We had a wonderful time. It was the perfect mix of visits to local villages, schools, and of course great wildlife viewing. The food was really excellent. We enjoyed the different flavors and the effort to please a Western palate without being unadventurous.

The Eastern Serengeti Nyumba was beautifully situated, and had a very nice common area that encouraged socializing among visitors.

Thanks for memories that will last a lifetime!

Sibyl Frankenburg & Family
Private Family Safari, December 2012

Bottom line: the trip was magnificent.  It was worth every penny, and exceeded every expectation. I’ve been many, many places and I have never said that before.  A lot of this is due, of course, to Tanzania and its animals, but Thomson Safaris is also a class act, and I would (and do) recommend you very highly.  This was intended to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me, but I have already decided I will do at least one more. Just about everything was perfect.

At the camps, it was clear that you guys had thought of everything.  The tents were well-appointed and comfortable and, well, luxurious considering that they were in the middle of the bush.

The food was creative, diverse, plentiful, and delicious. At one point, we asked for a tour of the kitchen to see where the magic happened, and could not believe what they were able to put out in a such a rustic setting. One night, they even managed to bake a beautiful birthday cake for Kumbi (our guide extraordinaire).  All the guys in all of the camps were very friendly, accommodating, and sincere.  Seriously, they could not possibly have been nicer, every last one of them.

Our head guide, Hashim, was smart, knowledgeable, and attentive and, as a bonus, very entertaining.  While my main objective for the trip was to see the animals, conversations with Hashim also gave me a glimpse of life in Tanzania, and I have a newfound appreciation and respect for the country and its people. Kumbi was our other guide; all I can say is wow, this guy knows his stuff – animals, birds, bugs, plants, weather, terrain, history – you name it. A really nice guy with the vision of an eagle! A+++ for Kumbi. I hope I get him next time, too.

I will definitely be back in touch for the next trip – this time with more people in tow! I repeat, you are a class act.

Bob D.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, November 2012

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Click to enlarge photos from Bob’s safari

What an amazing trip we had. Our three guides, Robert, Cas, and Kao were great. They had an amazing amount of knowledge to share, and great personalities.Their ability to spot things from are afar was astounding, we would not have seen half the things we saw without their sharp eyesight. The whole trip was layer upon layer of wonderment.

In addition to that, all of the staff we encountered were wonderful. We miss our jambo jambos in the morning, and washy washy before meals! All of the food was great, and each of us in our group decided we needed to ask Thomson’s to publish recipes from the camps, especially for the soups. Juices were like elixir, my favourite was the pineapple ginger. Each of the camps were impressively run, but I have to say that the crew in the northern Serengeti went out of there way….they had us laughing our heads off and the whole crew sang and danced for us at dinner. It made for a fun evening. We really appreciated that everyone we encountered was willing to share a little of their lives with us, which added to our whole experience.

All in all, this trip exceeded any expectations we had, and everyone in our group agreed. Thank you for all for your help and to the entire Thomson Safaris crew for making this a trip of a lifetime.

Sally M.
Signature Thomson Safari, October 2012

I cannot tell you how much fun we had on your safari and how perfect every aspect of the trip was coordinated.  We are definitely satisfied customers!  We are “talking up” Thomson Safaris to everyone that will listen.

The trip far, far exceeded our expectations and I just loved sitting back and “enjoying”,  knowing that your staff would have every detail under control.

People will ask me what part of the trip I liked best, and it is hard to answer. I loved everything…the up close experience of the animals, seeing the breathtaking vistas from horizon to horizon, talking with the interesting guides, enjoying my new safari friends, eating 3 fantastic meals a day, sitting by the fire at night, walking with Herman around Gibb’s Farm, skimming over the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon, shopping at the Maasai women’s market, sleeping so soundly in the comfortable nyumbas, taking hot showers at the end of a dusty day, and even driving on the bumpy roads.

I felt like I smiled for 2 weeks straight! Thank you and the Thomsons for the great trip and the wonderful work they are doing in Tanzania. I loved everything! I feel like I have spend the last 10 days smiling at the extraordinary scenery and wildlife and laughing with my new friends. Perfect trip!

Lynne & Paul R.
Signature Thomson Safari, September 2012

I just got back from the most amazing experience of my life…just wanted to thank everyone at Thomson Safaris for putting together a totally fantastic and problem-free safari. Everything went like clockwork and the staff, food and tents were great. The animals cooperated, too. My girlfriends and I will tell everyone we meet about your company…thanks again.

