This was an amazing trip!  It was more than we could have imagined and one we will treasure for a lifetime. Your company is without question the best tour company we have ever dealt with.

Keep up the great work.  Very pleased that Thomson helps the schools and cooperatives.

Two of your satisfied customers,

Doug & Suzanne P.
Signature Thomson Safari, February 2013

We had an excellent time! William, our head guide, was amazing!! The porters were extremely helpful. Every time you turned around they were there to help you with the pack, tent or warm water.

I felt safe and cared for. Thank you for the great adventure!  I will recommend Thomson to anyone due to the team’s professionalism, customer service and concern for our safety.

Corie & Donald S.
Kilimanjaro Western Approach Trek, February 2013

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

I have stayed at a number of 5 star hotels in my lifetime, but the places we stayed at during this safari were just as good, only difference were the people, they genuinely cared about us.

The guides for our safari, Arthur and Koa, were amazing. I don’t know how they spotted various birds far away in trees, but they did and consequently I was able to get fantastic photos of the birds. I called Arthur “Bush Eye.” They did not just answer our questions about animals or plants, they always told a little story that explained how that animal or plant tied in to everything else. They were truly amazing.

We also met Rick Thomson and Judi Wineland and were able to spend one evening with them and had a great conversation. We sure appreciated what their vision is for their company and the people they affect in Tanzania.

We saw all the animals we could possibly see. All by all we rate this safari as our best vacation and best experience with the people who make Thomson Safaris work.

Ed & Karen B.
Signature Thomson Safari, December 2012

Click to enlarge photos from Ed & Karen’s safari

]]> http://blog.thomsonsafaris.com/the-buzz/best-vacation-best-experience-thomson-safaris-review-ed-karen/feed/ 0 http://blog.thomsonsafaris.com/safari/thomson-staff-arusha-visit-usa http://blog.thomsonsafaris.com/safari/thomson-staff-arusha-visit-usa#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 12:08:39 +0000 Thomson Safaris http://blog.thomsonsafaris.com/?p=6895 Every spring, we are reunited with some of our friends from the Arusha office who get an all-expense paid, two-week visit to the US, courtesy of Rick and Judi. It is such a treat to spend time with our colleagues and to be able to reciprocate the hospitality they so graciously give to us when we visit Tanzania.

Ally, Eliza, Michael, Nicole, Hashim and Albert at welcome dinner

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This year, we welcomed Hashim, Ally and Albert to Boston:

As Workshop Manager, Hashim manages our fleet of vehicles, which is about 50 strong. Maintaining the fleet is a big job: it includes the Thomson Safaris’ Land Rover Defenders for wildlife viewing, trucks to haul mobile camp supplies and camp resupply vehicles.

Ally began working with Thomson Safaris in 2006 as a Camp Manager and has since been promoted to Manager of Camps. His tasks include overseeing staff and ensuring quality control of our Nyumba camps. During this visit, our past guests graciously invited Ally to California where they hosted his stay in San Francisco for four days.

As Assistant Equipment Manager, Albert ensures our camps’ equipment is in good working order and oversees logistics of camp resupplies for guests and staff. You can’t miss Albert’s bright, friendly smile. He is, however, a force to be reckoned with on the football field, where he has brought Thomson some big sporting victories as the team’s goalkeeper.

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Hashim, Ally and Albert’s enthusiasm seemed palpable from the moment their plane touched the tarmac at Logan. From the get-go, our friends were eager to learn and absorb as much as they could about American culture. During their trip, their schedules were packed with activities and sightseeing excursions.

Hashim, especially, seemed to embrace the experience by taking photos every step of the way…we’re talking every step of the way! Rick commented that whenever they were in the car, Hashim had his head out the window, snapping one photo after the next! It is apparent from his final collection of images – which consist of snapshots varying from the Boston skyline to the aisles of Home Depot during an errand – that he was particularly moved by each experience. Michael, in our marketing department, said, “They were so excited about things we may take for granted. It really made me think differently and feel grateful for everything we have!”

View from the observatory

Bowling night

Hashim surprised us all with excellent bowling skills!

