Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris Ltd Reviews 21

Our safari was an absolutely breathtaking experience that exceeded all expectations, from the stunning wildlife encounters to the expert guiding. Every moment felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, leaving us with unforgettable memories of the African wilderness.

This was the second tour we have taken with Twinkle stars and this tour was also very nice. Good driver, very nice hotels and great safaris!

This is a review of my Safari with Twinkle Tour Tours & Safaris, Limited & owner James Oketch.

I used this company twice, 2022 and 2025. The trip in 2022 went fine. But the trip from Hell was this past September, 2025. Everything was messed up. Just warning you that the owner is very dishonest. Here are things that happened.

We went on a 16 day safari. It was a private luxury safari. The 1st day we were we were to go to the elephant feedings. James did not buy the tickets in advance. Our tour guide tried to call James (owner) many times about this and he never responded. We sat in the car for over a hour waiting to get in. George was very upset and it made us very uncomfortable. Finally we do get in and we missed the entire feeding and just saw them leaving. James said he bought the Private Safari. He bought them 15 minutes before the show ended.

We then go to the giraffe sanctuary where we missed everything. We did not get inside at all. George our guide was very mad and the stressed out. The owner, James was now here to be found.

One morning our guide, George did not show up at the correct time. We did not leave to about 1100 am. We were sitting outside for over 3 hours. George was fired. We got a new driver/ guide. When we were about to leave
the original guide showed up. There was a scene at the front desk. Both of them wanted to take us.

We got to Tanzania and more problems. James changed 2 hotels without telling us. He put us in inferior ones and he pocketed the money for himself. We paid for luxury hotels, which these were not.

The trip was diminished by these actions. James agreed to pay us back $1,500 for compensation. We agreed on payment plan to pay us back. He kept telling us he doesn’t have the money. He kept telling with us that that he is waiting for the money to come in. James told us week after week his money is coming in. He promised us at least 6 times to pay us back. So months later, no payment.

Stay far away from Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris. They are having big time problems. Go look on recent reviews and there are a few with bad reviews. With very similar problems as what they did to us. Bottom line, he is not a honest business man. There are so many safari companies out there. Find a better one, just don’t use this one! Do not use Twinkle Star Tours and safaris. If you see the name James Oketch stay away.

We did a 14 day 13 night private circuit safari through Kenya and Tanzania with Twinkle Star Tours, visiting Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Amboseli National Park.
The trip started with a small hiccup when our luggage was not loaded on the plane at the origin, so it arrived the next morning. Fortunately, James from Twinkle Star Tours handled it quickly, retrieving our bags and delivering them to our accommodation in Karen before we set out for Lake Nakuru.
Over the course of the itinerary, we saw the Big Five, an uncountable number of wildebeests, enjoyed both a walking and boat safari at Lake Naivasha, visited a Masai village, took a balloon safari over the Masai Mara, explored the expansive Serengeti, discovered the surprising ecosystem within the Ngorongoro Crater, and had beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The accommodations were very well chosen, with a mix of lodges and tented camps throughout the trip. Each offered comfort, character, and great hospitality that matched the setting perfectly.
Because our route went from Kenya to Tanzania and back to Kenya, we had three guides in total, and each was excellent, skilled at driving, and dedicated to helping us see as many animals as possible.
Overall, it was an incredible and well organized safari experience, and we would highly recommend Twinkle Star Tours for anyone planning a safari in Africa.

We booked a private safari for one week through different national reserves in Kenya.
From the very first moment James (owner) was very committed and gave us several options for our private tour.
Pre payments and confirmation worked well and all was organized way before our arrival.
When we got picked up at our hotel by our guide Daniel, everything was perfect from the first moment. Daniel was nice, polite and more than helpful and communicative.
Also the car was in perfect condition for a safari - comfortable and clean.
Daniel would always ensure that we are happy and check in if we had any issues or would like any changes. Throughout the days, we also talked more and more about Kenya, the nature, the (Masai) culture - and Daniel was always happy to engage in an interesting conversation.
Until the drop off at the airport, everything was 100% exceeding our expectations and we had an unforgettable experience!

Update on Dec 18, 2025 (after seeing reply from Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris) -

1) The reply from service provider is 100% AI generated and FAKE. It is made to look professional and polite, please don't trust even 0.01% what it says.
2) I am NOT their "repeat/frequent" customer.
3) I have still NOT received a single cent refund. ZERO. NADA. Reply does NOT say when they will refund me in full. We will see if they do. I doubt it they will. Because if they had right intentions, they'd have ACTED and refunded me in full by now.
4) Nairobi POLICE are after James Oketch, they want to arrest him, he has fled his residence and he is not available at company's office. He is avoiding meeting them face to face.
5) TRA has BANNED the company from doing business. If they are doing business it is ILLEGAL.
6) Again, DO NOT BELIEVE EVEN 0.01% IN COMPANY's AI generated FAKE response.

Original review (below) i wrote on Sep 01, 2025 -

FRAUD. SCAM. BEWARE.