Peggy H.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, August 2012

We were extremely impressed by Thomson. The logistics for coordinating the Nyumba camps are astounding to me – to be so comfortable and to have such delicious gourmet dinners in the middle of nowhere was a real treat.

I also can’t say enough about the staff! They are gracious, kind, polite and eager to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. From our guides to the Nyumba staff members, every single person represented Thomson so well – and you could tell they were all proud and happy to work for the company.

We love the view in the eastern Serengeti! We are always happy to support women so we really enjoyed the women’s center, visiting the Maasai boma and listening to the storyteller at sunset.

You run a great company. We have traveled the world and have never had such courteous and genuinely-caring service. Great people!

Daphne, Kevin & Jennifer H.
Signature Thomson Safari, June 2012

I cannot rave enough about my trip, it was fantastic! Thomson not only met my expectations, but far exceeded them. From my first phone call to your office where you so patiently answered all my questions, the safari staff, accommodations, transfers, were all wonderful.

I must have had the three most personal, knowedgable, and caring guides on the Thomson Safaris’ roster for my trip! The tents were so clean and comfortable, I actually like their mattresses better than my own! The meals were great, I was so happy (and surprised) that I did not gain weight. We saw all of “the big 5″ in our first few days and then continued to see more and more fantastic animals and animal interactions everyday after.

We were entertained and cared for the entire time – even through to our departure at the airport. I cannot thank you enough for the trip of a lifetime! My only dilemma is how am I ever going to top it ???

Beverly F.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, June 2012

What a wonderful time we had on our safari! Truly a once in a lifetime experience we will never forget. Our wonderful guides, Kisem and Phanuel, were amazing, as was the staff at our camps! They made our trip so very special. Especially the night they surprised us with our “anniversary” cake. How special was that?! We were shocked and surprised! Plus, the cake was delicious, as was everything else at camp! The food at the Nyumba camps outdid any food we got at the lodges. Those camp chefs know how to cook a fantastic meal!!!

Thank you so much for making our trip extra special. Phanuel and Kisem were so knowledgeable. We had great conversation about Africa and also had some great laughs and fun along the way. I doubt they forget us too soon. ; )

Terry R.
Tanzania Lodge Safari, March 2012

I can’t imagine how anyone could forget the camp staff! No matter how good the guide is, if you don’t have a good camp experience, the trip would surely suffer. The kitchen staff showed me their cooking area and one of the chefs even took the time to share a recipe.

Jane D.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, February 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!

The guides affectionately called my mom “BiBi” which caught on quickly for all of us, so now, mom is “BiBi”.  Ojukwu honored her resilience and stamina the night before we left.  He brought us all to tears when he expressed his appreciation for her ability to experience all the opportunities this safari offered us.  Mom felt like a queen.  Her birthday celebration is one we will never forget.

I have never been so satisfied with a trip….from the guides to the food to the unbelievable thought that every day was the best day.

Susan S. & Christine  G.
Signature Thomson Safari, January 2012

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

The overall experience was a perfect 10, it has been the best vacation I have ever taken! I am worried about how I will tell my friends and family about this adventure – NO WORDS can capture it.

How could anyone possibly understand the excitement I felt while: seeing a lion pride, listening to Charles’ experiences as a guide, experiencing the changes of the savannah, seeing “grass as far as you can see”, counting 21 giraffes outside of your nyumba, listening to Leonard’s tall tales, learning about Thomson’s commitment to the people and land of the Serengeti, watching wildebeest run, seeing a baby “tommie”, traveling in a Land Rover with the African sun and wind in your face, parking next to an elephant for the first time with Patrick’s careful planning of where to be, sitting around a fire at night, looking up at a million stars, photographing an ostrich, standing on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, walking into Gibb’s Farm for the first time and eating incredible food served by extraordinary people?  It has been the trip of a lifetime.  I will try to share this as best as I can!!!

Linda H.
Signature Thomson Safari, October 2011

PS: Thank you for the trip preparation materials!  I would have been lost without your incredible materials and timeline.

I had a wonderful time! It was incredible, magical, rich and beautiful, and overflowing with SO much. I am still in a glow from the wealth of all that we encountered. It was one of the most amazing and memorable trips I have ever taken! Every day was a new adventure, and time didn’t exist…. I slept so peacefully, with all the quiet and black stillness (for me, that was a particular treat, with no city sounds and lights anywhere….!).

Everything was so carefully and thoughtfully organized and orchestrated for us, I felt truly spoiled. Every member of the team exuded enthusiasm for our comfort and well-being. Kumbi and John were a joy to be with as we bounced along from one “wow” moment to another. It’s clear that Thomson Safaris has given much attention to who is added to the overall team.

