Safari Jeep ready for departure
Africa Marvel Tours
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Member Of:
- Kenya Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $130 to $450 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Diane B | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unreliable !
A tour group of 11 adults, we paid the full cost of a 12 days safari in Kenya and Tanzania. We had great tour guides and accommodation BUT, we waited for hours at the Tanzanian Border, there were no drivers to meet us. Our park fees for Serengeti had not been paid, more extensive delays until finally they were paid by a member of our tour group. We then found our Accommodation and Park Fees had not been paid in other locations. Despite frequent phone calls and many promises no payments were made without delays and pressure. We had to abandon our tour and return to Nairobi. We have had promises of refunds for our additional expenses, but so far no refunds have come from Africa Marvel.
Email Peter Buchanan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
In my experience, I felt deceived and misled by this company.
Our 12 day tour had some highlights (mostly the animals), but many lowlights including non payment for accommodation and park fees and extensive delays at border crossings.
We had paid in full for our 12 day tour prior to departure, but continually had problems with accommodation and park entry due to non payment by Africa Marvel. Every time I called them while on tour to find out the problem, the owner was at the bank trying to arrange finance to keep our tour running. It seems all the money we had paid was being used to keep the business afloat, and not provide the tours we paid for. Even our 4 day tour to Rwanda to see the gorillas was cancelled the NIGHT before we were due to leave, despite promises made during the previous week all was on track. It was finally admitted by Africa Marvel that they never made ANY of the bookings for this tour, despite taking our full payment. Everything they have been telling us was a lie - they have been behaving criminally and should be put out of business before they can take other peoples money.
Of course, they have promised (many times) to repay all monies owed to our group, but deadlines have come and gone, and they have made no real effort to repay, and we don't hold out any hope of seeing our money.
Do yourself a favour and steer clear of them.
Email Ray | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beware beware beware, never again
In a group of 11 and we all paid in full for a Safari holiday to African Marvel. Expecting a holiday to remember but what we got was their management not paying hotels, lodges and park fees and we lost big chunks of time where we should have been viewing Kenya and Tanzania wonders. What we got was hours waiting at park entries, or in hotels not being able to leave because the bill wasn't paid by African Marvel. Tourism is very important for Kenya and Tanzania but this experience has left a bad feeling and we have told family and friends our experiences, a nightmare of failed promises by management. That said the guides were amazing, hotels, lodges, food were also amazing. Even the guides weren't getting paid and relied on our daily tips to survive. So based on my experience, do not use this company, find a company that you can trust. Yes we paid in full but that doesn't guarantee a flowing, wonderful holiday with beautiful countries, animals and locals. Find a financial operator that does put your money into your holiday. Beware, please beware.
Update, now been over 3 weeks and no promised money has been transferred from African Marvel to our group. All words and clearly no action or no care!
Email Pam Buchanan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our holiday of a lifetime ruined by the lies and deceit of Africa Marvel.
The twelve day Safari of Kenya and Tanzania was marred with delays, a feeling of being held “hostage” at each junction of the trip until accommodation and game parks were paid; sometimes by Marvel after much pressure being applied, and from us (for a second time!) to ensure that we did experience some of what was promised to us in our itinerary.
Our family group and friends, totalling 11 people, had paid in full and in good faith that the services would be provided as booked.
It was evident that Marvel was stringing us along financially and emotionally, promising us a
refund of the services not rendered, totalling USD30,000.
Not one cent of that huge amount of money, that our group could ill afford, has been paid back. We are still waiting!
Cutting short the safari as once again the accommodation and park fees were not paid for, we returned to Nairobi early.
Even more bad news as the Rwanda 4 Day Tour to experience the Gorillas and the Golden Monkeys for the 6 of us an absolute once in a lifetime “bucket list “ paid to Marvel was NEVER booked at all. When pressed further about this tour he admitted the day before that he had done nothing. We were devastated! It was clearly fraud!
The emotional and financial stress, the uncertainty and betrayal is the key element I have taken from dealing with this company.
We thought we did our due diligence in going with this company, but that proved to be an absolute nightmare on so many levels.
Be so aware!
Email Gemma | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not Recommended
Unfortunately I have to write this to warn other people as we had a bad experience with Africa Marvel Tours.
We went in August but it took several months to recoup some money from them and have only just got around to writing this report.
I had high hopes for this trip and spent almost a year planning the trip of a lifetime for my 40th birthday with my family. I had decided years earlier that I wanted to do an African safari in style for this milestone.
When I contacted Perminus, I was very specific with what I wanted and we went back and forth a lot fine tuning our itinerary (10 nights Kenya and Tanzania) and I spent a lot of time researching and selecting specific accommodation based on the effect each would have on the total cost of the trip. I wanted to stay in some more luxury lodges but mix it with some mid range lodges so that it wasn't as expensive in total.
