Embarking On A Ugandan Adventure: A Beginner’s Guide To Safari Planning

Introduction: Welcome to the enchanting world of Uganda, a land of diverse landscapes and captivating wildlife. Planning your first safari can be an exciting yet overwhelming task. This blog aims to assist first-time safari-goers in navigating the intricacies of planning their journey, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling experience.Section 1: Understanding Uganda’s Safari Landscape Uganda boasts a unique safari landscape, with its national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas offering a wide range of experiences. From the iconic gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park, there is something for every nature enthusiast. Spotting the Big Five game animals in Murchison Falls National Park is an adventure not to be missed.Section 2: Best Time to Visit Choosing the right time to visit Uganda for a safari is crucial for an optimal experience. Consider factors such as weather, wildlife behavior, and tourist seasons. The dry months of June to September and December to February are generally recommended, as they offer better wildlife sightings and easier access to remote areas. However, it’s essential to balance these ideal conditions with personal travel schedules and budget constraints.Section 3: Choosing Your Safari Experience When planning your safari, you have a range of options to choose from. Luxury lodges provide comfort and exclusivity, while camping adventures offer a more immersive experience in nature. Decide whether you prefer guided tours or self-drive options, weighing the benefits of local expertise versus the freedom to explore at your own pace.Section 4: Health and Safety Considerations Prioritizing your health and safety is paramount when embarking on a safari in Uganda. Ensure you are up to date with necessary vaccinations and take precautions against malaria. Travel insurance is essential to cover any unforeseen circumstances, and having an emergency plan in place will give you peace of mind throughout your journey.Section 5: Packing Essentials for a Safari Packing smartly is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience. Consider the climate and activities you will be partaking in, and pack appropriate clothing and gear. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a good pair of binoculars. Remember to pack light while ensuring you have everything you need for your adventure.Section 6: Cultural Etiquette and Responsible Tourism Respecting the local culture and communities is crucial when visiting Uganda. Familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of the places you will be visiting, and be mindful of local sensitivities. Embrace responsible tourism practices by supporting local businesses, minimizing your environmental impact, and contributing to conservation efforts.Conclusion: Planning your first Uganda safari is an exhilarating journey in itself. By understanding Uganda’s safari landscape, choosing the right time to visit, selecting the ideal safari experience, prioritizing health and safety, packing smartly, and embracing responsible tourism, you are well on your way to a remarkable adventure. Embrace the excitement, seek more information, and start planning your dream safari today. Happy travels!Note: The content provided above is a sample and can be modified as per your requirements.

Ralph H

March 11, 2024

Best Safari Ever

The best 10 days safari i ever did.
All was perfect organized also the Sundowner and Bush Dinner.
James Mungai was a very good driver n an amazing guide with high quality knowledge about the animals.
If i want do kenya safari again i book Meektrails and if possible James Mungai as driver n guide.

Suchithra N

March 9, 2024

Our memorable Kenyan safari trip with Meektrails

We had travelled to Kenya for 7 days safari during last week of January through Meektrails. Amidst the multitude of tour operators, it was Meektrails' enticingly budget-friendly quote for a private safari that initially caught our attention. Our point of contact was Eliud who had planned our itinerary, he was very prompt in replying to all our questions and although we had asked for tweaks in our itinerary multiple times still he was very accommodating and patient and assured that we will have once in a life time safari experience. Also, we are thankful for the complimentary upgrades to our accommodation in Masai Mara and Amboseli. All our stays in Masai Mara, Amboseli, Nakuru and Naivasha were premium, good, clean and comfortable. And lastly, we had once in a lifetime safari experience due to our guide Mr. Manuel. He is definitely one of the best safari guides and we can definitely vouch for that from our experience. He is extremely knowledgeable about animals and birds, enthusiastic, skillful, punctual and also a very kind and caring person. He ensured that we were always comfortable and did not face any issues during our entire trip. We managed to see 4 out of big 5s in 1 day’s safari in Masai Mara and all the credit goes to Mr. Manual. Our safari journey surpassed every expectation, fulfilling our long-standing dream we'd harbored for years. To anyone seeking an unforgettable odyssey amidst the splendor of Africa, we wholeheartedly recommend Kenya, Meektrails, and Mr. Manuel.

Maxime K

Amazing first safari experience

we did a 6-days Safari with Meektrails and it turned out to be absolutely amazing. Pauline was very helpful during the preparation and even met us at the airport upon arrival. Our guide Philippe was also perfect, he answered all of our questions and was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the culture. definitely recommend.

Amy L

March 6, 2024

Magical time in the Masai Mara

We did the 3-day 2-night safari in the Masai Mara and it was incredible!!! Huge thank you to Meektrails for the unforgettable experience. We had done a ton of research on safari options beforehand, looking at more than ten different operators, and Meektrails stood above the others in how they crafted the whole package. They were thoughtful to include so many interesting experiences beyond a typical safari, and it truly exceeded expectations. Our guide Joseph was amazing - with more than 20yrs of experience, he was an expert in the park. He was always ready to answer our many questions, shared interesting facts and stories, was attentive to our needs and what we wanted to see and do and was patient and fun. Thank you for a truly memorable trip!

