Little did I know how drastically my path in life would change after that first magical safari in 2004. Although my first safari was in Tanzania, it was Kenya that I fell in love with a few months later. The birthplace of African safaris, Kenya, is home to 42 tribes; 40 wildlife reserves, multiple subspecies, stunning deserts with giant dunes, and white sand beaches with turquoise water filled with exotic sea life. One of the most diverse African countries, Kenya is the ultimate “Out of Africa ” experience and why I chose to be in Kenya every year for the 17 years and why I now live here again!
HOW IT HAPPENED
Like most adventures, Meikan Safaris was not planned, but one that was sparked from a passionate conversation while out in the field. A few years back, I had begun looking for a new ground agent. Even if I could find someone to handle complicated logistics across the country, they did not have the right photographic vehicles or quality photographic guides. Having 17 years of logistical boots on the ground experience across Kenya and helping to train consultants and photographic guides for the past 10 years, it seemed logical to create a company that offered the whole package for passionate photographers.
SEE MORE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VEHICLES
HOW IS MEIKAN SAFARIS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU DO NOW?
Meikan is a fully licensed ground operator in Kenya. Meikan Safaris has its own custom photographic safari vehicles with top silver-rated photographic guides that have experience across Kenya. This gives a photographer the ultimate freedom to choose who they want to travel with; when they wish to travel, where they want to travel, have an itinerary tailor-made for their needs by a team with a decade of safari experience in Kenya. You can work directly with a licensed ground agent in Kenya and have confidence in the brand of the company you are working with. Just send us your dream list, and we will do the rest.
Piper Mackay Photo Safaris will remain unchanged, offering small group tours across Africa, including Kenya. The logistics of these safaris often include charter flights, private mobile tent camps, and exclusive accommodations or experiences, which can be costly for 1-3 people. Many people still love to travel on a small group photo safari because they learn from everyone on the trip, not only about photography but the magical places everyone else has already traveled.
Now you have the freedom to choose with brand quality behind your choice. LEARN MORE!
WHO ARE YOUR PARTNERS?
If you have traveled with me over the past 6 years, you have communicated with Abigael; my right hand, who works directly with all our clients and partners across Africa. Abigael is a partner in Meikan Safaris, bringing the same high-quality standard as the Piper Mackay Photo Safari brand. You can learn more about Abigael in her messages from Africa interview.
If you have traveled with me on safari in Kenya in the past 5 years, chances are Jonathan Kaelo was one of my guides. From the first time we met, I immediately witnessed his deep love for photography and conservation. When I switched to Nikon, I gifted him my 1DX, 500 F4, and 70-200 2.8. He instantly began to win awards for his photography, become published, and be recognized as a top photographic guide in Kenya. As a Maasai, Jonathan grew up in the Mara and comes from a family of guides and conservationists. You can follow his work on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.
The foundation of Meikan Safaris is solid in logistical expertise, office management, and tour consultant skills, and photographic guide skills and knowledge. Learn more about Meikan Safaris.
WHY IS THE NAME MEIKAN?
We were in the Mara, sitting around the campfire having sundowners, and Jonathan was showing me pictures of his 3-year-old son Meikan (pronounced Makin) fully operating the canon 1DX! I loved the name and the symbolism of creating a legacy for the next generation of passionate nature photographers who will play a critical role in the fight to protect wildlife and wild spaces.
The tag line, “Makin it Happen,” seemed to follow naturally without much thought.
At the end of your safari, we want you to say, “I can’t believe what I have seen and where I have been!”
THANK YOU
We have just successfully finished our first safari season, and I am overwhelmed by the support from everyone! It has been an honor to host so many of you! Following your heart and taking a big risk is always extremely scary, but when faced with this unexpected opportunity, even during one of the most globally challenging times in history, I knew I had to try.
A quote that always seems to resonate with me is –
“It’s impossible,” said pride.
“It’s risky,” said experience.
“It’s pointless,” said reason.
“Give it a try, “whispered the heart.
FIRST TESTIMONIALS
“The private tours are great. It gave us an opportunity to design an itinerary to match what we wanted to photograph. Having Jonathan and Dennis as our drivers and guides was a huge plus. The Game Drives, seemed more relaxed due to the added flexibility.” – George
“I feel Meikan offers outstanding value for your money. Everything is first class and everyone involved with the company from Piper, to Abigael, to Jonathan and Dennis and a pleasure to do a Safari with. You want to spend time with everyone. Even the animals love them because they all were there to create wonderful images.” – Vaughn
SPECIAL OFFERS
We are putting together some special offers to celebrate our official launch in 2022. Register here if you wish to receive special notification of the announcements. If you are a repeat client of Piper Mackay Photo Safari we are giving you special rates in 2022 so email us, and ask!!!!
We hope to see you in Kenya soon!!!
MEIKAN SAFARIS HAS A WEBSITE
MEIKAN SAFARISHAS A FACEBOOK PAGE
MEIKAN SAFARIS IS ON INSTAGRAM!
REGISTER FOR OUR SPECIAL OFFERS
Congratulations on Meikan Safaris family. Its a really interesting, lovely and passionate work.Love photography myself
Kenya should be the world’s finest safari destination. It has every natural advantage. Wrapped around the equator, it has the most extraordinary range of landscape,booking a safari with jonathan kaelo and his team ( moseka brian is just another step to enjoying an ultimate kenya safari bucket list ,come to africa book with meikan safaris and make it happen.?