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
US
Email SUSAN NGUYEN | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
" PERFECT BUDGET SAFARI
My husband and i first time at Kenya safari operated by Twinkle Star Tours . Our guide/ Driver by young men name Jeffrey , he was Excellent , and knowledgeable in his work . We very much enyoy it , and we looking forward on next trip soon with you.
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Sep 27, 2019Jambo Susan,
First of all we want to thank you for choosing Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris in your 7 days budget safari in Masai Mara, lake nakuru, lake naivasha and Amboseli National Park.
We are delighted to here you had a wonderful safari and thumbs up for reviewing your 7 days safari experience in kenya with us
Thank you also for acknowledging your driver guide Geoffrey who made your safari excellent.
Asante Sana and we welcome you again to Safari with us.
IN
Email Ramesh | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trip of 7 days with Twinkle star tours and Safaris
When I was planning my vacation with Kenya, I was in a doubt as to how the experience will be..how will I plan the trip with a Travels agent whom I have never even met or corresponded in my life.etc . My fear was more compounded as I had to make the payments in advance to some one I never knew..I was afraid of being conned of my money once i had paid..However later I would come to know that I was wrong in my fears.
I selected Twinkle tours from around 10 tour operators found on Trip advisor & other Internet sites. My final choice was based on the immediate responses given by James (owner of Twinkle Tours). He was always quick in his responses & that assured me that I may be in good hands & that it was safe to continue with Twinkle Tours.When ever I called , he used to be on line & answer all my queries..
On my arrival in Nairobi, I was picked up by a cheerful staff member from Twinkle Tours & driven to my hotel (which was a nice place). James immediately called me & came to the Hotel. He was kind enough to come with me personally to change money (from a bank) & only left the Hotel when I was comfortable.He again came to me on my last day in Nairobi. I also saw that he would always keep calling our driver (every day & after every trip) to find out if we were comfortable or if we had any issues with any arrangement.This was so nice of him.
He assigned me one of the best tourist guides (cum driver) Mr.Willy aka Double Whiskey..Willy was extremely friendly,great with information,drove us safely through out the trip & dropped us in time at Airport back to Home. During the 3 day stay at Masai, he was always on his radio to find out where the game was & was quick to drive us to the point. We saw all the animals (big 5) due to Willy & his knowledge of the park. Willy & James put us in the best of Hotels & rooms & we never had any complaint.
I would definitely recommend Twinkle star, James & Willy for anyone coming to Kenya. They are one of the best I have dealt with in my travels around the world. You should go for Twinkle star blindly when finalizing a Kenya Trip
Regards
Ramesh
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Nov 22, 2019Jambo Ramesh,
Firstly i want to thank you for choosing to experience Kenya with Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris.
Thank you for acknowledging Director of Twinkle Star Tours, James, who made all arrangement for making this wonderful safari in kenya. Also we really appreciate for recognizing Willy a.k.a double whisky one of our best guide in kenya for been informative and caring for your entire safari.
Our Top notch goal is to make our client happy like you.
We welcome you again in kenya for your next safari.
Asante Sana.
Regards,
Benson
SE
Email Marina and Linnea | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We could not have asked for a better experience
We booked a 3-day trip to Masai Mara through Twinkle Star. We got excellent help from James who made sure we got exactly what we were asking for. He even contacted us afterwards to make sure we were satisfied with the trip. Our guide Miqal picked us up in Nairobi and from the first minute we felt really welcomed. This whole trip was totally living up to our expectations thanks to Miqal who genuinely cared about giving us the best experience we could ever dream of. We had the greatest time and we will definately be choosing this company again.
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Feb 10, 2020Jambo Marina,
(3 DAYS MASAI MARA SAFARI)
Thank you for rating the services we provided, 5/5*
We are glad that you found the experience you wanted from us.
Thank you for appreciating James, who planned and made your safari dream come true.
Thank you also for acknowledging our driver-guide, Michael(migal) and appreciating the services he gave you by taking care of you every time.
Us from Twinkle Star Tours Team, we really want to say thank you and we welcome you again for another safari.
Asante Sana.
Regards,
Benson Mutinda
Tour Manager
RU
Email Oleg | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great team for organise your holiday
It was our first trip in Africa, and we were absolutely satisfied and happy.We found Twinkle star tours on safaribookings.com, their offer according to mine opinion had reasonable price for nice lodge and the best park. We chosen 12 days safari in Kenya and Tanzania and it was right choosing we enjoyed every day.
Our trip began at the Kenya - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when taxi picked us up to the hotel and after one night in a capital our safari starts. Our trip began with Willy - Kenya's best guide and just very positive and experienced gay. On Kenya side we visited lake Nakuru and Naivasha and then Masai Mara. In this park we already saw BIG 5 and many other animals. Especially we liked our Sopa lodge in Naivasha when animals are walking around your house and you can observe them from the balcony. Also we visited Masai village, but we didn t like it, because we felt that is not their real life just some tourist attraction for money, I think in Tanzania it is more natural.
After 5 days in Kenya we went to Tanzania, it was quite long trip, which took us all day, on border we change car and guide. In Tanzania we visited Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Manyara lake. In Serengeti we celebrated New year in very nice lodge Serena it was very cool home party on the open air. The most picturesque place in Tanzania was Ngorongoro crater and Ngorongoro wildlife lodge with the crazy view on crater.
Then we went back to Kenya to see park Amboseli and of course the highest mountain in Africa – Kilimanjaro. During first day was cloudy, but next day very early morning we had a breakfast with view on Kilimanjaro - perfect.
We want to say James (owner of twinkle star safari) and Willy grand merci absolutely for everything. We like organization and our lodges. We saw a lot of animals and BIG 5. We felt care and safety. I recommend Twinkle star tours, because they have reasonable price and good service.
Thanks James!