VanesaMR89

March 4, 2024

Amazing safari experience

Since day 0 everything went great. Eilud and Pauline were really helpful with the organization and information. They really care for the details. The hotels were nice, food too, and our driver/guide/guardian angel Luc was incredible. He taught us a lot about every single park we visit and all the animals we're able to see (even a white rhino in the wild!) and he was always in a great mood, helpful and down for adventure. It was truly a great safari, and we are really happy to had done it with Meektrails. Highly recommended.

Graham J

February 27, 2024

Highly reccomend Meektrails and Samuel gets 6* out of 5.

Esther, our tour planner was prompt and helpful in answering questions both at the planning stage and during our safari.
Samuel our driver and guide gets 6* out of 5!
He was friendly and knowledgable, sharing facts not only about animals but also culture and history and much more with enthusiasm and good humour. He always took care to get us the best views possible of the animals while also showing consideration to the other vehicles and the animals.
We recommend Meektrails and if you get Samuel as your guide the you are in for a treat.

Jacob H

February 21, 2024

Intense & crazy family bonding safari!

Wow, just wow!

Our 13-people family enjoyed 8 day/7 nights safari in Masa Mara, Hells Gate, Mt. Longonot and Amboseli with Meektrails.

Wonderful Pauline helped with immaculate tour plannning that accomodated all our specific needs and wishes, whereafter guide &- drivers Nderitu and Steve delivered and took us through the experience of a lifetime.

Travelling with a 13 people group is a logistic challenge, but Nderitu and Steve were fun, knowledgeable, great company and fully flexible to a changing programme and helped to keep everyone happy.

Our safari was a horn of plenty and value for money was great. On hindsight - we can not come up with a single thing we could have wanted better or different.

Thanks a million to Meektrails - for this truly bonding family experience. Revisting Nairobi, national parks and Kenya after living here 1977-1980 was a great experience to share with the the original Mzee, my 3 brothers, a load of girlfriends and kids.

Oh yeah, and we saw all the wild life we could dream of, had great food, super nice accomodation and friendly staff everywhere.

What a privilege!

Breanne L

February 19, 2024

Best safari experience!

We booked our 10 day safari with Meektrails Safaris for our honeymoon in January 2024.

We had the best experience with our trip planner William and our tour guide Lucus! They planned the ideal safari that I felt was very well rounded with a mix of animals, geography, culture and lodging. They were well organized and we didn't worry at all throughout our trip.

Lucas was very experienced and we were lucky enough to see some very rare animals like owls and bat earred foxes. We also saw the more popular and expected animals like lions, elephants, giraffe and rhinos. The particular parks that they chose to include in their safari was well thought out and had a diverse selection of animals, and each park brought different experiences. It never felt repetitive, and each park had some different types of animals that weren't seen at the others.

We were able to do some smaller guided tours during our safari such as a boat tour, bike tour, walking tour and hot air balloon ride. I thought this was a great way to add experiences and adventures to the trip, and it can be adjusted to meet everyone's wants and needs.

We were driven around in a Toyota van with a pop up roof which was surprisingly very comfortable, roomy, and took us into some deep bush. It never broke down or got stuck, where as we saw other vehicles not get as lucky.

The lodging that they booked for us had great food with options for all dietary types. I am vegetarian and my husband is lactose intolerant, and we never felt like we had no food options. They booked a variety of lodging types which we really enjoyed, from luxury tents to private cottages. They also let the lodges know it was our honeymoon and many of them decorated our rooms for us. Also keep in mind the staff at the lodges will most definitely blow you away with their friendliness and professionalism and will deserve to be tipped too.

Lucas was in particular amazing as he went out of his way not just to help us, but other drivers and tourists along the way. We needed to pick up bug spray and sunscreen before our safari and he took us to a mall beforehand to pick up what we needed. At the end of our safari he also was kind enough to drive us outside of Nairobi to our Airbnb for the night, even though it was much later in the day then planned.

Make sure to factor in tipping for when you travel as it will be well deserved from everyone you meet, especially your driver who will work very hard to find you every animal they possibly can. You will also have more then your driver as your guide at some points in your trip, so make sure to keep that in mind for tipping money.

We would highly recommend this company and would enthusiastically book with them again. We only wish we had a longer safari with them!

Breanne & Cole (Canada)

HUI W

February 17, 2024

Life-one memory in Kenya/First visit to Afria

Quite good and amazing safari experience in Kenya arranged by Meektrails. Many thanks to Pauline who communicated with us by wechat and we get all the questions answered by her always in time. Our guide Sammy is also very friendly and responsible. He accompanied us for almost the whole safari journey and seized every chance or possibility to find the animals for us. Meektrails is highly recommended if you visit Kenya.

lzyff

Fantastic 6-day trip

Highly recommend for this agency. Pauline always replied to our questions so promptly. We absolutely fell in love with these gorgeous views in three National Parks. Our guide and drive Alex also has excellent driving skill and very helpful on this safari.
All arrangements are quite great.

