POINT OF VIEW
Reflections on Safari
Reflections on Safari
As an African-born company, Micato Safaris has a special responsibility to its homeland.
BY ALEXIS GONZALES
It’s 6:30 a.m. on day three of my Micato Safaris experience, and the sun is rising. I’m waiting outside of our meeting point, staring at Kilimanjaro, and while the cicadas serenade me, I find myself wondering: What am I pursuing to discover now that I’ve answered Africa’s call?
Just a few days prior, when I first set foot in Kenya, I felt a blend of excitement and anticipation, and found my perceptions challenged, leaving me perplexed and awestruck.
“I felt a blend of excitement and anticipation, and found my perceptions challenged, leaving me perplexed and awe-struck.”
Micato Safaris is my host. I did light homework (as one should!) and here’s what filled the search engine:
- Leader in luxury safari experiences
- Voted as Travel+Leisure’s #1 World’s Best Safari Company 10 times
- An outstanding track record of awards and accolades
- 24/7 Personal Concierge and impeccable ground service
Considering I was already familiar with the Micato brand, I was curious to learn what further defined a Micato Safari. At its core, it is Micato’s long-term commitment of deeper purpose to connect travelers to the heart of local communities. Each safari journey isn’t just a checklist of experiences, it’s a thread in someone else’s larger story of transformation and empowerment. Micato guests are not just going on an adventure; they’re joining a legacy of impact and connection.
Conservation Awareness
The journey begins at the Hemingway Nairobi, a sophisticated sanctuary within the pulse of the city, and a prelude for what’s to come. Exploring Nairobi includes a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, adding a historical touch from the Out of Africa novel. This is followed by a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Center. Dedicated keepers tend to orphaned elephants and rhinos—we meet the animals and learn of the delicate balance of nature. In a private encounter with these gentle giants, I come face to face with the
devastating consequences of human actions across the globe. The demand for ivory products and rhino horns, fed into the misguided beliefs in traditional medicine and ornamental jewelry, has reduced the elephant and rhino population. This isn’t a tourist attraction; rather, it’s a lesson in conservation.
Connection to Nature & to the Community
Next up, and aboard a private charter plane, we soar to Tsavo National Park. Finch Hattons is our home—a haven of luxury lauded for environmental stewardship. During the afternoon game drive, we come across an unexpected traffic jam and pause to witness the oryx migration near Mzima Springs. Come nightfall, the hippos, in their own charming, cacophonic and not-so-subtle way, serenade us to sleep. Tip: Bring earplugs.
Laikipia is a homecoming from the moment we land at the front door of Segera Retreat. Dinners under starry skies are filled with laughter over local Kenyan wine humorously referred to, and disguised as, “tea.” The atmosphere of every meal is reminiscent of a family reunion of sorts; stories shared by our hosts flow as freely as the wine. Waking up to the regal calls of the king of Laikipia, the next morning we spot the elusive leopard, and watch a pride peacefully feast with their cubs.
The Segera Conservancy is preparing to welcome endangered rhinos into Central Laikipia. This initiative is a significant step in wildlife conservation to bolster rhino populations and emphasize the role of the local communities involved. Among them are an all-female Maasai ranger unit, the first of their kind in Kenya, all wildlife ranger graduates and all trained. Their presence celebrates the strength and resilience of women in the field of conservation. Eveline, my honorary Kenyan sister and a wildlife ranger at Segera, is a graduate from this program and we continue to exchange messages of encouragement, share growing pains and life updates. Although her network in this field is small, it is the inspiration she draws from both inside and outside her circle that motivates her passion.
Cultural Immersion
The Maasai Mara calls to us next, and we settle into Mahali Mzuri, a property in the Olare Conservancy. We are welcomed with a beautiful celebration of traditional song and dance. During our time here, nature’s drama unfolds during game drives in the conservancy. When the lions find themselves outnumbered, scavengers from both land and sky swoop in to claim their share. The hyenas, fierce and relentless, are like a pack of hungry piranhas, quickly breaking bones and tearing through thick hides devouring every inch of what is left.
In the Maralands, don’t miss the chance to meet the local Maasai tribe. Francis, the chief’s son, welcomes us into his village. We discuss the tightrope he walks between Maasai customs and Kenyan expectations. Francis aims to finish his studies in agriculture and conservation— a goal that speaks volumes about the changing face of Maasai life, where shepherding cattle for a young Maasai warrior like Francis remains important, but new paths are opening up. In this place where time seems to stand still and rush forward all at once, you feel the pulse of transformation.
On our last morning at Mahali Mzuri, breakfast is accompanied by the sight of wild elephants crossing the stream—a natural farewell that feels perfectly orchestrated. In this moment, I’m reminded that nature moves to its own rhythm, contrasting sharply with our fast-paced world. The beauty of Kenya is shrouded in magic and found in nature’s unhurried pace.
Beyond the luxury, Micato doesn’t just show you Africa; it invites you to become part of its story by focusing on what really matters, including the connection between people and place. My advice? Don’t let Africa’s call go unanswered for too long; let it transform you as it did me. I can’t wait to return.
Discover the Micato Difference.
