Adventure Collection

A conversation with Dennis Pinto, New York-based Managing Director of Micato Safaris, which was started and is still run by his parents from Kenya.

 

DG: How did you first get into the safari business?

  

DP: My parents founded Micato Safaris in Kenya about 40 years ago, and as a boy I was forever tagging along into the bush with the guides. (This beat the other choice of collecting eggs on my Dad’s farm on the outskirts of Nairobi!)

  

But I was still many years away from joining the family business.  I left Kenya for America to attend Stanford University after being impressed with a group of Stanford students that we had brought on safari to study with Jane Goodall at Gombe Stream in Tanzania.  And after graduation, I spent six years in banking in Asia and Europe, which involved traveling about 300 days a year.  As a result, I had the opportunity to experience wonderful destinations and stay in world-class hotels, which led me to the realization that the traditional African safari experience was long on wildlife but short on a host of other features such as luxury, exploration, history, and most importantly, the human and cultural aspect.

  

Thus, I took a six-month sabbatical from banking to establish a Micato office in New York and help my parents craft a new style of safaris specifically for the American traveler — trips that were both educational and uniquely luxurious, providing the best that Africa has to offer in a safari experience.  That was about twenty years ago and our timing was perfect. Americans were just beginning to get keen about educational travel and delving beyond the surface of a destination while on vacation. The American market embraced our trips and Micato’s past travelers became our best salespeople via word of mouth recommendation

  

In the end, my six-month sabbatical at Micato turned into a 20-year commitment…and counting!  I joke that I joined the family business kicking and screaming but the truth is that I have the world’s greatest job. I live in New York City and work in Africa — what could be better?  Plus, I have the opportunity of working with my parents — a privilege one doesn’t appreciate until one has gained a certain age and wisdom. My parents have been incredible role models and mentors.  And working together has given us an additional benefit: Even though we live on different continents, we are very close and talk on the phone almost daily.  How fortunate I’ve been to have had an excuse, so to speak, to stay so connected to parents so far away.

   

What was the situation of African tourism and the safari industry/field in particular when you started?

  

In the early 1970s, most African countries — relying on advice from Western experts --saw mass tourism as a powerful generator of much-needed foreign exchange. This view influenced the development of the tourism industry.  Low-budget/high-volume tours, primarily from Europe, were seen as the optimum way to develop tourism quickly and easily.  The wider implications of how this decision might in due course impact the environment, wildlife conservation, tribal cultures, etc., however, weren’t fully thought out.

  

My parents, fortunately, never adopted this strategy.  Instead, for 40 years they focused Micato on low-impact, high-quality safaris. Additionally, their dedication to developing and training Africans as Micato’s managers and safari directors (instead of the former “great white hunter” style staff), has helped make Micato into the formidable and well-respected safari outfitter that it is today.

  

So, what was tourism like when I entered the business?  Suffice it to say that 20 years ago there were “luxury” lodges and camps, but now there are luxury lodges and camps!  Service was a scarce commodity 20 years ago (with the exception of Micato staff, of course!), and the idea of educating travelers was virtually nonexistent. Safaris were also very insulated back then; travelers had very little contact with local people and, ironically, even less contact with the out-of-doors. When we first offered our guests the opportunity to get out of the vehicle during a “regular” program and spend a few hours or the day on a “walking safari,” it was considered groundbreaking.  Only highly specialized, full-week “walking safaris” ever let people walk in the bush — no company offered it as an option on a “regular” safari.  And now that I think of it, no one else really offers it even today!

 

Tanzania has also changed enormously and for the better — 20 years ago our staff was carrying in our light bulbs and toilet paper for Micato guests. Now, of course, Tanzania offers some of the finest lodges in both East and southern Africa.  South Africa was also off-limits with apartheid in effect; there have been sea changes in the safari business in South Africa since apartheid ended.  

 

What was the typical safari in terms of destination covered and length of trip compared to safaris of today?

  

The two most important safari destinations have always been East Africa and southern Africa -- i.e., Botswana, the Victoria Falls region, and South Africa.  Once the Mandela government came to power in South Africa, Micato opened an office in Cape Town and embraced tourism in the region; until that point, however, we chose not to promote South Africa because of the country’s apartheid policies. 