JIZHAN G

February 13, 2024

Wondaful trip in Kenya

When I contacted Meektrails for the 7 days trip in Kenya, the response was very quickly. Pauline immediately added my WeChat. So that we could communicate very easily. Whenever I met problem, Pauline response was always very quickly, and problem solved soon. Our guide Ban is very familiar with SAFARI, always let us to see the animal on time. We saw BIG FIVE

bajalin

February 7, 2024

Wowed!

We had a fabulous time on our first safari: 10 days best of Kenya. Our guide Sammy, Pauline in the office, and the land rover were excellent. Price was excellent. Saw the big 5. We were completely satisfied. No need to look anywhere else.

James W

February 2, 2024

A brilliant safari company (make sure to request Sammy!)

I went on an 8 day, 7 night safari with Meektrails in Jan 2024. From start to finish, the experience was brilliant.

Booking with a safari company from afar (the UK) was a bewildering experience. There are so many to choose from and it's hard to differentiate between quality of service. Pauline from the booking side was extremely responsive from the off helping coordinate and schedule a customised version of one of their itineraries.

After some negotiation, we settled on an itinerary and price and they asked me to put down a partial deposit so they could finalise hotel bookings. I was originally a bit nervous to do so, but paid the deposit by card for added security (at the cost of 3%). After this, however, Pauline continued to communicate which put me at ease I hadn't been taken for a ride!

Once my partner and I arrived in Kenya, Daniel, Pauline and our guide (Sammy) greeted us at our hotel in a brand new Meektrails 4x4. We paid the remainder of the fee then and were on our way.

Sammy was fantastic. He is extremely knowledgeable, went repeatedly out of his way to ensure we were comfortable, and is all round a lovely person. Make sure to request him and if you're lucky, he might be available!

Having now been on safari, I am confident the quality of the guide you're with really influences the experience you have. It impacts the animals you see (i.e. how experienced they are in knowing where they'll be), the view you'll have of the animals, and feeling of ease and comfort in a foreign environment. Whilst Meektrails wasn't the absolute cheapest organisation we were quoted by, this is more than made up for by the quality of their guides.

I couldn't recommend Meektrails (and Sammy!) highly enough.

Val C

January 28, 2024

Totally recommend for the most amazing Kenya experience!

RECOMMEND!!
First of all, William helped me plan my trip and was always there to help and reply very fast with amazing ideas.
Anthony is the BEST BEST BEST guide ever. He knows all there is to know and he has a wonderful attitude. He definitely made this trip special, we even saw a STRIPED HYENA! We saw animals up close (they came to us)! It was perfect.
They resolved whatever problem we encountered during our trip and did everything to please us and make it special. THANK YOU!

Mariya V

January 21, 2024

Once in a lifetime experience with Meektrails safaries

It was our first safari tour and we had the time of our lives! We are happy we did it with Meektrails safaries - 7 days - Amboseli, lake Naivasha, lake Nakuru, Masai Mara. The process of planning and arranging the details was very straightforward with Daniel being always available to answer our questions. From the moment we were greated at the airport by Daniel,Lukas and our guide Timothy we felt welcomed and well cared for. Tim was very knowledgeble, funny and friendly. His knowledge and stories about the wildlife of the savanna made the londhours drives funny and most enjoyable. Tim was very flexible and went above and beyond to meat our needs during the trip. He was excellend driver,very relyable. There were periods of rain and flooding on the roads during our trip and few other chalenges but we didn't miss a bit of our plan and we thank Tim for that. The accommodations were the closest possible to the wilderness which we found very exciting. From Sentrim lodge in Amboseli we were lucky to see the snows of Kilimanjaro before the sunrise- one of my dreams came true! Every night we listened to the voices of the savanna and early morning we were greated by the symphony of the birds songs- absolutely amazing! The food was delicious and there were many varieies and options.
The wildlife and vegetation in savanna was like another world experience. We saw tons of animals and birds, we saw 4 of the Big 5. We only couldn't see any leopards but we took it as a sign that we have to come back another time 🙂 We would happily choose Meektrails Safaris and Tim as our guide again.
As a very friendly recommendation we would suggest headsets for the guide/ driver and the passengers so that when the roof is opened and the passengers are up they can hear and communicate bette

Tom B

Amazing 7 days safari!

Our 7-day safari in Kenya was nothing short of extraordinary! From the captivating landscapes of Amboseli, Nakuru, Naivasha, to the awe-inspiring Maasai Mara, every moment was a highlight. Lucas, our guide, was amazing, always with a smile and eager to share his profound knowledge with infectious enthusiasm.

The accommodations were equally exceptional, providing comfort and a touch of luxury after thrilling days of exploration. Zeebra Plains in Maasai Mara stood out with its exceptional comfort, gorgeous tents, and attentive staff. However, the staffs’ friendliness was notably exceptional at each of the fabulous lodges where we stayed.

This safari, with Lucas and outstanding lodgings, exceeded all expectations – an absolute must for anyone seeking a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and comfort. We would highly recommend Meektrails for anyone booking a future safari!

Scenic813385

January 19, 2024

5-star safari that won't break the bank!

My husband and I cannot say enough about our experience with Meektrails. From the beginning, Paul was great at providing information and creating a safari that worked within our budget.