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Feb 18, 202012 DAYS KENYA AND TANZANIA PRIVATE SAFARI
Jambo Oleg,
We are happy that you booked your safari with Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris to experience Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Amboseli National Park.
We are glad to see that you enjoyed the services we offered to you.
Thank you for appreciating Willy, our guide who made you see all the BIG FIVE, great service and caring while on your safari.
We are very happy for recommending and thanking Team of Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris for quick customization of your great safari in both Kenya and Tanzania
Thank you and we welcome you again.
Asante Sana
SE
Email Susanna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic safari to a competitive price and with flexible team
The short version: We had a fantastic time, and we both agree it's the best safari we have been on in terms of animal encounters, camps, and nature!
The long version: After some offers from different operators, we finally went for Twinkle Star, since the package offered was most in line with what we were looking for, and that to a competitive price and nice and attentive service. James at Twinkle Star was fast and good in his communication over mail upon setting the itinerary. We asked for loads of different extra options and modifications and ended up getting about 5 different itineraries from James who patiently replied to all our different requests. In the end, we changed one camp and added one extra night at Pumzika in Serengeti, on top of the original itinerary.
In the end, we stayed one night in Lake Manyara NP at Tortillis Camp, 2 nights at Pumzika in Serengeti and one night at Tortillis in Ngoronogoro. The Tortillis camps were absolutely wonderful in every sense (and identical)! Pumzika was nice too with lovely interior design, but more basic (shower water only on request, without mosquito net and the need to ask the staff to help chase away two spiders from the tent, but hey, it's a tent in the grasslands, so it's still fantastic!).
Our driver Eremes was great at finding animals! He really seemed engaged in finding us different animals, and did manage to bring us close to the big 5 many times over (except from rhino that we only saw once :-) ). He knew a lot, although we had to ask questions for him to explain about the different things we saw - we would have loved for him to tell us more facts spontaneously, as we sometimes didn't know what to ask... He was young and quite a daredevil, in a good way - he went mud-racing to take us to the more inaccessible parts of Serengeti, where we got to see a leopard from 5 m, a cheetha with cubs, etc. Not a drive for the faint-hearted or those who fear mud, but super fun otherwise (and I think he adjusted the speed to fit our personalities)!
We loved the combination of the different parks with their different flora and fauna. We are really glad we added one extra night in Serengeti so that we had the time to get deeper into the huge park, which otherwise would have been impossible to manage time-wise because of the risk of getting stuck in the mud (which many other cars did - Eremes though was a splendid driver).
Some general advice:
- If you don't love animals and animal spotting the way we do, 5 days in a car on bumpy roads may be too long. We wouldn't have wanted to change a thing, though!
- it rained every night, so the roads were suuuuper muddy. Also, the grass was high at this time of year, so animals were quite hard to spot (that's one of the reasons you need an experienced guide)
- It's good to be aware of the long distances: a lot of the time was spent in transfer (most of the time in beautiful nature although few animals).
- Although Tortillis Ngorongoro was heaven on earth, it's good to be aware of that the fact that it's located about 90 min from the gate to the crater.
- For Lake Manyara, make sure to book a camp inside the park. Most seem to be located outside.
So to the few and small downsides:
- the communication ended after the itinerary was set and the bank transfer was made. We got a bit nervous as we didn't hear anything as the trip came closer, but after sending a WhatsApp message to check if everything was in order two days before the safari, we got confirmation immediately. As one is used to get automated email reminders about almost everything nowadays, it would have been nice to get a confirming mail a few days before the start.
- After reading reviews about Twinkle Star, we were prepared on getting another tour operator to actually carry out the safari - something that wasn't communicated until the actual pick up. It would have been nice to get the notification about the affiliate operator in Tanzania before the pick-up, as to avoid the confusion at the parking lot when we in vain searched for a Twinkle Star driver. Apparently, our guide Eremes was booked only the day before.
- We had some minor issues as the first camp didn't book us a double but a twin room (but quickly changed to another room), I sometimes didn't get a vegetarian lunch box.
Finally:
Should we recomend it? YES!
What would we do differently next time, now that we've been there? Stay at Tortillis in Serengeti, too, because Tortillis was heaven!
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Mar 16, 20205 DAYS LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK, SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, AND NGORONGORO CRATER.
Jambo Susanna,
We are glad you had a wonderful and fantastic safari in your 5 Days Tanzania Private Safari.
Thank you for acknowledging your Tour Planner James and appreciating the services offered by our guide Eremes.
We have taken down your recommendations and we assure you to improve on that.
We really appreciate a lot for a 5* review and we want to welcome you again for another safari.
Asante Sana.
DE
Email Wess | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Totally dishonest and unreliable tour operator!
We booked a 15 day, slightly customized Kenya/Tanzania tour with Twinkle Star through safaribookings.com back in January.
Unfortunately our tour experience was pretty much ruined by the very unprofessional manner in which it was conducted and the dishonesty of James Collins Oketch- the person running Twinkle Star Tours.
Prior to booking the tour I exchanged multiple emails with Mr. Oketch in order to make sure that we will actually be getting the exact same deal that was being advertised on safaribookings.com and the the official website of Twinkle Star Tours.
As we had an elderly person in our group with serious spine problems I asked him specifically if the tour was suitable at all for such a person.
He assured me right away that the tour was more than suitable for all ages and that our companion's health problems will not be an issue during the tour. I also asked him if their tour vehicles are indeed as modern and comfortable as they advertise them to be on their website. He confirmed that their has invested in the most modern and comfortable vehicles possible.
I also asked him to confirm in writing that the advertised accommodations will not be changed at the last moment and that they are indeed up to our desired standards. He confirmed it all. I informed him that my companions and I are all vegetarians and that vegetarian menus should be made available to us during our stay. He said it'll be taken care of.
He kept repeating in his emails 'Our word is our bond my brother. Don't worry about anything.'
