US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
He was a very great driver, guide, and accommodating, attentive and knowledablein all respects
We saw 5 parks in 9 days and all animals available. The tour was superb. The driver and guide sooo very good. He found animals and knew exactly where to go and how to get good referrals where animals were. This tour was far better than I expected and I really don't know how it could be better than it was!
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
No one does it better than Meektrails Safari - they know what their clients want!
During the trip planning, our safari specialist - Meektrails would always have detailed conversations with my husband to understand our preferences and offer advice. Our preferences were amazingly captured just by merely whatsapp conversations which was convenient granting our hectic schedules and fast paced city life.
Both of us are seasoned travel experts, with almost 20 years of global travel industry experience. We have been all over the world, we didn't expect that we will get the bestest tour experience in Kenya.
We always travel smart - skills that are apt for seasoned specialist of the industry. So we know how to negotiate and how to plan itineraries. We know what to expect and we have insiders knowledge of how things go around. We know how to procure suppliers whom will give value to our dollars.
When we received the itinerary from Meektrails, I initially dismissed it as something I see everyday in my office and a mere document with empty promises. I never expected that a reasonably priced, tailored fit private Safari tour would have much to offer. (We have worked in the travel industry long enough and our exposures with MNCs, VVIPs etc. pegged our standards high and made us somewhat fussy).
However, when I actually sat down and read Meektrails itinerary - I was quite impressed. What's on their itinerary are exactly what we want and more! Their itinerary copy was succinct with the right amount of details and I never felt so excited. I have seen things in the industry, and an expert knows that a mundane thing (itinerary copy) with such attention to details speaks a lot about a company. It then awakened my curiosity.
I then started researching about Africa, Kenya etc. And I had to reach out to Meektrails separately (unbeknown to my husband) because I wanted to get into the Giraffe Manor. The replies I receive were always prompt and they were always pleasant to correspond with. They gave me honest information (no sugar coating, no false hope) and offered me the best solution.
Days before our trip they have reached out to us to remind us of our tour and told us of gifts awaiting us when we arrived. When we left, they checked back on us and verified if we have safely arrived home. During our trip, we
had the entire hotel crew taking care of us. From the hotel managers down to the waiter who is solely dedicated to serve our family and oh wait! there is even a personal Maasai warrior (armed with a spear) that ensures our safety in our tent. They will come promptly as soon as we leave our camp and they will patiently escort us - guiding our path with their torch light. In the current travel era, this level of white glove service is only for the ultra rich. Thanks to Meektrails, this type of ultra personal service is still alive.
We were honored to meet their humble CEO - Daniel, who is very humble and hands on. He is also very flexible. He acceded to our requests without judgement and offered his priceless time to accommodate us and made our trip memorable. It is no wonder that his staffs are well trained and well mannered. The welcome gifts are useful and practical too! Not to mention, they are of good quality materials.
The top notch caliber extends to their vehicles as well. At the airport when they met us, their uniquely and tastefully designed 4x4 jeep stood out.
Valentin, our tour advisor - knows her job pretty well, she is very consultative and friendly. James, our driver guide - is unassuming, gentleman, cautious, always ensuring safety and a professional - he is somebody we easily grew fond of (and we don't normally get attached to our guides).
The entire tour was greatly executed. Meektrails delivered exactly what they have written on the itinerary and MORE! They have even exceeded our expectations because they have surprised us in every stages of our journey specially towards the end of our trip.
When they say "they know what their clients want" - it isn't just a catchphrase, it is something that they deliver!
If you find yourself itching up to an optimal Safari escape, dreaming of hearing a thrilling whoop of a hyena at night or slept soundly drunk on fresh air ; experience your lifelong travel dream without breaking your bank or perhaps splurging a little or too much - Meektrails Safari is your go to guys. They have all the capabilities to be named GREAT as opposed to MEEK but then again, meekness is a virtue - most specially in the wild.
We have arrived to our home country two days ago and we are still nursing our Meektrails Safari hangover.
No one does it better than Meektrails Safari - they know what we want.