Reunion at the office

Welcome dinner

Welcome dinner

Boston Duck Tour

Jurassic Park in 3D at the IMAX theater

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During one of their first evenings in town, we gathered for a welcome dinner at Rick and Judi’s. The men enjoyed mingling, learning more about our lives and telling us about the sights they had seen thus far. That night, we also learned they had never tried shrimp or wadudu wa bahari (direct Swahili translation: bugs of the sea). Eliza, who recently returned from an extended stay in Tanzania and was eager to introduce them to a new experience, said, “When I was in Tanzania, everyone wanted to take me out to very Tanzanian places, to try new food, and to speak Swahili. It was really fun to be on the other side and to be a host.” Although wadudu wa bahari probably wasn’t at the top of their list of American cuisine to try; they did and they loved it! When asked if they would try lobster in the future, however, they responded with a resounding absolutely not!

The men enjoyed more American experiences during an evening of bowling with the staff. Even though Hashim had never bowled before, he was a natural! We all wondered if there was a bowling alley in Arusha we didn’t know about! We’re not sure how he did it, but he beat all of us!

In addition to exposing our friends to American culture, we also spent time learning more about their specialized day-to-day activities and challenges in the field. Special Interest Safari Consultant, Evan, said, “I loved hearing them speak about the work they do in Tanzania and how our jobs, here in Watertown, relate and coordinate with their jobs; it brought things full circle.” The men agreed with this sentiment and especially appreciated learning about the recent efforts of Focus on Tanzanian Communities.

Megan, in Guest Relations, summed it up by saying, “We learned about their families, education, which cultural tribe they come from and a bit about how they try to balance their work and family life. They experience the same work/family life balance issues that we all do – their jobs include time spent away from home to be in the bush for weeks at a time! It’s evident that despite our cultural and geographical differences, we all tend to face similar challenges.”

I wanted to write and tell you what an awesome trip I had! I didn’t want to come home. I enjoyed the safari but the trek was my favorite part. All of my guides (Bernard, James, David and Alphayo) were great!

The first camp we all did yoga even the porters, Adam and Innocent (our waiters) joined in. They were so much fun to be around. Bernard was always around to have a good conversation with while we were hiking. I was confident of his experience and trusted his expertise. Whenever anyone was tired, all they had to do was look for Alphayo and he would immediately cheer them up with his infectious smile and a good fact about the mountain or wildlife. I could really tell that he likes his job!

James was by my side and looked after me like I was his sister. Abu (my porter) was on my other side the whole time. I didn’t feel unsafe at any time. I would do another trek in a heartbeat if I could find someone crazy enough to go back with me! I had so much fun with all the Thomson staff and will recommend the Umbwe route to anyone who wants to do a trek, the privacy we had on the first day and a half were great!

Jennifer R.
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Trek & Safari Extension, January 2013

Our trip was wonderful! We loved it and will remember it forever!

The animals were so wonderful to see in their habitat. We were so blessed to get to see the wildebeest migration of about 150,000 on our final day of safari.

Our guide Freddie was perfect, we fell in love with him!!!!

John & Barbara M.
Tanzania Wildlife Safari, October 2012

Click to enlarge photos from John & Barbara’s safari

“We had such a wonderful, wonderful adventure in Africa. I was not disappointed about anything.  Thomson really delivers what it promises!  Our whole ten days were filled with sensual delights:  I viewed Africa through my senses – sight, sound, taste, smell (especially smell), and touch.  Africa is life-changing.  All of it was perfection and I will be grateful always, to have traveled under the ‘flag’ of Thomson.” – Jill C.

“We arrived at the school and were greeted by 20 Tanzanian children and their principal. He took us on a tour, where there are houses for teachers, and even, cows, goats, and chickens.  As we walked, the children followed and watched us in awe…I learned so much more about the world, people and it opened my eyes to many of the issues, such as poverty, hunger, and lack of education. I hope everyone gets a chance to visit Africa and have the same experience I did.” - Cecilia R., age 15

Karanga Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro

Susan & Kevin with their family at Uhuru Peak!

Heading to the summit

We had a wonderful time in Tanzania from start to finish. The trek was awesome and so was the safari. Hard to say what we enjoyed most!  Our family really loved both parts of the trip even though they were so different.

Your guides there are fantastic – they really made the trip for us. Our 3 guides, waiters, and porters always had smiles for us and nothing but positive, encouraging words each day – I truly cannot say enough good things about those men.

Our safari guides were great too. We managed to see all of the “Big Five”; we spent nearly an hour watching the elusive leopard as she made her way through the grass and trees looking for a meal – the kids thought it was great.

The food on the mountain and on safari was fabulous.  In fact my kids asked why my food at home didn’t taste that good! I think we ate them out of house and home on safari; teenagers can eat a lot.

