Internet research led us to believe that Thomson Safaris was the best value for a safari.  It was obvious throughout our safari that Thomson was dedicated to excellence and motivated to exceed our expectations in every way.  Just the little detail of having a glass of juice available for us when we arrived at a new camp demonstrated that you all cared about making it the best possible trip.  Quite an adventure! Thomson is an impressive company.

Not only is the safari great, but the good Thomson is doing for Tanzania is extraordinary. Thomson is just absolutely first rate in every aspect of the trip, from our three guides, food, camps, Gibbs Farm and most of all, the attention to detail for everything.  We thought our “day room” at the end would be a small room where we could shower and get ready for the long ride home.  Instead, it was a beautiful hotel and we all said “Does it ever end?”

The opportunity to visit a Maasai village, the Women’s cooperative and the Maasai children’s school significantly added to our trip.  We loved every aspect of our Safari!

Jim & Marilyn S.
Signature Thomson Safari, February 2013

Click to enlarge photos from Jim & Marilyn’s safari

I went to Tanzania to view the natural surroundings and animals, however, meeting the Maasai and learning about their culture was an unexpected additional highlight of the trip.

Thomson met and exceeded my expectations for the safari. The staff were well-trained and knowledgeable, willing to take the time needed to view wildlife and gave detailed explanations about what we saw. The campsites, food and staff were great and provided a good restful night. Everyone was friendly, had a good sense of humor and were willing to engage in discussion.

We were fortunate to view two wildebeest migration river crossings in one day. I could go on and on but you get the idea, it is a trip I will never forget. I have traveled all over Europe but this safari stands out as a real winner.

Stephen M.
Signature Thomson Safari, September 2012

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Jack R.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, October 2012

We are very sad our safari is over! It was the experience and adventure of a lifetime. Our three guides, Leonard, Mustafa and Phanuel were superb. Every aspect of the experience exceeded expectations; the wildlife, the Nyumbas and camps and the local people included!

Tanzania is truly magnificent. I think Louise and I may be going thru a bit of depression now that the adventure is over! No more planning, organizing and anticipation, its over! You folks at Thomson have caused a real problem for us. What in the world can we possibly plan as a future trip to equal this one!

The visit to the Enyuata Women’s Group was very special to us. The fund for education and healthcare made buying a joy! Thank you, Thomson Safaris, for your commitment to this nation.

It is extremely easy and natural to write enthusiastically about our Thomson Safari experience! You folks have a world class product!! Following our safari experience, I can imagine what fun it would be to sell the Thomson Safari experience – instinct tells me Thomson is a good place to work. If 30 years younger, I might just apply!

Art & Louise W.
Signature Thomson Safari, September 2012

We had a great time. A very different trip from the previous two. The mix of Maasai culture and walks at Thomson’s private refuge was a great start. The job Thomson Safaris does in supporting the area is to be commended.

In the Northern Serengeti the wildebeest migration was in full swing. We were able to witness three Mara River crossings in a single day. We were witness to the largest wildlife migration on earth and could see tens of thousands of wildebeest in every direction. We also had multiple wildlife encounters, lion, zebra, elephants…we had enough time to see everything.

Katavi National Park was unusually dry for this time of year but we still had multiple viewings of elephants, lions, leopard, etc.  Including elephants in our camp!  We had a great time in Katavi.

What can you say about Mahale? Chimps! We were able to view chimps up close and personal on both trekking days and went fishing each afternoon.  The camp was gorgeous!  The trip was just like you helped us plan – different, unique and exciting.

We also had the opportunity to visit the Arusha office to see our first guide, Nasibu, who invited us to his house the following day to meet his family.

Vance M.
Private Thomson Safari with Katavi and Mahale Mountains National Park extensions, September 2012

My kids will remember this trip forever. It will be difficult for our family to top this trip. The last stop at the Maasai village was very well done. MY HIGHEST COMPLIMENTS AND THANKS!

While the wildlife and scenery are breathtaking, the people of Tanzania are what make this country so special. This video (below) is our way to thank the people of Tanzania for their warmth and hospitality. Asante Sana!

Sandy W.
Private Family Thomson Safari & Zanzibar Extension, June 2012

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See photos from Sandy’s safari in his video “Tanzania the Beautiful” below.