And that's the bottomline! :)
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Part of our hearts remain in Serengeti
We've had the most wonderful 6 days and 5 nights safari trip with Serengeti Smile. From planning the trip Albert had been the most patient, careful, and accomodating help to us and have deisgned the whole program with us given his best advice. All of lodges and camps were absolutely true pleasure, the location, food, staff, ameneties, and the privilege to have a lion welcoming us in the camp or the cheetah resting near our camp. Our guide Baraka was the most friendly, expeirenced and cool guy who embodies the Hakuna Matta sprit in him. Whenever we were anxious not seeing the wild anmals he was always there with his smile and ensure us that we will see them tomorrow, and so did us seeing the big 5 and ugly 5 and many more spectacular scenes that we could ever wished for. On behalf of our group I woukd also like to present the best looking tour guides in Africa award to Baraka;) We recommend 100% to book Serengeti Smile and Baraka for your dreamed safari trip in Tanzania.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly and courteous. Everything was perfectly organic. Highly recommend.
We did a 5 day safari with Evance and his team. It was a wonderfull experience and we can highly recommend the trip!
Everything was planed through. From picking us up at the airport, driving to 3 different national parks (Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater), sleeping (in tents but on camp beds with warm sleeping backs), food (we had our own cook with us who prepared all meals of the day) to bringing us back on time to the airport.
We really had an unforgettable experience. Even when the car broke down the driver could fix the problem on his own so we were good to continue our drive.
There would be so much more to say but just make the experience on your own. Enjoy!
FR
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The tour operator was amazingly quick in reacting and fabulously flexible.
The safari was absolutely amazing. The camping experience brought us closer to nature and one night we had zebras and gnoes all around our camping site, so cool!
The lodges were simple but stylish with a very good ambiance. Service and reliability were excellent!
What made this the best safari in the world were the services of our cook and guide. Pascal’s meals were way better than we had in restaurants afterwards and he made us taste different local plates, compliments to him!
And Abouh our guide deserves a medal. He took us to the most unexpected places and went out of his way all the time. He is also extremely knowledgable about animals and plants, but also history and culture of Tanzania. And last but not least, he has an excellent sense of humour and is very kind and gentle.
I recommend Serengeti African Tours to everyone!
IE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible safari from start to finish
Axis Africa Safaris are fantastic. I booked the five day safari to Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. Everything was so well organised and the pricing was very competitive. My agent, Rita, was fantastic, answering every question I had very promptly. I had two guides on the tour and both were really great. Dennis was my guide for the first four days in Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru. He made every effort to make sure we saw all the wildlife and were in the best position for pictures. He also told us so much about the animals and the nature reserve and looked after us so well. Dan was my guide in Lake Naivasha and he arranged a great boat trip for me and took me through Hell's Gate national park, telling me all about the park and the geothermal springs. Both drivers were always so friendly and happy to answer any question we had. I cannot recommend Axis Africa Safaris enough, everything was perfect.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An efficient and effective national safari tour provider
Uwanda Tours provide good value for money, service and reliability . Our driver, Kapanda worked hard at all locations trying to find animals for us to see.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tour operator did not consider my interests and what I wanted to see.
The director of operations for this tour company (Safaricare International) inserted himself into my trip instead of providing a knowledgeable guide. While we MOSTLY followed the proposed itinerary; we did no birding along the way to various destinations as described. The director of operations claimed he did not know I was interested in birding. That was a false statement. On many occasions I asked the driver to stop so I could take a photo of a bird or other wildlife. I was often told "we'll see that tomorrow" or statements such as "that bird is too small". On other occasions he was driving so fast that if he did stop it was meters away from the bird/animal or we were consumed by a cloud of dust. The director of operations did not correct this behavior. When I confronted the director of operations about why he was along on my safari he indicated that he was there on business to check out the lodges and some of the tours. He is a marketing professional and not a skilled guide. That was not what I paid for. Later he claimed it was for my safety (I travelled solo). Neither situation warrants not having a skilled guide as promised.
Lastly, I will say I would have rated this company as POOR (2 stars) since most of my itinerary was followed, but the fact that the director of operations purchased bananas for the sole purpose of feeding the baboons along the road in Kibale National Park makes this company a 1 star (which is still too high). He and the driver tossed the bananas one by one out the window. Driver would speed up, so the baboons gave chase, then tossed more bananas. To any responsible eco-tourist this action should cause alarm. This is not an organization that is interested in good stewardship, sustainability or the promoting of eco-tourism in Africa. Would NOT recommend.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable, knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible - highly recommended!
My son and I travelled to Lalibela in the middle of February, 2024. Daniel was exceptional - he's very knowledgeable, friendly, and most of appreciated of all was very flexible. Over two days we visited all the churches, the cave monastery, and the mountain church. For those worried about safety, we felt 100% safe 100% of the time. Highly recommended!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible
DO IT! It was such a special experience to share with my partner, everything ran so smoothly and all of the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The value for money was amazing and we cannot recommend it enough.