We were met at our hotel in Nairobi by Paul and our driver/guide, Ben. There was a vehicle waiting for us with room for 6, and at the price we paid, we expected to be with at least one other couple. Nope! The vehicle was just for us. A private 7-day safari! We were thrilled!

We went to Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru and Maasai Mara. At each place we had great accommodation (don't be scared off by 'tented' accommodation - it's not like camping, they are permanent lodges and are great - we preferred them all to the one hotel we stayed in), a fantastic choice of food (I'm vegetarian) and each bed was super comfy. We slept very well.

Ben was a great driver - knowing when and were to stop for coffee/lunch breaks, pointing out places of interest and giving us a bit of history. He also knew not to talk all the time, which was appreciated.

By the end of the week, we had been to Amboseli twice, seeing over 200 elephants (I stopped counting after that) as well as giraffes, zebras, ostriches, cape buffalo, wildebeest, hippos, all kinds of antelope, a hyena and... a cheetah! That was only one park! In Naivasha we did a walking safari and came within a few feet of giraffes and zebras. We were both crazy excited! We also did a boat trip on the lake and saw a lot of the bird life. In Nakuru we biked our way to Hell's Gate with a guide and proceeded to walk to the gorge. Great exercise and amazing views! We stayed at Ziwa Tented Lodge. Fabulous! The next day we went to Nakuru National Park and things got even better! The black rhino and the lions made up 4 out of the Big 5. Another thing.... you cannot believe how close the animals get! They are often quite literally on the side of the road. A bit nerve-wracking when it's a big, male lion!

By the time we got to Maasai Mara we thought we'd seen just about everything. We had a lovely lodge called Zebra Plains, and when we went out the next day, at first it felt disappointing. The park is very flat. How would we see anything? But Ben is an amazing guide. I don't know how, but he communicated with other drivers and somehow managed to get us to places when there aren't any signs or major landmarks. We saw a pride of lions and many other animals we'd seen before. We had a picnic lunch (Ben brought a folding picnic table and our packed lunches) by a tree in the middle of the park. By the end of the day we had resigned to not seeing all of the 5. But close to the end of the day, Ben found a leopard! YAY YAY YAY! I was giddy and we had this beautiful creature lying in a tree in front of us for 15 minutes before another vehicle arrived. It was the highlight of our trip!

The next day was our last. We had to leave through the park to get to the Maasai village. As we were driving a hyena ran in front of the car and straight to a baby Topi, whose mother was trying to protect it. Hyenas came from all directions. And although it was sad, it was nature. The whole safari was like being in a David Attenborough documentary. I don't think you can do better than that.

On that first day at the hotel, Paul had said we'd love Ben as our guide. He was absolutely right. Ben was amazing! Both of us were 100% happy and would recommend Ben and Meektrails if you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a very reasonable cost. This was definitely a 10/10 vacation!

Stephen P

January 16, 2024

3 day safari dream come true

We had such a fantastic and unforgettable experience from start to finish. Joseph our guide/host from Meektrails was kind, funny, knowledgeable and experienced which made us feel safe. I can definitely recommend the 3 day Masai Mara safari package.

Julia N

January 10, 2024

Awesome 7 day safari

The last seven days have been full of highlights as we visited Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Hells Gate, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara National Park. The whole trip went perfectly smooth, from the communication and booking before our trip (Pauline replied to all our emails super fast) to the safari itself where we want to thank especially our guide Joseph. He is not only very knowledgeable of all animals (and very good at spotting them), but also passionate about his job and went the extra mile to give us the best experience possible. Having a caring and experienced guide makes a difference and we can highly recommend Joseph!

When researching which safari to book, we originally wanted to do a shared safari. Luckily, we changed our opinion and booked a private safari, which was definitely the right choice. With a private tour you have much more space in the car (and you’ll spend a lot of time in the car), and you can decide on the whole schedule and don’t need to find compromises with other guests.

On our safari we spotted the big 5 but also many more animals. In total, we took over 1500 pictures of all the animals. I recommend bringing a camera with a good telephoto lens (I had a 70-200mm lens with a 2x converter), to also be able to take pictures of animals that are further away.

Our personal highlights were seeing elephants close in Amboseli, walking next to Giraffes in Lake Naivasha, the rhinos in Lake Nakuru and the Lions in Maasai Mara. If you have less time than 7-days, you could skip Hells Gate National Park.

We booked a mid-range tour and all our lodges were fine, each with its pros and cons. Sopa Amboseli Lodge had the best food and very friendly staff. Fisherman’s Camp rooms were more basic, but while sitting at the restaurant you could watch Hippos feeding grass just a few meters away. We also liked the rooms and food in Ziwa Bush Lodge. AA Mara Lodge had nice rooms but the restaurant and bar definitely need refurbishment.

To sum it up, thanks Meektrails and Joseph for a great safari experience. We had a great time and will travel back home with many beautiful memories.

Quest610115

January 8, 2024

Beautiful and varied safari tour in Kenya!

We (family with two kids aged 6 and 3) really enjoyed our well balanced 7 day Jambo tour with Joseph, our driver and guide. The parks are very different, with beautiful landscapes and many animals. Joseph drove us around and was very patient and friendly with the kids. We saw the Big 5 and more, staying in a variety of tented camps, lodge and resorts. Recommended!