  

In East Africa 20-plus years ago, most trips in the market ran for about three weeks, spending 6-8 hours driving between game parks, changing locations every 1-2 days.  It was a haul!  And if you think the roads are bad today, imagine their state back then.

  

Micato decided to go a different route.  Contrary to prevailing practice back then, we designed our trips to be two weeks long, to correspond with American vacation preferences. We programmed at least two, and often three, nights in each location to allow guests to relax and appreciate the area, which also prevented packing/unpacking fatigue.  And we flew guests between regions instead of driving.  Each flight was less than an hour long, eliminating 40-50 hours of driving that travelers were subjected to on other companies’ safaris.  Naturally it made our trips more expensive, but they were also more desirable to Americans who had limited time, widespread interests, a desire for comfort and willingness to spend more money on vacation than their European counterparts.

  

We also looked for ways to provide unique, authentic experiences.  For example, we put our travelers in contact with their local counterparts —teachers, doctors, lawyers, etc.  It was a great people-to-people experience.  We visited off-the-beaten-path locations instead of well-worn tourist sites, and frankly, this was easy because of our extensive use of private aircraft.

 

Additionally, we were the first company to use only Africans as safari directors and guides in total contrast to the “white hunter” image promoted by other safari companies.  And our guests loved the authenticity of being hosted by Africans.  An unexpected consequence of this was that we were also able to attract the best-of-the best African safari guides, plus the top graduates of prestigious African wildlife universities — all of whom now work exclusively for Micato.  

 

It’s also important to point out that Micato is not just a tour operator based in the United States.  We are also the local African operator, on the spot.  Having offices throughout Africa gives us a significant advantage over other U.S. safari companies who have to hire local African “ground operators” to run their safaris.  As one traveler said to me recently, “We were warned to expect things to go wrong in Africa, but they didn't know Micato!”   Being the people running the safaris in Africa as well as the people “selling” the safaris in the USA, it is our personal reputation on the line.  And being on the spot, we can make things happen, reverse decisions, adjust and/or “fix” situations immediately. 

 

We do our utmost to ensure the most effortless and pleasurable travel experience possible.

  

And being “locals” makes a huge difference.  My parents are Kenyan and have lived their entire life in Kenya, with a second home in Cape Town.  They are highly respected members of both communities with myriad contacts and friends, and they are happy to put these to good use for our travelers.

   

How has African tourism and the safari field changed over the years?

  

Did you know that the concept of luxurious adventure safaris in Africa was actually pioneered in the early 1960s by Lars-Eric Lindblad, Sven Lindblad’s father?

  

Back then Lars created the “wing safari” — the concept of using light aircraft to fly between game parks.  Lars actually bulldozed landing strips in many remote locations and trucked in the fuel for his planes. Refitting safari vehicles to hold half of their normal capacity was another Lindblad innovation.  At the time it was considered an unnecessary extravagance by the industry, yet guests loved the extra comfort and legroom.

  

When we opened Micato in New York, Lars was generous in his advice and we were the fortunate beneficiaries of his many years of wisdom and travel expertise.  Frankly, the man was a genius and Sven Lindblad has inherited his finest characteristics. 

  

Of course, the face of African tourism has changed greatly over the years and all for the better.  Luxurious camps and lodges now exist in both East and southern Africa.  Poaching has been virtually eliminated.  Infrastructure has been developed.  And, most importantly, African governments are acutely concerned about their natural resources, wildlife conservation and cultural heritage.  Not to mention that in a continent where unemployment is one of the biggest concerns, tourism provides millions of jobs.  Governments now clearly realize that tourism needs to be properly developed and maintained in order to be a successful, sustainable enterprise. 

  

Travelers, too, are also more discerning.  They want, and expect, more.  And, thanks to the Internet, they have better tools to evaluate their choice of safari outfitters.  At the same time, however, the Internet has made it easy for less-than-reputable operators to promote themselves, so travelers need to be very discriminating.  Anyone can look good on a well-designed web site.

   

What are Micato customers looking for?  How would you characterize your travelers?

  

Over the past 20 years, Micato travelers have been getting younger and younger.  They are intelligent, well read and concerned about the world.  They are more active, more demanding, with higher expectations than in the past, and are looking for value in their travel experiences.  

