Welcome to another episode of the Luxury Travelers podcast, hosted by Rodney George. Today, Rodney is joined by Anna Pinto of Micato Safaris, recognized as the number-one safari operator by Travel + Leisure for ten consecutive years. In this episode, Anna offers an insider’s perspective on what makes Micato a top choice for luxury safaris, from her Kenyan upbringing to the personalized, immersive experiences travelers can expect. With adventures ranging from hot air balloon breakfasts among wildlife to horseback riding alongside zebras, Micato’s safaris bring guests closer to Africa’s natural wonders. Anna also highlights Micato’s meaningful "one-for-one" program, which funds education for a child in need for every guest who travels with them, creating a lasting impact in Kenyan communities.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:01] Anna describes why Micato Safaris has been named #1 in Travel and Leisure Magazine for consecutive years
[3:04] Anna shares her childhood growing up in Kenya
[7:42] Anna discusses how Micato Safaris has evolved
[10:07] The Micato Safari experience - what to expect
[13:53] A typical safari day
[19:29] What luxuries Micato offers and all tips are included
[22:37] Anna explains their philanthropic effort of educating children

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Kenya has a significant role in global food exports, particularly in mushroom production, where it is ranked as the world’s largest exporter. During COVID-19, Kenya prioritized food exports by keeping borders open for produce shipments to Europe, highlighting its role as a vital food supplier. Locally, farming families also supplied essential foods like mushrooms, vegetables, eggs, milk, pork, and beef—supporting European and Kenyan communities.
A Mikado Safaris offers a range of immersive activities beyond traditional animal site-seeing drives, including hot air balloon rides with breakfast in the wild, horseback riding alongside zebras and giraffes, and hiking and biking through breathtaking landscapes. These unique experiences allow guests to engage closely with the animals, who are often as curious about visitors as we are about them.
Mikado Safaris has a powerful "one-for-one" program in its African philanthropic efforts. For every guest that travels with Mikado, they sponsor the education of a child who otherwise wouldn’t have access to schooling. Through this initiative, thousands of children have been educated. To witness the impact firsthand, guests are invited to visit AmericaShare, Mikado’s nonprofit organization. AmericaShare has established a library and a computer center with over 100 computers, providing clean drinking water for the local community. The organization also supports students through employment, helping create lasting change in Kenyan communities.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Micato Safaris - Website

Anna Pinto - X

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Anna Pinto

Anastasia “Anna” Pinto serves as executive director of Micato Safaris, a family-owned company founded by her parents in Kenya. She’s the second generation of amazing Micato women, as her mother Jane, who represented Kenya in the Olympics in table tennis, is also still involved as a founder and often welcomes Micato guests for meals in her Nairobi home (and still sits on the board of the International Table Tennis Federation). A Southern Californian, Anna spends her days as the West Coast face of Micato, heading up its worldwide sales efforts and logging countless air hours traveling the globe on the company’s behalf. Her background is set firmly in the hospitality business, having been an executive with Hyatt Hotels in both the South Pacific and North America. Anna was born and raised in Kenya, spending her undergraduate years in the U.S. at St. Lawrence University in the beautiful Adirondacks of New York.