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

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

There is only one word for the trip and that is perfect. I don’t believe I have ever experienced a trip where every single thing was on schedule, just as promised, and in many cases even better than I expected. From the personnel to the choice of locations, to the timing, everything was spot on.

I was completely unprepared for the proximity and the quantity of the animals and for the kindness and wonderful spirit of the guides and all other Africans whom we met along the way.

It is hard to pick highlights, for there were so many, but I particularly enjoyed the balloon ride over the Serengeti, the tembo fires at each camp, seeing the gardens and experiencing coffee roasting at Gibbs Farm, and the lovely lantern-lit dinners in the riverbed at Mwagusi Camp. We remarked almost every evening that we could not possibly have a better day than the one just concluded, and yet every day was equal to or better than the previous one.

The North & South Safari really provided a great variety of terrains and venues. It seems to me that once you commit to the long flight and the expensive ticket, you should stay longer to maximize the value/impact. Going to two locations in Texas would not give you a true Texas experience. We have beaches, mountains, desert, and rolling green hills. I think you can say the same thing about Tanzania. We saw very different terrain in all three locales.

Thank you so much for providing such a great experience for us. I will certainly be happy to recommend Thomson to anyone who asks. I am VERY glad I made the trip and very grateful that it was everything I could possibly have hoped for.

Kay W.
North & South Safari, July 2012

This was my third trip to East Africa and my first with Thomson. Their meticulous planning was realized in the perfect family excursion. Every aspect of the promised safari was delivered…and in a superior manner. I can recommend Thomson Safaris enthusiastically to potential clients of any age. Memories garnered on my family’s Tanzanian safari will always remain precious and priceless to the eight of us.

I just wish I were sufficiently wealthy to make our Tanzanian trip an annual affair. You are an outstanding company, and the bang for bucks you deliver are unbelievably high. I would love for others to have such a wonderful adventure.

Jo Anne B.
Short Family Safari, July 2011

We tell everyone how much we enjoyed the trip with Thomson. We compared prices with other companies and believe that we got very good value for our money. Another thing that sold us is the fact that Thomson employs its own people; several of the people we met have been with the company for many years. That speaks well for Thomson.

Marion D.
Signature Thomson Safari, February 2012

It was a trip of a lifetime.  As you know Lise and I were continuing to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana which was delightful but I must say that the highlight of the trip was our safari with Thomson.

I can guarantee Thomson does not exaggerate the cost of the safari and the value was greater than our expectations. I have to add that we had the pleasure of meeting the owners of Thomson Safaris, Rick and Judi, they are wonderful and generous people. They give back more than their share to the community which was for me important to know. Their personnel is chosen to complement and follow their way of thinking. All are delightful! It is a very mature, well-run organization.

Lyse R.
Signature Thomson Safari, November 2011