]]> http://blog.thomsonsafaris.com/the-buzz/people-tanzania-family-safari-review-sandy/feed/ 0 http://blog.thomsonsafaris.com/the-buzz/remember-africa-signature-thomson-safaris-review-pat http://blog.thomsonsafaris.com/the-buzz/remember-africa-signature-thomson-safaris-review-pat#comments Wed, 19 Sep 2012 06:08:30 +0000 Thomson Safaris http://blog.thomsonsafaris.com/?p=5051

As I leave this safari, the many vivid colors of Africa will stay in my mind forever. The diverse cultures, the smiling faces of the children, the multitude of animals grazing in their own habitats, the genuis welcome from the African people all make this trip unforgettable. Asante!

I cannot begin to tell you how much this trip meant to me. I lost my wonderful husband 9 years ago and this was a trip we had been planning together. I have just gotten to the point where I was able to make it without him. It truly was life changing. It helped us put things into perspective and come home knowing that even though we have had a loss, we have a beautiful life ahead of us if we just search it out.

When I am “old” I will close my eyes and remember Africa; I think she will remember me too. I have NOTHING but praise for your company and the work it is doing for the souls in Africa. I will certainly say to do it today; don’t wait until tomorrow. I would go back in a heartbeat. I give Thomson an A++++++ in all categories.

Pat L.
Signature Thomson Safari, July 2012

My husband, son and I had an absolutely fabulous time. The trip truly exceeded our expectations. We saw so much wildlife, we enjoyed the food, the tents were beautiful and the cultural visits were very enlightening. Thanks again, we truly had the time of our lives.

Our WONDERFUL guides, Leonard, Ojukwu and Mbaruku did a great job!  They were all smart, funny and kind. They are the best guides ever!! Thomson Safaris is a wonderful company.

Lynn R.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, July 2012

Tanzania is absolutely the most amazing place I have ever been and this was the most amazing trip I have ever taken.  I am so excited to share my experience with all my family, friends, and even those I don’t know.  Asante sana, Thomson Safaris, and to all your nyumba crews, your Kilimanjaro guides and porters, and your safari guides – job well done! It was above and beyond anything I expected!

Casmir is an amazing guide, and will always be a great friend.  He does not miss a beat! I would recommend Thomson Safaris to everyone, and request Casmir as a safari guide.

I have thousands of photos from my trip. I bought beautiful beaded work and other treasures, but nothing touched my heart or brings a bigger smile to my face as when I reminisce or tell my friends about the beautiful, kind and caring people of Tanzania.  I did leave a part of my heart behind…and I am so looking forward to coming back.

Deb H.
Kilimanjaro Western Approach Route & Safari,  February 2012

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Read more about Deb’s adventures in Tanzania in two Wisconsin news publications:

1. Brillion News
2. Post Crescent
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I want to share a few comments about the wonderful adventures my wife and I have experienced on multiple Africa Through the Lens safaris led by Randy and Kathy Hanna. Finding the right words to capture the essence of an experience of this nature is nearly impossible, but without a doubt these photo safaris were life-altering events for us in a very positive manner. We approached these safaris with very high expectations, yet Randy and Kathy, along with the wonderful support staff from Thomson Safaris, managed to exceed those expectations in every way.

As amateur photographers, having immediate access to an experienced professional photographer, while in the middle of some of the best photographic opportunities in the world, was invaluable. Randy freely shared his expertise, doing so in a manner that benefited everyone to include the novice photographer. In the end, Randy ensured everyone (photographers and non-photographers alike) walked away with a wonderful experience and “once in a lifetime” photos.

While photography was a big part of these safaris, the experience involved so much more.  The opportunity to meet the people of Tanzania, see the landscape, and get the “red dust of Africa” on our boots, changed us forever.

I have been on three Africa Through the Lens safaris with Randy and have a fourth scheduled, so I guess you can say I’ve been bitten by the “African Bug”.  Anyone looking for a life-altering experience with an emphasis on photography cannot go wrong with a Thomson Safari Africa Through the Lens adventure led by Randy and Kathy Hanna.

Steve & Lori K.
Africa Through the Lens Safari

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Steve and Lori are planning their 4th Africa Through the Lens Safari with Randy Hanna.
Read Steve’s blog entry about their visit to a Tanzanian village on their most recent safari.

Wow!! Spectacularly wild!! What a natural experience!! Being a former Federal park ranger, interpreter and naturalist, I find it very difficult to describe to anyone back home what I witnessed and experience over the past two weeks. My interpretative and photographic attempt of what had transpired in front of my eyes would be completely unfair and unjust to the curious and interested listener. A wildlife biologist friend simply put it, you have to be there. There is no other way to experience it. You can sit on your couch and watch countless episodes of Nature or National Geographic specials, trying your best to grasp the African experience as a whole, but it would be to no avail. By being there, all your senses run rampantly wild, gathering the panoramic data that passes only a few feet from you. Whether it be amidst a herd of stampeding wildebeest and zebras or the battalion of olive baboons approaching the land rover from behind, only to split into two single ranks as they past alongside the viewer, you are there and momentarily become one with nature. What a thrill!!