Perminus was very helpful in the planning process and I felt confident that this was going to be the trip of the lifetime I'd dreamed of. We were able to secure all but 2 (out of 6) of the lodges I'd selected but we booked into good alternatives for those 2 that we couldn't get.
Between paying the deposit and the final balance our group had gone from 6 people in 3 rooms to 4 people in 3 rooms. We paid extra to have 2 people in their own rooms.
Fast forward to 3 days before the tour began. I contacted Perminus on arrival in Nairobi (our tour started from a hotel we had booked ourselves in Nairobi) to ask what time we would be collected on Day 1. At this point, he informed me that 3 of the lodges that we have confirmed had been changed. All 3 were the best, most luxurious properties that we had paid a hefty premium for. I was furious. The alternatives were significant downgrades from what we had been told was confirmed prior to paying our final balance.
On arrival at the first alternative property, the reception staff handed us 2 keys instead of 3. They informed us that the booking requested was only for 2 rooms. In fact, they had more rooms available but had just sold them to a family who just arrived and were still there in the reception at the same time as us. So this first lodge was not only quite a lot cheaper than the one we paid for, but we only got 2 rooms instead of 3. We were there for 2 nights.
The same thing happened at our third stop. Exact same story except a bigger downgrade. The poor hotel staff having to be the one to break the news to us because despite our driver confirming with Perminus that we had 3 rooms for the rest of the trip, he lied and said we did, when we didn't.
The 4th stop (the third changed lodge), we had our 3 rooms but this was the biggest downgrade of all. We'd booked a really nice luxury property in Serengeti with a pool and sweeping views over the plains. We were put into a perfectly fine tented camp with no view or pool and it was baking hot there when we were trying to rest in the afternoon. It was worth significantly less than what we'd paid for.
There was no effort to warn us about these things or provide an explanation. I had to call Perminus to demand an explanation during the trip. The explanation given was that his colleague had accidentally cancelled all our bookings instead of amending the number of people from 6 to 4 (this would have been several months earlier and still we weren't told). They were able to get back all the accommodations except the best ones.
Unfortunately I don't believe that is what happened. I believe that this was intentional to make a bigger profit or perhaps, to survive another few months if the company is in trouble. The reason I think this is because I have read reviews of other companies in Kenya doing this, so it seems to be common practice. In addition, a family who went the week after us with Africa Marvel had an even worse time. You can read their review on SafariBookings (Li, Sep 12 2024).
I had to chase and chase them to organise some kind of refund. It was incredibly frustrating. I did my own research and based on published rates, the DIFFERENCE in what we paid and what we got in terms of accommodation was about USD5600. But these safari companies access agent rates which can be 20-30% cheaper. Even so, that would mean that we overpaid by about USD4000. After 3 months of chasing, I finally received USD1600 back. Better than nothing, but we were totally and utterly ripped off and I would hate the same to happen to anyone else.
The places we visited and the lodges were all good and the wildlife was truly amazing. But this experience made what was meant to be the trip of a lifetime, an unpleasant experience where I was having to ignore this stuff in the moment in order to try an enjoy myself. I would be wary of any Kenyan tour company after this and would rather book my own accommodation and fly to each place than risk being ripped off again.
That said, both our drivers in Kenya (Joe) and Tanzania (Medy) were great and I feel sorry for them that they have to be the face of this unprofessional and dodgy company.
Book at your own risk. If you do, go for the cheaper accommodation as you will probably end up there anyway!
Reply from Africa Marvel Tours
Posted on Jan 16, 2025Dear Gemma,
Thank you for your feedback and review, we value our clients feedback.
In reference to your complain about the refund we had it sent within the period mentioned to you on email and we are glad that you acknowledged receipt of the same with thanks.
We looked into your communication with Perminus and It was true there was a lot of back and forth trying to decide on which lodges and at the same time fit your budget. At the time of booking we confirmed that you were informed of the unavailability of some of the lodges considering your booking was during the peak season. As a general practice the agreement was to have them wait listed and see if something will open up with time.
Initially your booking had a total of six people that is three double rooms. One month to the safari start date you reduced the number of people from six to four which meant we change to two double rooms. The last minute booking change affected the booking.
We tried our level best to place you in accommodation similar to the initial booking and only one camp we had to move you from luxury to midrange which we acknowledged there will be a refund for the difference in price. We credited your bank account with the price difference and you acknowledged receipt with thanks via email.
We appreciate that Joe and Medy were great guides during your safari.
Once more we are grateful for your feedback and will endeavor to continue on improving on our service delivery.
CA
Email Li | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Complete lack of professionalism and unethical practices
My family and I had high hopes for our 12-Day Best of Tanzania and Kenya Safari (Mid-Range) tour, booked with Africa Marvel Tours from August 16 to August 27, 2024. After extensive research and saving up for this dream trip, we were excited to explore these incredible landscapes. Unfortunately, our experience was nothing short of a nightmare, largely due to the agency's complete lack of professionalism and failure to deliver on their promises.