This hike was an exceptional experience for our family.  We learned a lot about ourselves, each other and Tanzania. I am not sure we are ready to head back up the mountain yet, but I am quite certain another trip to Tanzania will be in our future – there are lots of places left to see and experience!

Susan & Kevin M. and Family
Kilimanjaro Western Approach Trek & Wildlife Safari, December 2012

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I just wanted to let you know personally that we had an incredible time on our safari. It truly surpassed expectations – everything was wonderful – from the itinerary, the amazing wildlife seen, the logistics, the incredible guides, the food and the accommodations – all top notch.

Thank you again for all your assistance in preparing us. It was a trip of a lifetime and will not soon be forgotten.

Allyson S.
Signature Thomson Safari, December 2012

Photos by Allyson S & Bob D.

Our trip to Tanzania was absolutely fantastic.  The people, the landscape, the wildlife were amazing.  Everyone we met was so welcoming and friendly, our guide was so resourceful and really gave us so much information about the animals, Tanzania and the culture.

We were surprised to have seen a total of 85 lions (Alexia, our daughter, kept count; including a pride of 22 at one time). We had the opportunity to visit the Ganako School and hope that we can help the school build a much needed water tank to supply water for the dry season.  I also truly appreciate everyone’s flexibility for my special dietary requirements.  The staff everywhere was very accommodating and creative.

Paula S.
Private Family Safari, March 2013

View Paula’s Slideshow:

We had a thoroughly delightful Kilimanjaro climb and safari – it was clear that Thomson Safaris was the right choice for us. All aspects of the trip up Kilimanjaro were excellent – great guides, food and camping arrangements.

We saw many climbers from other tour operators who did not make it to the summit due to mountain sickness, but all of us made the climb/summit in good shape, and even enjoyed our stay at Crater Camp. I would definitely recommend the 9-day Western Approach and Crater Camp. There were no negatives for our group (ages 50-67).

Finally, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari was excellent! We all loved the Nyumbas and would not have changed a thing.  It was great journey with magnificent scenery.

The camaraderie with the staff was excellent and the achievement of summiting Uhuru will never be forgotten.

Paul & Randi H.
Private Kilimanjaro Western Approach Trek & Safari Extension

Thank you so much!  I say thank you, Katie and Rachel for all your help and support as I was nervously considering and then preparing for this trip!  I can’t say enough good things about Thomson and your responsiveness and helpfulness, and words cannot begin to describe my gratitude and appreciation and awe for the staff on Kilimanjaro. The guides, cook, waiters, porters and everyone else were absolutely amazing, helpful, patient, kind, supportive, experienced and somehow managed to will all of us up to the summit safely even when we ourselves weren’t so sure we would make it!  :-)

I was very moved by my experience and, as I am sure others have already told you, it was beyond life-changing.  I was so scared to go on the trip, but at the end, I cried because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

Davina K.
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Trek, March 2013

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

Knic at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro!

View of Mount Kilimanjaro

Knic and friends trekking Mount Kilimanjaro with Thomson Safaris

Sunrise over Mawenzi Peak

It was an amazing trip and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience from beginning to end. The climb up Kilimanjaro was amazing and difficult and by far one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I did not realize how unbelievable it was going to be and I’m so happy that we chose Thomson as our tour operator. We could tell you are the best. All of your people from the drivers to the guides and porters were simply amazing.

Ras Nungwi was an amazing place. Zanzibar was the perfect spot to relax after the climb. I’m glad we had the tour of Stone Town before we left. I thought that was a great addition to the trip.

All in all I couldn’t have been happier that we chose Thomson. Many thanks to everyone involved for making this such an amazing trip.

Knic E.
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Trek & Zanzibar Extension, February 2013

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While on safari three years ago, I delivered a young Maasai woman’s infant in the back of a Land Rover. Obviously, this wasn’t a planned event on my safari itinerary! I just happened to be in the area and was the only medical professional able to handle what had become a complicated delivery. This was my introduction to medicine in Tanzania – it was an eye-opening experience and alerted me to need for better access to quality medical care in Tanzania.

The emergency delivery was the impetus to volunteer my time as an RN at FAME. I spent almost a month at the clinic, which was founded by American physician Dr. Frank and his wife Susan in 2002. In order to maintain a sustainable operation, volunteers are not used to staff the clinic; they are used to educate the staff. My role as an RN at FAME included educating the nurses in both the clinic and inpatient ward and kick-starting their pharmacy program.

