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.
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
November 16, 2011
Great Customer Service & Great Country! Signature Thomson Review: Linda G.
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
September 27, 2011
Thomson Safaris Reviews: Great Service, Great Safari
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
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
June 28, 2011
Thomson Safari Reviews: Lisa & Andy
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
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