Asha T

Brilliant guide with passion for his work which helped us to have a great wild life adventure

Meektrails were extremely friendly. Our guide Giddi was awesome with his brilliant knowledge and thirst to show us all possible promises. He made great efforts and even succeeded in showing us Leopards, cheetahs and lions. Since leopards are very elusive, still he managed to show us with his brilliant driving skills and knowledge around Mara. Meektrails met us just outside airport and started the trip from there. We had great vegetarian options as well for food where they booked hotels inspite of non vegetarian options. All stays were extremely peaceful and beautiful. Loved the way Giddi took proper care of his travellers. Pauline was really helpful with bookings and was answering all our questions with great patience. I would definitely recommend these people to anyone who is going to Kenya!

John A

January 7, 2024

Memorable experience

I recently enjoyed an exceptional safari experience, earning it a well-deserved 5-star rating. Steve, our knowledgeable guide, made each game drive unforgettable, showcasing a deep understanding of local wildlife. Daniel's prompt attention from booking to the trip's end reflected a commitment to customer satisfaction. Accommodations seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings, emphasizing attention to detail. This safari company is highly recommended for those seeking thrilling wildlife encounters paired with excellent service. My gratitude to Steve, Daniel, and the team for crafting a memorable adventure!"

January 6, 2024

We had a great time!

We were on a 7-day safari trip with MeekTrails and we are both very satisfied with the service. Pauline had been prompt and responsive in our communications. Our guide Lukas was always punctual and drove us safely to our destinations despite heavy downpour on the last 2 days of our trip. Lukas is highly experienced and familiar with the parks and we managed to see the big four (no luck with leopards).

Anastasia Boukouvala

December 23, 2023

Amazing!

Amazing Experience! The tour was perfectly organised, the camp was unique and the safari one of the best experiences I had. Steve our driver was polite, informative and very experienced. The communication for organising the tour with Pauline was impeccable. Everything was perfect!

CieraDrake

December 22, 2023

Unforgettable Safari

We had an amazing safari with meek trails. The safari experience was great. Antony was a very knowledgeable guide. The accommodations were all beautiful with good food. The vehicle was brand new, spacious, comfortable and had plenty of outlets for charging while on the safari. We saw thousands of animals and of course the big 5.

Lisa D

December 21, 2023

Family of 6, from USA. AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!

Our family of six adults did a 7 day safari in 3 different locations. We went to Amboseli, Nakuru, and Maasai Mara. Our trip was personalized to meet our very unique expectations. Our guide, Antony, went far above and beyond to make our trip the most memorable. We were gone every day before sun up and not back until sundown. He knew the areas to have the best views and always made sure we were happy. We saw so many animals. Elephants, hippos, lions, cheetahs, water buffalo, gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeests, hyenas, baboons, various monkeys, mongoose, birds of all sorts, just to name a few! The safari vehicle was brand new and comfortably fit our group, providing us all with perfect views. Our accommodations and food were all top notch. We highly recommend Meektrails for your perfect Kenya Safari.

Luis S

December 20, 2023

East African Honeymoon

Silvia and I got married on Saturday and by Wednesday we were driving down to Amboseli with our guide.

We absolutely loved Kenya: from the hospitality and lodging to the wildlife and national parks, our 7-day trip was ideal.

Our guide, Joseph, was a superstar. We can honestly say he is our best friend in Kenya. Recommending friends and family as we speak.

Heather S

December 18, 2023

Six day safari

We had the most fabulous time with Meek Trail safaris, we managed to see the big five, very very lucky and our guide Lucas was very informative, patient and very helpful. A wonderful guide to spend six days with. Would definitely recommend and use them again. Communication with William before the trip was prompt and efficient, he was happy to help with all enquiries big or small. Thankyou meek trail safaris for our trip of a lifetime

Marie C

December 11, 2023

First safari in Kenya (2 girls)

We had an amazing time with Meektrails safari for our week in Kenya.
They really know their business and how to help you get the most of your time and drives. We were impressed by our guide Lukas' culture and knowledge as we had so many questions that he answered without failing. He helped us spot all kind of animals and made sure we got the best pics. We were able to be really close to various animals while being respectful.
The trip had several experiences, mixing drives with walking safaris, boat safari etc so it's exciting as every day you see new sceneries, new parks, new animals...
Moreover, everyone is really kind, as we had issues with planes while coming and needed to consult a doctor during our week, the agency and Lukas were quick to adapt and helps us to the best of their abilities.
We have been taking care of from our landing to our departure and felt really safe as two young women.
We definitely recommend and will book with them again without any second thoughts.
Thank you so much for this unforgettable experience !!!
Lise and Marie

