I didn’t know what to expect of a Nyumba…but they more than met anything I could have imagined. This is definitely ‘luxury in the wilderness.’ I don’t think it gets any better than ‘a tent with a porch.’ Happy journaling, happy reading…happy everything!!!

My heart felt thanks goes out to you (Rick & Judi) for having the courage to live your dream, which in turn allowed me to experience mine. Our guide, Arthur, is amazing, friendly, knowledgeable and respectful. Kao is fabulous.  His ease with people of all ages and cultures is admirable.  I can’t say enough about how much Arthur and he contributed to making my first sojourn to Africa (Tanzania) a lifelong memory worth repeating!

Daphine B.
Signature Thomson Safari, December 2012

Let me tell you it was a trip of a lifetime. We are in touch with our fellow “safarians,” sharing photos and stories. We even hope to be able to visit each other. So not only did we have a great trip, we made new friends. (And that’s priceless!) We wanted a high-end tenting experience and Thomson offered it. We were not disappointed. The rest of the hospitality world should take lessons from the Thomson Safaris’ staff. We wanted high quality and we got it!

I’m sure you have seen all kinds of photos, but I think these are a bit different. My husband took our “wild-life” camera, which takes pix in the dark, and is motion-activated. He strapped it on a camp chair at the front of our tent every night, just to see what was “hanging-around” after the lights went out. Enjoy!

Robin W.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, January 2013

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Click to enlarge photos from Robin’s safari

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 could have spent the whole twelve days at Thomson’s Eastern Serengeti Nyumba. The most pristine experience of my life as an outdoorsman. Loved it!

Bob B.
Private Thomson Safari, June 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

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

The Nyumbas were unbelievably comfortable and relaxing! I could live in one! Game walking through the camp added incredibly to the experience. The school we visited was really moving and informative. Awesome!

Great game drives, excellent guides, well-run operations! We loved being in the middle of it all and all of our needs were met!

Rick & Katie B.
Short Family Safari, February 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

If asked to identify a “favorite” from among the incredible experiences we had, I simply could not. We not only saw everything, we saw everything up close and personal. Lions 30 feet from our vehicle, lounging in the shade; a leopard on a branch in the tree directly above us; the Great Migration surrounding us with its abundance of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. The nyumba experience made us feel that we were sensing the pulse of Africa while we were luxuriating in comfort.

The attention to detail given by the safari support staff was impeccable. No need went unmet from our earliest email contact through our delivery at the airport for our departure. And, finally, I cannot say enough about our guides. Abu, our head guide, flawlessly led us through the most amazing experience of my lifetime. Support guides, Samson and Casmir, added their own expertise to Abu’s and no day went without yet another breath-taking observation. I believe that the quality of this safari, the animals we saw, the service we received, the sense of Africa that we gained, were due in a large part to the exceptional work of these three men.

I was the eldest of the safari group, and entered Africa with a bit of trepidation. However, I would now recommend a Thomson Safari without reservation, and tell guests to trust the experts at Thomson to treat them to what can only be called the trip of a lifetime.

Kay B.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, March 2012

OK, you guys have totally spoiled me! Safari in 2009, Kilimanjaro in 2011 – you are now my gold standard for adventure travel. I just got back from 3 weeks in Patagonia (Argentina & Chile), it just wasn’t the same (camps, food, client service). I had to stop comparing this adventure to my previous trips with Thomson or drive myself crazy.

Thanks for doing things right!

Jane S.
Safari and Kilimanjaro Guest

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

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.

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

Tanzania stole my heart, it was even more than I had hoped it would be and Thomson did a fabulous job right from the moment I sent my first email inquiry. This was my first international trip and also the first time I have ever traveled on my own. I was an exhausted mess after two days of traveling but when I arrived in Arusha, Casmir was there to meet me and got me checked in at Rivertrees for a much needed shower and nap.

Your suggestion of the one day hiking safari in Arusha National Park was perfect, Casmir picked me up on my second day for a fantastic introduction to Tanzania. He was a wealth of information and being on my own meant I could sit and enjoy views as long as I wished. The hike up the mountain was very refreshing, particularly after sitting on planes and in airports for such a long time.

When the rest of my group arrived and we set out, it was magic. John, Casmir and OJ were fantastic guides, always patient no matter if we asked the same question a hundred times and best of all they had a great sense of fun and adventure. As a group we all bonded very well, we were like family within days – after all, we were sharing the adventure of a lifetime.