So far so good... only that it all turned out to be a big fat lie.
The moment we transferred him the money for the tour everything went south.
On the very first day after our arrival we were bluntly informed that one of the best and most expensive accommodations in our tour will be changed without our consent to a sub-standard one. Needless to say I protested immediately and reminded James about his promise and our contractual arrangements. Unfortunately, he and his sidekick Benson simply blamed it all on their Tanzanian partners and insisted that nothing could be done about it.
The car that picked us up for the tour was far from the 'modern, very comfortable safari vehicle' that they claimed to provide their customers with. Instead it was a beat up old minivan that met us in front of our Nairobi hotel.
The thing was in a terrible condition, with no air conditioning and absolutely not road worthy in any normal country around the world let alone be used as a safari vehicle.
The roads, especially in and around Maasai Mara and Amboseli are the closest experience you'll get to actually visiting the moon. It was indeed like a lunar landscape with craters and bumps on every step of the road through which we were speeding most of the time in order to reach our destinations on time.
It doesn't matter how careful our wonderful driver/tour guide Simon tried to drive, avoiding all the massive bumps and holes in that beat up minivan was simply impossible which left us all both emotional unfit to enjoy the safari and often physically bruised.
A funny fact is that most of the other tour companies seemed indeed to have provided proper safari SUV vehicles for their clients just not Twinkle Star.
We were often purposely brought to various tourist trap pit stops where they would try to sell us a tiny wooden keyholder for 25$, served us basic dishes like pizza 'Margherita' for the price one gets in some of the better restaurants in Venice or Paris.
Some of the accommodations we were brought to were very far from the nice, comfortable lodges and luxurious tent camps advertised by Twinkle Star Tours. They often lacked some very basic utilities like hot water and mosquito protection.
The vegetarian food they offered was scarce and badly prepared to say the very least while there was plenty of choice for meat eaters which made us realize we were basically paying all this money for other hotel guests' rich meals while we were often left to almost starve with just a simple vegetable soup, some bread and rice.
Our 25$ a piece take away meals were often either spoiled, filled with meat products instead of what we ordered or simply absent and believe me when I say, you don't want to find yourself starving in the middle of the savanna while driving through a lunar like surface in a beat up old minivan. The tour will NOT be enjoyable.
Often we had to shower with cold water. One time we were provided with greasy, dirty butter buckets from the hotel's kitchen with some hot water in one of the buckets and the second one to mix it with cold water so the temperature would be bearable.
We missed 1 morning game drive in Masai Mara, one afternoon game drive in Amboseli, one morning game drive in Amboseli and had to speed up and return only after a couple of hours during our supposed 'full day game drive' in Amboseli only because Twinkle Star had again not provided the otherwise wonderful lodge with our food requirements.
All of this was promptly communicated to James Oketch. Unfortunately, much to our disappointment, he turned out to be a person either unwilling or simply unable to assume responsibility for his and his company's failures. At first he blamed it all on the government for not improving the roads, the quote 'underdeveloped tanzanians', the accommodations themselves, the weather(which wasn't bad at all btw)and virtually everyone and everything just so the blame and responsibility won't fall on him.
However, after he finally dared blame it all on us, I provided him with many photos of the incidents which are an undeniable proof. I all told him that unless we get at least a humble 100$ pp refund for all of our troubles he can forget about that 5 star review he kept pushing us to give him. So in the beginning of February a refund was finally promised.
To no surprise considering Mr. James Oketch's dishonest and mischievous nature the date for the refund just kept getting pushed forward and forward citing the most ridiculous of reasons or no reason at all while after each and every empty promise we were being swayed into giving him the desired and completely false 5 star review both here and on another popular tour site.
Now finally, after about 2.5 months of waiting and blatant lies he told us to wait this time until May because they had 110 'Covid19' cases in Kenya when we have over 120 000 in Germany.
I asked him, why he hadn't refunded us earlier then, he had more than 70 days to that and back then there was no virus threat and business was still flourishing. No reply.
He just kept making new ridiculous excuses like he would totally refund us right away but all the banks were closed and if they were open he couldn't get out of his house at any time at all and Kenya you need to go directly to the bank and personally order the money transfer regardless of how small the sum is. All of this is obviously a lie. Online banking does exist virtually everywhere nowadays a d he does possess a PesaPal(the African PayPal) account through which he was able to receive our online payment for the tour and he could just as easily send us the small refund at any given time from the comfort of his home.
So bottomline, Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris is totally unreliable.
James Collins Oketch is an extremely dishonest person who will silver tongue you up until the moment you pay up and then you will be left in faith's hands as no responsibility will be assumed by him or his company for absolutely anything that happens to you or your family and friends during the tour.
He will keep lying through his teeth while calling you his 'brother', citing God and the Bible and telling you what an honest and honorable person he is and how his word is his bond.
Well the Bible says it's a mortal sin to lie Mr. Oketch and you 'sir' lie shamelessly and you lie A LOT. You show up hours late for your meetings without even excusing yourself.
You break your word of honor over and over again and you make empty promises.
The 2 stars this company/tour have received are only because of our wonderful driver/tour guide- Timothy Simon, the magnificent animals inhabiting Kenya and Tanzania and the breathtaking beauty of the nature there.
Anyone who wants a physical proof in the form of email/WhatsApp screenshots or photo evidence is more than welcome to contact me at any given time!
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Apr 16, 2020Jambo Wess Nanov,
13 DAYS SAFARI: NAIROBI EXCURSION|LAKE NAKURU|LAKE NAIVASHA|MASAI MARA|SERENGETI|NGORONGORO|LAKE MANYARA|AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Thank you for joining Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris safaris on the 13 day Safari In Kenya and Tanzania.
Thank you too for taking time to review us and to express your dissatisfaction with the provided services.
We too are disappointed that your expectations were not met during the entire safari period as you have put it.
