Reviews

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Amrita D   –  
India IN
Visited: October 2024 Reviewed: Oct 24, 2024

Email Amrita D  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Highly recommend for a once-in-a-lifetime African safari experience
5/5

I recently had the pleasure of booking a once-in-a-lifetime African safari through Meektrails Safaris, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we reached out to inquire about safari options, Pauline was attentive, and eager to craft a tailored itinerary that fit our interests, budget, and timeline.

We wanted a mix of luxury lodges and authentic tented camps, with opportunities to see the Big Five, experience local culture, and relax at the end of the day. Pauline had created a perfect balance between adventure and comfort.

The guide cum driver Anthony during our safari was phenomenal. He was not only experts in wildlife spotting but also had deep knowledge of the ecosystems and the behaviors of animals. His ability to track elusive species like leopards and cheetahs was astonishing. He also prioritized ethical wildlife viewing, ensuring that we maintained a respectful distance from the animals and did not disturb their natural behaviors.

The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the wildlife. We saw everything from herds of elephants and prides of lions to rare sightings like black rhinos, wild cat & many birds. Even we saw the big 5 several times.

The accommodations provided by the agency exceeded our expectations. From luxury lodges nestled in the Masai Mara to intimate camp with the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro , each place had its unique charm. Some of the lodges offered breathtaking views, delicious meals, excellent service and an immersive experience in the heart of nature.

We were provided a 4*4 Land Cruiser for both of us which was comfortable enough. Every detail was taken care of. We felt safe and well-supported throughout the trip. Thanks to Pauline & Anthony!

Meektrails Safaris made our African safari a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
Their attention to detail, expert knowledge, and passion for Africa’s wildlife and landscapes truly set them apart. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a curated, stress-free, and deeply enriching safari experience. We’ll definitely be booking with them again for our next African adventure!

Connie   –  
Italy IT
Visited: September 2024 Reviewed: Oct 26, 2024

Email Connie  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Fabulous experience with the best guide
5/5

If you are planning to go to Kenya for a Safari do not hesitate to contact them. Safaris personalized down to the smallest details. Our guide, Joseph, an expert driver, excellent professional and a person with excellent qualities. We could not ask for better

(automatic translation from Italian)

Rory   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: October 2024 Reviewed: Oct 26, 2024

Email Rory  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Fantastic! An experience we will never forget.
5/5

We went on Safari in October 2024 with Meektrails and we were looked after by Peter. He was an excellent tour guide with detailed knowledge of all the animals. We were always in the right place at the right time and saw all of the animals we wanted to see including a pair of male cheetahs hunting and killing a baby topi. Peter also had a great sense of humour and kept us laughing and entertained throughout our safari. A once in a lifetime experience we will never forget!

Alessandro   –  
Italy IT
Visited: October 2024 Reviewed: Oct 27, 2024

Email Alessandro  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

7 Days Private tour 4x4 Minivan
4/5

We recently embarked on a remarkable 7-day private tour that took us from Nairobi to Ambroseli, Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Nakuru, and finally the renowned Masai Mara National Park before heading back to Nairobi. For our travels, we opted for a comfortable 4x4 minivan, which was perfect for the two of us. However, if you are traveling with a larger group, you may want to consider how everyone’s luggage will fit.

The roads connecting the parks primarily consist of one lane in each direction, often congested with truck traffic and occasionally in poor condition. As a result, expect a driving time of around 5 hours or more between parks.

Our accommodations were delightful. We particularly enjoyed the Sopa Lodge in Amboseli and Mara Kimana near Masai Mara, which stood out as top-notch options. The food served at the lodges was consistently delicious, except for the packed breakfasts and picnics. The Amboseli Sopa Lodge even features a restaurant within the park, offering meals that rival those at the lodge. It's worth noting that none of the lodges are located directly inside the parks, which necessitates a 20 to 30-minute drive to reach the park gates. This can slightly cut into your time for early morning game drives.

We scheduled our safari for the last week of October, just after the Great Migration had concluded, leaving only a few animals in the tail group heading towards the Serengeti. Nevertheless, we were fortunate enough to witness a diverse array of wildlife, with the exception of leopards.

