Elite Traveler Summer 2023

elite traveler SUMMER 2023 93

Google Trends data indicated that solo travel searches had risen by an astronomical 7 6 1 %. The luxury travel industry is paying attention, with a whole host of exciting itineraries that are tailored speci fi cally to the lone ranger

The Okavango Delta

Male lion in Tarangire National Park

MICATO Safaris are not just the realm of honeymooners and multigenerational families — in fact, the structured days and communal dining make them a strong choice for the solo traveler. Micato has long been considered the absolute crème de la crème of safari operators, collecting a seriously long list of awards. Micato was founded in 1966 by born-and-raised Kenyans Felix and Jane Pinto, and the pair are still as involved with the company as they were when it fi rst launched — you can dine with the duo at their farm near Nairobi National Park to hear about their fascinating lives (Felix was a highly regarded farmer and one of Kenya’s most respected businessmen; Jane was a former international ping-pong champion and has helped children in need with Mother Teresa) as well as gain invaluable insider info about Kenya and beyond. Micato is still a family-run a ff air, too, as the couple’s children hold senior positions within the company. Interestingly, Micato doesn’t own or operate any of the lodges where its guests stay — this means that guests’ needs are prioritized, and the camps and lodges are frequently evaluated by Micato’s safari directors to ensure each one is up to scratch. Micato also o ff ers a number of things that you won’t fi nd elsewhere, such as silver- or gold-level safari directors on every trip, a 24/7 concierge team, Wi-Fi pretty much everywhere (even on safari vehicles) and even custom-designed safari luggage — so you don’t really have to think of anything for yourself. Also, the services of East Africa’s famous Flying Doctors are included in every safari as part of Micato’s comprehensive Passenger Protection Program, ensuring that medical treatment and emergency transportation are available to guests. THE ONE TO BOOK Micato has been coordinating solo travel safaris for the last 50 years and, as such, is acutely attuned to their needs. There are a number of options depending on your style — opt for one of the classic safaris that have set departure dates and guarantee that you’ll be mingling with a small group. The Micato Grand Safari covers the savannahs of East Africa; Botswana’s Timeless Wilderness journeys through the country’s unique landscapes; and the Tanzania Spectacular heads to three of the planet’s richest animal kingdoms: the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and the Serengeti. All of the safaris can also be arranged as a single departure if you don’t want to join a group, or you can choose a custom private itinerary and design your very own dream safari. Contact Ariel Spodek, safari specialist, inquiries@micato.co.ke, +1 800 642 2861, micato.com

Photos Juliet Lemon/Abercrombie & Kent, Vadim Petrakov/Shutterstock.com, hansen.matthew.d/Shutterstock.com