We paid the full amount to the agency per their requirement, 30% at booking in January and 70% in July, three weeks prior to the trip, expecting everything to go smoothly. Instead, the agency repeatedly failed to pay park fees, accommodation costs, and even our driver’s wages on time. This led to multiple delays, forcing us to sit idle for hours, miss game drives, and even skip two parks altogether. In total, we wasted over 16 hours waiting on payments to be processed.
Here are the major issues we faced:
1. Border Delay: On Day 4, we were stuck at the Kenya-Tanzania border for 1.5 hours because the agency hadn’t paid for park tickets, gas, and driver fees. This caused us to miss the Lake Manyara game drive.
2. Ngorongoro Crater Issues: On Days 5 and 6, our schedule was delayed, and we were stranded for 5 hours waiting for the agency to cover Ngorongoro park fees. Due to these delays, we had to cancel our Serengeti stay and move to a camp near Ngorongoro, which was arranged at the very last minute after we had to argue with the agency.
3. Masai Mara Payment Problems: While our driver provided outstanding service during our Masai Mara visit, he later told us that Africa Marvel Tours hadn’t paid him. He had to cover the expenses from his own pocket. He is a freelance tour driver, hired by this company for our trip. The agency continuously promised him reimbursement, which never happened.
4. Accommodation Issues: On Days 10 and 11, we were held in the lobby for hours at different lodges due to unpaid balances by the agency.
5. Final Day Misery: On our last day, we spent a total of 7 hours waiting in a restaurant parking lot for the agency to deliver a meager $135 refund to me and to pay my driver. The agency representative claimed they have no money to pay the driver because they are experiencing some cash flow issue. He eventually signed an agreement to pay our driver 98800 Kenya Shillings =1, 035 Canadian Dollars by September 5, but to this day, no payment has been made. We missed our Nairobi Park visit as a result. We also missed Elephant Orphanage visit because the agency failed to book it in advance.
Our driver went above and beyond, often covering expenses himself to ensure our trip wasn’t completely ruined. He truly tried to salvage our experience, and it’s devastating to see him suffer such financial loss and disrespect from the agency.
I have reported Africa Marvel Tours to the following organizations. These organizations have the right to investigate them and make corrections. Despite all my frustration and stress during my trip, my biggest concern is whether our Driver can get his money back.
• Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO)
https://katokenya.org/consumer-protection/
• Kenya Tourism Board
https://ktb.go.ke/
• Kenya Tourism Regulatory Authority
https://tra.go.ke/
Please carefully select your safari tour agency. No one should go through what we experienced.
Email Sue Low | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Buyer beware, our trip turned into a nightmare of delays and non-payment of services promised.
I gave my review two stars to firstly acknowledge the great tour guides and hosts at our accommodation venues. The accommodation 'camps' were outstanding, the people went out of thier way to make us cared for, and the food was good and plentiful. The second star is awarded to the experience in the Game Parks themselves; animals appeared and behaved as expected. As a biologist, I could not have been happier with the experiences in these Parks. However, the integrity and reliability of African Marvel and their principle executives left a lot (everything) to be desired. It was humiliating for everyone to be waiting around at borders and accommodation sites for paymentd to be received from 'head office'. On the last occasion in Kenya, the manager of the site let us travel on and claimed that our accommodation at his beautiful site had been paid. We believe that this was not the case, and that he was being gracious rather than enduring the embarrassment of 11 of us being held 'hostage' to Marvels poor performance. As he said "this does not reflect well on our country".
NZ
Email Nicola Burrows | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Disappointed by last minute changes and miscommunication
A wonderful safari was let down by a last minute accommodation change and miscommunication between the tour office and my guide.
I'll start with the positives. Communication with Perminus at Africa Marvel Tours was quick and easy. He was helpful with making itinerary suggestions. I was able to call via Whatsapp before I left NZ. He was quick to let me know that my guide was running late for my initial pick up - which I appreciated.
I loved my stay at Tsavo East Voi Safari Lodge - the view overlooking the plain below was MAGNIFICENT!!! I highly recommend staying there. I have never seen so many elephants before. They were everywhere!
Amboseli had incredible contrasts between the dry landscapes and marshes. Overall Amboseli seems more affected by the current drought than Tsavo East. But I have no idea what they were like before the drought, and I was still able to see many animals at both. There are lots of carcasses at Amboseli due to the drought.
My guide was mostly good. He was knowledgeable and professional and I felt very safe as a single woman.
