Africa Celebrity Tours and Travels
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Member Of:
- KATO, Eco Tourism & Kenya Wildlife Service
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $3,460 to $4,325 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CN
Email QQ | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Poor Safari experience
First, regarding the full-day safari, The contract mentioned a full-day Safari, but what Patrick provided was not a full day. Patrick took us out daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, or from 8 AM to 12 PM and then from 4 PM to 6 PM. He said this was the park's requirement. However, as far as I know, other drivers booked through your company were out from 8 AM to 6 PM, or from 7 AM to 12 PM with lunch in the park and then from 4 PM to 7 PM. This does not align with your promise of a full-day Safari. Patrick’s actions were a significant breach of our agreement. He misrepresented the concept of a full-day safari, depriving us of valuable morning and evening game drive opportunities.
Except for Amboseli, where we stayed 2 km from the park, we were lodged inside the parks at Masai Mara, Nakuru, and Ol Pejeta. Therefore, we had ample time for full-day safaris, with no valid reason to return to the lodge early. Yet, Patrick insisted on bringing us back by 4 PM, citing non-existent park regulations. In contrast, other guides from your company provided a genuine full-day safari experience to their clients.
Second, while safaris are inherently unpredictable, this does not excuse a lack of skill in animal spotting. Our reduced game viewing time, confined mostly to the less active midday hours, undoubtedly decreased our chances of seeing animals. Given your extensive experience, you surely understand this impact better than I do.
Third, on the last day, Patrick refused our request to visit the Maasai market, citing safety concerns, theft, and distance, although our map indicated it was less than 30 minutes away and we had sufficient time.
Moreover, we learned that Patrick’s previous Chinese clients faced similar issues, such as being short-changed on safari duration, poor animal spotting, and being taken to overpriced souvenir shops.
We initially chose Africa Celebrity based on your reputed excellence. However, we are deeply disappointed by not only Patrick’s actions but also your company's failure to take responsibility and address these issues effectively.
Trust and respect are reciprocal, and regrettably, we did not feel either.
I hope no one else has to endure the dissatisfaction we faced due to a poor choice of safari provider.
CN
Email Yiyun | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
a guide who was inattentive, dishonest, and only cared about money
Although our guide John might not be the absolute worst, I still want to write about some of the unpleasant experiences during our trip, both for your reference and in the hope that it will catch the attention of the tour operator's management.
1. Suspected Ticket Fraud:
· Our scheduled 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM safari on Day 1 was reduced to 30 mins.He took us to two overpriced souvenir shops. At the first, he disappeared; at the second, he pressured us to buy, saying it "helps the locals."
· Arrived late at the park gate ~5 PM, but he kept us waiting at the gate, claiming the "ticket system was down." We entered near 6 PM.
· We later learned that entry after 6 PM is free for guests staying inside the park. Our $100/person fee (included in the package) was likely pocketed. He refused to provide a receipt.
2. Poor Game-Spotting Skills:
· Spent more hours on common animals (giraffes, zebras) while other groups saw leopards and cheetah kills.
· Claimed he "discovered" a pride of 4 lions and bragged to every guide, then demanded $10/person tip for it. We gave $5, and he sulked afterwards.
· When we asked him to find the scene that the other group has already seen, he was very serious and told us not to give pressure on him.
3. Safety & Scary Incident (Nakuru transfer):
· Stopped on a roadside for a boxed lunch; a nail punctured the tire, according to his words, when parking aside, the nail punctured(I was doubtful). During fixing the tire, a mentally unstable local opened our car door, shouting aggressively. It was terrifying. John just told us to hold our valuables on the car. We are confused and scared and not dare to get off the car, though they are fixing the car.
4. Rushing & Dishonesty (Crescent Island):
· Gave us only 1 hour at Crescent Island, rushing us back for his own schedule (wanted to "wash the car" and meet friends).
· Later asked for Day 1's tip again, hoping we forgot. We paid for safety.
5. Tardiness & Lies (Amboseli transfer):
· Arrived 3 hours late, lying about "car repairs." Hotel staff helped us to urge him.
· "Compensated" us with a cheap fast-food meal, claiming it cost him $70. We checked the menu – it was about $15. At first, he said he will compensate 3 hours late, but finally he said he catched up with the safari 3:30pm, actually it was 3:40pm and haven't reach the Amboseli gate.Not a word was mentioned about the loss of out hotel rest and leisure time.
6. Final Day Greed:
· Rushed us through the market/supermarket (total 2 hrs).
· Demanded $20 for highway tolls (far exceeding actual cost). We paid the actual receipts.
· Dropped us far from the terminal.
I hope this feedback will make them reflect on the essence of doing business—it should be built on integrity, not on deceiving customers for short-term gains. As for the guide's misconduct(other frustrating details I won't mention more), much of it was obvious to us at the time; we simply chose not to confront him for the sake of our safety and a smooth trip.
Reply from Africa Celebrity Tours and Travels
Posted on Apr 14, 2026Hello Yiyun,
Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding your recent safari with us. We take all guest comments seriously as they help us improve our services. Please find our remarks regarding the points you raised below:
1. Park Entry Fees: Please note that since your three-night stay was at Muthu Keekorok (located inside the park), entry fees are calculated based on the duration of your stay. We purchased three sets of tickets for your Masai Mara duration. Regarding the delay at Sekenani Gate, this was partially due to the additional passenger you requested we transport, who had a disagreement regarding their own entry fees. I have the official receipts and will share copies with you for your records.
2. Game Spotting & Tips: While our guides are experts, game spotting does involve an element of luck. Regarding the tipping issue, as we briefed you at the airport, tips are strictly voluntary. We are concerned to hear about any "demands" for tips; this is not our policy, and we are investigating John’s conduct during your trip as we have not received such reports before.
