February 22, 2012
Highlights of Tanzania Safari Review: Pam H.
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
January 31, 2012
No words can describe my safari with Thomson! Signature Thomson Review: Linda H.
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.
January 9, 2012
“I felt truly spoiled!” Thomson Signature Safari Review: Linda F.
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
December 6, 2011
Private Thomson Safari Review & Suggestions for Future Travelers: Judy N.
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
July 29, 2011
Review of Thomson Safaris Signature Safari: Christine P.
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
July 12, 2011
Review of Thomson’s Highlight of Tanzania Safari
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
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