A Journey Through Kenya: My Micato Safari Adventure
Traveling to Kenya with Micato Safaris - especially with my two daughters, in honor of an upcoming milestone birthday - is an experience I’ll treasure forever. I’ve visited more than 70 countries, yet going on safari in Africa remains my absolute favorite type of travel. On this trip, my daughters finally got to experience the magic for themselves, and understand why it has such a special place in my heart. Read on the catch a glimpse into our trip!
Nairobi: A Joyful Beginning Before the Bush
Before we even set foot in the bush, we spent several days in Nairobi. This time allowed us to immerse ourselves in the city’s culture, conservation work, and incredible food scene. It was the perfect beginning to our adventure.
We settled into the beautiful Villa Rosa Kempinski, an ideal home base for exploring the city. Some of our favorite experiences during our time in Nairobi included:
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Meeting the orphaned elephants is always deeply moving. Each rescue story is a reminder of the compassion and commitment behind Kenya’s most beloved conservation organizations.
Giraffe Centre
Coming eye-to-eye with the charismatic Rothschild giraffes is a delight. These gentle giants have a unique charm, and feeding them is a moment of pure joy.
Nairobi National Park
Only in Nairobi can you spot lions against a backdrop of skyscrapers - and we did. It was the first of many lion sightings on our trip.
Kobe Tough & Kazuri Beads
We had the privilege of learning about the incredible women who create beautiful, intricate beadwork. Hearing how their craft supports their families and communities was a highlight of our time in the city.
African Dance Class & Delicious Meals
A burst of rhythm, laughter, and Nairobi’s fantastic dining scene added fun and flavor to our days.
Amboseli: Elephants, Open Plains & The Majesty of Kilimanjaro
Our time in Nairobi set the tone for the journey ahead, and now we were ready to head into the bush!
Our safari began in Amboseli National Park, famous for its sweeping elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. We stayed at Tawi Lodge, a cozy and warm retreat perfectly positioned by a natural watering hole. With the iconic peak of Kilimanjaro in full view, watching wildlife wander in for a drink throughout the day was pure magic.
Our sightings at Amboseli included:
Large families of elephants
Giraffe, buffalo, flamingos, and countless birds
Lions and cheetahs
Wide, open plains glowing in the morning light
It’s the kind of place that slows your heart rate and fills you with peace.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: Conservation in Action & Rare Wildlife
Next, we flew north to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, where conservation isn’t just a philosophy - it’s woven into daily life. Lewa is a protected area in northern Kenya dedicated to safeguarding endangered species - especially black rhinos and Grevy’s zebras. It is a model conservation landscape known for its strong anti-poaching programs, thriving wildlife populations, and community-centered initiatives that fund education, healthcare, water access, and livelihoods.
Our stay at Lewa Safari Camp offered tranquility and front-row insight into one of Africa’s great conservation success stories.
Our sightings here included:
Both black and white rhinos (in incredible numbers, a testament to Lewa's dedicated protection efforts)
Grevy’s zebra
Reticulated giraffe
Somali ostrich
Evenings were golden and unhurried, illuminated by the soft, unmistakable light that Africa seems to save just for herself.
Masai Mara: Wildlife Heaven at Olare Mara Kempinski
Our final stop was the legendary Masai Mara, where we stayed in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy at Olare Mara Kempinski. The camp was beautifully run and filled with some of the warmest, kindest people you could hope to meet.
The wildlife was extraordinary:
Countless lions
Cheetahs on the hunt
Majestic elephants
Graceful giraffes
Topi, gazelles, and abundant birdlife
Two elusive serval cats
A stunning leopard resting in a tree
A sunrise hot-air balloon ride added even more magic, drifting above the plains as the Mara came alive beneath us.
With far fewer vehicles than the main reserve, our encounters felt intimate, quiet, and incredibly special.
Why Traveling With Micato Is Exceptional
Having traveled with several safari companies over the years, I can say without hesitation that Micato is in a class of its own. Their personal attention, warmth, and seamless logistics redefine what a hosted journey should feel like.
One of the things I love most is having a Micato Safari Director who greets you at the airport and stays with you for the entire trip. This creates a wonderful sense of ease, continuity, and genuine connection. What stood out most was their genuine hospitality—you are not just a guest, but a friend. Every detail is handled so smoothly that the whole trip feels effortless. From surprise bush breakfasts to unforgettable sundowners, they add a sense of celebration to each day.
Micato’s commitment to giving back is, in many ways, the heart of what makes them so special. For every safari they sell, they send a child to school. We had the opportunity to visit some of their community projects, like the Huru program providing hygiene kits to keep girls in school and the Harambee Centre’s library. Seeing this impact firsthand adds a layer of meaning that is hard to put into words.
The Trip That Stays With You
This journey reminded me of everything I love about Africa: the wildlife, the incredible hospitality of its people, the vast landscapes, the food, and that feeling of deep calm that settles in the moment you arrive.
If you are considering a safari - whether for a milestone celebration, a family adventure, or the trip of a lifetime - I would be honored to help you plan an experience that is just as meaningful and unforgettable. I work with many amazing safari companies to meet many interests & budgets - so I can help design the perfect trip for you!
PS - check out the full gallery of photos from our trip here!