3. Safety Incident: Regarding the encounter with the individual in Nakuru, John’s primary focus was your safety. Unfortunately, in certain areas, individuals may feign mental instability to approach vehicles for theft. He instructed you to stay inside and hold your valuables as a standard security precaution.
4. Crescent Island: We would like to clarify that the guide at Crescent Island is a local site guide and not John. However, we sincerely apologize that you felt rushed during this portion of the trip. We have shared this feedback with the island’s management to ensure it does not happen again.
5. Tardiness & Meals: The delay was unfortunately due to an unavoidable mechanical issue that required immediate repair for your safety. To compensate for the missed lunch at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, we provided a meal at KFC at no extra cost to you. While you arrived at the park later than planned, the scheduled game drive was still completed, and a boxed lunch was provided on February 25th for your return to Nairobi.
6. Final Day & Drop-off: John provided time for local shopping based on the remaining schedule before your flight. Regarding the airport, Terminal 1A has a specific designated drop-off point which all drivers must use, which may be why it felt a distance from the main entrance. Kindly note that Johns car express is always prepaid. Johns car express way is prepaid from the office. John never requested for express way money.
While we understand you requested a refund for entry fees, these were paid to the park authorities for your stay inside the reserve and are non-refundable. Thank you for your feedback; we are committed to using these details to ensure our future guests have a seamless and memorable safari.
Best regards,
[MULI MUEMA/Management]
Africa Celebrity Tours
CN
Email BB | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Disappointing Safari Experience: A Detailed Feedback
I'm glad our Safari trip has concluded, but there are a few points I want to give feedback on.
1. The contract mentioned a full-day Safari, but what Patrick provided was not a full day. Patrick took us out daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, or from 8 AM to 12 PM and then from 4 PM to 6 PM. He said this was the park's requirement. However, as far as I know, other drivers booked through your company were out from 8 AM to 6 PM, or from 7 AM to 12 PM with lunch in the park and then from 4 PM to 7 PM. This does not align with your promise of a full-day Safari.
2. Patrick drove steadily and had a good attitude, but he wasn't good at spotting animals. He always waited for others to find the animals first, and then he would follow. We didn't get to see the leopard we wanted to see.
3. On the last day, we returned to Nairobi with a flight at 6 PM. We arrived in Nairobi around noon and wanted to go to the Maasai market to buy some things. There was enough time, but he insisted on taking us to another shop we didn't want to go to. He was unhappy when we insisted on the Maasai market, saying it was unsafe and that maps were useless. In the end, we went to the market he suggested and bought some overpriced souvenirs. I don't know if there was any commission involved, but it left a very bad impression on us.
We chose your company based on your reputation in China, but I didn't expect such an experience. I wanted to give honest feedback and decide whether to caution other Chinese friends about choosing your services.
ES
Email Beatrice | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The experience was ok but not over the top considering the name 'celebrity tours'
The lodge was great, the safari was not good, there were no animals to see. Our driver din't communicate clearly e.g he Said it was 20 dollars to visit a masaai village n on arrival to the village, it was 20 dollars Per person. Some drivers were getting to close to the animals n he Said it was not allowed and he was actually obligated to report if he saw one but he din't coz he Said they were masaai's. Our car had a problem driving back to nairobi which made everyone tense.
CN
Email Giorgia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
what a wonderful trip, I left my heart in Africa
Our guide Martin is an extremely responsible, dedicated and highly experienced veteran safari guide who made our entire trip absolutely wonderful. We even managed to spot all of the Big Five.
The supporting staff were highly responsive both during pre-trip communication and throughout our safari. Although we ran into a few minor hiccups along the way, every single issue was resolved smoothly in the end. I would highly recommend this tour—be sure to book Martin as your guide!
CN
Email chen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This tour operator is a reliable
Our safari trip has come to a wonderful end. I’m writing to share feedback on behalf of the four of us. This journey turned out far better and more enjoyable than we’d imagined. We were incredibly lucky to spot all the Big Five in Africa.
A special thank-you goes to our driver-guide Riham. His professionalism and dedication gave us an absolutely unforgettable experience. I
very good experience
good experience good memories!
Thanks a lot for taking care of me 🫶🏻
guides are friendly and responsibility!
TW
Email CHEN ROY | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
happy memory and experience in KENYA
This is a really happy memory and experience in my life.
Happy that i choose this team ‘’Africa Celebrity Tours and Travels‘’.
The tour guys Peter is so good.
Bring you to see animals and find so hard.
Also will tell you a lot of knowledge about the animals.
If I have chance,I will like to come back again.
TW
Email Kate Chien | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A very reliable and trustworthy travel agency
Highly recommended! This travel agency was incredibly reliable from start to finish. From our airport pickup on the first day in Kenya to our transfer back to the airport at the end of the trip, everything was organized smoothly and professionally. Our group of eight traveled on different airlines and flight schedules, and the agency still arranged individual airport transfers for everyone. Their flexibility, attention to detail, and excellent service truly set them apart from many other travel companies.
A special thank you to our guide, Peter, who had an incredible ability to spot animals and always positioned the vehicle perfectly, giving us the best possible views and photo opportunities. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, we were fortunate enough to see not only the Big Five, but also cheetahs and many other amazing animals.
We had an amazing experience with this company and would highly recommend them to anyone planning a safari in Kenya.
We will also definitely be recommending your company to our friends and family in Taiwan, and we hope to return for another safari in the future.
TW
Email Mario Huang | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond imagination, unforgettable
We saw so many animals, and I never imagined we could get so close. Thank you for guiding us these past few days, allowing us to see the Big 5. All the preparations were excellent 👍 Highly recommended!
(automatic translation from Chinese)