POINT OF VIEW
Reflections on Safari
Reflections on Safari
As an African-born company, Micato Safaris has a special responsibility to its homeland.
BY ALEXIS GONZALES
It’s 6:30 a.m. on day three of my Micato Safaris experience, and the sun is rising. I’m waiting outside of our meeting point, staring at Kilimanjaro, and while the cicadas serenade me, I find myself wondering: What am I pursuing to discover now that I’ve answered Africa’s call?
Just a few days prior, when I first set foot in Kenya, I felt a blend of excitement and anticipation, and found my perceptions challenged, leaving me perplexed and awestruck.
“I felt a blend of excitement and anticipation, and found my perceptions challenged, leaving me perplexed and awe-struck.”
Micato Safaris is my host. I did light homework (as one should!) and here’s what filled the search engine:
- Leader in luxury safari experiences
- Voted as Travel+Leisure’s #1 World’s Best Safari Company 10 times
- An outstanding track record of awards and accolades
- 24/7 Personal Concierge and impeccable ground service
Considering I was already familiar with the Micato brand, I was curious to learn what further defined a Micato Safari. At its core, it is Micato’s long-term commitment of deeper purpose to connect travelers to the heart of local communities. Each safari journey isn’t just a checklist of experiences, it’s a thread in someone else’s larger story of transformation and empowerment. Micato guests are not just going on an adventure; they’re joining a legacy of impact and connection.
Conservation Awareness
The journey begins at the Hemingway Nairobi, a sophisticated sanctuary within the pulse of the city, and a prelude for what’s to come. Exploring Nairobi includes a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, adding a historical touch from the Out of Africa novel. This is followed by a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Center. Dedicated keepers tend to orphaned elephants and rhinos—we meet the animals and learn of the delicate balance of nature. In a private encounter with these gentle giants, I come face to face with the
devastating consequences of human actions across the globe. The demand for ivory products and rhino horns, fed into the misguided beliefs in traditional medicine and ornamental jewelry, has reduced the elephant and rhino population. This isn’t a tourist attraction; rather, it’s a lesson in conservation.
Connection to Nature & to the Community
Next up, and aboard a private charter plane, we soar to Tsavo National Park. Finch Hattons is our home—a haven of luxury lauded for environmental stewardship. During the afternoon game drive, we come across an unexpected traffic jam and pause to witness the oryx migration near Mzima Springs. Come nightfall, the hippos, in their own charming, cacophonic and not-so-subtle way, serenade us to sleep. Tip: Bring earplugs.
Laikipia is a homecoming from the moment we land at the front door of Segera Retreat. Dinners under starry skies are filled with laughter over local Kenyan wine humorously referred to, and disguised as, “tea.” The atmosphere of every meal is reminiscent of a family reunion of sorts; stories shared by our hosts flow as freely as the wine. Waking up to the regal calls of the king of Laikipia, the next morning we spot the elusive leopard, and watch a pride peacefully feast with their cubs.
The Segera Conservancy is preparing to welcome endangered rhinos into Central Laikipia. This initiative is a significant step in wildlife conservation to bolster rhino populations and emphasize the role of the local communities involved. Among them are an all-female Maasai ranger unit, the first of their kind in Kenya, all wildlife ranger graduates and all trained. Their presence celebrates the strength and resilience of women in the field of conservation. Eveline, my honorary Kenyan sister and a wildlife ranger at Segera, is a graduate from this program and we continue to exchange messages of encouragement, share growing pains and life updates. Although her network in this field is small, it is the inspiration she draws from both inside and outside her circle that motivates her passion.
Cultural Immersion
The Maasai Mara calls to us next, and we settle into Mahali Mzuri, a property in the Olare Conservancy. We are welcomed with a beautiful celebration of traditional song and dance. During our time here, nature’s drama unfolds during game drives in the conservancy. When the lions find themselves outnumbered, scavengers from both land and sky swoop in to claim their share. The hyenas, fierce and relentless, are like a pack of hungry piranhas, quickly breaking bones and tearing through thick hides devouring every inch of what is left.
In the Maralands, don’t miss the chance to meet the local Maasai tribe. Francis, the chief’s son, welcomes us into his village. We discuss the tightrope he walks between Maasai customs and Kenyan expectations. Francis aims to finish his studies in agriculture and conservation— a goal that speaks volumes about the changing face of Maasai life, where shepherding cattle for a young Maasai warrior like Francis remains important, but new paths are opening up. In this place where time seems to stand still and rush forward all at once, you feel the pulse of transformation.
On our last morning at Mahali Mzuri, breakfast is accompanied by the sight of wild elephants crossing the stream—a natural farewell that feels perfectly orchestrated. In this moment, I’m reminded that nature moves to its own rhythm, contrasting sharply with our fast-paced world. The beauty of Kenya is shrouded in magic and found in nature’s unhurried pace.
Beyond the luxury, Micato doesn’t just show you Africa; it invites you to become part of its story by focusing on what really matters, including the connection between people and place. My advice? Don’t let Africa’s call go unanswered for too long; let it transform you as it did me. I can’t wait to return.
Discover the Micato Difference.
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