Prices and availability are subject to change at any time.
Watching rhinos from a Micato safari vehicle.Photo: MicatoA Note from Elisa
Hi there!
Thank you for your interest in a Micato journey! I’ve gathered the most important details in one easy place, so you can see exactly what’s included, what to expect, and how to prepare before, during, and after your safari.
Since 1966, the Pinto family’s Micato Safaris has guided travelers across East and Southern Africa, and later India, with Safari Directors by their side and nearly everything included. Take a look through the sections below, and whenever you’re ready, I’d love to help you choose the journey, style, and season that fit you best.
Elisa RzymskiLand Journey Specialist
The Guide
The Experience
What’s included, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll spend your days.
What’s Included
Just About Everything
Micato’s answer to what’s included is “just about everything.” On safari, your days, meals, drinks with meals, laundry, and every gratuity are part of the journey, so there’s very little need to carry your wallet.
Here’s what you can look forward to on a Micato Classic Safari.
Imagine a champagne breakfast after a sunrise balloon flight, dinner by lantern light, and nothing to tip, ever.
Accommodations in fine camps, lodges, and hotels, with all meals.
A Safari Director & Driver-Guide
Two experts with you in East Africa; in Southern Africa, a Safari Director with Game Rangers and Trackers.
A 24/7 Concierge Team
Ready for last-minute, unexpected, and unusual requests, around the clock.
Every gratuity
Every last tip, even to your Safari Director and Driver-Guide, from beginning to end.
Drinks & refreshments
Regional wine and beer at mealtimes, with soft drinks and bottled water in the vehicles.
Daily laundry
Valet laundry service, so you can pack less and come home with clean clothes.
Wi-Fi & binoculars
Wi-Fi in the vehicles and wherever it exists on safari, plus Nikon binoculars for every guest.
Transfers & park fees
All airport transfers, and game park, national park, and conservancy fees.
Safari gear
Micato duffels, bush hats, luggage tags, document wallets, and flashlights.
Inclusions vary by journey. Internal flights are booked through Micato and shown on their own line in each journey’s rates. Not included: international airfare, passports and visas, travel insurance, excess baggage, international airport departure taxes, and personal expenses such as phone calls and souvenirs. Details: What’s included with Micato
Elisa’s Tip
When you compare safari companies, look closely at gratuities, laundry, drinks, and guiding. With Micato, they’re already part of the price, which makes the true cost of your safari much easier to see.
Micato offers three ways to travel, in Africa and in India. Here’s a quick way to picture which one fits the journey you have in mind.
Micato Classic, Private Classic and Custom journeys compared
At a Glance
ClassicSmall group
Private ClassicYour own departure
CustomDesigned for you
How It Works
Scheduled small-group journeys with set departure dates
Any Classic itinerary, made private for your family or friends
A journey designed from start to finish around your interests and schedule
Departures
Many dates every month, all guaranteed to operate
The date you choose; Micato opens a departure for you if needed
Whenever you wish to travel
Your Guide
A Micato Safari Director, or a Travel Director in India
A Safari Director or Travel Director to yourselves
Your own Safari Director or Travel Director throughout
Best For
Couples, solo travelers, and friends who enjoy good company
Families and groups who want the Classic route privately
Honeymoons, milestones, and special interests
Classic Safaris
Ten scheduled small-group safaris in East and Southern Africa, from Kenya and Tanzania to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
India Journeys
Classic small-group journeys of two to 12 travelers, plus Private Classic and Private Custom Journeys.
Family Safaris
Many Classic dates fall in school breaks, and children are welcome on Classic and Private Classic safaris; some camps set age limits for young children.
Custom Ideas
Honeymoons, milestones, special interests, and couples or friends traveling together, all designed by Micato’s Custom Safari experts.
Classic departures are guaranteed once a deposit is paid, even if you’re the only guests. Details: Three ways to safari
Your Guides
Safari Directors & Concierge
A Micato Safari Director accompanies every safari, from touchdown to takeoff. They lecture informally on flora and fauna, handle the logistics, and share African history and folklore along the way.
Two Experts, Not One
In East Africa, your Safari Director travels with a Driver-Guide. In Southern Africa, Game Rangers and Trackers join you in the bush.
Credentialed Guides
Micato’s Safari Directors hold Silver- or Gold-level certification, and every Safari Director in Kenya holds the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association’s Silver-level certification.
Concierge, Day & Night
Micato’s Concierge Team is on call 24 hours a day, in person or by phone, in Nairobi, Arusha, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.
Met on Arrival
After customs, a Micato representative greets you and escorts you to your hotel, and check-in is taken care of.
