NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip to climb the Kilimanjaro
We had an amazing trip with Kisambi under the lead of Eli and his team!
What a way to discover the beauty of the Kilimanjaro. Eli and his team took good care of us in all the ways you can think of. Carrying your bag when you need a hand, singing a song when it’s needed, the positive vibes during the whole day.
Without the team I’m sure we couldn’t reach the top.
Your tent is already made up when you reach the new camp, the food made by Robert (chef momma) was amazing.
So if you are looking for a positive, fun and trustworthy organisation, Kisambi with Eli as your leader is your team in need.
Special shout out to Coco crocs, who climbed the Kili on his crocs!
Sander and Tim
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great organisation, super fun porters and guides, very knowledgeable.
Great experience, super beautiful hike. The guides and porters are well equipped and experienced. The food was great and always perfect prepared. Even with a height sickness they managed the situation very well and brought me safe to the next hut. Cool experience, really recommendable.
RO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Happy with the service
We had a great experience in our safari tour in Nairobi National Park. Professional staff regarding booking, pick up and drop off on time.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very great service and super communicative
I was in contact with Wayne from the time of considering this trip, all the way till the trip ended. Wayne delivered everything as promised, and was very communicative throughout the planning process. He was patient and answered all my queries no matter how ridiculous it is. I requested halal food for my Muslim friends and he was happy to provide with no added cost. He was committed to make the trip enjoyable for everyone, no matter your background. Sadly, I was unable to go last minute, however my friends did go. Despite that, Wayne was so helpful to help write out a document to help me get my insurance claims. He went above and beyond and was constantly provided 5-star service. My friends that did go for the trip had nothing but good words to say.
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Safari experience 💚
From start to finish, our first safari with this company was absolutely amazing. Communications were smooth and clear from the very beginning, and Malik was with us throughout the trip, making sure everything ran seamlessly and that we had the best possible experience! :)
Our guide, Nick, was truly exceptional. He was knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about wildlife, explaining everything we saw in detail and making sure we experienced as much as possible while respecting the animals’ natural behavior. The rest of the Selous Kinga Lodge team was equally attentive, preparing us with water, snacks, and lunch packs during our drives, ensuring we were comfortable and well taken care of at all times.
On the first day, we went on a stunning boat safari. We cruised along the river, enjoyed a glass of wine, and watched the sunset from a beautiful sandbank. It was peaceful, breathtaking, and unforgettable. The second day was a bush safari game drive, and we loved every second. Nick guided us thoughtfully, ensuring we saw as much as possible without disturbing the animals, and the team had everything prepared so we could fully enjoy the day. On the third day, we went on a savannah game drive followed by a swim in natural hot springs from a volcano. The water was naturally hot, which made the experience unique and memorable. I accidentally left my watch at the hot springs, and Nick kindly offered to turn back, even though it would have taken us hours. We decided not to, but we were very touched by his willingness to go the extra mile. On the last day, we went on a walking bush safari with another guide, which was a peaceful and immersive way to end the adventure. At the end, Nick and Malik accompanied us all the way to the landing strip and saw us off to the plane. It was truly a thoughtful and personal farewell that perfectly capped our unforgettable experience.
Value for money was excellent: Everything was thoughtfully organized, safe, and well-executed. This was our first safari, and it has completely inspired us. We now want to do more safaris and experience even more of Africa’s incredible wildlife. Throughout the trip, we felt that the entire team went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. Their kindness, professionalism, and passion made us feel safe, welcome, and truly cared for.
We cannot recommend this company highly enough. Their professionalism, warmth, and dedication made our first safari truly unforgettable. The memories we made with Nick, Malik, and the rest of the team will stay with us forever, and we would return in a heartbeat!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing
From Safari to the beach. Planes,cars,trains,boat and ballon we did it all with great tour guides, hotel and adventures.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful, very well arranged safari trip!
We went for the 3 day safari to Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater. Our trip was nothing other than perfect from start to finish!
The evening before we were briefed and got clear instructions, and on the departure date our driver picked us up in Arusha for what would become a wonderful safari. We truly enjoyed every second of it! Not just the safari, but everything was very well organised.
Decent jeeps, the food during the trip was also delicious, and the stay at the campsite was also a magical experience.
After we returned to Arusha, the 2025 elections were still causing some troubles in the city (internet was out, evening curfew,..). But our driver made sure we got to our stay safely. They even checked on us the day after, and arranged us a transfer to the airport. Which was greatly appreciated, since we couldn't access internet to check on the details ourselves. We truly appreciated how much we were cared for as a follow-up of the safari itself!
We did 2 safari trips while in Tanzania, once with Go Makini Tanzania Expedition and another trip with another company. I'd highly recommend Go Makini Tanzania Expedition over the other one we had.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
TW
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?
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely magical stay at Selous Kinga Lodge - Asante sana!
We spent three days and four nights at Selous Kinga Lodge, and it was truly the highlight of our trip to Tanzania! The experience was unforgettable from the very beginning. We were picked up at our hotel in Dar es Salaam, and the team brought water for the long drive, snacks, and I even got a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Malik! 🥹 When we arrived at the lodge, everybody came to welcome us with warm smiles, a refreshing welcome drink, and a cool wet towel to help us recover from the heat. It was such a thoughtful and memorable start to our stay.
Our bungalow was stunning, beautifully designed and offering a breathtaking view over the Rufiji River. One evening at sunset, we even watched elephants pass by right in front of our terrace, which felt like something out of a dream. The playful monkeys around the lodge added so much charm to our stay, we love being close to animals, so this place felt like pure paradise!!
The staff at Selous Kinga Lodge was one of the biggest highlights. EVERY single person we met was genuinely friendly, warm, and attentive. Our room was cleaned perfectly every day, and the service was impeccable. The food was absolutely delicious, and as a vegan, I was impressed by how well they accommodated my diet, I truly enjoyed every meal! Also the lunch packs for the game drives were tasty, generous, and thoughtfully prepared.
What stood out most was how genuinely everyone cared about giving us a beautiful time. Throughout our entire stay, we felt that the staff went above and beyond in every possible way to make sure we were happy, comfortable, and enjoying every moment! That level of kindness and hospitality made our experience truly special. On our last day, all the staff came together, singing a song around us as they brought out a cake and a drink to say farewell. It was such a heartfelt, emotional surprise and truly the perfect ending to an already unforgettable stay.
Spending the evenings in the main bungalow was another lovely part of our stay. It has a cozy, homey atmosphere that makes you feel relaxed and completely at ease.
Leaving was honestly the hardest part. We were overwhelmed by the kindness of everyone working there and the beauty of the surroundings. Selous Kinga Lodge exceeded all our expectations and left us with memories we’ll cherish forever.
We are already dreaming of coming back. Thank you to the entire team for making our stay so special - you made our Tanzania trip truly unforgettable 🧡
ASANTE SANA!
