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 Common QuestionsWhen is the best time to travel?Africa is truly a year-round destination for luxury safari travel. No matter when you are planning to travel, you will find a place in Africa that is perfect for that time of year. Generally, though, dry season is the best time for game-viewing—and this takes place at slightly different times in different parts of Africa. For East Africa, the dry season is generally from July through October, while in Southern Africa it is a little longer: April through October. Please keep in mind that these are the peak seasons, so it is essential that you book well in advance during these months. How do Micato's itineraries differ from each other?Our itineraries vary in length, distance covered, and focus. Some (such as in East Africa and Botswana) are more wildlife-intensive, some have more balanced view of African cities, wildlife and landscapes (such as in South Africa). Rest assured, each and every Micato Safari is amazing, and each puts you in touch with the true spirit of the region you are visiting. If you have questions or aren't sure which tour to choose, feel free to give us a call—we're happy to help you find (or create!) the safari that's right for you. Do I need visas?Visas are required for entry into Kenya and Tanzania. Visas for entry into Zimbabwe and Zambia can be obtained upon arrival. For U.S. passport holders, visas are not required for travel to South Africa, Botswana, and shorter stays in Zanzibar. Information on how to obtain your visas as well as a "visa kit" will be sent to you in plenty of time to obtain your visas before your departure. We will work with travellers who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens to obtain visa information specific to your citizenship. What immunizations are required?In many cases, you won't need any immunizations at all! For example, no immunizations are required to enter Kenya if arriving from the United States, Canada or Europe. We will address topics such as immunizations and general health considerations prior to your safari, however, please consult your local immunization clinic before you travel. It is always wise to carefully assess your health requirements before travelling abroad.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend a malaria prophylactic (just to be on the safe side—contracting malaria is highly unlikely). We recommend contacting your physician well in advance of your departure to discuss these suggestions. What sort of food can I expect?In a word: exquisite. From the moment you arrive, your meals are included and each is a delight. Our lodges offer continental cuisine, in addition to local specialties to appeal to a wide range of palates. Nairobi boasts a variety of mouth-watering regional specialties, in addition to exceptional French cuisine, Indian curries and the ever-abundant fresh fish and game. South African specialties are derived from Indonesian cuisine with mildly spicy Malay dishes popular around Cape Town. In the bush, the quality of the cuisine in lodges and camps is superb. Meats, vegetables and fruits arrive daily, fresh from the surrounding area's rich farmlands. And of course, all food served on a Micato safari is of the highest quality. To learn more, visit the Safari Cusine section of our site. What is the minimum age for children?Our family safaris are made for children, and other safaris can usually be tailored to accommodate any age. Depending on which country you wish to visit, situations can vary—so please call us to discuss which safari is right for you. How is the weather?East and Southern Africa enjoy glorious climates and both can accurately be called year-round destinations. In Kenya and Tanzania, a blissful 70 degrees Fahrenheit greets the day and rarely does the temperature vary throughout the year. The elevated altitudes keep temperatures comfortable, even calling for sweaters and jackets every evening and morning. Temperature variance is determined more by region than by season: upcountry areas such as Mount Kenya and the Aberdares at 7,000 feet can be cool, while the drier bush country is warmer and the sea level regions of Mombasa and Zanzibar quite tropical. Are your tours escorted?Yes. Micato's established departures are escorted to enhance your enjoyment of the journey. In East Africa, travelers enjoy the services of an expert Safari Director, as well as a Driver Guide. In Southern Africa, a professional Tour Leader accompanies groups of six or more, in addition to a Game Ranger plus a Tracker in the bush. These delightful individuals have all been carefully selected to be representatives of Micato Safaris. Not only will they be your friend, teacher and companionable fellow traveller, but their presence also guarantees seamless passage through hotels and airports, plus delightful days on tour and in the bush. Your Micato team also includes a Personal Concierge available twenty-four hours a day by phone, and in person at Nairobi hotels. How long have you been in business?Micato Safaris has been delighting customers with unique luxury safaris to Africa since 1966. What type of clothing should I wear?Upon booking your safari, you'll receive documents that include a complete packing list. Suffice it to say, though, that your clothing should be comfortable and casual. Khaki, olive, brown and tan clothing increases your chances of seeing wildlife and offers the added benefit of concealing dirt. And since laundry service will be available in many of the places we visit, you should avoid the temptation to over-pack. What if I need medical attention while on the trip?There are good quality medical facilities in Nairobi, and Micato Kenya's founders Felix and Jane Pinto have lived