Regarding the organization of our trip, there were moments of miscommunication between the office, our guide, and ourselves concerning the itinerary, activities, and special requests. This did leave us with a sense of disappointment. However, our driver/guide, Philip, was knowledgeable about the wildlife and local culture. He was also accommodating to our needs, such as arranging early game drives offering us his personal binocular (the company told us there were going to be binoculars available for both) and adjusting activities that had been unexpectedly canceled.

One particular activity we experienced but probably avoidable was a walking safari with the Masai Warriors, which began in a traditional Masai village located along the main road to Masai Mara NP. Here, we were provided with insights into construction techniques, cultural practices, and the local way of life. While there were attempts to sell artisan crafts (including a stick and a piece of wood used for old fashioned way of starting the fire for just 20 USD), we found the experience somewhat lacking in terms of genuine information and wildlife encounters. The walking safari took us through an area behind the village where we primarily observed Masai cattle, a few rats, and wild chickens, along with brief lessons about two plant species and a chance to use a traditional Masai bow and arrow. If you’re hoping to see zebras or giraffes during this activity, you may want to manage your expectations.

Lastly, we spent only one full day in the Masai Mara. Our guide did offer us the option to extend our visit for an additional half day before returning to Nairobi, which would require a new entry fee of $200 USD each.

In conclusion, our safari experience was indeed wonderful. With this review, I aim to highlight a few key points for future travelers, ensuring they have a clearer understanding of what to expect when signing up for such an adventure.

Rapheephan Nattheeraphong   –  
Thailand TH
Visited: October 2024 Reviewed: Oct 30, 2024

Email Rapheephan Nattheeraphong  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Great experience with my first game drive.
5/5

I contacted different travel agency but Meektrails Safari give me a good deal plus very responsive. We pay deposit first then when we arrive we pay the rest. It is my first time in Africa and it makes me feel so good. I feel more energize in the nature surrounding with animals and local people. Definitely recommend this company.

Chris Seen   –  
Australia AU
Visited: October 2024 Reviewed: Nov 2, 2024

Email Chris Seen  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Superb - Amazing Kenya
5/5

Valentine at Meektrails provided us with our personalized 11 Day Kenya Safari with our driver Anthony.
The life and challenges of Kenya were evident from the first day with our road trip from Nairobi to Tsavo West.
Anthony looked after us over the 11 days getting us through the parks and up close and personal with the wildlife.
On queue each time was "if only there was a .... " and then there it would be. We had top weather throughout as we moved from Tsavo to Amboseli then the road trip back to Lake Navaisha, Hells Gates, Lake Nukuru and then down to Masai Mara. Just when there was something special one day that you thought would be the memorable moment the next day would bring something better. Combined with the park experiences was the accommodation and the food at the end of each day - great hospitality and comfy beds. An experience of a lifetime seeing the Big 5 and more. The birdlife is incredible with their variety, colours and number. Anthony made sure that I had time for my photography and went over and above to position the vehicle for the best vantage points. As with another review he respected the space of the animals unlike others who went, in my opinion, too close. I would highly recommend Meektrails as an authentic, trustworthy and reliable safari provider who delivered as they promised. There is always uncertainty dealing online internationally not knowing how legitimate a supplier may be. Meektrails delivered. My photos tell the story more than words. Copyright over photos

Frank   –  
Spain ES
Visited: June 2024 Reviewed: Nov 3, 2024

Email Frank  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Exceptional Kenyan Safari Experience - Highly Recommended!
5/5

In June we, a group of 4, did an outstanding 5-day safari through Kenya's finest wildlife destinations, and I couldn't be more impressed with the entire experience. This review covers our journey through Nakuru, Masai Mara, and Naivasha.

Communication & Booking: ★★★★★
The booking process was flawless. Paul, our contact person, was exceptionally responsive and professional. His immediate responses to all inquiries made the planning process smooth and stress-free.
Initially, we were hesitant about including Lake Nakuru in our itinerary, but it was definitely worth the visit and fit perfectly into the schedule.

Guide & Vehicle: ★★★★★
Our guide James was a true professional - quiet but incredibly competent. His extensive knowledge of the area and wildlife, combined with his ability to quickly spot and track animals, gave us an edge over other groups. We were particularly impressed by his skill in positioning us ahead of wildlife movements, resulting in spectacular viewing opportunities. The vehicle itself, a Land Cruiser, was in pristine condition and proved to be an excellent choice. Pro tip: Avoid the minivans - we saw several broken down during our trip.