Thomson Safaris’ organization of our trip was amazing, we were pampered and cared for by warm, friendly people everywhere we went. Each camp and lodge we stayed at was well-appointed, clean and best of all, they were environmentally friendly. As a woman traveling on her own I must say everyone seemed to go out of the way to ensure I was well cared for and happy. Our last day was a sad one for me and I can honestly say, I cannot wait to return.

I left Arusha for Egypt to meet my daughter for another tour. That tour company was not well-organized and they did not make us feel very secure. This was quite a letdown after my Thomson Safari. My daughter was left wishing she had joined me in Tanzania instead.

I would heartily recommend Thomson to anyone considering a safari.
Asante sana!

Linda G.
Signature Thomson Safari, September 2011

We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the company of the group who joined us. This may happen with every group. . . but we think we had an ”extra special” bond with each other and our guides. The best part was the surprise around every turn. Would we see a herd of gazelle? A beautiful vista of the Serengeti? Lions in the mating mode?

Our guides, Hashim and Kumbi were friendly, professional, and fun! We enjoyed their company and depended on them to take good care of us. They couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful or patient.

We thought the nyumbas were clean and comfy – and the staff in each place gave us fine service. The last two days at the Serengeti Nyumba had sweeping views and we were visited both evenings by a group of about forty giraffes. Now, that was something!

Tanzania truly is a place like no other in the world.

Thanks for your service. You always called us promptly and answered all our questions especially with airline booking challenges. We were well-prepared for the trip due to your complete lists and details about what to bring and what to expect. Everything was as you described.

Judy & Doug D.
Signature Thomson Safari, August 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

We chose to travel with Thomson Safaris due to the immediate response to request for information and attention to detail.  I started inquiring 3 years ago and you continually sent information which was well-organized and professional.

Being our first exposure to a Nyumba I was pleasantly surprised. The “camping” far exceeded our expectations and the staff was excellent. Their English was very good.

I can’t speak highly enough about our guide, Kumbi.  He is so knowledgeable, found so many animals.  I thought the first day was unmatchable however; each day was better and better.  I was so impressed, in fact, for our next trip we all want Kumbi!  He just seemed superior and we can’t say enough about his abilities, behavior, knowledge and personality.  We love Kumbi!

We compared our Land Rover to other vehicles in the parks and felt ours was superior!  We were very pleased.

We were also pleased at how Thomson was actively involved in the communities it touched and were strongly impressed by Thomson’s ethics and how others talked about the company.

Lisa & Andy P.
Private Thomson Safari, February 2011

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

Indeed I had a wonderful trip. Although this was the third time to Tanzania with Andy and Thomson,  it is still an experience I will not forget.

I appreciate the comfort of the lodges with flushing toilets but still prefer the Nyumbas. It is quite an experience lying in your tent and listening at the laughing of the hyenas, roaring of the lions and barking of the zebras during the night.

We had a wonderful group and Andy is a great guy. He is an amiable group leader, an excellent teacher and a great entertainer. The guides and the camp staff were so friendly and helpful. I have really enjoyed it.

Arthur L.
Africa Through the Lens, February 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

Thomson Safaris has an exceptional staff – from the guides to the camp managers to the people who cook and maintain the camp. We enjoyed the whole experience!  We had a good blend of African adventures.

We even enjoyed the nyumbas though we aren’t “camping” people.  They were comfortable accommodations and brought us close to nature.

Joe & Roseanne S.
Signature Thomson Safari, October 2010

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

Our time with Thomson Safaris was wonderful – it was everything we had hoped for and more.  All the staff were wonderful, we really liked the nyumbas, the food, and of course the guides.  Our very, very favorite was Chama.

At the end of our trip, we stayed for three days in a private reserve next to Kruger National Park.  While we enjoyed the experience a great deal, we felt that the Thomson Tour was more real and exciting.

In our view, the guides at Thomson were more knowledgeable and more accommodating.

Mark & Michele O.
Classic Thomson Safari, September 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

Well, we are back from the trip of a lifetime!  We had the most phenomenal trip to Tanzania. I have been encouraging everyone to go to Tanzania and, of course, to choose Thomson Safaris.  I can’t imagine having done this trip any other way.

Our guides were exceptional and the accommodations were an aspect of the trip which exceeded our expectations.  I tell everyone if you ever go on safari do not stay in the lodges or you will miss out on some amazing experiences!  And this is coming from someone who hasn’t camped a day in her life!  We saw wildebeest and zebra aplenty outside of our tents.  The locations of the camps were spectacular.  I never imagined getting to camp along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater or siting beneath the clear, brightly lit sky of the Serengeti.  Wow.

Jolene Renee B.
Highlights of Tanzania 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