Pharmacy
One of the issues facing the clinic is maintaining an ample supply of medications. So I took inventory of every pill, vial and ampule in both the clinic and inpatient ward and entered the data into their computer system. I have to admit, it was an overwhelming task but a very important one as the results directly affect patient care. I sat with the staff to make sure that they understood how to use the system.

Inpatient Ward
I also spent time on the inpatient ward, a 12-bed unit that opened approximately four months prior to my arrival. I helped educate the nurses staffing this new facility on basic tasks such as drip rates for IV fluids, correctly taking vital signs, reading MD orders, and sterile techniques for wound care/changing dressings. The nurses had differing degrees of skill; the clinic aims to elevate their skill sets to facilitate future plans of opening an obstetrics unit for delivery and care of mothers and their newborns as well as opening up an emergency room, which I spent some time helping to set up.

Renata
Eleven-year old Renata’s first visit to the clinic was in 2008 in congestive heart failure. She was found to have rheumatic heart disease, which was treated with medications until it became progressively worse. In 2010 she was sent to Germany to have an aortic valve replacement. (A physician who spent some time at FAME and met Renata donated the trip and surgery).

When I arrived at FAME, Renata had been in the clinic for a little over a month. She had returned with complaints of nausea, vomiting and weight loss and was diagnosed with an infection of her heart and likely her new valve. She is a wonderful, young girl – along with her caring mom, who remained at her side from the instant she was admitted – she won me over. The FAME staff was won over too!

To treat Renata, I was tasked with developing a drinkable shake to help increase her weight. This is easier said then done; we had to find ingredients available locally as well things she would like – her favorite flavors included Orange Fanta and Pringles! I was able to come up with something she would tolerate and would hopefully help her to put some weight back on. I look forward to hearing updates on her condition from my contacts at the clinic.

Thoughts on Volunteering in Tanzania
The time that I spent at FAME went by very quickly and I wondered if my stay had any impact. In retrospect, I know I left my mark. No matter how small, everyone who volunteers time at FAME makes a lasting impact. Perhaps mine will be made when Dr. Frank says one day, “we haven’t run out of any medication in months since Kathy straightened out the pharmacy program!”

I ended my stay in Tanzania by joining a group at Gibb’s Farm that just climbed Kilimanjaro and was on a 4-day safari with Thomson. How could I go all the way to Tanzania and not go on my 9th safari?! It was a pleasant surprise to meet up with Kileo, a wonderful guide I have met on some of my previous safaris.

I was also very grateful to the Thomson guides who stopped by to say hello while I was at FAME. These included Kaoneka, Kumbi and Leonard. It was nice to see familiar, friendly faces so far from home. They have become friends to me.

My nursing career has been enriched by my time spent at FAME. I feel it was an experience that was meant to be and I feel strongly that I have more to contribute to FAME in the near future. I will return to the clinic again.

Our trip to Tanzania was simply unbelievable.  I have done nothing but brag about it to all of my family and friends since the moment we got back.  From the accommodations, to the staff, everything was perfect.  While you all can’t control the weather (you can’t, can you?), the climate was the icing on the cake for us as it was the one thing about which we were anxious from the start.  The days were pleasantly hot and the nights were refreshing with a light breeze.

Ruaha was beautiful, as well.  We loved the nights dining in the dry river bed by candlelight. The wildlife was even more exciting than in the North (although we were there for the first crossing of the wildebeests, which can never be topped!).  I am so glad that we took the North & South so that we were able to experience as much as possible.  I cannot say enough about the trip.  Your company was recommended to me by a friend, and I have proselytized it ever since.

Yvette C.,
North & South Safari, July 2012

We had a fantastic experience and were continually grateful to have the Thomson Safari guides and porters leading the way. Wilfred was professional, attentive, knowledgeable and trustworthy, a calming presence to have managing all of the details. We were especially impressed by Liberate whose intuitive and sensitive nature was noticed by many on our trip. He was wise and thoughtful and a great support system for our group. Calvin was also a stellar resource and leader. He was always good for a joke – he has the best smile and laugh I think I’ve ever seen – but, also knew when to keep it serious.

The accommodations and food were also great. Our porters made us comfortable and always aimed to please. The staff did a good job ensuring my gluten-free diet was safe.  Thank you again for all of your support throughout this process. We were so happy to have Thomson as our outlet … our memories made in Tanzania will last a lifetime!