Connector50647319356

December 7, 2023

Once in a lifetime experience with Meektrails! Highly recommend

We enjoyed this experience soooo much! Sammy was the best guide we could ask for, he has 21 years of experience and he spotted all the animals we wanted to see: 3 times a Leopard, 2 times a Cheetah, many lions from very nearby, many rhino’s, hippo’s, etc…! He made sure that we had the best 10 days in Kenya and that we would see all the animals (some luck included ;)) We felt very comfortable and safe when we where with Sammy and he made sure that we felt good. So if we had any personal wishes/needs/desires he fulfilled this, it’s a man with a good soul… We will surely recommend this trip! One side note, the schelde is a pretty tide and intense, you see a lot in the 8 days safari trip, but for us, it was a bit too much! This was fine because Sammy made sure we also got some rest. But be aware, there’s not much time to rest if you do the whole program as they offer it to you. If you have any personal wishes, for example, a rest day in between, let them know and they will arrange this for you! I would highly recommend this, because the full Safari game days are pretty intense. Moreover, we liked the Amboseli & Masaai Mara Park the most, so if you have less time, make sure you see this! The people in Kenya are the nicest people we’ve met so far, and we’ve travelled a lot. Overall, a once in a lifetime experience! Make sure you do this with Meektrails (and ask for Sammy as a guide) 😃

Akeem Daley

November 26, 2023

An amazing Maasai Mara Safari experience!

If you’re contemplating a safari in Kenya, look no further. The whole experience was amazing! Paul, whom I was in contact with from the beginning was very informative and prompt when responding to my queries.

The team picked us up from our hotel in an extremely punctual manner. We met Lucas -our private guide- and were on our way.

The lodge was splendid, having everything we required. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Lucas managed to track down 4 of the big 5 and we even got wind of the rhino (last one) but it managed to evade us. The boat trip and the walking safari topped the trip off nicely and Lucas got us to the airport in ample time. I can’t recommend him enough, he really made our experience special. Thank you to Meektrails team for cementing a memory that will be long lasting.

Jack B

November 20, 2023

Stop looking for another safari tour provider.. this is the one you should choose

Genuinely a unforgettable trip.

Fantastic service from Daniel and his team. Communication was excellent throughout and nothing was too much to ask.

We did the 7 day safari in Nakaru, Navaisha, Maasai Mara and Amboseli.

The lodges were all comfortable and all equipped with WiFi with good food.

Would reccomend upgrading to Savora if budget allows as that was truly exceptional.

The biggest highlight of the trip was our guide James. He was incredibly friendly and literally had a 6th sense to where the animals would walk and go leading to close encounters with the animals and some amazing pictures.

If you are booking ask for James as he will truly make your trip special.

All in all in a 5 star trip and a company I'd reccomend to anyone!

Thanks again

Micol M

November 12, 2023

Maktrails Safari with Sammy: A 5-Star Wildlife Experience!

Our 4-day journey with Maktrails Safari, guided by the exceptional Sammy, was an absolute triumph. From awe-inspiring elephants to graceful giraffes, mesmerizing zebras, swift cheetahs, and intriguing hyenas - each moment was a chapter in a wildlife wonder. Sammy's keen insights and deep knowledge elevated the experience, ensuring we didn't miss a beat in the animal kingdom.

The tour was impeccably organized, and Maktrails Safari delivered on their promise of a top-notch adventure. Clean and safe accommodations provided the perfect haven after exhilarating safaris. Sammy's passion for wildlife was contagious, making every sighting a thrilling spectacle.

Choosing Maktrails Safari with Sammy as our guide was a decision we'll forever cherish. It's the quintessential blend of expert guidance, diverse wildlife encounters, and comfortable amenities. Highly recommended for those seeking an immersive and unforgettable safari experience. 🐘🦒🦓🐆🌍 #MaktrailsSafari #SammyTheGuide #WildlifeAdventure #KenyaSafari

David L

November 6, 2023

Stunning

Guys at Meektrails are so friendly! They helped me step by step from booking till the end of our trip. Our guide was the most enthusiastic guy ever! He tried so hard to ensure us having a great time and we saw tons of animals! Will definitely book with them again. Love every piece of our safari trip.

Alina W

November 5, 2023

An experience like no other

What a wonderful experience. The assistance Meektrails provided before, during, and after our safari was outstanding. We had a great time and saw a lot on our trip. Our tour guide, Antoni, was fantastic and provided us with a wealth of knowledge beyond simply the animals. We had the opportunity to see both the interior and exterior of this stunning nation, Kenya, with him. In addition to making extra stops on the drives to the sites to provide us additional information on other topics like the tea plantations on the route to Kisumu, he made sure we had the greatest possible view of all the animals. A very fond memory we have is watching a mother cheetah and her four cubs literally walking by our car and a cobra showing its full size after feeling threatened by the car.

Jim C

Masai Mara 3 day with Lake Naivasha

Booked for me wife and son with transport, guide and full board accommodation.
Very easy to book and the package was clear and well described. Communications were fantastic during and after the booking was made.
We had a minibus type safari vehicle which seemed well maintained and was very comfy.
Our guide, Paul, was absolutely amazing! He could literally sniff out the animals and we saw the Big 5 plus more! He kept telling us all about the animals and was very knowledgable. Picnic mid-day was good and accommodation was to a fair standard.
Definitely recommend Meektrails and I will be using them again for our next trip.

Just L

November 4, 2023

Best trip of my life so far!!!

