Mike Meidlinger has been fascinated by wildlife from a young age, with birds in particular holding a lifelong appeal. Born in Johannesburg, he spent his early childhood in South Africa before growing up in Northern Ireland, where his interest in birding really began to flourish. As a teenager, he volunteered with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) at a local wetland reserve, developing a keen eye for identification and a particular interest in challenging groups such as gulls, warblers and wagtails.
A gap year travelling through Southern Africa introduced Mike to guiding, and he was immediately hooked. Over the past two decades, he has built extensive experience as a safari guide, guide trainer and assessor, increasingly focusing in recent years on birding tours. For Mike, guiding brings together his passion for birds, wildlife and travel with his enjoyment of sharing memorable experiences and helping others connect more deeply with the natural world.
Mike’s birding travels have taken him across much of Europe and the Middle East, as well as throughout Africa, Asia and North America. Highlights have included destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Estonia, Turkey, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Morocco, India, Madagascar, Texas and California, while South Africa and Namibia remain especially close to home. He looks forward to sharing many more birding adventures and unforgettable experiences with fellow travellers.
