On Safari With Micato - 2019

In the travel world, we talk a great deal about bucket lists and it is not surprising that a safari in Africa tops the list for many of our clients.  

A vast continent with a variety of wildlife and landscapes, Africa is no longer a “one and done” for many of our clients.  Indeed, we have several clients on their third or fourth visit to Africa having taken in the culture of Kenya and the Masai Mara, the Serengeti in Tanzania, South Africa (Capetown and Kruger) and now the opportunity to come face to face with gorillas in Rwanda.  

In Africa, the options are as endless as your imagination.

“There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne - bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive”.

- OUT OF AFRICA, Karen Blixen, 1937

When it comes to a luxury safari, there is no better than our partners at Micato. They are, in a nutshell, the Rolls Royce of the safari world. Indeed, Travel+Leisure has named Micato the #1 World’s Best Safari Outfitter an unprecedented nine times. Founders Felix and Jane Pinto are native Kenyans who live in Africa. This September I was fortunate to spend some time with them in Nairobi, before embarking on a two-week safari with Micato to Keyna and Tanzania.

It was an extraordinary experience. At each of our stops we saw something new and different and each was magical and enriched the other. 

Here are some Pro Tips to keep in mind when thinking about booking your safari:

• Africa is a long haul whichever way you cut it.  Don’t rush. Think about giving yourself some downtime to relax and enjoy the amazing luxury camps, or even enjoy a few days on the beach.

• As a guide, I would suggest safari for children ages 8+.  Not only from a safety standpoint but, even undertaken in luxury, it is intrepid travel with logistics, flight hops and long jeep/game drives. 

• Think about safari for multi-gen and family reunions.  It is a great trip for grandchildren, kids and grandparents.

• Consider combining more than one country.  While it does add complexity, it will give you a diversity of experience, wildlife, topography, food, people, cultures… and so much more. 

• Plan ahead, especially for peak holiday travels.