Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris Limited Staff Photo
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:
- $60 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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!
BR
Email Deborah | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing nature, inappropriate driver
The safari was satisfactory, as was the hotel, the food and the car.
However, a few days after the trip ended, I received messages from the driver (Branson) asking if I was ok, saying that he could not sleep and asking if I had saw the “African cork”.
For context, I travelled alone. Maybe this person thought I was available for harassment because of that.
That is inadmissible.
(images removed for privacy reasons)
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Sep 19, 2024Hello Deborah,
When the Trip has ended, We have no control over a Hired and unpensable Guide.! As such, we contract them, and once the Contract is over, we have no control over them.
This happens everywhere in the world.
Reason.!
Almost in the whole world.!
Guides are not pensionable and therefore we hire them since at times we get overwhelmed.!
1): We advise all our Clients not to change their numbers with the Guides, and for such to happen, You CANNOT come back and hold Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris Ltd as a company responsible for such indecency words, and getting your way to publishing this as review.
All our Clients and their reviews are flowing, which means, all the attachments are centrally controlled from the office, and we are fully and wholeheartedly responsible.
We communicate with the Client upon their arrival time, a meet one-on-one happens, at times by Myself, if you may ask others, and an introduction is always done on the details of your program and what you could expect along the way before and after.
This is an area we always take very seriously, and we do it perfectly since we are aware of the consequences and the repercussions. It's an area we have extremely excelled in very well.
To prove this, some of our Clients, could even confirm from our Sister representative company from and in New York City (USA) and get ASSISTED there and then.
Why didn't you communicate this during the Safari, if it was an ongoing harassment as you put it, and always contact us with minimal proof that this was happening during the Safari, and yet went further to praise how the Safari was great, the Hotel even to the extent that the driver was as well super great.
What's the change of heart to publish such derogatory language?
To our best understanding, you were out for something, and if NOT, we then apologize for a mission which never accomplished.
I will urge both our platforms to think otherwise and PULL down this exchange spree because Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris Ltd cannot be held responsible for whatever happened after the Safari ended and you continue exchanging words with the Guide on a hired Contract of your Safari.
You don't have to share your Number with the Guides and only if you have been directed by the office for a specific reason.
This is NOT a Twinkle Star review, and we take it, and kindly pull it down.
We have taken also the following steps in good faith.!
-When I checked the company's main Email mid-last night and saw that review.!
-That was the End of this Guide with us).
-We have held a meeting in the office with all our other few Guides, who are permanently with us), with the view to bringing sanitary and hygiene in our Company.
We have apologized loud and clear, and we hope this humble response will meet your maximum consideration and cooperation.
We promise even to improve on matters that are related to what has happened, and to deal with them perpendicularly.
Otherwise.! forgive us for once, we no longer have him.
Decency and respect are something we cherish with our customers and as the Twinkle Star family. Kindly, forgive him (US), and Don't proceed to put us out on the internet for the sake of the sensitivity of our business and the whole Twinkle Star Family.
He has refuted the claim, however though, that the internet never lies, and so neither You.
We have shown him all the communications, and he feels so wasted and for such, we have relieved him from his duties with immediate effect.
This has come as a warning sort to all our Guides, whom we have called for a meeting, and we must get the solution.
Otherwise, I hope this humble request will meet your maximum forgiveness.
Thanks for your time.!
Good Evening and be blessed.!
Your Tour Consultant.
James.
US
Email Tiju | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari trip of a lifetime
We had such a great family trip to Maasai Mara, and James was an integral part of ensuring everything went well. Despite finalizing our trip late and too close to peak season, James was super communicative and responsive, and able to craft a custom itinerary for us and secure rooms at the Entim Mara luxury tented camp. Our parents and kids enjoyed the safari drives with our Maasai guide James (different James!), who helped us spot 4 of the Big 5, besides countless other animals and wild life. Director James even personally came to check on us and wish us goodbye at the conclusion of our trip. Highly recommend Twinkle Star Tours and Safari!
https://www.stampedonarrival.com/kenya
CN
Email Amy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond expectations！
It was a wonderful 13-day trip with Twinkle Star from a couple weeks ago! Even say more than perfect! I’ve been looking forward to travelling in Kenya for 15 years, so I have put a lot of expectation in it, and happily we come across with Twinkle star, James and our guide George.
Why they are good?
1. Respect. James met us personally in Jomo airport and even in the middle of our trip to make travelling brief, clarification, and alignment with our guide George in case any misunderstanding or unpleasant things happened.
2. Capability. Twinkle star was the only agent out of five that booked every accommodation as the priority in our wishing list.
