Micato Safaris

What Micato Safaris does

Micato Safaris is a family-owned, New York-headquartered luxury safari and tour operator founded in 1964 (or 1966 per firmographic data) by the Pinto family, serving affluent and ultra-high-net-worth leisure travelers across Africa and India. The company sells all-inclusive luxury safari packages priced from approximately $20,700 to $58,100+ per person across more than a dozen named itineraries — including East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda), Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia), and India — plus optional extensions such as gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Victoria Falls, the Maldives, and Bhutan. Its product portfolio spans three formats: Classic Safaris (small-group departures with over 400 set dates annually), Private Classic Safaris (existing itineraries reserved exclusively for a private group), and fully Private Custom Safaris (Private Villas, Family Safaris, Milestone Safaris, Special Interest Safaris, Couples and Friends, and Custom Private Jet Safaris).

The underlying operating model is high-touch and human-centric rather than technology-centric. Micato does not operate a software platform; instead, it relies on a dedicated Safari Director and Driver-Guide model, a 24/7 Concierge Service, curated relationships with premium lodge inventory (Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Belmond Mount Nelson, Kempinski properties, Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition camps, Singita, andBeyond, Elewana Collection), and earned-media presence in publications including Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes, AFAR, and National Geographic. Distribution runs through direct sales (website, phone, brochure requests) and the Virtuoso luxury travel advisor network. A separate sub-brand, AmericaShare, has run a One-for-One Commitment philanthropy program for 38 years, sending one African child to school for every guest on safari and operating community centers in Nairobi and Red Hill, South Africa.

Revenue is generated through one-time premium package sales with seasonal and single-supplement pricing tiers; no subscription, licensing, or recurring model is in use. Customer segments include luxury couples and honeymooners, wealthy multi-generational families, private groups (friends, clubs, corporate retreats), solo travelers, and luxury India travelers. The company holds the unique distinction of being the only ten-time winner of Travel+Leisure's #1 World's Best Safari Outfitter award, a five-time Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award winner, and cites over 700 five-star reviews across Google and TripAdvisor.

Name

Micato Safaris

Legal name

Micato Safaris

Website

https://micato.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Micato Safaris is a family-owned, New York-based luxury safari tour operator founded in 1964, selling all-inclusive, high-touch African and Indian itineraries priced from roughly $20,700 to $58,100+ per person to affluent leisure travelers, families, and private groups via direct sales and the Virtuoso advisor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Luxury Safari Travel Services

NAICS

Tour Operators (56152), Tour Operators (561520), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation (487)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife & Safari Tour Operators (THAKADAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Safaris & Game Drives (THAJAIAB), Safari & Overland Wildlife Adventures (4x4/Jeep) (THAJABAD), Private Adventure & Expedition Experiences (Custom Hikes, Safaris, Backcountry) (THAJALAG)

Keywords

• Luxury safari tours
• Bespoke travel experiences
• Private custom safaris
• Wildlife travel packages
• Luxury india tours

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Luxury Safari Package Sales: Micato generates revenue through the sale of all-inclusive luxury safari packages priced per person. Packages include accommodations, internal flights, game drives, most meals, beverages, gratuities, and activities. Pricing varies by season (Low/Shoulder/High), with double occupancy rates ranging from approximately $19,850 to $46,250 per person depending on the itinerary and duration. Single supplements and internal flight costs are additional.
2. Private Custom Safaris: The company offers bespoke private safaris designed exclusively for private groups, priced at a premium over Classic package rates. These include Private Classic Safaris (existing itineraries reserved exclusively for a private group with its own Safari Director) and fully Custom Private Jet Safaris, representing a higher-value revenue stream for smaller group sizes.
3. Extensions and Add-ons: Micato sells optional extensions including gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Namibia, hot air balloon safaris, and helicopter flights, priced separately from the base safari package. These extensions generate incremental per-person revenue ranging from approximately $490 to $15,750.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Micato Safaris designs and sells all-inclusive, high-end guided safari packages and luxury India journeys. Its product portfolio spans Classic small-group safaris (with 400+ set departure dates annually), Private Classic Safaris (existing itineraries reserved exclusively for a private group), and Private Custom Safaris (fully bespoke itineraries including private-jet options), with optional extensions such as gorilla trekking, Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Namibia, and hot-air balloon safaris. Packages typically include luxury lodge/camp accommodations, internal flights, meals, beverages, game drives, park fees, gratuities, valet laundry, in-vehicle Wi-Fi, and the services of a dedicated Safari Director and 24-hour Concierge team.