We had a wonderful time and we were so happy with our guide Juma. He showed us so many amazing places, we saw so many animals and he looked after us like a dad, lovely man 🙂
Most of the accommodations were of a quite high standard for mid range, especially Amboseli Sopa Lodge for food, facilities and entertainment, as well as Ziwa Bush Lodge with a beautiful room and bathroom. However there was one accommodation by Lake Naivasha, Fisherman's Lodge which I would not recommend to anyone. It was not the same standard as the others,dark, dingy, not clean and felt unsafe. Bed felt like it was already slept in. This was the first time the company used that accommodation so I passed on my feedback. Also make sure to ask if your guide will be staying at the same accommodation and what kind of vehicle you'll be travelling in, as we were under impression that it was going to be a jeep and we had a van. However it was comfortable and our guide Juma was a great driver!
All all in all, it was a fantastic experience, Kenya is beautiful, everything that I hoped it would be and more 😍
It was brilliant, would definitely recommend Meektrails and the lovely Juma 🙂

Xiaohan L

Hope I can visit back someday

We had a 10 days trip in Kenya, visited all must go spots including Nairobi city tour, amposeli, masai mara, nakuru and navaisha. Regarding hotels booked, the price Meektrails offered is the best of all. This is one big reason we chose this agency. Another reason is Pauline. Pauline is our trip designer, she is very thoughtful and patient with us. Even add us through wechat, which may not be easy for her but really boost communication efficiency with chinese customers. She took care of SIM card, hot air balloon booking for us and answered detailed questions like vaccinations, money exchange very fast! She also helped with room exchange even it’s after her work hours. All in all, she’s awesome!
What’s more surprising, is our driver/guide, Patrick. He’s such a gentleman that he wouldn’t talk too much as he know Asians are shy and not talkative, but he also wouldn’t forget to share anything that’s necessary for us to know. On cultural, religion, nationality, especially on animals. His great eyesight helped us spot animals smoothly, we even saw the whole process of cheetah hunting.
I can talk more and more about these two awesome people, but after all, this is great experience that I recommended to all friends interested in visiting Africa. Hope they can continue delivering great services to more people and make people fall in love with Africa.

christine w

Masai Mara with Meektrail Safaris

I had the best time in Maasai Mara with Meektrails Safaris. I keep choosing Meektrails all the time because of their personalized services. William the travel consultant was very kind to us, professional and guided us in selecting the best hotels and put us in a nice Jeep car that made the journey to and from Maasai Mara very smooth. Meektrails Safaris is very customer centric, when we abruptly decided to extend our safari, William and the Meektrails Safaris team acted with speed in getting us accommodation in the hotels we wanted to explore and ensured that our tour guide took us to all spots we wanted to explore. I am definitely choosing over and over again. Next trip will be Amboseli… Inshallah 🙏🙏🙏

Viltė Radzvilaviciute

An experience which I will not soon forget and will recommend to all

Cannot recommend Meektrails enough for your safari - it was our first time in Kenya and we did a one week safari, covering Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara.

Absolutely everything was perfect, but some highlights include:

• Smooth, swift and helpful communication from start to finish (Thank you Eliud!).
• Our tour guide, Michael, was great fun and a real expert and seeing big 5 was no challenge with him (+ he located any animal we wanted to see). I would highlight, that unlike some other tour operators, Meektrails are very respectful of the park rules, animals and other park visitors.
• Accommodation was exactly what we’d hope for in a mid-range safari. Food was excellent, the options were good, most places had a pool and all of them had mosquito nets + sprays. Our personal favorite was Ziwa lodge in Nakuru.

All in all, we felt safe, cared for, but most importantly, made many memories that will last a lifetime. Do not hesitate to travel with Meektrails Safari.

Selina O

Amazing

Well planned trip. Thanks to William and Gideon was a fantastic guide. I liked the flexibility by Meek Trails to extend the stay. They were very quick , responsive and helpful.

Vasundhara S

November 1, 2023

Please provide correct information to the travellers.

The good part about our safari was our guides, who were very friendly and informative. However, there were a couple of things that the Meektrails management can do better. One is the accommodations, and the second is providing correct information to the users.

We booked this tour for Jeeps and paid accordingly. I had a better quote from a different safari operator providing greatly better accommodations for a similar tour for a lesser price, but, I chose Meektrails as they offered us a Jeep Safari. However, in the morning when we were about to start the safari, we found that our safari was in Vans and not Jeeps. Since I was already there with a big group, I could not do much about it, and the management made no effort to refund our money or make up for it in any way. So, please be careful if you are touring with Meetrails.

세현 안

Joseph is best.

I have a small complaint, but I want to give Meek 5 stars. I choose a private trip with my wife and child. My family prepared a little later than the scheduled time, but we could travel without any problems because it was private. The driver, Joseph, was so expert that he found all the animals we wanted to see. In Masai Mara, we saw lions eating, and in Lake Nakuru, we saw rhinos. In Crescent Sanctuary, animals could be seen up close while walking safari. All three places were distinctive, and it was a good experience.
On the downside, we took the van, but the jeep looked good. I don’t know how the ride was, but the view of the jeep vehicle looked better. The hotel had good facilities, but there was a lot of dust on the towels, and the reception didn’t tell me the time of breakfast properly, so there was a slight setback in the schedule.

