Why Choose Micato?

Micato’s 56 years of safari experience and three generations of the Pinto family born and raised in Africa enable us to provide you with an insider’s understanding, extraordinary introductions, and unique access.

Having raised their family in Kenya, Micato founders Felix and Jane Pinto make their home in Nairobi and Cape Town. They’re quite the couple about town, and seem to know absolutely everyone. And, of course, their friends are your friends—and as one of those friends says, “The sign may say closed, but if it’s Micato, come on in.”

Whether it’s Louise Leakey driving her Micatobedecked car #17 in an off-road rally in between unearthing fossils of early mankind, National Geographic Explorer and lion researcher Shivani Bhalla, or the continent’s new master chefs and young artists, we can put you in touch with engaging people making a mark in today’s Africa.

BELOW Dennis, Tristan, Sasha, and Joy Pinto with Drs. Meave and Louise Leakey, holding the evolution of mankind in their hands at Kenya’s Turkana Basin Institute.

Africa’s magic charms are revealed as you explore everything from wildlife and tribal cultures to politics and history with your remarkable Safari Directors—Africans born and raised, not expats or transplants. They bring Africa’s story to life through a delightful blend of guiding in the bush, lecturing in camp, conversations over meals, and enlightening anecdotes in between. Every day your team in East Africa includes both your Safari Director and a highly credentialed Driver Guide. Two dynamic, exuberant experts, delighting you every step of the way, versus the solitary guide most companies send along.

The health and safety of Micato guests is our primary priority. Micato is connected with topflight security and advisory networks in the U.S. and Africa. Our general manager in East Africa is a Member of the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kenya, and works closely with the U.S. ambassador and government officials. Felix and Jane Pinto—who consider their guests extended family members—and their management team live in Africa, with the network and resources to anticipate and respond to situations quickly. Our team has their finger on the pulse of what’s happening.

For me, whether it’s Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, side trips to Zanzibar or Victoria Falls, or gorillatracking excursions to Rwanda, the “best” is always the same—Micato. The Pinto family, which launched Micato 47 years ago, from Africa, has unrivaled experience and an incredible network of personal connections at the highest levels. . . . I know many of the best and most well-informed travel agents in the nation, and they pretty much unanimously swear by Micato. . . . There is no one else I would consider using to plan a trip to Africa.

—Larry Olmsted, Forbes