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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.