Let me address the real facts about your safari below:
1. OUR WORD IS OUR BOND
Upon confirming the safari, we had a contract with you indicating your safari dates, destination and accommodation. We briefed you about your safari upon arrival, we organised all transfers for you, we booked all the accommodation as agreed on the Contract, we assigned a professional driver and pop up safari minivan as agreed on the contract and even after your safari, we had a meeting with you.
Furthermore, we had all communication with you in time and you had to say this as quoted below;-
"You also don't have to show us any proof, you have been very honest and professional this whole time so we trust your word!. I would like to use the opportunity to thank you again for your professionalism in handling the communication with us and willingness to look for alternative ways in order to make this tour happen!"
2. VEHICLE (POP UP SAFARI MINIVAN & 4x4 LAND CRUISER) KENYA AND TANZANIA)
On the contract and also as it was indicated on safaribooking, the safari was based on safari minivan, pop up. Before the start of the safari that morning you said the vehicle is okay. During the entire safari, we did not hear from you any problem regarding the vehicle whereby we could have acted promptly to provide another vehicle. We are very sorry for this experience but it would have been honest of you to mention this fact on the review.
3. ROAD CONDITION
While we regret this had to happen to you, Kindly note that the road condition on the Parks, the animal tracks inside are not tarmacked, so the roads are bit bumpy and corrugated and the maximum speed is 40km/hr. The driver guide has no other option but to sacrifice so that you experience a lot.
4. GAME DRIVES
From the start to the end of 13 days safari, we did not hear any complain from you regarding skipped game drive, the park fees was paid in full. and if it happened, you could have immediately emailed the office to solve this with the guide. As you had stated 2 review star is for animals and driver guide, we dont expect you say that we we believed you did extensive game drive as it was stated on the safari contract.
5. ACCOMMODATION
First of all, our apologies on this day you had to shower with cold water.
According to the safari contract, you chose to stay: Kenya:-Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, Ol Moran Tented Camp and Amboseli Sopa Lodge whereby we did not change any accommodation. In Tanzania, you chose to stay, Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge and Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge whereby we did not change except Serengeti Sopa Lodge we changed it to Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp. This happened because you made safari payment late as you had problem in transacting the money thus accommodation got fully booked. Upon arrival, we briefed you about it and you accepted. We did not expect this after an agreement with you.
6. REFUND
After complaining about the bad service at the changed accommodation, we promised to look at the difference and refund you, and we were even looking forward to refund $100 to you. We always promise and we always fulfill and regardless the situation now in the world, we expected you to understand.
-We remained patience the moment you had a problem on transacting your money to confirm the safari, whereby we looked for another alternative to secure the accommodation first until you succeeded to initiate the money, we expected you to understand us during this Corona Virus situation. We believe the long dissatisfaction review is because we delayed to refund the difference as it was agreed on both email and WhatsApp.
-We sincerely regret that your expectations were not adequately met and we shall continue to do our best to keep on providing great service and making memorable safari tours to all visitors in East Africa.
Regards,
Benson.
DE
Email Adriana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A huge disappointment.
I will start with the fact that the 2 stars in this review are given to the beautiful Kenyan and Tanzanian nature and our amazing tour guides Brian from '7 Wonders' and Timothy-Simon from 'Twinkle Star' who made up for a large portion of their superiors' countless failures. Poor guides were at the same time also drivers and on top of it had to deal with numerous misunderstandings and failures due to the badly organized schedules and itineraries courtesy of their supervisors.
People like Brian and Simon should be the ones running the companies and not the other way around.
I was a part of a small group that took part in a 15-day Kenya-Tanzania tour, organized by Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris.
Despite of me being an equal part of the group, paying the same price for the tour and ultimately sharing the same disappointment, I would not have written this review and kept my disappointment to myself had I not seen the reply from Benson of Twinkle Star Tours to my husband's review.
Benson's reply just confirms what was said in the previous review about this tour operator's behavior- a total refusal to assume responsibility for anything and twisting of simple facts.
My husband explicitly asked the owner of Twinkle Star- James if the original itinerary will still be preserved despite of the 11 day delay in payment due to PayPal refusing to mediate such a large payment to a private account in Kenya. However, we managed to take care of the situation and once James Oketch confirmed in writing that the original itinerary will be unaffected and preserved we initiated the payment.
We were only briefed about the changes in accommodation *after* we had arrived in Kenya. This was of course very well planned on Twinkle Star's behalf since we were left with very little choice in the given circumstances. What were we to do? Say 'No, thank you.' and pack our bags, buy new airplane tickets for 3 times the early booking price and fly back to Germany?
They knew exactly what they were doing when they only informed us about the changes once we were already in Kenya. A decent company would ask their clients prior to their departure if they would agree to itinerary changes for a lower standard accommodation and if not they would refund them. Unfortunately 'Twinkle Star Tours' is not such a company. Despite of it all my husband still protested on a number of occasions about the changed itineraries and the bad conditions in some of the places we stayed in, about the missed or messed up lunch boxes and etc. The tour guides knew it all and they communicated it to James Oketch and Benson and their Tanzanian counterparts and on some occasions my husband did that too.
Spending our nights in tented camps in the middle of the Savannah would've been perfectly fine for the younger people in our group but we also had an elderly person with us who has several non- negligible health conditions.
Having to shower with cold water due to yet more technical problems, being provided with scarce nutrition choices and being unable to go out of your tent at night because of the wild beasts roaming around was not our elderly companion's idea for a 350USD a night accommodation and it was not what we paid for and agreed on.
As for the so-called safari vehicle. On the official website of 'Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris' it states 'We have invested in top of the range and reliable landcruisers for all our Land Safaris'. James personally confirmed in writing to my husband that their safari vehicles are up to the best modern standards but then again they also advertise 'We select top of the range and luxury hotels and lodges for that extra ordinary service' on their website and then you end up having to either shower cold, shower with filthy buckets by mixing hot and cold water by yourself and either bringing you on the verge of starvation or food poisoning you and your tour guide like it happened in Tanzania.