Aug 30, 2025 was the deadline for "James Oketch, managing director (and owner) of this company ("Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris", Nairobi, Kenya)" to give me FULL REFUND for FAILING TO deliver on PRE-PAID "16D/15N all inclusive private" Safari tour (planned since Mar 15, 2025) across "Kenya, Tanzania including Zanzibar" that was supposed to start in Nairobi on Aug 06, 2025 and end in Nairobi on Aug 21, 2025.

Before I flew to Nairobi, James assured me everything was planned and ready. When I went to Nairobi, he told me BAD NEWS that he has run into some financial problems and although (as per his claims) he had made accommodation reservations, he didn't have money to send me on tour because he has no money to pay for transportation and park fees etc (thousands of dollars). My dreams were shattered.

I reported to US Embassy in Nairobi, to Kenya TRA (Tourism Regulatory Authority), Nairobi Police (Anti-Crime Dept) and to my credit card company. TRA and Nairobi Police had multiple conversation with me and James (and with me and him together), James did NOT refute anything i claimed, both Nairobi Police and TRA concluded my claims were 100% true and James was at fault and it'd be best if he refunded my money.

TRA tried to see if James could take me on a curtailed tour (starting day 3 of original plan) IF he provided ALL evidence of payments and guaranteed me flawless safe tour. But he failed to do so (except one piece of evidence related to Tanzania portion of safari). US embassy had already cautioned me to be safe (they suspected tour operator was scam) and so I felt NOT comfortable to go.

Nairobi police then facilitated an agreement to amicably resolve this matter wherein, James committed to refund me in FULL latest by Aug 30, 2025. Same was communicated to TRA officials and they also felt it was good way to resolve the matter amicably assuming James acted as committed.

Today it's Sep 02, 2025. I have not received any refund. James keeps giving false promises. I've reported not receiving any refund to both Nairobi Police and TRA. They are going to take next steps (court case, prosecution) for making James accountable. We'll await what happens there. I've also kept US embassy and credit card company informed.

I have all the documentation and proofs of everything i said above (and more). I have submitted them to all relevant authorities. If James is honest person, he'll refund me in full immediately (in which case i'll edit the review as applicable). And, irrespective of what happens with court proceedings (action by TRA and Nairobi Police), GOD is witness to all, I'm sure HE will do justice. One way or other.

We just returned from a 9-day private safari through Kenya and Tanzania with Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris Ltd, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime! Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish.

First, a big thank you to James, the manager, who helped plan the entire journey and made the booking process easy and smooth. He was always responsive and professional.

Our guides made all the difference. In Kenya, Daniel Mwanzia was fantastic, super friendly, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. He knew exactly where to take us to see animals and always made sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. In Tanzania, Roger was just as great! He had a deep love for nature and wildlife, and we learned so much from him.

The lodges and camps were beautiful, comfortable, and well-located. Each day brought something new and exciting. We saw so many animals, including the Big 5, and got to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes we have ever seen.

This trip exceeded our expectations in every way. Twinkle Star Tours provided excellent service, warm hospitality, and unforgettable memories. Highly recommended to anyone thinking about a safari in East Africa. You won’t regret it!

My daughter and I had the most amazing trip. James did a fantastic job from beginning to end. Our guide Daniel is the best. We can’t wait to come back!

10/10 would recommend safari tours through Twinkle Star. Our driver, James, was amazing. Not only was he an amazing driver, but very friendly and pleasant to spend time with. He taught us lots about the culture and landscape of Kenya. He also went to college and studied wildlife so he had so much knowledge about everything we saw on our game drives. There was not one question he didn't know the answer to! The car, modified Land Cruiser, was cleaned every day, very comfortable, and super capable on tough roads and mud as well as river crossings. James, the owner of Twinkle Star, (same name, different person), was also an amazing host. We felt taken care of the entire time and he was super accommodating for us with anything we needed. We would book with twinkle star again if we were to go back to Kenya for another trip.

James managed to plan a delightful tour and itinerary for us during our honeymoon. We got the best Ocean View deluxe room at Hemingways Watamu all courtesy of Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris. The attention to detail that Twinkle Start Tours and Safaris executed exceeded expectations, extending to the room decorations and enabling us to experience kayaking, sunset dinner dhow cruise and snorkeling. Thank you. Looking forward to more adventures.

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.

The safari was satisfactory and the hotel was great, as was 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.
Edit:
After I shared what happened with James, which assisted me in setting up the safari, he insisted that I should forgive the company, forgive the driver and he asked me many times to not publish this review, messaging and calling me insistently. His approach was not professional. On the response below he holds me responsible for sharing my contact with the driver, but James himself shared his contact with me, so I could contact the driver easily during the trip. If not sharing contacts was the company policy, he sure forgot to mention that to me.
A professional company would adequately respond, apologizing for the driver behavior and assisting the victim. At first I would say that only the driver was the problem. But after James messages and his response below, it is clear that Twinkle Star is the problem.

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 !!!!