Emily H

October 31, 2023

Excellent trip with excellent “host” Joseph!

Our trip to Kenya and safari with Meek Trails was amazing!! Our driver, Joseph, was the very best! He was a great teacher and shared his wealth of information about the animals and kenya. Joseph was key to our amazing safari trips on the game lands. He worked very hard taking care of. us, making sure that our experience was optimized, and was always kind and smiling. I would highly recommend him to anyine making this trip with Meek Trails.

MAXIMILIAN H

October 30, 2023

They will go the extra mile

We went on the 7 day trip with a slight twist (no Lake Naivasha but an extra day at Maasai Mara).

What sold us to this operator was that they were very responsive, transparent about what was possible and what not, and had a competitive price. Pauline also helped us find the accommodations that best suited our needs (I recommend paying special attention to the reviews of the individual lodges).

Our driver John never tired and managed to find the big 5 and many more animals.

All in all great trip!

Alicia S

Excellent

The experience with Meektrails was great. Before booking the trip we had several whatsapp conversations with Paulin to choose the tour 100% to our liking. Once there we were picked up at the airport and spent the whole week with our Spanish speaking guide Michael. The hotels chosen were the same except for the first day when we were given a superior one due to lack of availability. We recommend Meektrails for their treatment, sincerity and management. Our guide Michael was very attentive and did not rest until he found as many animals as possible during the safari.
The tour is totally private, it was a couple tour with a vehicle for just the two of us.
Many thanks to Michael and Paulin.

Nomad781520

October 22, 2023

Great 8 days in Kenya

Me and my mom spent great 8 days in Kenya with Meektrails Safaris.

The planning and communication before our arrival was smooth, Pauline was very responsive and provided answers to all my questions.

On the first day of Safari we were picked up from our hotel on the agreed time, greeted by Pauline, Daniel and our guide for the week - Anthony.
Anthony made our safari experience great, he is a very positive person, provided us a lot of information about the plants and animals and made sure we see all the big 5 animals before the end of our tour.

The accommodation at Ziwa Bush Lodge can be highlighted as it felt luxurious, the rest of the lodges were fine as well for the mid-range category.
At the end of the safari we were dropped off at our hotel in Nairobi.

I can definitely recommend booking with Meektrails Safaris.

lei m

October 18, 2023

Can I rate six stars? Best experience ever!

Highly recommend Steve as our guide, he is very knowledgeable and always found animals in hidden places. Thanks to him we got best position for shooting Big Five, Ugly Five and many adorable antipopes and birds.

Pauline helped us in every details before we start the journey with clear itinerary, even with the ballon safari and Maasai trip.

We look forward to exploring Tanzania again with Meektrails ;)

Emma P

October 14, 2023

Fantastic safari!

Fantastic experience!! Everything was so well planned and our guide James was fantastic and really friendly! Highly recommend this company for safari tours!

Kevin S

October 12, 2023

Fantastic 10-day safari through Kenya

We did a 10-day safari with James through many of the famous parks of Kenya and absolutely loved it! The views are amazing and James was ready to answer all of our many questions. During such a long journey there were of course some hiccups along the way, but James and Meektrails worked very quickly to resolve any problems to our satisfaction. Highly recommend!

Embarking on a Ugandan Adventure: A Beginner’s Guide to Safari Planning

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Reach out for your Safari Enquiries and Booking?

Best Safari Ever

Our memorable Kenyan safari trip with Meektrails

Amazing first safari experience

Magical time in the Masai Mara

Amazing safari experience

Highly reccomend Meektrails and Samuel gets 6* out of 5.

Intense & crazy family bonding safari!

Best safari experience!

Life-one memory in Kenya/First visit to Afria

Fantastic 6-day trip

Wondaful trip in Kenya

Wowed!

A brilliant safari company (make sure to request Sammy!)

Totally recommend for the most amazing Kenya experience!

Once in a lifetime experience with Meektrails safaries

Amazing 7 days safari!

5-star safari that won't break the bank!

3 day safari dream come true

Awesome 7 day safari

Beautiful and varied safari tour in Kenya!

Brilliant guide with passion for his work which helped us to have a great wild life adventure

Memorable experience

We had a great time!

Amazing!

Unforgettable Safari

Family of 6, from USA. AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!

East African Honeymoon

Six day safari

First safari in Kenya (2 girls)

Once in a lifetime experience with Meektrails! Highly recommend

An amazing Maasai Mara Safari experience!

Stop looking for another safari tour provider.. this is the one you should choose

Maktrails Safari with Sammy: A 5-Star Wildlife Experience!

Stunning

An experience like no other

Masai Mara 3 day with Lake Naivasha

Best trip of my life so far!!!

Hope I can visit back someday

Masai Mara with Meektrail Safaris

An experience which I will not soon forget and will recommend to all

Amazing

Please provide correct information to the travellers.

Joseph is best.

Excellent trip with excellent “host” Joseph!

They will go the extra mile

Excellent

Great 8 days in Kenya

Can I rate six stars? Best experience ever!

Fantastic safari!

Fantastic 10-day safari through Kenya