The above-mentioned antiquated minivan was absolutely not to the task of taking us on time to our destinations or let alone offering us a comfortable ride.
It had no air conditioning in the scorching heat. The air filters of the rusty minivan were situated at such a low level that when the slightest amount of water splashed the vehicle it meant we had to either wait for it to dry up or miss a game drive entirely.
We missed a morning game drive in Maasai Mara because it had rained a little the previous night and our guide was afraid water might get into the air filters, we missed a game drive upon arriving to Amboseli because we had to take alternative roads just so we can avoid water getting into the air filters, the next day we had a hurried 2 hour game drive instead of a full day one because our food menu plan was again messed up/not communicated properly to the lodge and we were again starving during the game drive, we missed another morning game drive because water had gotten into the air filters and the minivan was barely operational. We had long waits to just cross muddy/wet areas because of the badly situated air filters of the old minivan while virtually every other tour vehicle around us was passing through with no difficulties whatsoever.
It was a nightmare...
As for the promised small refund that James kept lying about. It was not simply delayed like Benson is putting it in his comment, it simply never happened.
Dear Benson, a delay means a few days, maybe a couple of weeks in extraordinary circumstances but a delay is certainly not 70 days. A 70-day delay means unfulfillment of commitment.
Every couple of weeks James came up with new excuses and simple lies to delay the promised refund. The latest excuse is the virus crisis and that they are always confined to their homes(not true)and online banking doesn't exist in Kenya(obviously not true as they have that and they have PesaPal)but any slightly intelligent person could easily spot the dishonesty of James and Benson as the refund was promised and arranged for more than 70 days ago when there was no virus crisis in Europe, the US or Africa and when business was going as normal.
Twinkle Star Tours, your behavior is absolutely disgraceful.
In conclusion, I encourage other travelers to visit the breathtaking natural beauty and stunning wildlife variety of East Africa. Just not with 'Twinkle Star Tours' because with them things will only work out if all the right stars align perfectly for you and your group and if something goes wrong along the way, you will be on your own.
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on May 12, 2020Jambo Adriana & Wess Nanov,
13 DAYS SAFARI: NAIROBI EXCURSION|LAKE NAKURU|LAKE NAIVASHA|MASAI MARA|SERENGETI|NGORONGORO|LAKE MANYARA|AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Thank you for joining Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris safaris on the 13 day Safari In Kenya and Tanzania.
Thank you too for taking time to review us and to express your dissatisfaction with the provided services.
We too are disappointed that your expectations were not met during the entire safari period as you have put it.
Below is the real facts as we have your file. Your Safari was 13 days but not 15 days.
1. OUR WORD IS OUR BOND
Upon confirming the safari, we had a contract with you indicating your safari dates, destination and accommodation. We briefed you about your safari upon arrival, we organised all transfers for you, we booked all the accommodation as agreed on the Contract, we assigned a professional driver and pop up safari minivan as agreed on the contract and even after your safari, we had a meeting with you.
Furthermore, we had all communication with you in time and you had to say this as quoted below;-
"You also don't have to show us any proof, you have been very honest and professional this whole time so we trust your word!. I would like to use the opportunity to thank you again for your professionalism in handling the communication with us and willingness to look for alternative ways in order to make this tour happen!"
2. VEHICLE (POP UP SAFARI MINIVAN & 4x4 LAND CRUISER) KENYA AND TANZANIA
On the contract and also as it was indicated on safaribooking, the safari was based on safari minivan, pop up. Before the start of the safari that morning you said the vehicle is okay. During the entire safari, we did not hear from you any problem regarding the vehicle whereby we could have acted promptly to provide another vehicle. We are very sorry for this experience but it would have been honest of you to mention this fact on the review.
Your transport was based on pop safari minivan in Kenya and 4x4 Land Cruiser in Tanzania.
3. ROAD CONDITION
While we regret this had to happen to you, Kindly note that the road condition on the Parks, the animal tracks inside are not tarmacked, so the roads are bit bumpy and corrugated and the maximum speed is 40km/hr. The driver guide has no other option but to sacrifice so that you experience a lot.
4. GAME DRIVES
From the start to the end of 13 days safari, we did not hear any complain from you regarding skipped game drive, the park fees was paid in full. and if it happened, you could have immediately emailed the office to solve this with the guide. As you had stated 2 review star is for animals and driver guide, we dont expect you say that we we believed you did extensive game drive as it was stated on the safari contract.
5. ACCOMMODATION
First of all, our apologies on this day you had to shower with cold water.
According to the safari contract, you chose to stay: Kenya:-Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, Ol Moran Tented Camp and Amboseli Sopa Lodge whereby we did not change any accommodation. In Tanzania, you chose to stay, Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge and Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge whereby we did not change except Serengeti Sopa Lodge we changed it to Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp. This happened because you made safari payment late as you had problem in transacting the money thus accommodation got fully booked. Upon arrival, we briefed you about it and you accepted. We did not expect this after an agreement with you.
6. REFUND
After complaining about the bad service at the changed accommodation, we promised to look at the difference and refund you, and we were even looking forward to refund $100 to you. We always promise and we always fulfill and regardless the situation now in the world, we expected you to understand.
-We remained patience the moment you had a problem on transacting your money to confirm the safari, whereby we looked for another alternative to secure the accommodation first until you succeeded to initiate the money, we expected you to understand us during this Corona Virus situation. We believe the long dissatisfaction review is because we delayed to refund the difference as it was agreed on both email and WhatsApp.
-We sincerely regret that your expectations were not adequately met and we shall continue to do our best to keep on providing great service and making memorable safari tours to all visitors in East Africa.
Regards,
Benson.
NZ
Email Lee & Larry | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Couldn’t ask for more....Over and above all expectations!