  

That said, a Micato strength is our ability to deliver individualized service.  Not everyone wants the same thing at the same time, in the same manner.  Our staff members are geniuses at deciphering how to best maximize travelers’ experiences, both in the planning stages of their trip as well as in the bush on safari. 

  

Which may help to explain why Micato has won, for an unprecedented four consecutive years, the Travel & Leisure “World’s Best Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter” award.  And our trips are a great value — we’ve also won the T&L award for the “World’s Best Value” for the last two years. Not only are we considered the best, this award says that Micato gives travelers the most for their money.

  

Interestingly, since being named “World’s Best Tour Operator” by Travel & Leisure, we’ve gained a new type of traveler:  the uber luxury traveler. While Micato guests have always been luxury travelers, our World’s Best title seems to have attracted a “Hollywood” extravagance-type crowd, from simply ultra-wealthy individuals to actual Hollywood movie stars.  This crowd flies to Africa on private jets and travels on meticulously customized safari itineraries with a plethora of special events and extra staff.  This group has been a very exciting addition to the Micato repertoire.  We’ve been able to go wild designing our most outrageous safari fantasies, and then make them come true!

  

Additionally, for about the last 15 years, Micato has also been chosen by the finest cruise lines in the world to operate safaris for their guests.  Silversea Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Regent, for example, have appointed us as their exclusive outfitter. When their ships are sailing in our area of the world, their passengers traditionally travel on a custom-designed safari before or after the cruise; in addition, we are responsible for the operational needs of the passengers departing and joining the ship from flights to hotel arrangements, transfers between locations and that sort of thing.  Cruise ship handling is very complicated — their requirements are extensive and very staff intensive.

   

What are the hallmarks or distinguishing features of Micato's trips?

  

Over and over again, people talk about Micato’s personal touch.  My parents are very involved, meeting travelers, popping up at lunch here, dinner there, at hotel check-in, at the airport, everywhere!  Additionally, Micato travelers are invited to my parents’ home for cocktails and dinner — a real hallmark and a great highlight. Often my parents will also invite some of their friends and neighbors to join the party; it’s a unique and wonderful experience for travelers to meet locals in such a manner, at a cocktail party in a private home in an upscale, exotic neighborhood.  It’s always a lovely evening where friendships are forged between travelers and locals alike.  

  

Micato is well-known for my parent’s hospitality at their home, but recently I’ve noticed that a few other safari companies are taking a page from our book and offering cocktails at the home of their company’s owners — but the difference is the owners aren’t there!  They just use the house like a restaurant, which isn’t quite the same thing….

  

To quote Travel & Leisure, “Micato Safaris’ edge is personal warmth.  The Pinto family run their show as though they were entertaining well-loved, out-of-town relatives.”

  

Another distinguishing feature is that Micato trips are all-inclusive.  We’ve tried to anticipate the needs of every traveler and factor them into our itinerary design, from meals at the well-known restaurants that everyone asks about, to the inclusion of all tips. We even provide our travelers with postcards and stamps so they don’t have to waste time deciphering postage rates.  Recently the New York Times published an article about the “new” Nairobi, listing the best things to do and see in the city.  And I’m happy to report that virtually all of those things have been included in Micato programs for years!

  

Have a look at pages 48-49 of our brochure to see just how comprehensive our trips are.  And when one factors in the cost of all those elements, it is clear why our trips are also considered such an incredible value.

  

An additional important feature is that we guarantee all of our departures, not just a select few as others do.  Once you’ve paid your deposit, your departure is guaranteed to operate even if you are the only person registered for the trip.  Many other safari companies guarantee only a few departures, which doesn’t mean much if you’re on one of the trips that has been cancelled a few weeks before departure!

   

What are your proudest accomplishments to date?

  

Many years ago my father instituted a “no lay-off” policy at Micato in Africa, which means that we maintain our full contingent of staff in both good times and bad.  In Africa the line between survival and poverty is exceedingly thin and our staff need and appreciate this consideration.  We are very loyal to them and in return, they are very loyal to the company -- which makes Micato a unique and wonderful workplace. We employ several hundred people and indirectly support several thousand more.  It is a cause of great personal satisfaction.

  

AmericaShare, Micato’s nonprofit arm, is also one of our proudest accomplishments.  Each and every day, Micato travelers and staff help change the lives of children who have been orphaned by the AIDS pandemic.  And we do this through friendship, love and financial sponsorship, allowing us to rescue these children — living in overcrowded orphanages, or ten to a room with an elderly relative, or worse, abandoned to the streets — and place them in good boarding schools or in loving and nurturing environments.