So many good memories to cherish and the highlights were plenty…the hikes, sitting in the middle of stampedes. However, most of the credit goes to the guides. They definitely made the safari special. They were extremely friendly, jolly and very knowledgeable about the species, the landscape, plants and the future of the Great Serengeti. I had my two reference books at hand to follow up on their sightings and sure enough their species description were right on. Particularly the birds. I am an avid birder back home and the guides were outstanding in identifying the countless species of birds. Great job guides!! Particularly Derek. Perhaps Thomson should consider an “interpreter exchange program” between rangers in the US Park Service and the Thomson Guides. Boy, would the US Park Service benefit from these kind, gentle, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, hard working guides. They made the safari fun. Several of us were able to pry into their private lives and walked away knowing that we developed very special friendships.

Thomson Safaris is a top-notch organization with an exceptional safari itinerary, great folks and a great concern for the African wildlife and people. The safari was very well organized, great guides, great folks, great food, great accommodations, a great mix of cultural and natural experience. It was well planned from the first email to the drop off at the airport. We were kept up to date with our travel arrangements and the provided travel guide moved things along smoothly. I can see way Thomson Safaris was National Geographic recipient of the Best Adventure Outfitter on Earth. My hat is off to Thomson for putting together a fantastic and extremely well panned safari. What a blast!!

Bill W.
Signature Thomson Safari, February 2012

We all found the Maasai experience remarkable. We were so warmly welcomed, in particular, by the little children who came up to greet each of us. Two stand-out moments were the warrior dances and when my daughter, Lisa, showed the children their own images on her camera. It was truly a moving experience to be with people from such a different culture than ours.

Ralph W.
Private Family Safari, December 2012

John, Hashim, and Abu are amazing:  Great naturalists who can explain about everything from elephants to baobab trees while tip-toeing a jeep down an impossible road. Please tell them Asante sana!!

I did not expect to be as affected by people and their lives as I was. The schoolkids were great. We were impressed by the level of the 5th-grade math books we saw, and happy to learn that Thomson helps support them. Even the food was good…the last thing I thought about in anticipating our trip. Tasty and healthy!

Thomson really does put a lot of time and effort into anticipating all the details of each trip to produce the best visitor experience possible.

Michal S.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, October 2011

See Michal’s photo diary of her safari!

We had fabulous weather, sightings and great guides & comfortable campsites. I was so appreciative of all the fine young men who worked at the camps…their kindness, efficiency and eagerness to make us feel welcome.  I’ll never understand how they are able to serve a gourmet meal without electricity and a well-stocked kitchen. They were truly fabulous & I felt safe the entire trip.

I really enjoyed the variety of places we were able to visit…the Oldupai Gorge, the Massai village and Ikoma where we watched the women make baskets and see how they live.

I admire how Judi and Rick give back to the communities by supporting the handiwork of the women and the individuals at the Shanga Workshop.  I thought the craftsmanship at the Shanga Workshop was truly outstanding. It was remarkable that they were incorporating recycled materials.  I really liked knowing more about the communities we visited.

Without reservation, I would recommend Thomson Safaris to my friends, family and colleagues.

Pam H.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, October 2011

When I first read the itinerary and saw the amount of time devoted to the Maasai, I was disappointed.  I thought it would be somewhat commercialized and that the time would be better spent on additional game drives.  However, I could have not been more wrong.  The Maasai activities were outstanding.  Very well-planned and executed.  A true highlight of the safari.

Johnson and Amos took excellent care of us and we came away with an understanding of the Maasai that would have never been possible had Thomson not included these activities in our itinerary.

Rich B.
Signature Thomson Safari, September 2011

I had the best time of my life in Tanzania. Over the last 20 years, I have traveled extensively; but this Safari was the best trip ever. The Thomson staff was incredible; every one of them…Thank you Charles, Patrick and Leonard for making this journey the most amazing experience of my life. I am so grateful I chose Thomson.

I had the privilege to meet fantastic people and made some new friends along the way. There are no words to describe my trip to Tanzania; the people, the animals, the nature, the sceneries… I was blown away.