Wildlife Experience: ★★★★½
We were fortunate to encounter almost every animal on our wishlist, with the elusive leopard being the only exception. James's expertise in tracking and timing meant we often arrived at sightings before other vehicles, providing unobstructed views and great photo opportunities. The diversity of wildlife and landscapes across the three locations offered a comprehensive Kenyan safari experience.

Accommodation: ★★★★★
Our stay at the Zebra Plains Tented Camp exceeded expectations. Despite being 30 minutes from the Masai Mara National Park entrance, the slight distance was a non-issue. The camp offered a perfect blend of authentic safari atmosphere and luxury glamping comfort. The food was consistently good, adding to the overall experience.

Value for Money: ★★★★★
As a group of four, we found the pricing very reasonable for the quality of service received.

The decision to use a Land Cruiser instead of a minivan was particularly valuable - we saw several groups losing precious safari time due to broken-down minivans.

What Could Be Better:
- The 30-minute drive to the park entrance might be an issue for some, though we found it manageable
- Missing the leopard sighting (though this is nature, and can't be guaranteed)

Overall Verdict:
This safari experience exceeded our expectations in almost every way. From the initial booking process through to the final departure, the attention to detail and level of service was outstanding. The combination of James's expert guiding, comfortable accommodation, and well-maintained vehicle made for an unforgettable adventure. Lake Nakuru, which we initially wanted to skip, turned out to be a wonderful addition to our itinerary.

Ravi   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: October 2024 Reviewed: Nov 6, 2024

Email Ravi  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

An amazing trip organised and executed by an amazing company
5/5

We entrusted Meektrails to organise our 8-day safari across Kenya based off their good reviews on the internet. It is safe to say they did not disappoint.

Anthony, our guide, was excellent. He was knowledgeable, kind, understanding, funny and always in control. I cannot thank him enough.

The 4x4 was very new and in great condition which is very important given you spend a lot of time in there.

Pauline was our contact for booking the trip. She was readily available to answer questions and planned a great trip for us.

We had lots of fun, and highly recommend Meektrails to all who want to safari in Kenya.

Sarah   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: October 2024 Reviewed: Nov 7, 2024

Email Sarah  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

An Unforgettable Safari Experience with our Exceptional Guide Antony
5/5

From the very beginning, Meektrails exceeded our expectations with their professionalism and warm, personalized service. Eliud was incredibly responsive during the planning process, accommodating all our requests with patience and flexibility. No matter how many adjustments we made, he consistently worked with us to shape a tour that was exactly as we’d envisioned. By the time we received the final itinerary, it was perfectly crafted, and the tour itself unfolded seamlessly.

The actual safari experience, however, was even more incredible, largely thanks to our outstanding guide, Antony. From the first day, Antony was more than just a guide—he became a trusted friend, making us feel safe, comfortable, and valued at every step.

With decades of safari experience, Antony’s expertise was evident from the start. Not only did he help us spot all of the Big Five, but he also introduced us to an astonishing array of other wildlife, turning each game drive into an exciting adventure. His deep knowledge of animal behaviors added a rich layer of understanding that made our safari immersive and engaging. His familiarity with the terrain and hidden trails allowed us closer, more intimate encounters with wildlife, navigating us efficiently and smoothly even through winding, remote paths. Antony seemed to have a mental map of Kenya that even Google Maps couldn’t match. His highly trained driving skills meant that we were able to really get ahead even in the worst of traffic jams packed with large trucks. We were able to capture amazing videos and photos, thanks to his skillful navigation and expert timing.

One of Antony’s most remarkable qualities is his commitment to sharing an authentic Kenyan experience. Beyond the wildlife, he introduced us to the culture, traditions, and everyday life of local communities. We cherished the conversations over meals, where he shared stories about Kenya’s history, his views on politics, and even anecdotes from his own life. These personal insights were as enriching as the safari itself, giving us a fuller appreciation of Kenya beyond its beautiful landscapes.

Given Antony’s extensive experience and social network in the safari industry, he is highly regarded in the safari community. His great character, friendliness, and professionalism have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues throughout the towns and safari parks we visited. It’s no surprise that he knows almost everyone in the area—other guides, park rangers, and locals—and this network of relationships truly enhanced our experience. Whenever there was additional information or insights to be shared, he was always in the know, ensuring we didn’t miss a thing. This connectedness meant we received the best possible guidance and up-to-date information, further deepening our understanding of the wildlife and the areas we explored.