I especially enjoyed the meals prepared for us at each camp – very flavorful and imaginative dishes – some of the appetizers were especially great, like the roasted/toasted nuts, and the crisp banana chips with savory seasoning. Since I like to cook, I was always eager to see and taste what we were going to be treated to.

I want to thank you, Eliza, for all your patient and supportive help with this trip – there wasn’t a thing you left to chance, and I appreciated that a lot.

With best wishes,
Linda F.
Signature Thomson Safari, November 2011

My husband and I returned from our Thomson Safari less than a week ago, and I couldn’t wait to tell everyone about our wonderful experience.  We did lots of research before deciding to request catalogues from several companies.  Our decisions were based on likelihood of seeing the most animals, accommodations, guides, itinerary, testimonials of previous travelers, and price.

When we received the Thomson catalogue we thought that if even half of their descriptions were true, this would be the safari company for us….it was all true!  We had the trip of a lifetime.  Below is a list of some info and suggestions from our trip:

• A Tanzanian safari was best for us due to the high concentration of animals in a relatively small area.  We also took an amazing extension to Zanzibar that was a real highlight.

• Consider booking an individual safari…it’s not that much more expensive, and you get to choose your own itinerary and have the full attention of one of the superb Thomson guides.  Our guide, Casmir, was perfect in every way:  he had broad knowledge of wildlife and plants, Tanzanian culture, history, politics, and he spoke prefect English, plus he had a great sense of humor and fun.

• Spending 2 days each in 3 different game areas was just right for us.  We got to see several habitats and more animals than I ever dreamed was possible.

• The Thomson Nyumbas at each game reserve were the perfect combination of rustic campsite and luxury accommodation.  The beds and furnishings were beautiful, the lovely bathrooms were functional and attractive, the chemical toilet was simple to use, and the showers felt great after a dusty game drive.  The meals were so good that I gained 5 pounds!  I can’t say enough about the staff at each Nyumba…they were unfailingly helpful and accommodating.

• Don’t worry about what to pack and preparing for your trip.  Thomson sends you everything you’ll need with complete instructions and a packing list that doesn’t miss a thing.  They also make the visa process very simple.  We were never faced with something we didn’t expect, or made us anxious, because the trip preparation info and instructions were so thorough.

We had the safari of our dreams because we chose Thomson Safaris.

Judy N.
Private Thomson Safari, October 2011

We had an amazing trip.  Words just don’t do it justice.  I took almost 2000 pictures.  We saw just about all the big animals on the first day in Tarangire.

The staff is superb, everyone is warm, welcoming and friendly.  The chefs were outstanding,  I think the soups were my favorite.

We realized how spoiled we were with the guides.  Joe and I spent a day in Kenya and the guide we had that day didn’t compare to the skills of Mustapha, Leonard and Kao.  They were a great team and we had such fun with them all.

We have decided that we will go again.  It was an experience that everyone should have.  I was brought to tears several times.  And goosebumps on my arms too!!

Christine P.
Signature Thomson Safari, July 2011

Our bodies and luggage arrived back home but our spirits are still there!

Our trip was absolutely flawless.  Our two guides, Abu and Phanuel, were simply too wonderful for words – knowledgeable, well-organized, patient, humorous, friendly, attentive and entirely professional.  We were always amazed at how deft they are at multi-tasking: driving, scouting, finding the most camouflaged animal in the distance, answering every question, even those they had answered time and time again, with patience and humor!  Like the excellent teachers they are, they  seem to have eyes and ears in the back of their heads; every time one of us raised our camera, they were willing to stop.

Our group of eight was just the right size and we all got along very well. The camps were comfortable and spotlessly clean, the Land Rovers far more comfortable than we anticipated, and the food was plentiful (we loved the variety of fruits and vegetables at the evening meals!).

We really appreciate the ease and professionalism of every contact we had with you before our trip – forthright answers to our initial questions and no gimmicky high pressure sales, prompt responses to our many questions, your patience and the enthusiasm you displayed. Thomson is lucky to have you all.

I’ve already recommended Thomson and will continue to do so to anyone who shows even the slightest interest!

Warmly, Pat
P.S. At the breakfast following the balloon excursion, we had an opportunity to mingle with people traveling with other tour operators…we definitely had the best in Thomson!

Pat T.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, September 2010

It was really a great trip. We were fortunate, the migration was ON! Lots of zebras and wildebeest.  We saw a lion kill literally six feet from us, the next day, we saw 3 kills in 25 minutes.