The Tanzanians’ culture is complex and fascinating; their traditions are interesting, beautiful and unique. The resilience of the African people is inspiring; and I understand now why you can leave Africa but Africa will never leave you… I am still dreaming about Africa.

Thank you again for introducing me to Tanzania. I can not wait to go back.

Nancy A.
Signature Thomson Safari, October 2011

How can I ever thank you, and all of the Thomson staff, for the most incredible trip of a lifetime – truly my dream come true!  I’ve already had 5 friends ask me the name of my tour operator – I told them Thomson is absolutely top notch!!

The safari was wonderful and the animals were magnificent!  I loved the visit to the school and dancing with the children – we were all so excited to give them the school supplies.

Our guides, Willie, Phanuel, James and Kumbi were fantastic – so much fun, knowledgeable and so professional!  The staff at our camps, and Gibb’s Farm, could not have been more gracious or helpful!

I’m proudly wearing my bracelet that I bought at the women’s cooperative.
It was a privilege to travel with Thomson Safaris!!  Many thanks!

Ruth S.
Signature Thomson Safari, September 2011

The Maasai Women’s Collaborative was fabulous and the Boma visit too!  Arnold was super professional and a terrific source of information and I always felt like he had everything totally under control.  I can’t really imagine a better head guide or group leader. Samson was also a joy to be around.  He was pleasant, happy, professional, experienced and always glad to help out.

Karen W.
Signature Thomson Safari, February 2011

I began to lose myself at the private nature refuge – what a gem – the camp, the setting and the kind people all contributed to my experience of losing track of time – the burdens of civilization vanished and were replaced by leopard track and giraffe scat – now that’s magic!!  I also had the opportunity to spend some time talking to the local wildlife scout as we walked along the refuge.  He is quite an amazing, bright, industrious young man who is dedicated to his people, the land and animals and so grateful for his job with Thomson.

The last night in camp we each talked about our most significant memory.  For me it was meeting the children and the teachers at the schools.  My heart was filled with a sense of community and cohesion that brings about real joy.

At the airport in Denver on the evening I returned, a woman with 3 little children asked me where I had been.  I told her Africa.  She looked at me and said “You left a piece of your heart there didn’t you?” and I replied “If you don’t leave a piece of your heart in Africa then you’re not paying attention.”

So thank you Thomson for such a memorable experience.

Christina E.
Signature Thomson Safari, February 2011

Of all the memories of the animals we saw, the other families we met, and the wonderful agenda that Thomson put together for us, the one thing that made the trip really spectacular was that we saw Tanzania with native Tanzanians, not professional guides who learned about the country from travel guides or training sessions.

They told us about or showed us their homes, their schools, their politics and the natural beauty of their country in a way that made us understand and appreciate the people in Tanzania.

I have traveled to many countries of the world but I have never come away with a feeling of having seen the country through the eyes of the people who live there like I did on this trip. It was wonderful for me as an adult, and I am so thankful that my grandson, as well as the other children on the trip, was able to have such a special cultural experience. Trips like this can change our perspective of the world and open our minds and hearts to the many wonderful people from the different cultures of the world.

Thanks again for a great trip!
Ann M.
Tanzania Family Safari, July 2008

The safari was AMAZING.  Beyond amazing.  There are just no words.  I expected to see phenomenal landscapes and wildlife but what I didn’t expect was the wonderfully magnificent Thomson folks that we encountered EVERY STEP OF THE WAY (starting with Michael stateside).

The team in Tanzania was not only more than accommodating, they were enthusiastic and knowledgeable, possessing a great sense of humor and spirit, patience with teaching Swahili, and a great many other talents. I felt like I was among family throughout the whole trip.  I was sad to move from location to location leaving behind new friends we were just getting to know at the campsites and the nature refuge.

The conservation work that Thomson does in Tanzania is certainly commendable and important, but the team of people you have gathered and empowered to show us the riches of their country speaks volumes about Thomson’s spirit and values. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of something so grand.  I will come back again and refer many others.

Kwaheri for now, Paloma S.
Explorer’s Safari, July 2009

My family and I just returned from a family safari with Thomson.  Everything Thomson promised was fulfilled in every way. Willie, our lead guide, was excellent – he was professional and friendly at all times. There was never a time that we felt Willie didn’t have our best interest above all.

I can’t say enough good things about Frank, our mentor. His personality is terrific working with children (and adults). My kids looked forward to spending time with Frank. Not only did they have fun, he also educated them about the animals, the culture, and the people.

