MAMU TRAVELS TEAM
Mamu Travels and Safaris Kenya
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CH
Email Keerthika.V | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
⚠️ Avoid Mamu Travels & Safaris Kenya – A Very Unprofessional and Disappointing Experience ⚠️
We booked a private safari tour with Mamu Travels & Safaris Kenya from August 12–15, 2025. Before we paid, their representative Mariam D. was extremely friendly and always quick to respond. However, as soon as the payment was made, that friendliness vanished. She became unresponsive and offered no real help when issues arose.
The real shock came when the tour began.
Our private tour was anything but private. The driver, Daniel, randomly brought along a colleague — turning our private tour into a shared one. And the worst part? Mariam Desimo knew about this from day one and did absolutely nothing, even though she was fully aware it was booked and paid as a private experience.
He made no effort to find animals, didn’t listen to our requests, and basically just followed his own agenda. We felt like passengers on his trip, not guests on ours.
One of the included services in our official itinerary was a visit to a Maasai village. However, Daniel tried to scam us by taking us to a village where we were suddenly asked to pay an extra $30 per person — even though this visit was already included in our package.
As for tipping — the offer already included a mandatory $10 tip per day, which we were forced to pay. So it’s not like we tipped voluntarily — it was built in, and we had no choice.
After the tour, we sent Mariam clear photo evidence showing that:
-Daniel did not use a company vehicle - risking our lifes with a poor vehicle
-the tour was not private as agreed,
-services in the offer were not delivered properly.
Her response? Just an empty apology and a desperate attempt to convince us not to write a bad review. She didn’t care about our experience — she only cared about her company’s reputation.
When we reasonably asked for a partial refund based on the points that were clearly not delivered as promised, they outright refused. A serious company would take responsibility for their mistakes. Not here.
And the biggest joke of all? They claimed they “made no profit” from this tour. Come on — not even a child would believe that. Every tour operator works with special rates and partnerships to generate profit. Trying to pretend otherwise is just insulting.
We're now dealing with this legally through our lawyer — and even now, they refuse to refund us for the services we paid for but never received.
If you’re considering booking with Mamu Travels & Safaris Kenya, I strongly advise against it. In my experience, it was a waste of money, time, and peace of mind.
If you need proof – feel free to contact me privately. I have receipts, photos, and messages to back up every single word here.
I worked with another safari company during the same trip that was 100x better — professional, honest, and truly customer-oriented. So trust me when I say:
I would strongly advise avoiding Mamu Travels & Safaris Kenya. In my experience, the trip was ruined and I felt my money was wasted.!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply from Mamu Travels and Safaris Kenya
Posted on Sep 18, 2025Dear Keerthika,
We regret to read your review, though it does not reflect the facts of your booking or our communication with you.
You booked a 4-Day Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Private Luxury Safari for 2 adults from 12–15 August 2025 with us at a 50% discounted rate, after comparing multiple operators for a 5-star package. The total you paid was USD 7,980, allocated as follows:
Entim Mara Camp (2 nights, full board, 2 pax) – USD 3,680
The Cliff Nakuru (1 night, full board, 2 pax) – USD 980
Hot Air Balloon Safari (2 pax) – USD 1,200
Park fees (Mara & Nakuru, 2 pax) – USD 920
Transport, driver/guide services, logistics, and taxes – USD 1,200
This full amount was disbursed to the suppliers (lodges, balloon operator, and park authorities). We retain complete records of these costs.
All communication was handled directly via WhatsApp with our representative Mariam. We have full records of these exchanges, including many messages sent at midnight and very late hours, to which Mariam always responded promptly once awake. This demonstrates continuous support — not “disappearance” after payment as you claim.
The difficulties you experienced were caused by the driver’s unauthorized actions, taken without our knowledge or approval. He has since been permanently dismissed. It is incorrect to suggest we knowingly allowed these issues.
Your statement that Mariam asked you not to post a review is false. At no point was such a request made.
Finally, we must note that after your safari you demanded a 50% refund (USD 3,990) on top of the already 50% discount we had given when you booked. Effectively, this amounted to expecting a luxury safari at a fraction of its true value, which is neither fair nor realistic.
As you have engaged legal counsel, we have also involved our lawyer, who has been copied on this matter. Any further claims will be addressed formally through legal channels, including our right to pursue damages for reputational harm caused by false and misleading statements.
