and always a smile on his face.
Micato made every part of this trip feel special, personal, and easy. We came home with full hearts, memories we’ll be talking about for the rest of our lives, and a camera roll we’ll probably be going through for months.
If we ever have the privilege of going back, there is no question, it would only be with Micato.
If you’re on the fence, go. Go to Africa. Go with Micato. And if you’re extra lucky, you may get Wesley.
Natali Sladjana Taglic
Terry Rebboah
We highly recommend Micato Safaris. They provided us with a truly wonderful experience from beginning to end. From the early planning stages with our incredibly helpful travel specialist, Leigh Rice, to our final day and journey home, every detail was handled with exceptional care.
From the moment we arrived in Nairobi at 1:00 am and stepped off the plane, we knew we were in excellent hands. We were welcomed at the airport by our wonderful guide, John Scorpio, and our driver, Toby, and proceeded to Hemingways, where we met our lovely concierge, Eve, upon arrival. We so appreciated that they were there to greet us in the middle of the night. From arrival to departure, we need had to think about anything other than the incredible experience unfolding before us.
The camps and lodges were all unique and memorable. Each was luxurious, beautiful, an accommodating, and while they were all very different, they shared so many wonderful qualities:amazing staff, delicious epicurean meals prepared by local chefs, personalized touches at every turn, and warm hospitality from each and every staff member. It was a joy to meet so many members of the staff, and their cheerfulness was both contagious and refreshing.
Our guide, John, and all of our drivers throughout our journey were extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, landscapes, and cultures of the regions we visited. Their expertise was second to none. They knew where to go for tracking, shared their knowledge generously, and educated us about each area with patience, passion, and enthusiasm. Their ability to find animals was remarkable, but we also genuinely enjoyed spending time with them. They were personable, engaging, and fun to be with. The vehicles were always clean, prepared, and well stocked for every drive. John also made sure that our bush flights, border crossings, luggage transfers, and accommodation check-ins were all completely seamless.
I would be remiss if I did not mention our visit to AmeriShare. Meeting the school directors, staff, and, most of all, the beautiful children was truly a life-changing experience. We feel so fortunate that we were able to visit and be a small part of this wonderful program. It is a memory we will carry with us forever.
Finally, we would like to specifically recognize or wonderful guide, John Scorpio.
From arrival to departure, John was there with his beautiful, warm smile that will stay with us forever. He is a tremendous asset to Micato, and we thoroughly enjoyed his company. John was patient and knowledgeable with all of our questions and requests. He is truly an encyclopedia of information and always kept us informed, comfortable, and prepared throughout our travels.
He is gracious, attentive, and works incredibly hard to accommodate every personal request and need. We shared wonderful stories, meals, laughs, and special moments together with small group of six. His knowledge, patience, gentle calmness, humor, and genuine care made our wonderful trip even more extraordinary.
On our last day, our guide, John and driver accompanied us to our hotel in Nairobi, where we met up with our fabulous concierge, Eve. She made sure we had time to freshen up, change, and enjoy a lovely dinner before they escorted us to the airport and guided us through the entire departure process.
From the moment we arrived until we said goodbye, we were in the best of hands. Every detail was thoughtfully anticipated and seamlessly managed, allowing us to relax and enjoy our journey without a single worry or concern.
Our Micato Grand Safari and Rwanda extension surpassed our high expectations and was everything we hoped it would be and so much more. The exceptional guides and staff, extraordinary lodging and camps, and the care put into every itinerary and were truly impeccable. No detail was overlooked. Every staff member was attentive, thoughtful, and genuinely committed to making our experience special.
Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda are all beautiful and the spirit of the people left an indelible imprint on my heart that will never fade.