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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

Wonderful safari
Tanzania | Oct 27 - Nov 7, 2024

M
Michelle F.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Nov 09, 2024
I had a wonderful safari with Kaka and Jambo! I saw many, many animals including the big 5. The following beach trip to zanzibar was also lovely! It was a great vacation! Read more

I had a wonderful safari with Kaka and Jambo! I saw many, many animals including the big 5. The following beach trip to zanzibar was also lovely! It was a great vacation!

Hotel Reviews
Kitela Lodge
Karatu

Beautiful room and grounds, wish I had more time here

Authenticity & Character
Location
Just outside ngorogoro crater
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa Zanzibar
Zanzibar

Lovely grounds, the rooms are a bit spread out over the area. The beach is very nice, the pools are great. The food is good, esp the a la carte restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Stephan Meyer-Buenau
Stephan
Stephan Meyer-Buenau
Local specialist in Kenya | Replied on Nov 09, 2024

Jambo Michelle!

I’m absolutely delighted to hear you had such a fantastic safari with Kaka and Jambo, and that you got to see the Big 5, what an unforgettable experience! Knowing that Zanzibar was the perfect follow-up to your adventure makes us so happy. You truly enjoyed the ideal balance of excitement and relaxation.

Thank you for traveling with us and allowing us to be part of planning this journey for you. Karibu tena, you’re always welcome back!

Trip of a lifetime in Kenya and Tanzania!
Tanzania | Oct 7 - Oct 18, 2024

Susan
Susan D.
Lakewood, CO | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024
Wow and Incredible
We had an amazing experience in Kenya and Tanzania. Stephan pulled together an adventure that was perfect for us! We saw everything on our Must-See list and more. The guides and lodging were all great. The transportation was safe and convenient. The welcome booklet from Stephan was so valuable. Because of it we had everything taken care of and had no problems in either country.
Kenya:
Stephan and our Guide/Driver Norman from Truly Swahili were at the airport to...
Read more

Wow and Incredible
We had an amazing experience in Kenya and Tanzania. Stephan pulled together an adventure that was perfect for us! We saw everything on our Must-See list and more. The guides and lodging were all great. The transportation was safe and convenient. The welcome booklet from Stephan was so valuable. Because of it we had everything taken care of and had no problems in either country.
Kenya:
Stephan and our Guide/Driver Norman from Truly Swahili were at the airport to greet us when we arrived in Nairobi. On the drive to the 1st hotel, we went over the plan and discussed logistics. This was great so when we took off the next day for Lake Nakuru, we were ready.
Norman was our driver and guide while we were in Kenya. It was great to have the same person the whole time we were there. Norman was great, what a nice and caring person. He is also a great guide. He found so many birds and animals. It is amazing to watch him work. The number of small hidden birds he saw was incredible. We would have never seen as much as we did without him. We spent 2 full days on Safari in the park with Norman. We would do it again
Skynest Residences by CityBlue - this was an apartment/hotel which I really appreciated. We stayed here twice as we were going in and out of Kenya. The unit had clothes washing machine which was helpful. We did not have to pack for the whole time we were away. The people were all very friendly, the unit was clean and comfortable. The view from the roof of the building was wild. Nairobi is HUGE!
Sopa Lodge Nakuru - This is a beautiful lodge above Lake Nakuru. The views are incredible. The location is in the park, so our safari began when we woke up with Zebras just nearby. The room was clean and comfortable. Maggie and Mary in the restaurant took amazing care of us!!! They were so friendly! We felt welcome and safe the whole time
Cliff Lodge Sunrise Boat Safari. This was fun. We were treated to a boat cruise on Lake Nakuru. We were able to cruise the shoreline to find all sorts of different birds, and 100’s of Pelicans and Flamingos. It is an early start, so a delicious breakfast is provided. Milka really knew her birds and what we could expect to see. And the Milka/Suleman team were great together spotting everything!
Tanzania
This time we were met at the airport by Truly Swahili’s Irene and our guide Kaka. We met our driver Jambo the next day. More on Kaka and Jambo later! Irene went over the plan for our 8 days in Tanzania on the drive to the hotel in Arusha. This was great so we again knew what to expect.
Sanna Boutique Hotel in Arusha was quite nice. It had an amazing rooftop view, and we were just at the base of Mt. Meru. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Gofrery in the restaurant talked birds with us and made sure we were always ok! It was a good stay before the long drive to the Serengeti.
Kaka and Jambo our guide and driver. I do not think there is enough good to say about these 2 guys. They were a power team! Driving is long and challenging. Jambo got us where we needed to go every time. We were so impressed how he knew how to get around in the Serengeti. There are no roads or signs, yet we always arrived at our lodge at the end of the day. Jambo has crazy skills to be able to drive and find birds and game as we go. Then there was Kaka, he was joy to be around. He saw the positive in everything. And he also saw everything. He knew what was most important to us (birds) and took us to the places that had birds. He knew where a fig tree was that all sorts of bird life. Amazing! Both Kaka and Jambo listened to us, stopped the car when we asked and never rushed us to get going again. Both laughed easily and knew so much! We were able to enjoy the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater game drives to the fullest! The combination of being in Tanzania with Kaka and Jambo was incredible. I will want these 2 to guide me next time. Tanzania without Kaka and Jambo – I don’t think so!
The Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp was amazing. It was the iconic staying in a tent-cabin in the Serengeti. What fun. We heard lions from our bed the 1st night. That is not something that happens in the USA! The rooms were clean and comfortable. There were plenty of people to escort us to our room in the dark. So, we always felt safe! Mariska took care of us in the restaurant, and she was great! The lodge is doing a big update and from what we saw it will be even more luxury than it was for us!
Karatu Simba Lodge – we enjoyed this lodge a lot. It was also clean and friendly and safe. The rooms were very comfortable. Sitting on the deck looking over the hills and farms was beautiful! The meals were buffet style so there was lots of variety and all of it was very tasty!
A last minute add on to our trip was Lake Manyara Biking, Canoeing & Cultural Experience with lunch, instead of a second day in the Ngorongoro crater. This turned out to be one of the most memorable days of our trip. This one we went into not really knowing what to expect. Teresa from The Cultural Tourism Programme in Mto Wa Mbu was an excellent guide. We learned more details about the different tribes and their cultures and skills. We have the opportunity to purchase art from small local artists. We had a traditional Tanzanian lunch prepared for us in a Banana Plantation. YUM! Biking through the village was an interesting ground view of the area. We enjoyed the day! Now I think we will always add a cultural day to any trip! Had I known more about the day I would have brought more cash with me. We encountered so many different people all who are so proud of what they do! I wanted to bring home a little of everything they made.
Irene met us again before we headed to the airport. How wonderful to have a personal touch to be sure the trip not only met our expectations but exceeded them. Stephan took this time to call us and check in before the long trip home as well. 5 Stars!!! Will Recommend!