Going to the school was wonderful, one of the desires we had for taking the kids on this trip was for them to experience how other people lived and their everyday life. The school was a perfect way for the kids and us to experience a day in the life of a Tanzanian child. I hope my kids are changed just a bit by meeting the kids at the school.

I would recommend Thomson and most of all take another trip with Thomson!

Cary S.
Tanzania Family Safari, July 2010

Our trip to Tanzania was a trip of a lifetime and one we will never forget. We feel as though we were so lucky because we got two wonderful couples to share our trip with, fabulous guides that taught us so much….found us every animal imaginable…and were fun, fun, fun to be with. Plus the weather was perfect every day.

We are so happy that we chose the safari that we did (Tanzania Discovery Safari) because we got a taste of not just animals, but the people and the landscapes of Tanzania.  We felt there was a perfect balance of all three. The lodgings were all wonderful and staff in every location could not have been nicer.

Have I gushed enough?  But really, everything WAS wonderful!  Thanks again for all your help in getting us ready for the trip. We would recommend Thomson Safaris to anyone wanting to take a trip to Tanzania.

Cheryl & Ken Z.
Tanzania Discovery Safari, March 2010

We had an outstanding hike up Kilimanjaro.  All of our guides were outstanding.  The food was excellent.  The planning and services were also far above most of what we had seen on the mountain and otherwise.

Julie and I both reached the summit which gave us an amazing feeling. Needless to say, we both felt that the highlight of the entire trip was getting to know the people with whom we crossed paths including our porters, the guides, our fellow trekkers and the residents of Tanzania.  It made an enormous impression on us.  Learning about the Maasai tribe way of life was a true eye-opener.  We will definitely never forget this experience!

David & Julie M.
Umbwe Route & Safari, October 2010

I’ll never forget my guide’s knowledge, passion and intellectual curiosity.  We made a real connection -  I consider him my friend.  He is not only a citizen of Africa but also of the world.  I can’t say enough about his open-heartedness and willingness to share!

I also made a strong connection with the Maasai woman at the boma.  We danced, we laughed with joy and we thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company.  She gifted me with a piece of her bead work!  I was the last out and a guide had to pull me away!

Geralin C.
Classic Thomson Safari, June 2010

The camps were awesome and the food was top notch.  One evening I mentioned how wonderful the food was to Deo. He said that “we try to make it like you would eat at home”.  All of us from the US cracked up. We told him that the only time we eat this well is when we go to a restaurant.

I truly could go on and on. Suffice it to say that when people back home ask me how our trip was I tell them that on a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 15!  If (when) we return to Tanzania, we will be traveling with Thomson. I think the trip we were on was very well rounded, a nice blend of culture and safari.

Jim G.
Tanzania Discovery Safari, March 2010

When we arrived, Justo picked us up at the airport.  We were tired and I must have seemed concerned because Justo said, “relax Helen, Thomson will do everything for you.” Indeed, it was true.  I am unaccustomed to such service, perhaps that is because I soon began to view the staff as friends.  The folks you employ in Tanzania are the crown jewels of your business.

To be able to go on such nature walks, and truly “feel” the place is an experience I will never forget.  I had concerns about meeting the Maasai because I did not wish to be involved in objectification of anyone and an experience I had a while ago in Mexico gave me such concerns.  Instead, I felt like I met real individuals and that they gained something out of meeting us as well. I now see that you would not be involved in the kind of treatment that I feared.

Sadly, it is often the case that things anticipated for so long can never measure up to the years of imagined joy.  While my expectations were not specific in terms of particular events, they were indeed high.  But I could never have imagined that we would have had such a wonderful time.  We simply loved all of it.

My very best regards,
Bibi Helena
Explorer’s Safari, September 2009

The Thomson Safari organization was absolutely first class.  Every detail of the trip was carefully planned and executed without a hitch.  We always felt our needs to see, explore and to understand all the strange and wonderful things we encountered, whether it be related to the wildlife or to the local culture, were satisfied.

Despite the fact that we camped in the wilderness, the manner in which our ‘creature comforts’ were maintained was truly remarkable:  the living arrangements were ingeniously great, the food superb, the service staff friendly and efficient. Throughout our trip we always felt safe and secure, escorted from the moment we got off the plane until we returned to the airport.

Finally, it was evident that your organization has a social conscience and values that we share. We were happy to see how many local people were employed, how the local artisans were used and promoted, the well provided for the village in the Serengeti, the efforts to help handicapped people, the respect for the environment: all these things made us happy.

Stuart G.
Classic Thomson Safari, October 2009