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Stephan Meyer-Buenau

As a Nairobi-based travel specialist, I embody the spirit of adventure while crafting unforgettable journeys for travelers. With a blend of local expertise and global perspective, I sprinkle each itinerary with a dash of excitement and a pinch of practicality. Whether it's navigating the bustling streets of Nairobi or uncovering hidden gems, I thrive on curating experiences that ignite wanderlust and leave a trail of unforgettable memories. From suggesting off-the-beaten-path eateries to orchestrating seamless travel logistics, my approach is as vibrant as the Maasai Mara sunset and as dynamic as the streets of downtown Nairobi. With me as your travel specialist, get ready to embark on a journey where every moment is an opportunity for discovery, laughter, and the occasional delightful surprise!

How did you get involved in travel?

"From a young age, I've been captivated by the allure of travel, sparked by tales of distant lands and exotic cultures. Growing up in Nairobi, my family nurtured this passion by jetting off to Europe whenever we could, igniting a sense of wanderlust that would shape my future endeavors. However, as I matured, I found myself yearning for more than the typical cookie-cutter tours offered by most agencies. I craved personalized experiences tailored to my unique preferences and desires. It was during our trip to Dubai that my penchant for crafting bespoke itineraries truly took flight. Every detail, from thrilling desert safaris to serene dhow cruises along the Dubai Creek, was meticulously planned to ensure that each member of our party had the time of their lives. One standout moment was undoubtedly our exhilarating adventure of sandboarding down the towering dunes of the Arabian Desert, laughter echoing against the vast expanse of golden sand. It was in those shared moments of joy and discovery that I realized my calling lay in curating unforgettable journeys for others.

Since that transformative trip, I've dedicated myself to the art of travel consultancy, channeling my passion into crafting tailor-made experiences that exceed expectations. Whether it's exploring the Maasai Mara or marveling at the views of the Great Rift Valley, I strive to infuse every itinerary with the same sense of wonder and excitement that ignited my own love for travel. With each traveler, I relish the opportunity to delve into their dreams and aspirations, transforming their wanderlust into meticulously planned adventures that promise to create lasting memories. It's a privilege to play a part in shaping these journeys, ensuring that every moment is as unique and unforgettable as the travelers themselves."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Venturing on a journey into the heart of Masai Mara, where I experienced a once-in-a-lifetime adventure - the hunt for my favorite animal, the leopard. Staying at the luxurious Naboisho Camp, nestled in the midst of the wilderness, our days began with the symphony of birdsong and the promise of unparalleled experiences. With the rugged beauty of the Mara unfolding before us, we set out in open vehicles, our spirits high and our senses attuned to the pulse of the savannah.

Guided by a skilled tracker and accompanied by the thrill of anticipation, our quest led us deeper into the untamed landscape, where the allure of spotting a leopard danced on the edge of possibility. Despite moments of uncertainty and the temptation to yield to fatigue, our group remained steadfast, buoyed by the knowledge that the ultimate reward awaited us. In a crescendo of excitement, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the plains, our persistence was met with the astonishing sight of a leopard gracefully lounging on a tree branch, its piercing gaze meeting ours with a sense of silent acknowledgment.

It was a moment frozen in time, etched into the fabric of my most cherished memories - a testament to the thrill of the chase, the splendor of nature, and the unmatched hospitality of Naboisho Camp. As we returned to the comfort of our luxurious accommodations under the star-studded African sky, the echoes of our exhilarating encounter lingered, a reminder of the indelible magic found in the heart of Masai Mara."

Stephan is part of the following groups: Uganda Travel Agents, Tanzania Travel Agents, Kenya Travel Agents
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Recent trip reviews for Stephan

Tanzania Trip of a Lifetime!
Tanzania | Aug 30 - Sep 10, 2024

Terence
Terence J.
Chantilly, VA | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2024
We worked with Stephan to book our Tanzania safari and Zanzibar trip this summer. Kimkim arranged our travels with Truly Swahili. We were traveling with another couple and Stephan smoothly coordinated all of our input. We originally told Stephan what we wanted, he then put together a wonderful itinerary that included all of our wishes. We then fine tuned the itinerary and conveyed this to Stephan. He made the adjustments quickly and expertly. We were very happy with the process and our... Read more

We worked with Stephan to book our Tanzania safari and Zanzibar trip this summer. Kimkim arranged our travels with Truly Swahili. We were traveling with another couple and Stephan smoothly coordinated all of our input. We originally told Stephan what we wanted, he then put together a wonderful itinerary that included all of our wishes. We then fine tuned the itinerary and conveyed this to Stephan. He made the adjustments quickly and expertly. We were very happy with the process and our trip. We had an amazing vacation!

Our local ground team in the mainland (from Truly Swahili) included Irene, the trip coordinator, Kaka our guide, and Simba our driver. Kaka and Simba were an amazing team (we think they are brothers). Every day when they picked us up at the lodge, Kaka would ask each of us our goals and animals we wanted to see for that day. Simba always knew where to go to achieve that goal. Together they always made sure we were in a position to get the best photos and experiences. Kaka would teach us at least three Swahili words or phrases for the day. He always had an energetic smile and wonderful stories about the animals. Simba, the (quieter brother) had an extensive knowledge of the animals and their behaviors. Together they made sure we stayed safe and happy.

Our mainland itinerary included a Rufiji river cruise and a safari in Nyerere, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire. We achieved our goals of seeing the "Big 5." We did this in one day in the Ngorongoro Crater. Each park we visited had it's own unique personality, terrain, and variety of animals. We are very happy we did each one of them.

After the safari's, we spent the last couple of days in Zanzibar where we could relax and enjoy the exquisite beauty of the resort. Our Zanzibar guide, Khamis, was an encyclopedia of knowledge of the island in it's culture and history.

All together, we can not recommend Truly Swahili enough! Irene and her team's choices of resorts, lodges, and experiences were amazing! The guides, accommodations and food were always top notch!

Thank you so much Stephan, Irene, Kaka, Simba, and Khamis for making this vacation a trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Review
Ngorongoro Farm House
Arusha

The food, rooms, and staff were amazing. The farm fresh produce used in the meals each day was superb. We would visit this lodge/hotel again in a heartbeat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The grounds were absolutely stunning. The flora and fauna made a beautiful landscape.
Staff
Everyone was so friendly and authentically warm and caring.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Stephan Meyer-Buenau
Stephan
Stephan Meyer-Buenau
Local specialist in Kenya | Replied on Sep 16, 2024

Hello Terence, Mary, Patti, and Manuel,

I'm so thrilled to hear you had such a fantastic time with us and that we were able to showcase the beauty of our land. It was a true pleasure working with you to create an itinerary that matched your wishes, and I'm delighted your vacation was amazing.

Thank you again for choosing us for your adventure. We hope to welcome you back someday for another unforgettable experience. Until then, karibu tena!