My disappointment came when my accommodation outside Amboseli was changed the day of arrival. I was most disappointed as I was moved to accommodation that was more basic than I had expected. I communicated my disappointment to Perminus, who said his supervisor would be in touch with me. That never happened. This last minute downgrade of accommodation left a sour taste in my mouth.
The other disappointment was a miscommunication between the Tour office and my guide. My guide told me that I HAD to do a full day in the reserve as I would have had to pay for an additional entry fee, if we wanted to enter again. So I agreed, even though I would have preferred a morning and afternoon drive. Full day drives are tiring and less enjoyable. (At this point I had forgotten that my itinerary specified that I had a morning and afternoon game drive.)
At the end of that day, as we were confirming plans for the next day, my guide told me that we wouldn't be able to enter the park again on my last morning as we didn't have an entry. This time I remembered that my itinerary specified that I had a game drive that day, (and lunch in the park). I had to contact Perminus to get this cleared up and was able to have that final game drive. I wish I had done this the previous day.
Make sure that you get what is written in your itinerary!
I had my hot air balloon ride moved to another day, as the day it was scheduled was already booked. This was mildly frustrating, as I had booked this months in advance, but Tour Office only booked it a few days before. The one positive of this, was that I was able to see 5 cheetah the morning I would have been on the hot air balloon ride.
Going on a safari is a wonderful thing to do. Both Amboseli and Tsavo East are very different. The accommodation at Tsavo East, probably means I rate it more highly.
Unfortunately the accommodation downgrade, lack of follow up and miscommunications between the office and my guide, means that I would not book with Africa Marvel Tours again.
Reply from Africa Marvel Tours
Posted on Apr 4, 2023Jambo Nicola,
Thank you for entrusting us to do your safari to Amboseli and Tsavo. Glad to hear that you had a great safari and that you managed to see all the big 5. Great that you enjoyed your stay in Voi Safari lodge at Tsavo. Again accept our sincere apologies for the disappointment with the accommodation change in Amboseli and not getting back in time. This occurred due to the closure of the original camp booked which was a mid range type of accommodation and when you made the call to Perminus there was an agreement for a free upgrade to a luxury type of accommodation. However due to the changes happening close to safari start date we could not confirm the upgrade due to the luxury camp being fully booked. We had to look for an alternative which we got at another mid range type of accommodation which is the same level as the initial camp(closed camp).
Its great to hear that your guide was mostly good, knowledgeable and professional and that you felt safe as single a single woman traveler.
As for the game drives the options are either a morning and afternoon game viewing drives or alternatively a full day game viewing drives, this is always agreed between client and driver guides depending on how the previous day was, some clients prefer full day while other prefer morning and afternoon game drives. With either of the arrangement there should not be an issue of extra park fee, so we are going to look into this and work on the same.
For the balloon safari while doing the reservation there was no enough load(people) to fly on the original date of booking and we could only get the same the following day hence the move to the following day. Glad that you had a chance to see 5 cheetahs on the morning you should have been on the balloon safari.
We appreciate your feed back and going forward we guarantee working to improve on our services to ensure seamless safari experience for your next safari expedition with us.
Email Madi J | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
He could have provided more information on ALL the animals.
Great safari! The location was great. We were able to see all big 5 animals! It was timed out just right where we were able to rest for a bit after lunch. The hotels/accommodations were very nice. The food was very good while at the resort and they had excellent service. However water was not provided on our trip and we had to purchase drinks if we wanted them. And the tour guide was very short and didn’t provide us with very much information about any animals. After 3 days of drives he didn’t even bother to ask our names or get to know us on any sort of personal level. The experience would have made a difference if our driver put in some effort for us to have a good time.... As far as location and number of animals we saw in tsavo west and amboseli they were great!
Reply from Africa Marvel Tours
Posted on Apr 9, 2021Jambo Madi,
Thank you for entrusting us to do your safari to Amboseli and Tsavo. Glad to hear that you had a great safari and that you managed to see all the big 5. Great that you enjoyed your stay in the lodges and camps we had booked for you. As for the water, we always provide bottled water on the safari vehicle just like we did however the hotels and lodges do not include drinks(including water) as we had mentioned on our email communication.
Its a regret that the driver guide did not meet your expectations, as a company we promise to work on this by continuously training our driver guides to ensure every one of them meets the highest standards possible and make every safari a great experience for all our clients.
Many thanks for the feed back and hope to see you again on another great safari expedition.
Email Lakesha Bell | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Maasai Mara Safari
This was a great tour for the value. Perminus was able to give us all the information we needed during our months of planning. The driver was prompt and we (4 women) felt safe for the entire 3days of our trip. The driver made sure we were able to see as much animals as possible on our outings to the park. We stayed at Enkorok which was very rustic and a great experience of ‘glamping’. The staff at the camp was pleasant and very accommodating. We also enjoyed the balloon ride and the visit to a nearby Maasai village which was also planned by African Marvel.