For 55 years now, Micato Safaris, which has its roots firmly anchored in Kenya, has been at the forefront of luxurious leisure travel and has high-ranking celebrities and politicians as part of its clientele.
So far, the company has offered its services to the family of former US President George W. Bush, former US Presidential contender Hillary Clinton, as well as high-ranking Hollywood, stars Natalie Portman and Spike Lee.
So classy are the company's services that Travel+Leisure Magazine, the world-leading travel publication has ranked it on its annual list of the world's best safari outfitters every year since the awards' inception - roughly 10 years ago.
With its presence on three continents now, its founders, Felix Pinto and Jane Pinto, have, however, maintained their residential home in Nairobi's leafy suburbs of Lavington.
Micato Safaris was founded in 1966 by Felix and his wife who, at the time, were the most highly-regarded farmers in the country.
According to Anastasia 'Anna' Pinto, Felix's daughter who serves as the company's executive director, her parents started the company with the aim of treating their guests like family.
"When my parents, Felix and Jane Pinto, founded Micato Safaris more than 55 years ago in Africa, their only business plan was to treat guests like family, an approach Travel + Leisure recognized when they wrote ‘Micato Safaris’ edge is personal warmth.
"The Pinto family run their show as though they were entertaining well-loved, out-of-town relatives.’ To this end, Micato’s safaris are fully inclusive," she stated in an interview with Forbes Magazine.
The founding family is said to have a special love for the country and has carried their business with the values in mind with guests' praises highlighting treatment from the staff members.
Felix and Jane have continued being a part of the company and are always available to consult with guests at any time about whatever they may want or need.
"Only Micato offers a wonder-working Concierge Team on safari, available in person or phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from just about anywhere a Micato safari will take you, from deep in the bush to downtown Nairobi. They’re poised to meet last-minute, unexpected, and unusual requests," reads a statement about the company from its website.
Anna, who is the company's steward who is based in Los Angeles and acquired her education from St. Lawrence University, started her career in Hospitality with Hyatt Hotels in the South Pacific.
In its 55-year-history, Micato Safaris has also been a 5-time winner Condé Nast Traveler's World Savers Awards for Education and Doing It All. It has also earned a World Tourism Award presented by the New York Times.
The late Canadian-American TV host Alex Trebek, who was Micato's client, praised the company for its first-class treatment.
“You expect first-class treatment from Micato and that’s exactly what you get. What makes Micato even more special is the attention to detail in the added touches, the welcoming dinners, the little gifts from Felix and Jane along the way, and the extra care taken with our children," stated Trebek.
Other stars who have used the service include Heidi Klum and Blair Underwood known for his role in the TV show 'Quantico.'