We were booked for a 12 day private Safari of Kenya and Tanzania, we had 4 absolutely amazing days of at the start of our tour, then unfortunately we had to call it quits as the world went mad with Covid 19.
Those 4 days though were absolutely faultless and everything we had ever dreamed of, we saw so much wildlife, with the best guide ever....Willie...Aka Double Whiskey (not what you think)...which made it easy for us to have to make our decision to cut short our safari when we did.
We were met in Nairobi and drove to Lake Nakuru, where we saw our first encounter with Zebras, Baboons, Rihno, Water Buffalo, Pelicans, Flamingos, Giraffe, Warthogs....and then a pride of Lionesses and their cubs... as it was late afternoon/sunset we were the only party left when the Lions decided it was time to go on a hunt....walking down the middle of the road.... we could not believe our luck - we followed them (just us) and watched them frolic for a good 30-40 mins.
The next day we had another game drive on the way out of the park, where we again encountered all that we had seen the previous day....including the pride of lions again - this time with the King of the Jungle there too.
Overnighted at Lake Naivasha the 2nd night, where cheeky monkeys came down and stole food off our table whilst we were eating....too quick for the staff that were on “Monkey duty”.
Our 3rd and 4th day were at the Masai Mara National Reserve. Before entering the National park, we visited a Masai Mara village, danced with the warriors, went inside their home, made fire and observed their way of life. Once inside the national park we had close up encounters with elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, wilder-beast, ostriches and numerous types of gazelles, vultures and at night in bed we heard the hyenas.
Wille our Guide was absolutely fantastic. We at all times felt safe with him. He went above and beyond our expectations. When we came across wildlife, he would stop the vehicle and we would sit there; as would other tour operators, but after 5 mins or so, they would leave....but we stayed...for as long as it took...and it was once everyone else had gone, that we often saw things that other tours would have missed. I have an amazing video of a lioness growling at something that she was unhappy with approaching. Willie would park us so close to the side of the road to see the wildlife that often you felt like you could just reach out and touch them.
When we were booking our tour, we had reservations about travelling to Kenya and Tanzania in March - but now having been - in our opinion it was a great time to go....it was still hot and there was still other tour operators around, and often we commented how hot and how crowded it must get in the peak times. We certainly did not miss out on seeing anything by visiting in March. We also thought when we were booking our tour, that we would prefer to have other people on safari with us - but again it just being the two of us, meant we could stay, go, when and how long we wanted to.
Twinkle Star Tours were very professional in all their communications. It was a pleasure to deal with both James and Benson. And when we had to make the hard decision to cut short our safari, they did nothing but support us in our decision, and went out of their way to help us with rebooking flights, hotels, and have offered to keep the remaining 8 days of our trip available to us when it once again safe to travel the world.
We would absolutely and completely recommend Twinkle Star Tours, do not hesitate to book a any safari with them - you will be well looked after!
Thank you James, Benson and Willie, we look forward to seeing you all again, and will be recommending you to all our family and friends.
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Apr 16, 2020Jambo Lee and Larry,
Thank you for reviewing your safari experience with us.
Thank you acknowledging our driver guide Willie who made sure you have seen all the big five within a short period of time. We also thank you for appreciating James and Benson for in time communication and proper planing of your safari.
We regret and really apologize as you you did not complete your 12 days Kenya and Tanzania Safari due to Corona Virus pandemic. The management of Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris, has kept your file open and we hope this pandemic will end soon to welcome you again to complete the remaining part of 12 days Kenya and Tanzania Safari.
We appreciate for recommending Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris to future visitors in East Africa. As our Word is our Bond, Our customers comes first.
...We Care for you...
#Wash your hands#Sanitize your hands#Keep social distance#Stay Home#
Karibu Tena
Regards,
Benson
DE
Email Violeta | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful nature but untrustworthy tour operator.
Did a safari tour with this company in January/February.
Communication with tour operator was flawless up until the payment was made and then any complaints or suggestions our group had were completely disregarded.
Some of the accommodations were sub-standard though described otherwise. The safari car was very uncomfortable and antiquated.
Forced accommodation changes.
Often showered with cold water and was savaged by mosquitoes because of missing mosquito nets and even after complaining multiple times got only empty promises to fix this but no action was ever taken.
Cut short or completely missed some of the game drives because of the incapable safari car and itinerary misunderstandings.
There was a Chinese group that did the same tour with the same company at the same time as us. Poor people had an even worse experience with changed itineraries and their vehicle constantly broke down.
A small refund was promised to our tour leader for all our trouble more than three months ago when there were no viruses and travel restrictions.
After more than three months still no refund and only excuses and more lies!
East Africa has much natural beauty to offer but be very careful who you book with!
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on May 12, 2020Jambo Violeta Nanov, Wess Nanov and Andriana Nanov,
Thank you for reviewing your experience with us.
We have apologized several times on the previews reviews Wess and Andriana Nanov wrote. We think this was an intention to destroy our companies reputation but what we promise is what we provide. All the three reviews you have written are because we delaying to refund your money, a difference of $100 and we were to do so as it was promised through email. The other group said the safari was wonderful and did not complain of anything.
Below is the real facts as we have your file.
1. OUR WORD IS OUR BOND
Upon confirming the safari, we had a contract with you indicating your safari dates, destination, and accommodation. We briefed you about your safari upon arrival, we organized all transfers for you, we booked all the accommodation as agreed on the Contract, we assigned a professional driver and pop up safari minivan as agreed on the contract and even after your safari, we had a meeting with you.
Furthermore, we had all communication with you in time and you had to say this as quoted below;-
"You also don't have to show us any proof, you have been very honest and professional this whole time so we trust your word!. I would like to use the opportunity to thank you again for your professionalism in handling the communication with us and willingness to look for alternative ways in order to make this tour happen!"