The Management Team
Mamu Travels & Safaris Kenya
AE
Email pranjal b | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
exceptional
A life time experience to remember
Mamu Travels and Safaris Kenya had arranged the safari and whole travel exceptionally well, very well organized and hassle free right from the beginning. We travelled in the month of mid July with 2 kids.Special kudos to Madam Maryam . Highly recommend this tour operator if you are planning for Kenya.
Email Aarti | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Above and beyond
Madam Mariam at Mamu Travels and Tours is an exceptional lady. She ensures that she provides you the best options both that will suit your requirements and budget. Even upon your arrival to the destination and hotel/ resort she calls to make sure that you have reached safely and are comfortable. I give her 10 ⭐️
Email Pierra | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Exceptional
Mamu travels were quick to response to my inquiries.
They advised me best hotel for my budget and got me the hotel that I wanted .
It was my first time using them and I will definitely use them again
They are very reliable and organized.
Email Olando | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mamu Travels, always reliable, getting me the best deals.
I have over the years used Mamu Travels to get and reserve holidays on my behalf. It has always been seamless, they provide options and ensure that they get me exactly what I want for my holiday. I have peace of mind knowing that from the time I arrive at the airport, everything is set and ready for me, and all I need to do is relax and enjoy my holiday.
FI
Email Johanna Boateng | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We felt scammed
I booked the 3 day safari tour for the 5th of August 2024 for 3 people including me. Mariam requested i send her the first half of the payment which she received successfully. A few weeks before the safari I emailed her asking when the next payment was to be made and she replied a week before the trip. I sent her the money and it was deducted from my account successfully. Two days before the safari Mariam informs me she has not received the payment. I shoe her screenshots of payment and questioned why she did not ask me earlier about the payment and decided to inform me two days before the trip. She said if she does not receive the second payment the trip will be cancelled and no refund will be made for the first half. My friends and I obviously panic because we travelled to Kenya mainly for the safari and we did not want to miss it. I asked her to meet me the next day so I could pay her in cash because making a bank transaction would take days to reflect on her account. At this point we were taking a big risk giving her money again but we also thought the fault could have been with my bank but it would take me days to figure the situation with my bank all the way from Kenya.
Mariam assured if the money reflects in her account she would transfer it back to me. The sum of it was nearly 1400 USD. We were able to leave for the safari and had a lovely trip. Our tour guide mentioned he does not work for Mamu Travels and the other people in our group had also booked with different companies.
After the trip I contacted Mamu Travels regarding the money and she claimed to not have received it. I told her my bank confirmed the money is in her account since it had been weeks. Mariam was very frustrated and accused me of being a liar. She was VERY unprofessional during phone calls and raised her voice MULTIPLE times at me. Mariam ended up blocking me and till this day we have not received our money.
Reply from Mamu Travels and Safaris Kenya
Posted on Apr 29, 2025Dear Johanna,
Thank you for your feedback.
We are sorry for the challenges you experienced during your booking process. At Mamu Travels, we highly value transparency, professionalism, and the trust of our clients.
To clarify, you made a 50% deposit to confirm your safari booking. We did not receive the balance payment before your travel date, despite multiple follow-ups. Our team informed you that without the full payment, we would not be able to proceed with your safari arrangements. At that point, you were given two options: either complete the balance payment in cash or cancel and request a refund of your initial deposit.
In the spirit of ensuring your safari experience proceeded as planned, you opted to settle the balance in cash.
After the trip, we reconfirmed with our bank that no second payment had been received through the original bank transfer. Our financial team also requested proof of the bank transfer for reconciliation purposes, but unfortunately, no verifiable transaction was found on our bank statement.
We deeply regret that the situation led to dissatisfaction. Nonetheless, we must uphold the integrity of our financial processes and protect both our clients and our business. Should there be any new evidence from your bank confirming a successful transfer into our account, we are happy to re-review the matter promptly.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us, and we are glad you were still able to enjoy a wonderful safari experience.
Kind regards,
Mamu Travels and Safaris Kenya
US
Email Ije | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible!
My group was led by Jeremiah. I travel a lot and have taken more tours around the world than I can count. This was by far the best tour that I have ever taken. Jeremiah was not only extremely knowledgeable but also very patient with us as we tried to capture the perfect picture. He was also punctual which I appreciated. I cannot say enough great things about this experience.
Email Ura | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Worst experience
I was overcharged, with an extra $600 that shouldn’t have been included. I booked a private tour but was almost put into a group tour instead. I signed up for three days of game drives, but only two were scheduled. After already paying for the transfer from Masai Mara to Nairobi, I was charged extra upon drop-off. The driver for the transfer from the hotel to the airport didn’t show up on time and there was no communication. None of the pre-booked arrangements were acknowledged until I provided evidence and pointed out the issues myself.
