Twinkle Star: "Adventure beckons, answer the call.
Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
- Located In:
-
United States
Taiwan
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Member Of:
- KATO, Eco Tourism Kenya & KTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $700 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email P Chen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Truly Magical Safari Experience – Thank You, Twinkle Star Tours !
We had the most incredible 9-day safari through Kenya and Tanzania with Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris Ltd, and we can’t thank them enough for making it such a perfect trip.
From the very beginning, James, the manager, was kind, professional, and thoughtful. He worked with us to customize our itinerary and made sure everything was taken care of. We felt supported every step of the way.
Our Kenyan guide, Daniel Mwanzia, was a true gem. He was so friendly, fun to be around, and knew exactly how to help us spot wildlife. In the Masai Mara, thanks to Daniel’s expertise, we saw lions, elephants, cheetahs. Truly an unforgettable moment!
In Tanzania, Roger continued the magic. He was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. With his guidance, we also saw the Big Five and so many more amazing animals up close.
The lodges and tented camps were beautiful and comfortable — especially Acacia Seronera and Kibo Safari Camp. Every detail of the trip, from accommodations to meals to transportation, was smooth and well-organized.
We felt so well cared for throughout the entire journey. The whole team went above and beyond to make sure we had an amazing time. This wasn’t just a vacation - it was an experience that touched our hearts.
We will always remember this trip and the wonderful people who made it possible. If you're planning a safari, Twinkle Star Tours is the team you want by your side !
DE
Email Florian | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly, honest and committed safari operator that really takes care about everything
We booked a private safari for one week through different national reserves in Kenya.
From the very first moment James (owner) was very committed and gave us several options for our private tour.
Pre payments and confirmation worked well and all was organized way before our arrival.
When we got picked up at our hotel by our guide Daniel, everything was perfect from the first moment. Daniel was nice, polite and more than helpful and communicative.
Also the car was in perfect condition for a safari - comfortable and clean.
Daniel would always ensure that we are happy and check in if we had any issues or would like any changes. Throughout the days, we also talked more and more about Kenya, the nature, the (Masai) culture - and Daniel was always happy to engage in an interesting conversation.
Until the drop off at the airport, everything was 100% exceeding our expectations and we had an unforgettable experience!
US
Email Renee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible
This was a trip of a lifetime. My daughter and I had a beautiful trip. James was really patient with me and my loads of questions Our guide Daniel is the BEST. We can’t wait to go back!
Email Helen Powell | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Efficient personal organisation at a very good price
My husband, sister and I booked a safari and beach holiday in Kenya with James of Twinkle Star Tours. He gave us a prompt and very reasonable quote for our trip and was quick to respond to any queries.
He and our guide Daniel met us on our first day with our Safari vehicle, very spacious and comfortable. All the arrangements worked perfectly, the accommodation booked was always agreeable, and our young Masai guide, Daniel, looked after us carefully,fetching a crate to help me in and out of the high vehicle (I’m 80). He made sure that we saw everything one could wish to see- lions, cheetahs, leopards etc. We were sad to say goodbye when we reached Diani Beach.
I would recommend this company unequivocally.
US
Email Junta | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Twinkle Star is the best!
10/10 would recommend safari tours through Twinkle Star. Our driver, James, was amazing. Not only was he an amazing driver, but very friendly and pleasant to spend time with. He taught us lots about the culture and landscape of Kenya. He also went to college and studied wildlife so he had so much knowledge about everything we saw on our game drives. There was not one question he didn't know the answer to! The car, modified Land Cruiser, was cleaned every day, very comfortable, and super capable on tough roads and mud as well as river crossings. James, the owner of Twinkle Star, (same name, different person), was also an amazing host. We felt taken care of the entire time and he was super accommodating for us with anything we needed. We would book with twinkle star again if we were to go back to Kenya for another trip.
Email Burton | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The team that goes above and beyond.
James managed to plan a delightful tour and itinerary for us during our honeymoon. We got the best Ocean View deluxe room at Hemingways Watamu all courtesy of Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris. The attention to detail that Twinkle Start Tours and Safaris executed exceeded expectations, extending to the room decorations and enabling us to experience kayaking, sunset dinner dhow cruise and snorkeling. Thank you. Looking forward to more adventures.
SG
Email Nuno | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive and helpful
James was very responsive and helpful on re shaping the experience to our requests. Pickups and transfers were all on time and the safari was amazing!
AT
Email Sveto | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect getaway
Our trip was customized and perfectly planned by James to the very last detail.
