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
ES
Email Anna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Detail orientated and amazing
We had an amazing honeymoon safari in Tanzania thanks to Twinkle Stars Tours! James organized everything perfectly and checked in with us every day to make sure we were having a wonderful time. Our guide Omari was so kind and knowledgeable, and the hotels were absolutely fantastic. We’ll definitely book another trip with Twinkle Stars: highly recommended for an unforgettable experience! IT WAS AAMAAAAZING!
TW
Email Tom | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
dishonest and irresponsible
I strongly NOT recommend you booking your Kenya safari through Twinkle Star or its manager, James.
Based on our experience, he is either financially unreliable or intentionally dishonest — and either possibility is enough reason to stay away.
Here is what happened during our trip:
1. James disappeared after final payment
We booked an August 2025 safari and paid a 40% deposit in November 2024, then the remaining 60% a month before departure. After paying in full, I repeatedly asked James for hotel confirmation letters to make sure everything is OK.
However, he ignored messages, gave excuses, or disappeared for days. Even on the day we flew to Kenya, he still hadn’t provided any official confirmations. I contacted the hotels myself; two replied, but the one in Masai Mara refused to confirm anything unless through James — a clear red flag.
2. Hotel payment was not made
The day we arrived at our lodge in Masai Mara, staff informed us that James hadn’t paid for our rooms, and we could not check in. After almost two hours of calls, the issue was “resolved.”
This was especially frustrating because I had asked James about hotel payments the moment we met in Kenya, and he confidently said everything was settled. It was a lie!
3. Park entry fees were also unpaid
After two days inside Masai Mara National Reserve, our driver told us James had never paid our park fees. The park had only allowed us in because James kept promising to pay “soon.”
On the third day, they lost patience and detained us in the park administration parking lot. They insisted we pay the fees ourselves and even threatened that we might have to sleep in the car. We clearly didn't have that much money on us, even we have that's not our obligation to pay the fee.
We kept calling James but he just ignored calls, made vague excuses, or said he would “handle it tomorrow.”
The payment was finally made the next afternoon after we spent our night in park, and we were allowed to continue our safari.
4. Refund excuses for three months
Because of these incidents, our mood was ruined and we canceled a night safari and requested a USD 60 per person refund that James promised to send. We did not even ask for any compensation for the day we lost owing to the detainment, because James convinced us he is just a business man in financial crisis that time.
BUT Three months later, he still hasn’t refunded anything. Every reminder results in the same empty message: “I will send it by xx/xx, my brother.”
I am writing this review three months after the trip not only because I finally realized he never intended to refund us, but also because during these months, he shamelessly kept asking me to give him a five-star review—as if the refund would magically appear after I helped boost his ratings.
Honestly, who would give five stars after going through all this?
Email Alex | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Incredible 14 Day Safari Through Kenya and Tanzania
We did a 14 day 13 night private circuit safari through Kenya and Tanzania with Twinkle Star Tours, visiting Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Amboseli National Park.
The trip started with a small hiccup when our luggage was not loaded on the plane at the origin, so it arrived the next morning. Fortunately, James from Twinkle Star Tours handled it quickly, retrieving our bags and delivering them to our accommodation in Karen before we set out for Lake Nakuru.
Over the course of the itinerary, we saw the Big Five, an uncountable number of wildebeests, enjoyed both a walking and boat safari at Lake Naivasha, visited a Masai village, took a balloon safari over the Masai Mara, explored the expansive Serengeti, discovered the surprising ecosystem within the Ngorongoro Crater, and had beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The accommodations were very well chosen, with a mix of lodges and tented camps throughout the trip. Each offered comfort, character, and great hospitality that matched the setting perfectly.
Because our route went from Kenya to Tanzania and back to Kenya, we had three guides in total, and each was excellent, skilled at driving, and dedicated to helping us see as many animals as possible.
Overall, it was an incredible and well organized safari experience, and we would highly recommend Twinkle Star Tours for anyone planning a safari in Africa.
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!
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.
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!