there for so long that they can recommend the best physicians. In more remote locations, you are assured of the services of the Flying Doctors—a group of well-qualified physicians who travel by aircraft throughout the bush to provide treatment and transportation in East Africa. Similar emergency medical evacuation services are available in South Africa and select lodges in Botswana. This assures Micato guests of prompt medical attention and air transportation in the unlikely event that an emergency should arise. Are the evenings formal?Evenings are not formal. Casual, comfortable clothing is encouraged. Will someone meet me at the airport?Absolutely. As our valued guests, it is our pleasure to welcome you to our homeland. After passing through customs at your arrival airport, you will be greeted by a Micato staff member who will take you as swiftly as possible to the comfort of your luxurious hotel. When is the Great Migration?The timing of the Great Migration can vary because it is heavily dependent upon the weather—specifically rain that bring the new grasses upon which wildebeest graze. If you want to witness this natural marvel, it's best to talk to a Micato specialist regarding the best time to plan your trip.In general, though:
The herds can be found amidst the short grasses of Serengeti National Park from November to May. From January onward, wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle alternate between the woodlands and plains depending on the weather. In May, as the grasses become dry, the herds begin the roughly 500-mile Migration. They move north, and by June they are in the more lush plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This is where they generally stay until October. Anticipating the short rains—and the promise of mineral-rich grasslands that this entails—the herds begin their trek down to the Serengeti along an eastern route. In November and December, they arrive to intensely green savannahs and woodlands where they stay until the cycle begins again… Your Micato Safari Specialist can help you maximize your opportunity to see this remarkable natural phenomenon. What is included in the safari cost?Just about everything. Micato includes transfers, all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks and often even beer and wine, as well as most gratuities. In general the expenses you will need to anticipate are passport and visa costs, immunizations, a few gratuities and personal expenses such as phone calls, souvenirs and laundry.
We are pleased to include all standard gratuities during your safari, including the tipping of the wait staff for meals in lodges and restaurants where meals are included, and the luggage porters at all airports, hotels and lodges. Gratuities to your Safari Director, Tour Leader and Driver Guides are not included, and are customary for good service. More information is provided in your pre-tour documentation. Is there internet access at the lodges and camps?It is rare to find a lodge or camp in the bush that offers a computer for guest use (or perhaps any computer at all). Computers with internet are available in most hotels in Nairobi and internet cafes are available in various cities. In any event, travellers should not count on keeping touch with home via email. Can I use my cell phone while on safari?If you have one of the newer phones (tri or quad band) it may work in parts of Africa, depending upon your service provider. U.S. cell phones using AT&T and T-Mobile will generally work in urban areas such as Nairobi, Cape Town and Johannesburg. And, remarkably, there is even cell service in many remote areas of the bush of East Africa! Coverage in the more remote parts of South Africa can be spotty, however, as well as in the area around Victoria Falls. If you subscribe to Sprint, Verizon or another mobile service, ask your service provider specifically for a phone that will work overseas. Cell phones are also available for rent at the major airports-rates are reasonable, and you pay for calls made. How many people travel on your established safaris?In keeping with our commitment to personalised service and exclusive arrangements, a Micato safari is always small and intimate in size—carefully designed to avoid any "big-group" feel. Our most intimate safaris have 12-14 travellers, and we never have more than 24 on any programme.
And for those guests who wish to make their safari a more private affair: we can turn one of our established departures into a safari just for your family and friends—and even depart on a date of your choice. This is just one of the dizzying—seemingly limitless, in fact—array of options available with our Bespoke Safaris. How many are in a vehicle?No matter what safari you choose, you are assured of comfortable vehicle and excellent sightlines for the unforgettable things we will see in the bush. In East Africa, your vehicle will have no more than six passengers. In Southern Africa, vehicles are larger so there may be up to nine. If you would like a private vehicle for just your party, simply let us know when you are booking your safari and we will be happy to arrange this for you. What size aircrafts will be used on the internal flights?We are pleased to include three to six timesaving flights on each one our safaris, and are proud that the aircraft we use is the finest available in the bush. The size of the aircraft can vary based on the number of people who are travelling from a particular location. In addition, the pilots who fly these planes have often spent their lives in the bush—in fact, many learned to fly before they had learned to drive! They are eminently qualified, and usually a fount of information about Africa. |
or by calling 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747).