  

Today, AmericaShare is also building homes, sinking wells for fresh water (a rare commodity in Africa), financing food projects, establishing a pediatric mobile health clinic and embarking on a host of other groundbreaking endeavors. 

  

And I’m proud to say that Micato travelers have been just wonderful -- generous, caring and involved.  They seem to truly appreciate the opportunity to do more on safari than just “leave footprints.”  Their lives have been deeply touched through their involvement with these sweet, vulnerable children.  It’s been an overwhelming and life-changing experience for all of us.

  

Another proud accomplishment?  I would be remiss if I failed to say that being named the “World’s Best Tour Operator and Safari Operators” by the readers of Travel & Leisure for an unprecedented four consecutive years is an accomplishment that all of us at Micato are proud of, and a wonderful tribute to our superb staff.  While we’ve won other awards, this honor has been particularly significant.  As you might expect, with such a lofty title as “World’s Best,” traveler’s expectations of Micato have been raised very high, which in turn, has helped us to reassess and elevate our services to an even higher level as well.

   

What are the principle challenges facing you and the safari industry today?

  

This question requires a multi-dimensional answer, with each dimension involving the future of Africa itself.

  

On the one hand, revenues from safari travelers keep wildlife areas from being ploughed over to grow wheat, corn and other cash crops, yet it is these same travelers who contribute to the degradation of the environment, dilution of local culture and erosion of traditional values.  It is a balancing act and a constant struggle.

  

A long-debated question is, who gets to share in these tourism revenues?  Farmers whose crops have been trampled by wildlife need a share; poachers who hunt endangered wildlife in order to feed their starving families need to be part of the equation; tribesmen who have historically grazed on what are now protected wildlife lands also need consideration.  In short, there are dozens of valid, vested interests vying for their fair share of the tourism pie. 

  

And, of course, there is the AIDS pandemic and the workforce is being decimated.  Not only is there a need for basic education about AIDS, but there is an enormous need for medication and food.  Without food one cannot take the antiretroviral medication to combat the virus.  AmericaShare has micro-financed a food mill that supports over 100 families, many of whom are stricken with AIDS.  It has been so successful that we have just purchased a second mill.

   

What's next for Micato? Do you have any significant changes or additions planned?

  

Did you know that Micato has had an office in India for fifteen years?   It has been a well-kept secret that is now out of the bag!  We’ve traditionally offered a select array of special Indian programs to a limited clientele.  Over the years we’ve resisted requests to make these trips available to a wider audience, but in 2008 for the first time, we will publicly offer Micato experiences in India.

  

Back in Africa, we’ll also be offering gorilla tracking in Rwanda next year.  America’s favourite zoo director and wildlife specialist, Jack Hanna, is a good friend of ours and is helping us design terrific programs in Rwanda where he has recently spent a great deal of time and even has a home. Our planning staff has been scouting the region for the past year and we’re very excited about its possibilities.

  

Private jets around Africa are also on the immediate horizon. Our pilot trips were very successful — my children certainly loved them and it was hard getting them used to flying coach again!  We’ve ironed out some of the teething problems, such as the lions who like to lie in the shade of the aircraft wings, and we’re ready to go!

  

In the meantime, we’re offering some great new programs in East Africa this year.  Our Private Africa trip has been incredibly popular, while the Micato Bespoke Collection of small, boutique properties on huge expanses of wildlife-rich land, also resonates well with today’s active luxury traveler. Our new Hemingway Wing Safari in East Africa has been extremely well received, while in southern Africa, our enhanced “Travel & Leisure World’s Best Safari” featuring only camps and lodges on the World’s Best list, has been a stellar success. 

  

Nothing stays still at Micato!  Since my parents and field staff live and experience the product every day, they are always fine-tuning and enriching our trips.  There is nothing like hands-on owners to give travelers an unbeatable experience.

 

So what’s next?  I’ll be spending a good part of the summer on safari with my wife and family — my parents and sisters will join us for various parts of the trip — and out of our personal adventures often come the inspiration for future Micato adventures.  Stay tuned!    

 

 

For more information on Micato Safaris, visit Micato.com.