In India, a Micato Travel Director accompanies every journey from touchdown to takeoff. Micato’s terms note that if a minimum number of travelers isn’t reached, local guides may take the place of a Safari or Travel Director. Details: Micato Safari Directors
Where You’ll Stay
Camps, Lodges & Dining
Micato’s safaris are based in some of Africa’s most celebrated camps and lodges. On The Micato Grand Safari, for example, you stay at:
Hemingways Nairobi
Tortilis Camp in Amboseli
Lewa Safari Camp or Loisaba Tented Camp on the Laikipia Plateau
Bateleur Camp or Mahali Mzuri in the Maasai Mara
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge
Ngorongoro Lodge Melia, for the Ngorongoro Crater
Bateleur Camp at night, Maasai Mara.Photo: MicatoInside a luxury safari tent.Photo: Micato
In Southern Africa
Botswana’s Timeless Wilderness stays at Kiri Camp in the Okavango Delta, Monachira Camp in Moremi, Savute Elephant Lodge in Chobe, and the Victoria Falls Hotel.
Dining on Safari
All meals are included, with regional wine and beer, and on Custom Safaris Micato even picks up the tab at local restaurants.
Micato may substitute lodges or hotels of a similar category. Each itinerary lists its camps night by night.
Your Days on Safari
Vehicles, Flights & Adventures
Micato’s vehicles and flights are designed to make game viewing and travel between parks as comfortable as possible.
Cheetahs beside a Micato vehicle.Photo: MicatoA bush airstrip, close to camp.Photo: Micato
Six Guests per Vehicle
In East Africa, each nine-passenger vehicle carries no more than six guests, so everyone has a window seat and roof hatch access. In Southern Africa, vehicles are chosen for the group and the area, and may seat up to nine.
Bush Flights
Three to six time-saving flights on every safari, mostly on turboprop aircraft, landing at airstrips close to your lodges.
Ballooning
On The Micato Grand Safari, a sunrise hot air balloon flight ends with a champagne breakfast.
On Foot & by Water
Guided nature walks, and in Botswana, the Okavango Delta by motorcraft and dugout canoe.
Bush flights have strict luggage limits, and Micato provides its own safari bag to travel with. Your tour documents give the exact allowance. Details: Micato Terms and Conditions
Classic Safaris
Two Journeys to Know
Ballooning over the savanna.Photo: MicatoThe Micato Grand Safari, 15 Days
Kenya and Tanzania, from Amboseli and the Laikipia Plateau to the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Tree-top canopy walks in the Ngare Ndare Forest and Samburu-led camel rides
A sunrise balloon flight with breakfast on landing
Six flights between reserves and camps
A visit to Micato-AmericaShare’s Harambee Centre in Nairobi
Botswana’s Timeless Wilderness, 12 Days
Johannesburg, the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, and the cascades of Victoria Falls.
The Okavango’s waterways by motorcraft, dugout canoe, and 4-wheel drive vehicle
Expertly guided nature walks
Flights from camp to camp
Micato’s other Classics include The Hemingway Wing Safari, Tanzania Spectacular, African Splendour, Jewels of South Africa, and Passage Through Botswana and Zimbabwe. Details: Micato Classic Safaris
Beyond Africa
Micato in India
Micato brings the same style to India, with a Micato Travel Director, some of the world’s most revered hotels, and no tipping, anywhere, anytime. On Splendours of Northern India, a 13-day journey, you see:
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and lakeside Udaipur
The incomparable Taj Mahal
The Leela Palace in Delhi, Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, and Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur
The value built into every journey, and how Micato gives back.
Value & Giving Back
One for One
With so much included, the value of a Micato journey is easy to see. A few more things to know as you plan:
One for One
For every guest on safari, Micato sends an African child to school, through its One for One Commitment.
Guaranteed Departures
Every Classic departure is guaranteed to operate once a deposit is paid, so you can plan with confidence.
Book Early
Micato strongly recommends booking as far ahead as possible, because demand is always high.
Solo Travelers
Micato’s safari experts will walk you through single supplements and any special needs.
A classroom supported by Micato-AmericaShare.Photo: Micato
Micato’s nonprofit arm, Micato-AmericaShare, works with families in Nairobi’s Mukuru community, where its Harambee Centre houses Mukuru’s first lending library. Several safaris include a visit.
Elisa’s Note
Tell me who’s traveling, your target dates, and what matters most, and I’ll help you choose the Micato journey and dates that deliver the best value.
The Guide
Booking & Preparation
Deposits, cancellation, travel insurance, gratuities and the paperwork to have in order.
Booking with Confidence
Deposits, Cancellation & Insurance
Deposit & Final Payment
For Classic journeys, Micato asks for a deposit of 30% when you book, and the balance 120 days before departure.
Rates may be revised up to the time of final payment
Internal flights are booked through Micato
Custom, Private Classic, and extension bookings have their own terms, which I’ll confirm with your quote
If Your Plans Change
For Classic journeys, cancellation fees are a percentage of the total tour rate:
Micato cancellation fees for Classic journeys
120 or more days before
20%
119 to 60 days
50%
59 days or less
100%
There’s no refund for unused services once a journey begins.