Another standout quality of Antony is his approachability and flexibility. He never pressured us into making any decisions. Whether it was planning the day’s safari schedule or choosing where to shop for souvenirs, he always provided his honest opinion and valuable advice, but left the final decision up to us. He always made sure that we were comfortable, happy, and fully satisfied with the plans, and that level of respect and care made the entire experience even more enjoyable. His favorite reassuring phrase, “hakuna matata,” reminded us we were in good hands and could simply enjoy the experience.

We were especially touched by Antony’s kindness and generosity. He went out of his way to ensure we supported local artisans and avoided tourist traps, taking us to authentic spots where we could connect with the local community. At one point, we requested a quick change in our itinerary to visit a nearby orphanage. Antony graciously accommodated this, even though it meant arriving late at our next destination and sacrificing his own rest. His compassion extended to everyone we encountered—even children along the way, whom he would often help with small acts of kindness, such as offering water or sharing advice. He himself also talks about his support of 3 other children in their education financially on top of his own 3 children. This brought so much warmth to our hearts and we wish to be as kind as he is.

Antony is wholeheartedly committed to his guests. Throughout our 8-day journey, he made sure our vehicle was ready before dawn, ensuring we were among the first to enter the game drives. His dedication meant we had the best chance to see active wildlife before they retreated for the day. His thoughtfulness extended to meal arrangements too—he always prioritized our comfort, sometimes adjusting schedules so we could enjoy hot meals rather than cold packed lunches. This level of care and attention made our trip truly exceptional.

Antony’s infectious energy brightened each day. He greeted us every morning with a smile, and his laughter, dance moves, and surprisingly impressive singing filled our days with joy. His personality was just what we needed to keep our spirits high on long road trips.

When we began the trip, we were uptight, anxious, and perhaps a bit controlling—a couple of city people used to a fast-paced, organized world. But as the days passed, something changed. Surrounded by the vastness of nature and grounded by Antony’s warmth and wisdom, we gradually let go. By the end, we felt lighter, open-hearted, and fully relaxed, meeting every new experience with kindness and joy. The trip was more than a vacation; it felt like a healing journey that opened our hearts in ways we never expected.

We are incredibly thankful and fortunate to have had Antony as our guide. Our safari trip turned out to be so much more than just a wildlife adventure—it was an educational, eye-opening, and soul-fulfilling journey. We learned about the beauty of nature, the richness of the local culture, and the deep connection the people of Kenya have with the land and animals. Thanks to his expertise, warmth, and genuine kindness, we left with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of this remarkable part of the world.

If you’re looking for a guide who will not only show you the wonders of the safari but also enrich your understanding of Kenya’s culture and people, we cannot recommend Antony highly enough. His deep industry knowledge, impeccable character, and wide-reaching connections within the safari community made our experience exceptional. Our time with him was truly extraordinary, and we will forever be grateful for a great friendship and the incredible journey he made possible.

We miss Anthony so much and it feels so strange to not be with him anymore. We look forward to visiting again next time to see our friend Antony again.

Eleanor   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: November 2024 Reviewed: Nov 10, 2024

Email Eleanor  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Incredible and Unique
5/5

Meektrails arranged an incredible and unique African safari adventure for us. Our expert guide, Philip, ensured we had the best experiences wherver we went. All the lodges Meektrails arranged for our stay in Kenya were excellent - Amboseli Sentrim was our favourite.

Philip arranged for us to try a range of local food, including tilapia with spinach and oogali. He made us feel safe and comfortable, and was extremely knowledgeable.

Our 8-day trip took us travelling across Kenya, from Amboseli to the Maasi Mara. A particular and recommended highlight was our cycling and walking safari in Hell's Gate National Park. I would have loves to have spent a full day there.

We were spoilt at the Zebra Plains Lodge in the Maasi Mara with a birthday cake, traditional singing and dancing and a private meal. The lodge provides the perfect location for sitting with a drink in hand to watch the sun go down over the savannah.

Well done Gadson from Meektrails for your part in arranging our trip, and a big thank you to our guide, Philip.

I highly recommend Meektrails to anyone wanting to visit Kenya.

Average User Rating
4.9/5
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