2. VEHICLE (POP UP SAFARI MINIVAN & 4x4 LAND CRUISER) KENYA AND TANZANIA
On the contract and also as it was indicated on safaribooking, the safari was based on safari minivan, pop up. Before the start of the safari that morning you said the vehicle is okay. During the entire safari, we did not hear from you any problem regarding the vehicle whereby we could have acted promptly to provide another vehicle. We are very sorry for this experience but it would have been honest of you to mention this fact on the review.
Your transport was based on a pop safari minivan in Kenya and 4x4 Land Cruiser in Tanzania.
3. ROAD CONDITION
While we regret this had to happen to you, Kindly note that the road condition on the Parks, the animal tracks inside are not tarmacked, so the roads are bit bumpy and corrugated and the maximum speed is 40km/hr. The driver-guide has no other option but to sacrifice so that you experience a lot.
4. GAME DRIVES
From the start to the end of 13 days safari, we did not hear any complaint from you regarding skipped game drive, the park fees were paid in full. and if it happened, you could have immediately emailed the office to solve this with the guide. As you had stated 2 review star is for animals and driver guide, we don't expect you to say that we believed you did extensive game drive as it was stated on the safari contract.
5. ACCOMMODATION
First of all, our apologies on this day you had to shower with cold water.
According to the safari contract, you chose to stay: Kenya:-Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, Ol Moran Tented Camp, and Amboseli Sopa Lodge whereby we did not change any accommodation. In Tanzania, you chose to stay, Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, and Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge whereby we did not change except Serengeti Sopa Lodge we changed it to Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp. This happened because you made safari payment late as you had a problem in transacting the money thus accommodation got fully booked. Upon arrival, we briefed you about it and you accepted. We did not expect this after an agreement with you.
6. REFUND
After complaining about the bad service at the changing accommodation, we promised to look at the difference and refund you, and we were even looking forward to refund $100 to you. We always promise and we always fulfill and regardless of the situation now in the world, we expected you to understand.
-We remained patient the moment you had a problem with transacting your money to confirm the safari, whereby we looked for another alternative to secure the accommodation first until you succeeded to initiate the money, we expected you to understand us during this Corona Virus situation. We believe the long dissatisfaction review is because we delayed to refund the difference as it was agreed on both email and WhatsApp.
-We sincerely regret that your expectations were not adequately met and we shall continue to do our best to keep on providing great service and making memorable safari tours to all visitors in East Africa.
Below is your safari contract itinerary we agreed and filed (Vehicle as requested and accommodation as requested and a 30%discount)
Day 1: 21st / 01 / 2020: Arrival at Nairobi / Nairobi Hotel
On the day of arrival, you will be picked by our staff representative and be dropped at your hotel you have
booked for dinner and Overnight in order to rest before the safari starts.
Day 2: 22nd / 01 / 2020: Nairobi City Excursion
-0800hrs-1000hrs: Giraffe Center:
Pick up from your hotel at 0800hrs and head to Giraffe Center. Here at the Giraffe Centre, you can climb up the
feeding tower and hand feed a food pellet to an inquisitive giraffe. Some lucky visitors have been known to get
a giraffe kiss!
The Centre is a refuge for the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Here we'll learn about this beautiful species at the
special Information Centre. You may also find yourself surrounded by dozens of schoolchildren, as this is a favorite
outing for Kenya's youngsters. Thereafter, you will head to Elephant orphanage.
-1030hrs-1200hrs: David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Our next stop is truly the most unique animal care center in the world. Where else can you see dozens of baby
elephants being fed from giant milk bottles right before you? And then after the feeding, watch the elephant babies
roll about in the mud, playing, frolicking like young children everywhere.
This world-renowned sanctuary rescues orphaned elephants throughout Africa and hand raises them with expertise
and love. The Sheldrick Family has been taking in and caring for these orphaned babies for over forty years. Over 200
have now been rescued and you can experience up close the expressions of compassion and caring in this very special
place.
But now it's your feeding time and we'll have lunch at the beautiful Karen Blixen Coffee Garden or similar café
within the outskirts.
-1400hrs-1600hrs: Nairobi National Park (Big Cat Sanctuary)
After lunch, head to Nairobi National Park, the only park on the backdrop of the capital city in the whole world.
Upon arrival you will have a chance to see the big cats like lions, cheetah, leopard, and other predators like hyenas both
on captivity and in the wild also. If time permits, you will also do a game drive within the Nairobi National Park. At
the evening, you will head to your hotel.
Day 3: 23rd / 01 / 2020: Nairobi / Lake Nakuru National Park
You will be picked at 730hrs by our tour guide/driver from your hotel and immediately depart for Lake Nakuru via
Great Rift Valley to arrive by mid-morning. Check-in at the lodge and have lunch. Afternoon game drive is at 1530hrs.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge: https://lakenakurulodge.com/
Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Day 4: 24th / 01 / 2020: Lake Nakuru / Lake Naivasha / Visit Hell’s Gate National Park
After breakfast, depart lake Nakuru National Park with game drive en-route to lake Naivasha arriving in time for
lunch at the at Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp. After Lunch, you will head to Hell’s gate National Park, which is
Nearby Lake Naivasha. This is the park in Kenya which does not have predators and visitors get chances for guided
walks, cycling and rock climbing which can be arranged at an extra cost or visitor can pay direct upon arrival like
hiring bicycle. Also on this day you can have an optional boat-ride at an extra cost of $20 per person.
Dinner and Overnight at Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp: http://crescentcamp.co.ke/hotelerp/
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 5: 25th / 01 / 2020: Lake Naivasha / Masai Mara National Park
Have an early breakfast then depart for Masai Mara to arrive for lunch at the Lodge. Have lunch then relax. Afternoon
game drive at 1530hrs until 1830 hrs in search of Big five and luckily you might see leopards hunting that afternoon
because they are very active during that time.