The only person who handled things professionally was Daniel, who guided us in Masai Mara. He was punctual, dedicated, and provided us with a truly memorable experience in the national park.
Reply from Mamu Travels and Safaris Kenya
Posted on Apr 29, 2025
Dear Ura,
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We are genuinely disappointed to hear that your experience did not fully meet your expectations. However, we would like to clarify that all services booked were delivered as per the agreed itinerary, including the game drives and transfers. At no point did we charge or collect an extra $600 as alleged. We kindly request that such serious claims be supported with specific evidence detailing what the additional amount was for.
We are pleased to hear your positive remarks about Daniel, our professional Driver Guide, who strives to deliver exceptional service to all our guests.
We remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and providing memorable safari experiences for all our clients.
Kind regards,
The Management Team
Email Denis Kiptoo | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Travel Experience!
I had a fantastic encounter with Mamu Travels! The service was excellent from the minute I made my travel arrangements. Mariam was friendly, knowledgeable regarding Mombasa and nearby attractions, and eager to assist whenever needed. Everything went according to plan, including hotel reservations and transportation.
Booking again soon!!!
US
Email Setareh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beware: worst tour operator
Beware of Mamu Travels - they are truly the worst tour operator I have ever encountered in my decades of traveling! Mariam, the owner of the company, was very responsive in the beginning, sending through a full quote quickly after my initial outreach. She seemed very thorough in her communications and continued to be responsive after I pre-paid for our safari in full (nearly $3000 for two people). Then, the week of our safari, she went completely dark. She didn't send through a final itinerary so we had no idea who was picking us up, when they were picking us up, their name or contact information - NOTHING! We emailed and messaged her before our pick up date and she was completely unresponsive. We got ready for our pick up the morning of our first day and no driver came. The main phone number for the company listed on the website, which was Mariam's number, was completely offline - no one would pick up or see our messages on WhatsApp. The only way we were able to get in touch with someone at Mamu was through the Safari lodge reservation desk, which happened to have another phone number for the company. That new person, Patronilla, picked up but had no records of our safari or our itinerary because she did not have access to Mariam's files. She said she herself could not get in touch with Mariam. After much struggle, she was able to convince the transfer driver to come back and get us (he said he apparently came at 6:00am and waited 30 minutes for us but the hotel front desk said that was a lie). When he picked us up, he couldn't tell us much about where we were going, just that we were going to meet the safari driver. When we got to the original meeting up point, a run down gas station in a very run down part of Nairobi, the safari driver had already left! So now we had to chase the driver around the outskirts of Nairobi, culminating in us speeding down a cliffside road to finally catch up to him on the side of the road. When we finally got to him, he broke the news to us that Mariam had not sent him the nature reserve entrance fees ($800 for two days for two people, which we prepaid) so we would have to pay him cash and get reimbursed by Mamu. For her part, Patronilla sent us a note that the company would honor the refund, but unfortunately, no one from the company had access to the bank accounts except for Mariam, who was still missing, so the refund could only happen when she came back online. Well, we completed our 3 day safari, which was great, especially the lodge Emayian as well as our safari driver, Charles, but Mariam was still missing the entire time. We checked in again a couple of days after, but her team said she was still missing, so we just ended up doing a chargeback through our credit card company. Needless to say, this was the most AWFUL travel experience of my life and I caution everyone before working with this incredibly unprofessional company that will put you in stressful, dangerous situations!
Reply from Mamu Travels and Safaris Kenya
Posted on Apr 29, 2025Dear Setareh,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and stress you encountered.
At the time of your booking, Mariam, who was personally handling your safari arrangements, unfortunately suffered a serious medical emergency and was hospitalized for an extended period of two months. This unexpected situation left our office without critical access to some client files, resulting in the communication challenges you experienced.
Despite these circumstances, we did our best to assist you and ensure that your safari went ahead as planned. We are also pleased to confirm that the $800 park fees were refunded as promised, once access to the necessary accounts was restored.
We truly understand how unsettling this situation must have been, and we are deeply sorry for the disruption it caused during your trip. Please be assured that we have since strengthened our internal systems to ensure continuity of service even during unforeseen emergencies.
We appreciate your feedback and wish you all the best in your future travels.
Kind regards,
Mamu Travels and Safaris Kenya