Hotel Reviews
Skynest Residences by CityBlue
Nairobi

This was an apartment/hotel which I really appreciated. We stayed here twice as we were going in and out of Kenya. The unit had clothes washing machine which was helpful. We did not have to pack for the whole time we were away. The people were all very friendly, the unit was clean and comfortable. The view from the roof of the building was wild. Nairobi is HUGE!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Karatu Simba Lodge

We enjoyed this lodge a lot. It was also clean and friendly and safe. The rooms were very comfortable. Sitting on the deck looking over the hills and farms was beautiful! The meals were buffet style so there was lots of variety and all of it was very tasty!

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was a good balance between getting to the Ngorongoro crater and having out day in teh village of Mto Wa Mbu.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sopa Lodge Nakuru
Nairobi

This is a beautiful lodge above Lake Nakuru. The views are incredible. The location is in the park, so our safari began when we woke up with Zebras just nearby. The room was clean and comfortable. Maggie and Mary in the restaurant took amazing care of us!!! They were so friendly! We felt welcome and safe the whole time

Authenticity & Character
Very 'classic' safari lodge. It was everything you woud expect .
Location
It is in the National Park so Safari is just out side the lodge.
Staff
Maggie anfd Mary - AWESOME. Everyone was friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was large and comfortable. The Lodge its self was beautiful
Sanna Boutique Hotel
Arusha

It had an amazing rooftop view, and we were just at the base of Mt. Meru. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Gofrery in the restaurant talked birds with us and made sure we were always ok! It was a good stay before the long drive to the Serengeti.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Godfry - He was awesome.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Acacia Central Serengeti Camp

We ended us staying at another Acacia lodge in the Serengeti ..... The Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp was amazing. It was the iconic staying in a tent-cabin in the Serengeti. What fun. We heard lions from our bed the 1st night. That is not something that happens in the USA! The rooms were clean and comfortable. There were plenty of people to escort us to our room in the dark. So, we always felt safe! Mariska took care of us in the restaurant, and she was great! The lodge is doing a big update and from what we saw it will be even more luxury than it was for us!

Authenticity & Character
another classic safari -tent lodge. It was amazing
Location
I mean we are IN the Serengeti. The location can not be any better!
Staff
everyone so friendly. Mariska was a special person.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
 Sunrise Boat Cruise  on Lake Nakuru
Sunrise Boat Cruise on Lake Nakuru
Nakuru

Cliff Lodge Sunrise Boat Safari. This was fun. We were treated to a boat cruise on Lake Nakuru. We were able to cruise the shoreline to find all sorts of different birds, and 100’s of Pelicans and Flamingos. It is an early start, so a delicious breakfast is provided. Milka really knew her birds and what we could expect to see. And the Milka/Suleman team were great together spotting everything!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Milka and Suleman
Transport
Evening  Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
Evening Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
Nakuru

Norman was a amazing guide. Lake Nakuru is beautiful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Safari Experience at Serengeti National Park
Full Day Safari Experience at Serengeti National Park
Tanzania

WOW The Serengeti is Amazing. But we had the BEST gukdes Kaka and Jambo! They made more amazing than it was going to be anyway!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
JAMBO AND KAKA!!!!! YES!
Transport
Full Day Safari Experience at Ngorongoro
Full Day Safari Experience at Ngorongoro
Tanzania

What an amazing place. there is SOOOOOO much to see

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Stephan Meyer-Buenau
Stephan
Stephan Meyer-Buenau
Local specialist in Kenya | Replied on Oct 25, 2024
Thank you so much, Susan and Carlos, for this incredible and thoughtful review! I’m beyond thrilled to hear that your journey through Kenya and Tanzania was everything you had hoped for, and more. It was a true pleasure creating this adventure for you both, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of these unforgettable moments. From Norman’s expert guidance in Kenya to the dynamic duo of Kaka and Jambo in Tanzania, and of course, Irene’s warm welcome and personal care, I’m... Read more

Thank you so much, Susan and Carlos, for this incredible and thoughtful review! I’m beyond thrilled to hear that your journey through Kenya and Tanzania was everything you had hoped for, and more. It was a true pleasure creating this adventure for you both, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of these unforgettable moments. From Norman’s expert guidance in Kenya to the dynamic duo of Kaka and Jambo in Tanzania, and of course, Irene’s warm welcome and personal care, I’m delighted that every detail and personal connection made your trip so special. I look forward to welcoming you back to East Africa for another amazing experience in the future! Thank you again for your trust and kind words!

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!