The camps were amazing. How do they serve food like that in the middle of nowhere? The last hotel was really something – elephants at the swimming pool!

The Serengeti is pure magic.

Richard A.
Africa Through the Lens, March 2011

Wow, what can we say – we had the most fantastic safari trip imaginable! Words, pictures, and videos will never be able to describe the wonder that we experienced in Tanzania and the Serengeti.

The Thomson touch was just terrific – the Nyumbas, the guides, the camp staff, the food, the attention to detail, everything … just fantastic. At the camps,  out on the game drives, everywhere – we all agreed that in some subtle way we always felt that we were being treated “more special” (is there such a phrase?) than any of the other tour groups that we encountered. You’ve got a winning formula.

And we owe you a special thanks for the revisions to create our private safari. At each stop, we thought that we had experienced the best that there was to offer, yet each day somehow miraculously outdid the previous day and by a wide margin. We can’t wait to do it again but feel that it will be hard to top the experience of our first trip.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Eric B.
Private Thomson Safari,  March 2011

Thomson Safaris is one of only a few outfits that are allowed to have facilities right in the middle of the action. They have a tented camp right in the Serengeti, no fences, no barriers, just you and the animals sharing the same space. During the day we would often see animals in the vicinity of the camp, from zebras to giraffes, from warthogs to gazelles. At night, it was not unheard of for these animals to actually venture into the camp. Right outside the tent you would hear warthogs dig around, and if you’d shine your light into the edges of the camp, shiny eyes greeted you. And while you’re trying to sleep, zebras would call for alarm, while hyenas grew more and more excited. It is a feeling that’s difficult to describe.

The tents are also quite luxurious as far as camping goes. They have large beds with mattresses, a vanity area with sinks and mirrors, a bathroom and a shower. Hot water is provided on request, usually right before taking a shower. It’s not a fancy lodge, but it’s very comfortable and the experience is worth it. Being right where the animals are beats anything else there is.

…everyone agreed the Thomson tent camps are actually nicer [than the permanent lodge]. Even the food was nicer at the tent camps. I don’t know how the cooks in the tents do it, but it’s amazing that they could out-cook the permanent accommodations of a lodge.

As one of our guides told us, you can not visit Africa only once, and truer words were never spoken. Africa is in our hearts now, and we’ll certainly be back.

Cor & Julie
Africa through the Lens, February 2011

Visit Cor and Julie photo gallery and blog

The whole trip was a highlight! It would be hard to choose just one…maybe all the lionesses (at least 5) sleeping in a sausage tree 10 feet from the Land Rover while their kittens lay in a heap nearby?  Or being surrounded by thousands of wildebeests on the move?

We loved the night sounds and the brilliant stars, the tents, the staff and the good wholesome food. River Trees Inn and Gibb’s Farm (particularly) were nice changes but all of us were glad to get back to the tents for our last two nights.

All of this was made perfect by our amazing driver, Freddie; our amazingly well-informed guide, Freddie; our incredible spotter, Freddie; and our ever patient caretaker, Freddie.  I am sure all your guides are well-chosen, but we found Freddie to be an excellent companion and teacher. I expected to see many amazing things, but I didn’t expect to learn so much about them.  Thanks to Freddy I now know much more about the animals, birds, trees, and flowers as well as Tanzania and its people. We could not ask for anything more!

Best wishes and much gratitude for an experience we will remember forever,
Margery W. & Mac M.

Signature Thomson Safari, January 2011

Our trip was absolutely amazing, I never dreamed I would see so many animals and birds.

The lodges were great but I really liked the Nyumbas the most: the crews in the camps were always eager to please and the food was outstanding. I’d love the recipes for all the soups we enjoyed.

I can’t say enough about how well we were treated. Thomson Safaris did an excellent job and I would recommend this tour to everyone wanting to see Tanzania. My safari was worth every penny.

Betty-Joan K.
Signature Thomson Safari, July 2010

I will be 60 years old this year and this safari was the best vacation I’ve ever had.  Both guides made the trip most enjoyable.  The food was unbelievable, 4 stars.  I’ve been a camper all of my life, however, I have never camped like this before.  Your Nyumbas were as comfortable as most, if not all, of any hotels I have stayed in, and the Nyumbas gave us views and sounds of wildlife.  Thank you very much,  I will recommend your safaris to any of my family or friends.

Vernon M.
Private Thomson Safari, June 2010

Great chefs!  Kitchen visits showed us how wonderful food can be prepared with such basic equipment and supplies (the complete opposite to US kitchens).  Especially enjoyed great soups and creative vegetable preparation.

Emma O.
Private 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

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