Product overview

Micato Safaris is a luxury safari tour operator offering three safari formats: Classic Safaris (small-group experiences with 400+ set departure dates), Private Classic Safaris (exclusive group use of any Classic itinerary), and Private Custom Safaris (fully tailored experiences). Their Africa portfolio includes 10+ named safari itineraries ranging from 10 to 17 days, covering Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, and Namibia with partner lodges and camps including Four Seasons, Belmond, Kempinski, and Virgin Limited Edition properties. The company also offers Luxury India Journeys and a philanthropy program called AmericaShare with a One for One Commitment educational initiative.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AmericaShare: The company's philanthropy initiative that sends African children to school through its One for One Commitment, operating community centers in Nairobi and South Africa.

Products and services

• Classic Safaris Small-group, all-inclusive luxury safari itineraries with more than 400 set departure dates annually across Africa, led by dedicated Safari Directors and Driver-Guides. Each departure bundles accommodations, game drives, meals, beverages, internal flights, park fees, gratuities, and curated activities.
• Private Classic Safaris Any Classic Safari itinerary reserved exclusively for a private group, with a dedicated Safari Director, private vehicles, and bespoke scheduling. Priced at a premium over the corresponding Classic Safari rates.
• Private Custom Safaris Fully bespoke private safari experiences designed end-to-end for a specific group, including Private Villas & Estates, Family Safaris, Milestone Safaris, Special Interest Safaris, Couples and Friends safaris, and Custom Private Jet Safaris.
• The Micato Grand Safari 15-day luxury safari across Kenya and Tanzania visiting Nairobi, Amboseli, the Maasai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti, with stays at top-tier camps and lodges including Bateleur Camp, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, and Loisaba Tented Camp. Starting from $40,150 per person.
• East Africa's Golden Savannahs 15-day safari new for 2026 covering Kenya (Nairobi, Tsavo, Maasai Mara) and Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater), featuring Finch Hattons Camp, Mahali Mzuri, and Elewana Serengeti Explorer. Starting from $39,750 per person.
• The Hemingway Wing Safari 14-day safari covering Kenya (Nairobi, Laikipia Plateau, Maasai Mara) and Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara) with stays at Mutara Camp, Olare Mara Kempinski, and Serengeti Migration Camp. From $31,450 per person.
• The Great Herds of Kenya & Tanzania 13-day safari focused on the Great Migration across the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, with stays at Mahali Mzuri, Four Seasons Serengeti, and Manor at Ngorongoro. From $31,750 per person.
• The Heart of Kenya & Tanzania 12-day safari covering Tanzania's Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti with a visit to Olduvai Gorge, plus time in the Maasai Mara at Elephant Pepper Camp. From $25,000 per person.
• Tanzania Spectacular 10-day Tanzania-focused safari visiting Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti, with stays at Arusha Coffee Lodge, Tarangire Treetops, and Migration Camp. From $20,700 per person.
• Private Kenya Safari 13-day private Kenya-only safari covering Tsavo National Park, Laikipia Reserve, and the Maasai Mara, with stays at Finch Hattons Camp, Loisaba Tented Camp, and Mahali Mzuri. From $38,650 per person.
• African Splendour 17-day multi-country luxury safari covering South Africa (Cape Town with Belmond Mount Nelson), Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Kenya (Maasai Mara), and Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara). From $45,100 per person.
• Jewels of South Africa 13-day South Africa luxury safari new for 2026 covering Cape Town, Phinda Private Reserve, Thornybush Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and Johannesburg. From $38,900 per person.
• Passage Through Botswana and Zimbabwe 14-day safari covering South Africa (Johannesburg), Botswana (Okavango Delta, Khwai Private Reserve), Zambia (Victoria Falls), and Zimbabwe (Hwange National Park). From $31,400 per person.
• Botswana's Timeless Wilderness 12-day Botswana-focused safari covering the Okavango Delta, Gomoti Plains, Moremi Game Reserve, and Victoria Falls, with stays at Camp Okavango, Gomoti Plains Camp, and Machaba Camp. From $27,250 per person.
• Luxury India Journeys Curated luxury India travel experiences including the Classic Journey Collection, Private Classic Journeys, and Private Custom Journeys. Includes Royal Palaces of India (16 days from $27,900 per person), The Soul of India (16 days from $28,450 per person), and Splendours of Northern India (13 days from $24,850 per person).
• Options & Extensions Optional add-on safari experiences sold separately from base safari packages, including Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda (from $15,750 per person), Cape Town Sojourn (from $4,750 per person), Victoria Falls (from $5,080 per person), Hot Air Balloon Safaris (from $490 per person), Namibia, and Helicopter Flights Over Africa.