Our recent safari experience with Twinkle in Tanzania and Kenya was nothing short of extraordinary. Witnessing the Great Migration was a breathtaking highlight, and the entire journey was enhanced by the expertise and warmth of our guides, Chumboso and James.

Chumboso's deep knowledge of the wildlife and landscape made each day an adventure, while James took great care to ensure all of our food restrictions were respected throughout the trip. Their combined efforts made the experience not only safe but also incredibly enriching. The level of personal attention and care we received truly made this journey unforgettable.

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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.

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.

The initial communication with Twinkle Star was very good. All questions and concerns were quickly answered. There was a mix-up about our arrival time that caused us some stress when we were not met as planned but that worked out ok. Our guide/driver was friendly and knowledgeable. The itinerary was followed closely. The only animal on our list that we didn't see was a leopard. The most exciting were lions feeding on a buffalo carcass surrounded by hyaenas waiting for the leftovers. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. The meals were mostly buffet with many food choices. I had no problem finding vegetarian options. All the different camps seemed to have the same food. The boxed lunches were also satisfactory. This is the only travel of this kind we have done so don't have anything to compare, but we enjoyed the experience. When researching Kenyan safaris Twinkle Star was competitive in price. We arrived home exhausted but since having time to rest and review and share our photos we only remember how much fun we had. It met our expectations.

We knew there would be a lot of time spent travelling between parks. Seeing Kenya outside the parks is part of the experience. But it was even more than anticipated. One drive was 12 hours instead of the 7-hour estimate. The two seatbelts in the middle row of the Landcruiser didn't work so when outside the parks we had to use the back which was not as comfortable.

FYI - Tipping was a problem that we weren't prepared for. US dollars seemed to be preferred over Kenyan shillings. Having small bills would have been helpful. We overtipped at times and sometimes didn't tip at all. Sometimes the tip could be added by credit card to the hotel bill.

This safari changed my life- it was breathtaking at every turn. James and Twinkle Star took care of everything, making it a totally seamless experience. We felt safe in the hands of our very experienced guides (clearly not the case with some others we met along the way). I can’t say enough good things about it- and I can’t wait to do it again!

Booked a last minute tour for Nairobi. Very friendly and the tour was nice. Would recommend!

We booked our 10-day safari with Twinkle Star. We visited in Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara with our amazing guide Alfred. In Tanzania, our guide came from Twinkle Star’s local partner because the companies cannot operate on both sides of the border. Not only got we see the big five but also a lot of other species, beautiful sunrises, and great views.

To be honest, looking into safari operators and their reviews can be a lot of work and overwhelming. However, the work really pays off, at least for us. We wanted to book with a local company which turned out to be beneficial thanks to their contacts (for example when choosing the accommodations) but also in terms of the price (a Scandinavian travel agency would have added a large margin).

Our contact James was very kind from our first inquiry and was ready to go the extra mile to arrange our safari. We had never been in Africa before and James made sure that our arrival to Nairobi was convenient. We had the best accommodations for our budget even though we booked quite late, thanks to James. We really appreciated the care James took of us before, during and after the safari as well as all the time and effort he put into the arrangements. In particular, James responded always promptly and provided us with an itinerary really professionally – he made suggestions based on our wishes and made them come true.

When planning our safari, the price was pretty much our main factor in choosing the operator. Twinkle Star was able to meet our expectations without leaving anything out of the itinerary. The pricing was clear and transparent (a tip: always ask if there are charges for bank transfers or other hidden costs along the way which are not outlined in your itinerary).

However, during the safari and even more thereafter, we recommend looking into the guide even more than to the price. You’ll sit with your guide so many hours in the car that it’s essential that the guide is professional: knows the parks, animals and roads, listens to your wishes and is fun and trustworthy.

Our guide Alfred was amazing. He had been in the industry for long and had a lot of knowledge of all the parks we visited. Also, he was always early to our meeting times and hold on to his promises. Alfred helped us if we had any requests and proposed activities to be included into our itinerary along the way such us nature walks, visits to villages etc. We appreciated that he respected our wishes not to surround the animals with many other cars and go too near them which is one of the problems of the safaris from sustainability perspective. In addition to nature and animals, it was interesting to learn about local culture and history. Alfred really exceeded our expectations for our guide.

When choosing the operator, we also asked about their vehicles. It was important to us that they commit providing a 4x4 with a pop-up roof. In our opinion, this enhanced our experience.

In summary, we really recommend booking with Twinkle Star. We had unforgettable time and would definitely book with them if (when) returning to Kenya. You can make an inquiry with a low threshold and they are happy to help you further!

James did a great job organizing our safari. We started our journey with a pick-up in Nairobi which was well organized and made our way to Amboselli, which did not disappoint with lots of animal sightings. Next we went to Tsavo West and East. Tsavo was a bit harder to scout out animals, but our accommodations in Tsavo West had amazing views right from the open air dining area of so many animals visiting the watering hole! Overall we had an amazing experience seeing lots of animals and maximizing our time on Safari. James was very communicative and did his best to make sure we were satisfied.