We had a short getaway and wanted to utilise our time to a maximum extend. James managed to book all transfers, internal flights and accommodations to fit perfectly those requirements and we managed to visit both Amboseli and Masai Mara. James was checking every day how things are going on. It was a great experience. Thank you!
MX
Email yuvie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Be Careful, are they incompetent? or Scammers?
Incompetence? Or FRAUD?
I booked an 8-day, late December safari with James of Twinkle Star and made my 40% deposit, with the balance due 7 days before the tour starts.
On Sep 27th, James confirmed the itinerary and receipt of my deposit.
Just two days later, he emailed me asking for the balance. Since that was not what we agreed on, I declined.
Over the next two weeks I received several more requests by email, by text and by phone for immediate full payment more than 3 months early. I obviously lost all confidence in James and Twinkle Star and canceled my trip with them.
According to their terms and conditions, they promise a full refund if cancelled more than 60 days in advance. Although I canceled well before this, James is not honoring his refund saying how he wants to refund my money, but “We just don’t have the money”
I don’t know if Twinkle Star are scammers or just plain incompetent.
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Nov 20, 2024Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Nov 20, 2024
Subject: Clarification Regarding Client Yuval's Safari Trip.
Hello Yuval:
Thank you for reaching out again for clarification on this matter.
The issue was raised by our client, Mr. Yuval, who mistakenly referred to us as fraudsters and incompetent.
Mr. Yuval confirmed his safari with us, scheduled for late December 2024. He paid the usual 40% deposit required for reserving all accommodations in advance, which is standard policy to avoid any inconveniences during the safari.
We have retained all the payment slips from the hotels as proof that the advance payment was used appropriately and not for anything unrelated to his safari.
At one point, we discussed with Mr. Yuval the option of topping up his balance to lessen the remaining 60% due 14 days before the safari. Unfortunately, he responded only with an email stating he had cancelled the safari with us.
Sometimes, in the interest of keeping the company afloat, it is necessary to request such additional payments in good faith.
We regret having to ask Mr. Yuval for this, and we subsequently apologize. We encouraged him to reconsider the safari, which had already been paid for, reserved, and booked.
As a result, Mr Yuval published a defamatory review across ALL our platforms. We addressed the issue on all platforms, including Safari Bookings, and Trip-advisor and managed to reach an amicable resolution.
We have agreed with Mr. Yuval to issue a partial refund around this mid-month, with the remainder to be paid towards the end of the year, however before the date of his safari if it were to happened.
This is an agreement he has accepted, and we are making an effort to ensure we maintain our promise.
We are dedicated to fulfilling our commitments to Mr. Yuval without any issues.
We have his bank details and will start processing the first partial refund this-November, as per our agreement with him and agreed with him NOT to go against this and to continue publishing the same already overtaken event to any other platforms he has reported this issue to.
I hope this clarification meets your understanding and cooperation as we strive to ensure we do not fail Mr. Yuval.
Kind regards,
James Collins Oketch.
We are fully committed to ensuring that we provide a refund to our brother Yuval.
We have been working on securing a replacement for the hotels for which we have already paid; however, we have not been successful so far.
We have concluded that if a solution does not materialize soon, we will find alternative means to secure the funds for this refund before the date of his Safari coming next month 21st December 2024 to be precise.
We have not mishandled Yuval's money in any way.
His funds remain with the hotels.
Kindly bear with us, we are working around the clock to make sure you DON'T lose your money.
We have made a commitment even before the Safari bookings on the same.
Yours Faithfully,
Your Tour Consultant,
James Collins Oketch.
TW
Email Alan and KiKi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pefect Honeymoon
We just returned from an unforgettable 13-day safari trip with Twinkle Star Tours a few days ago, but we are still reminiscing about the incredible experiences we had in Kenya and Tanzania.
A special thanks to Director James, who was always quick to respond via WhatsApp and email. His patience and thoroughness in addressing all our questions were truly appreciated, and he gave us valuable suggestions tailored to our needs. Every accommodation was booked according to our preferences, and the travel plan James crafted was both comfortable and perfectly balanced. Meeting us in person at Jomo Airport and ensuring everything went smoothly throughout the trip showed his genuine care and attention to detail.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our professional driver and guide, Daniel in Kenya and George in Tanzania. Their knowledge, expertise, and dedication made our journey truly remarkable. Thanks to their keen eyes, we were able to witness the Big Five in both countries, which was a highlight of our trip. They provided an excellent experience and made us feel safe, comfortable, and deeply connected to the stunning wildlife and landscapes.
Choosing Twinkle Star Tours and Safari was one of the best decisions we made, and we are truly grateful for the entire team. We look forward to the day we can return and create more cherished memories with you!
