Check Luxury Safari Off Your Bucket List: East Africa with Micato Safaris

Hot-air balloon over the Maasai Mara with Hot Air Safaris:

An early wake-up call awaits as you venture out before sunrise to your Micato Safari vehicle to head over to the take-off location point. Take in the golden magic of Africa as the sun rises over the vast sky of the Maasai Mara. Once boarded into your balloon, enjoy the peacefulness as you drift up and over untouched land where the wildlife moves about their morning. Depending on wind patterns, see where your balloon takes you as you marvel at nature's wonders from above. Hot air safaris are a wonderful way to get aerial photography and video footage to compliment your photography on land. Upon landing your balloon, enjoy a Champagne brunch in the middle of the Maasai Mara before boarding your safari vehicle for a game drive on the way back to camp.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Nairobi):

While in Nairobi, visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a must! SWT is a nonprofit organization and world leaders in the rescue and rewilding of orphaned African elephants and rhinos, working across Kenya to secure a future for all wildlife. Every day, from 11 am - noon, SWT invites visitors to book a space to join the orphaned elephants at their midday mud bath and milk feed at their orphanage in Nairobi National Park. Thanks to Micato Safaris' support of this organization, advanced booking reservations can be added to any Micato Itinerary. Pro tip: Adopt an orphan to give back and stay connected and follow along their journey!

Giraffe Centre (Nairobi)

The Giraffe Centre is the creation of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya), a Kenyan non-profit organization. The center's main purpose is to educate Kenyan school children and youth on their country’s wildlife and environment, as well as give local and international visitors an opportunity to come into close contact with the world’s tallest species, the giraffe. Located next to the ever so famous Giraffe Manor, you won't want to miss this special visit! Pro tip: Be sure to ask an educator for food pellets to engage and feed them as you get up close. To get even closer, go up to the Feeding Platform. Don’t leave without getting a kiss!

Micato-America Share Harambee Centre (Nairobi)

A visit to the Harambee Centre will touch your heart. Located in Mukuru (one of Nairobi's largest slums), lies the multi-building oasis to provide a calm and stable environment for local children to learn. Be sure to work with your travel advisor to see first-hand the impact you can have on a child's life!

Karen Blixen Museum (Nairobi)

The Karen Blixen Museum, located in a suburb outside of Nairobi, Kenya, "at the foot of the Ngong Hills", is the former African home of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her 1937 book Out of Africa which chronicles life at the estate. Explore the estate just how she left it and admire the well kept grounds. Pro tip: Download the movie or book "Out of Africa" for your international flight!

Day trip

Many guests wish to add extensions to their Micato Safari East Africa itinerary. Top recommended extensions include:

• Giraffe Manor: An iconic property where its resident herd of Nubian/Rothschild’s giraffes may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows of guest rooms and hotel common areas in the hope of a treat. One of the most memorable hotel experiences in the world!

• One & Only Gorilla's Nest (Fora Reserve/Virtuoso): Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. An intimate collection of 21 lodges and suites, swathed in eucalyptus and volcano views is the epitome of luxury where pampering meets adventure. Make sure to book an extra day (or two) to enjoy the special property outside of trekking excursions.

Micato Safaris are all-inclusive so the majority of dining is dependent on hotels/camps/lodges restaurants on property per each itinerary. Micato carefully picks only the top rated safari lodges to work with, ensuring all culinary experiences and wine pairings do not disappoint. While on safari with Micato, guests can expect fabulous dining at camp as well as culinary experiences in the bush. Sundowner experiences are a right of passage while on safari.

The Talisman (Nairobi)

The food of East Africa is a force to be reckoned with. The Talisman (think gastropub with an eclectic twist) is a must try located in the suburb of Karen, just outside of Nairobi. A great spot to dine after exploring the Karen Blixen museum. Start with the feta and coriander samosas shared plate or beef carpaccio. Fun fact: Kenya is a major exporter of sweet peas, runner beans, Asian vegetables, avocados and mangoes offering vegetarian options galore.

Cultiva Kenya (Karen, Nairobi)

Cultiva Kenya's commitment to farm-to-table dining is reflected in every facet of their business. Cultiva meticulously grows heirloom organic crops and practices sustainable agriculture to ensure unparalleled quality and freshness in every ingredient used for your dish. The beetroot salad was delightful!