Quantifiable outcome

• For every guest on safari, Micato sends an African child to school through its AmericaShare One-for-One Commitment
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• AmericaShare / Harambee CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmericaShare is Micato's proprietary philanthropy initiative, established for 38 years. For every guest on safari, Micato sends an African child to school through its One-for-One Commitment. AmericaShare operates the Harambee Centre in Nairobi (Kenya) and the Red Hill Library and Community Centre in South Africa. This partnership is integral to Micato's brand identity and is not an external alliance but a core corporate social responsibility program.
• Sheldrick Wildlife TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMicato facilitates private visits for its guests at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a renowned elephant orphanage and wildlife conservation organization in Nairobi, Kenya. This provides guests with an exclusive wildlife encounter while supporting the Trust's conservation mission.
• Sir Richard Branson / Virgin Limited Edition (Mahali Mzuri, Finch Hattons)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMicato features Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition properties — Mahali Mzuri in the Maasai Mara and Finch Hattons in Tsavo — as primary camps in its safari itineraries. These camps are highlighted as highlights of Micato's luxury offerings and represent a key lodge partnership.
• Four Seasons Safari Lodge SerengeticoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is a featured lodge in multiple Micato safari itineraries (The Micato Grand Safari, African Splendour, The Great Herds). This is a flagship lodge partnership in Tanzania.
• Virtuoso NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMicato is an active member of the Virtuoso network, a prestigious global network of luxury travel advisors. Virtuoso awards (Best VAST Operator, Best Escorted Tour Operator, Virtuoso Performance Award) recognize Micato's standing within this distribution channel.
• Kempinski Hotels (Kempinski Villa Rosa, Olare Mara Kempinski)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMicato features Kempinski properties including the Kempinski Villa Rosa in Nairobi and Olare Mara Kempinski in the Maasai Mara as key accommodation partners across multiple itineraries.
• Belmond (Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town is featured as the primary accommodation in Micato's African Splendour and Jewels of South Africa itineraries.
• Elewana Collection (Elewana Serengeti Explorer, Elephant Pepper Camp)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMicato features Elewana Collection properties including the Elewana Serengeti Explorer (East Africa's Golden Savannahs) and Elephant Pepper Camp (The Heart of Kenya & Tanzania) as premium camp partners.
• SingitaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSingita is featured as a luxury lodge/camp partner, with Micato showcasing Singita properties (visible in homepage imagery) as part of its premium accommodation options.
• andBeyondminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerandBeyond properties including Finch Hattons (managed by andBeyond/Virgin) and various camps in the Okavango Delta are featured as accommodation partners in Micato's Botswana itineraries.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• andBeyond: Luxury safari and tour operator with owned lodge/camp inventory across Africa and India. Directly comparable to Micato on premium safari product, multi-country itineraries, and HNW/UHNW target market.
• Singita: Owner-operator of ultra-luxury safari lodges across South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Direct competitor for premium safari guests and a partner/supplier to Micato via lodge inventory.
• Wilderness Safaris: Luxury safari operator concentrated in Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa) with owned camps and bespoke itineraries. Comparable on price point, customer profile, and product depth.
• Abercrombie & Kent: Long-established luxury tour operator with strong Africa safari portfolio and global luxury itineraries. Comparable in target customer (UHNW), pricing, and breadth of luxury destinations.
• Ker & Downey Africa: Boutique luxury safari operator offering custom East and Southern Africa itineraries. Direct competitor in the high-touch, bespoke luxury safari segment with similar price points.
• Rothschild Safaris: Bespoke luxury safari company focused on high-end Africa itineraries. Comparable on premium pricing, customized service, and HNW client base.
• Great Plains Conservation: Luxury safari and conservation-focused operator with camps in Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Overlaps with Micato on premium pricing, conservation messaging, and East/Southern Africa geographies.
• African Travel, Inc. US-based luxury safari tour operator offering pre-set and custom Africa itineraries. Comparable on customer profile (US luxury travelers), product structure, and premium pricing.

Broad incumbents

• Belmond: Global luxury hotel group with safari and luxury-train experiences in Africa (e.g., Rovos Rail). Overlaps with Micato in supplying and competing for high-end Africa-bound luxury guests.
• Scott Dunn: Luxury tour operator with a dedicated Africa safari portfolio alongside global luxury vacations. Comparable on high-touch service model, premium pricing, and HNW client base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/micatosafaris
• Instagraminstagram.com/micatosafaris
• Xx.com/micatosafaris
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/micato-safaris

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Micato Safaris