Micato strongly recommends trip cancellation insurance, and urges every traveler to carry comprehensive coverage that includes medical evacuation.
What to Know
Insurance isn’t required, but with a 20% fee even well before departure, cancellation coverage matters
Micato doesn’t refund the cost of travel insurance
Buying coverage when you book gives you the most protection
I’m happy to quote options, so you can compare coverage side by side
Quoted Prices
Unless otherwise listed, all pricing is per person, based on two people sharing a room, specific to the tour, departure date, and room type quoted, and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pricing Terms
Micato’s Classic journeys depart on set dates, and rates may be revised until final payment. By booking, you agree to the supplier’s terms, available on its website.
Supplemental Charges
International airport departure taxes are paid locally, and excess baggage is not included. Additional fees may apply from Avoya Travel or Micato if a cancellation occurs.
Cancellation Policy
Please review Micato’s full cancellation policy before final payment, available in its Terms & Conditions.
Travel Protection
I recommend travel protection for every trip, and I’m happy to provide quotes so you can compare coverage before final payment.
On a Micato journey, there’s nothing to calculate. Micato includes every gratuity, from your Safari Director and Driver-Guide to waiters and porters, and as Micato puts it, there is no tipping on a Micato safari.
Gratuity practices are set by Micato and may change. I’ll confirm what’s included for your journey.
Before You Go
Preparing for Your Journey
Before You Go
In the weeks before departure, a few simple steps get you ready:
Watch for Micato’s pre-trip materials, including how to obtain your travel authorizations
Check vaccinations with your local travel clinic
Share your international flight details, which I’ll arrange
Pack light and use the Micato safari duffel for bush flights
Micato recommends packing light, and its daily laundry makes that easy.
Helpful to Have Ready
A little preparation makes your first day effortless. Keep these details handy:
Passport details that match your reservation exactly
Visas and Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation
Any dietary or medical needs
Emergency contact information
In India, the combined luggage limit on internal flights is 33 pounds, and Micato buys an extra 12 pounds per flight for each guest.
Passports & Paperwork
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements
It is each traveler’s responsibility to carry proper documentation. Here’s what to have in order before you go.
Proof of Citizenship
A valid passport, valid at least 6 months beyond your return date
Visas where required
Green cards or other immigration documents, as applicable
Authorization documentation when traveling with minors
Names on reservations must match your passport exactly.
REAL ID
Since May 2025, U.S. travelers need a REAL ID-compliant license or other accepted ID, such as a passport, for domestic flights and certain federal facilities.
Travel Visas
Visas are required in advance for Tanzania, and Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation is also required in advance. Visas for Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda can be bought on arrival, and U.S. and Canadian passport holders need no visa for South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia. India requires a visa, available online. Verify requirements through CIBTvisas, and I’ll confirm exactly what your itinerary needs.
ETIAS (Europe)
Europe’s new travel authorization for U.S. visitors is not yet in effect, and no launch date has been announced. I’ll let you know if it applies to your trip.
UK ETA
An Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for entry to the United Kingdom.
Yellow Fever
Some countries, such as South Africa and Rwanda, require a yellow fever vaccination for travelers arriving from countries such as Kenya. Micato covers health topics before your safari, and your local travel clinic can advise you.
Malaria
The CDC recommends a malaria prophylactic for many areas of East and Southern Africa, so ask your doctor well before you go.
Travel Advisories & Health Guidance
I strongly recommend reviewing travel advisories and health guidance before your trip so you’re fully prepared.
A few things that are helpful to know before you go.
Flexibility on Safari
Good to Know on the Road
Safari runs on nature’s schedule, and a little flexibility goes a long way. Here are a few things Micato travelers find helpful to know.
Early Mornings
The best game viewing is often at first light, and your Safari Director will plan each day around the wildlife.
Rotating Seats
In East Africa, guests rotate rows in the vehicle, so everyone gets a turn up front near the Driver-Guide.
Health on Safari
Nairobi has good medical facilities, and in more remote parts of East Africa the Flying Doctors are on call.
Wildlife & Weather
Sightings are never guaranteed, and Micato may substitute camps of a similar category when needed.
Travel Subject to Change
All travel is subject to schedule adjustments, itinerary changes, weather disruptions, and operational delays.
The wild sets the pace. All you have to do is enjoy the view.
Your Next Step
Let’s plan your journey.
Whether you already have a destination in mind or are just beginning to dream, I’d love to help you find the Micato journey that fits you best. I’ll compare itineraries and seasons, explain exactly what’s included, and take care of the details from your first question to your welcome home.
Prices and availability are subject to change at any time. Amenities, offers, and policies are set by Micato and may change without notice. Photography courtesy of Micato.
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