Expeditions · Safari Duel · 2026
Roar Africa vs Micato: two ultra-luxury outfitters
Two of the most rarefied names in bespoke African travel — one a women-led private-jet specialist, the other a ten-time World's Best safari outfitter run by one family. Here's the 10-second answer.
By Richard Jasinski · Updated July 2026 · Both are made-to-measure; prices are indicative
The verdict, in one line
Roar Africa wins on singular set-pieces — a women-led house famous for its Emirates private-jet safari and access at the very top of the market. Micato wins on consistency and service depth — a family firm voted the world's best safari outfitter ten times, with unusually personal ground handling.
Choose Roar Africa if…
- You want the headline experience — the Emirates Executive private-jet "Greatest Safari on Earth", from roughly $125k–175k+ per person
- A woman-founded, woman-led house matters to you (Deborah Calmeyer)
- You want a curated pick of the best third-party lodges rather than a single brand
- Budget is not the constraint and the trip is a once-in-a-lifetime set-piece
Choose Micato if…
- Track record is the point — Travel + Leisure's #1 safari outfitter a record ten times
- You value hyper-personal service: a Micato director often meets you on arrival
- Philanthropy is built in — every safari funds a child's education via AmericaShare
- You want a seasoned family firm (the Pintos) handling every detail on the ground
Price a comparable luxury safari
Neither house is bookable through us. To gauge the going rate for a trip of this calibre, compare real per-person prices from the current catalogue.
Quick answers
Which is more expensive, Roar Africa or Micato?
Both sit at the very top of the market and price on application. Roar Africa's headline Emirates private-jet safari runs from roughly $125,000 to $175,000-plus per person, which is among the highest published safari prices anywhere; Micato's bespoke trips are ultra-high-end but quoted per itinerary.
What is Roar Africa best known for?
Its women-led ethos under founder Deborah Calmeyer, and the "Greatest Safari on Earth" — a fully curated journey aboard an Emirates Executive private jet that has been billed as the world's most expensive safari.
Why does Micato win so many awards?
Micato has topped Travel + Leisure's World's Best Safari Outfitter list a record ten times, largely on service depth: a family director often greets guests personally and the ground handling is unusually hands-on.
Does either give back?
Yes. Micato's AmericaShare foundation directs a portion of every safari to educating a child in Kenya, and Roar Africa weights its itineraries towards conservation-led camps and community projects.
Do they own their own lodges?
No. Both are outfitters rather than lodge owners — they design the itinerary and book the finest third-party camps, which is why the same property can appear in trips from either house.
Which should I pick for a first ultra-luxury safari?
Micato, usually — the personal service and long track record make a first big trip low-risk. Choose Roar Africa when the private-jet set-piece itself is the reason for the journey.
Disclosure. Some links are affiliate links; Uncompromised Travel may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Neither Roar Africa nor Micato is bookable through us — pricing links point to comparable luxury safaris. Prices are indicative 2026 figures — confirm at booking. Verdicts are independent of commercial relationships.