3. Considerate. The travel plan composed by James was very comfortable and reasonable.
4. Professional. We got brilliant photos and videos of Lion hunting, Leopard, Cheetah, Flamingo, amazing landscape from hot-air balloon, etc. and this is big thanks to our terrific guide George who drove us on the grasslands in search of animals, even patrolling unusual routes, occupying the best shooting spots. When we said we wanted to see the Black Rock Boys, George took us there; we said want to see the lions up close, George made our car only 2 meters away; when he sensing a lion was about to hunt, he cut to the predicted route to occupy central position even there were only few cars sensed and parked around.
5. Reliable. In the Beach Mombasa Diani, James booked us Dophin tour and glass-botton boat ride with not any personal owner but a formal operational office stationed at the hotel which secure our safety maximum.
6. Quick responds. Whatever for email communication or additional request in the trip.
I would like to share some of our highlights in the phots in our trip, and these all relied on Twinkle star.
US
Email Sally | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
I highly recommend Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris. Inquiries were responded to promptly. Our tour was better than I ever imagined. The accommodations were top notch. And our guide, John, was amazing. He helped us find oh so many animals and I always felt safe.
US
Email Victoria | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable
We've just come back home from Safari trip in Kenya, booked through Twinkle . We picked Twinkle because of most professional itinerary plan. Price is reasonable. The lodge service , food selection, spa, and bar were excellent. We had 5 gaming opportunities and they were all unforgettable. We felt safe all the time, we got picked up and dropped off at Nairobi airport. The vehicle was reliable equipped with charger and drinking water. Our drivers were highly professional and safe. James is the man!!!!! Thank you James for your assistance and for being available through WhatsApp at anytime.
The bottom line- would recommend to all including to myself !!!!
US
Email Karina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Outstanding Review
Our safari experience with Twinkle in Tanzania and Kenya was an unforgettable journey that exceeded every expectation. From the moment we set foot in the wild, we were captivated by the raw beauty of the African landscape and the incredible spectacle of the Great Migration. Watching thousands of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in a breathtaking display of nature’s power was an experience we will cherish forever.
The success of our trip was largely due to the outstanding efforts of our guides, Chumboso and James. Chumboso’s expertise was immediately evident; his deep knowledge of the region's flora and fauna, combined with his ability to track and spot animals, brought the wilderness to life for us. Whether it was a pride of lions lounging under an acacia tree or a herd of elephants marching across the savannah, Chumboso made sure we never missed a moment. His passion for the wildlife was infectious, and he shared fascinating insights that enriched our understanding and appreciation of the natural world around us.
James, our tour guide, was equally remarkable. He took the time to understand our specific needs and ensured that every detail of our journey was tailored to us. One of our main concerns before the trip was how our dietary restrictions would be managed in such a remote setting. James handled this with the utmost care, coordinating with the staff at every lodge and camp to ensure that our meals were not only safe but also delicious. His attention to detail extended beyond just food; he was always checking in with us, making sure we were comfortable and that everything was to our satisfaction. His dedication to our well-being allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience without worry.
The combination of Chumboso’s wildlife expertise and James’s impeccable care made our safari a truly exceptional experience. They both went above and beyond to ensure that we had the trip of a lifetime, and they succeeded in every way. The memories we made during this journey, from the awe-inspiring sights of the migration to the quiet moments watching the sunset over the savannah, will stay with us forever. We cannot recommend Twinkle enough for anyone seeking an authentic, well-organized, and deeply enriching safari experience in Tanzania and Kenya.
CA
Email Dheer Kumar | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
5/5 Stars - Exceptional Service and Unforgettable Experience!
We recently went to Masai Mara Safari along with my family (5 members). We stayed for 5 nights/6 days. The tour was arranged by Twinkle Tours and Safaris, and I must say, it was truly an experience of a lifetime! From the initial planning stages to the execution, James at Twinkle Star took care of everything. He was very professional, prompt in his responses to any questions, courteous, and went above and beyond to ensure every detail was taken care of.
The safari itself was breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable moments that will stay with us forever. Our guide and driver Daniel was knowledgeable, friendly, and skilled, making sure we got the most out of our time in Masai Mara.
We had a wonderful stay at the La Maison Royale Mara Camp. The rooms and washrooms were clean, and their service was awesome. The hotel staff was always ready to go over and beyond and made sure that our requests were taken care of. The view from our Balcony was breathtaking. We could see the wildlife from there.
I will highly recommend Twinkle tours to anyone looking to plan Masai Mara safari adventure. Their expertise, attention to detail, and passion for creating unforgettable experiences make them truly exceptional.