Dinner and overnight at Ol Moran tented Camp: http://olmorantentedcamp.com/
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 6: 26th / 01 / 2020: Full Days to Explore Masai Mara National Reserve
Spent full day game viewing across the rich, tree studded grassland and rolling hills. The famous Mara is renowned
for its great herds of plain game, black manned lions, leopard, and cheetah but also contains numerous elephant and
virtually every type of wildlife to be found in Kenya, lunch is served in the park at the Mara River, the border of
Kenya and Tanzania and the scene for yearly wildebeest migration, after lunch continues with your game drive
covering the park into sections.
At Masai Mara, Balloon safari and Visit to Masai Village are optional activities at an extra cost of $450 per person
(Balloon) and $20 per person (Village).
Dinner and overnight at Ol Moran tented Camp: http://olmorantentedcamp.com/
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 7: 27th / 01 / 2020: Masai Mara National Reserve (Cross Border-Isebania) / Serengeti National Park
After early morning breakfast, depart with game drive enroute to the Tanzania border. Here your Kenyan guide will
exchange you to Our Tanzanian Guide and depart with 4x4 land cruiser for Serengeti National Park. Carry packed
lunch with you from the lodge because you will arrive at the park past lunch hour or you may have lunch at the
border. Have a game drive as you enter the park and later drive to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Dinner and Overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge https://www.sopalodges.com
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 8: 28th / 01 / 2020: Full Day Serengeti National Park
This whole day, have breakfast then depart for a full-day game drive carrying parked lunch with you. Enjoy searching
for wildlife in this vast Savannah land. Picnic lunch will be served at lunch time.
Other days you can decide to do an early morning game drive before breakfast. Thereafter, return to the lodge
for breakfast.
Rest entire afternoon enjoying hotel amenities the depart for an afternoon game drive until 1830hrs.
Dinner and Overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge https://www.sopalodges.com
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 9:29th / 01 / 2020: Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, then have a final game drive with the Serengeti Park. Carry packed lunch with you and depart for
Ngorongoro Crater to arrival late afternoon. Arrive in good time for an afternoon game drive from 1530hrs to 1830hrs.
Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
https://www.hotelsandlodges-tanzania.com/properties/en/ngorongoro_index.php
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 10: 30th / 01 / 2020: Full Day Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, check out of the lodge with packed picnic lunch and depart for a tour of the crater floor, which is
home to numerous plains game and the big five. Spend the day within the crater and have lunch at one of the
famous picnic spots in the park. In the evening you will return to the lodge which is strategically perched on the rim
of the collapsed volcano, with the most magnificent views of the crater floor.
Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
https://www.hotelsandlodges-tanzania.com/properties/en/ngorongoro_index.php
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 11: 31st / 01 / 2020: Ngorongoro Crater / Lake Manyara
Have breakfast then depart for Lake Manyara with a game drive as you leave the park. Arrive before lunch time.
Check in at the lodge, have lunch, relax around the cozy lodge as you wait for an afternoon game drive.
Afternoon game drive until 1800hrs.
Dinner and Overnight at Lake Manyara wildlife Lodge.
https://www.hotelsandlodges-tanzania.com › properties › manyara_index
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 12: 1st / 02 / 2020: Lake Manyara / Amboseli National Park
After breakfast at the lodge, depart with picnic lunch boxes to the Namanga border. Clear customs and immigration
formalities then join our Kenya tour driver and proceed to Amboseli. You will have lunch en route. Once you arrive at
the park, you will enjoy a game drive. Look out for large herds of elephants, lions, leopard, gazelles, wild dogs and
the magnificent view of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Sopa lodge. https://www.sopalodges.com
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 13: 2nd / 02 / 2020: Full Day Amboseli National Park
This day you will have a full game drive within the park. Spend this morning game drives after breakfast till lunch
time. Return to the lodge for lunch at 1300hrs Relax by the pool after lunch. Start an afternoon game drive from
1530hrs-1830hrs.
Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Sopa lodge. https://www.sopalodges.com
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 14: 3rd / 02 / 2020: Amboseli National Park / Nairobi
After breakfast, leave Amboseli with game enroute to Nairobi. Drop off at your Nairobi or airport to board your
flight back home.
PRICE INCLUDES:
-All applicable park fees
-Services of a an English professional Speaking guide both Kenya and Tanzania
-Accommodation in Comfortable Lodges/tented Camp -Sleeping arrangement
(Single / Double)
-All meals and overnight in full board basis
-Transport in pop up safari min van (Kenya) and 4x4 pop up land cruiser (Tanzania)
-Adequate water for drinking while on safari
-All government taxes
-2 nights’ accommodation In Nairobi
-Courtesy of free excursion for all the nearby attractions on giraffe center, baby elephant and Nairobi National
Park -Courtesy of free airport transfers
PRICE EXCLUDES:
-Tips
-Alcoholic beverages
-Money for personal spending
-Optional activities: 1. Balloon safari
2. Visit to Masai Village)
3. Hells gate Optional activities.
We hope to see you again.
Regards,
Benson.
US
Email Evans | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful and Memorable
Hi James , I know it is long since i came back from Kenya. Our safari was short due to the Covid 19 that has just started but we are happy that the three days we took safari to Masai Mara was memorable. Our plan was to do mountain climbing but to the pandemic we had to take flight back home. We are also happy that we were not tested positive and we are well just hopping to come back to Kenya soon. We were happy with the accommodation and transport arrangement and we promised to come with bigger team. Debra, Tera and Nicole and I can not wait to see you soon. Evans
Reply from Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris
Posted on Jun 3, 2020Jambo Evans,
Thank you for reviewing your experience you had with us.
Your safari was wonderful and going on well as planned but cut short by Corona Virus. We are really sorry for that.
We hope to see you again in Kenya after everything resumes to normal.
Stay home, stay safe
Regards,
Benson.