Lindsey G.,
Kilimanjaro Western Approach Trek, March 2013

Click to enlarge photos from Lindsey’s trek

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

Vanessa O’Brien has been described as a “force of nature,” a fitting name for a woman who has set her sights on summiting the highest peaks on the planet in record-breaking time.

On March 10, Vanessa summited Mount Kilimanjaro with us, which was the final climb of her Seven Summits challenge (the Seven Summits is a mountaineering challenge to reach the highest peaks of each continent). There have been about 50 women in history to have successfully climbed the Seven Summits and Vanessa is the first woman to have done it in the span of 10 months (she smashed the record which was previously held at 12 months.)

Climbing the Seven Summits is an extraordinary accomplishment but Vanessa is aiming for an even loftier goal – the Explorer’s Grand Slam, which includes the Seven Summits plus the two poles. She has already reached the South Pole and plans on reaching the North Pole next month.

click to enlarge map*Vanessa climbed mainland Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciusko, which was initially on the list of Seven Summits. The highest point in Oceania, however, is New Guinea’s Carstensz Pyramid; a more difficult climb, which replaced Kosciusko as one the Seven Summits in the 1980s. Vanessa covered all the bases and climbed both.

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Training, staying healthy and planning the logistics for one major mountain climb is no small task, much less 7+ in rapid succession. When this British-American mountaineer isn’t training near her home on Boston area beaches, where she pulls truck tires through the sand, she’s bagging another summit with no time to waste – she had to make a rapid descent down Mt. McKinley in order to catch her departing flight!

We are proud to have played a part in Vanessa’s expedition; regarding her trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, she commented, “Kilimanjaro is the 4th highest mountain among the Seven Summits. Although one doesn’t need all the alpine equipment to summit Kilimanjaro, as they do for Denali or Elbrus, one must still deploy the discipline of acclimatization to be successful including climbing high, sleeping low over a number of days, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating proper nutrition. Just like any of the other Seven Summits up until one hits the ice, the paths on Kilimanjaro can be steep, uphill, rocky, slippery, muddy and the weather can vary from sunshine to sleet/snow/rain. A climber is a climber and every mountain must be treated with respect.”

Taking a break in Kilimanjaro`s rainforest with Thomson trekking team

Trekking through the rainforest on the Umbwe Route

Celebrating summit success at the gate with Thomson Safaris trekking team

Descending through the rainforest after a successful climb

Scaling the Barranco Wall

In the Barranco Valley

Vanessa O`Brien with Thomson Safaris` trekking team

Vanessa`s Record-Breaking 7th Summit within 10 months!

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“Climbing with the Thomson Safaris guides was an absolute pleasure. Prosper and Simon were both extremely knowledgeable about the routes, the wildlife, flora/fauna, the rock and the history of Kilimanjaro. Our group decided to take local Swahili names for our trek/climb and bonded very well with the whole Thomson Safaris’ team from the cook to the porters to Focus, our medical guide that trekked the entire route to the summit with us. We shared a lot of great stories, shot some great video footage, and took some amazing pictures. I couldn’t have wished for a better support team for my ’7th’ summit!”

What’s next for Vanessa? She reached the South Pole in December and is only two weeks away from meeting her final challenge on the North Pole, which will complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam. Only 13 days and counting until she embarks on the exciting conclusion to this record-breaking expedition.

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Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for updates on Vanessa’s progress.
Visit Vanessa’s website to read more about her expeditions.

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UPDATE: Vanessa O’Brien reached the North Pole on April 16th!
Read more!

I’m very happy to have chosen Thomson Safaris for my Kilimanjaro trek. The extended Thomson team was exemplary. I’m very happy that I spent the extra money and went with the best provider available – choosing a cheaper operator would have meant failing on the climb. I researched many tour groups and options for climbing Kilimanjaro and decided that Thomson offered the best chance for success, even though the cost was significantly higher than the low budget tours. In retrospect, I realize that I would never have made it to the top with another group. I definitely made the right choice!

Thank you Thomson for the trip of a lifetime! You guys are great, and well-worth the extra investment. Everything on the trek was A++++. Food, water, porters, guides – everything.

Steve O.
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Trek & Safari, January 2013

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Click to enlarge photos from Steve’s trek

We had so many WOW moments on this trip! I have now been on 32 safaris and it is hard to WOW me, but I was, several times. We saw about 40 sub-adult male elephants fighting each other very seriously, even drawing blood on occasion. We saw 31 giraffes crossing the highway on the way to the Serengeti and 2 of them got into a serious fight – even Freddy took a picture with his cell phone! We saw a heard of about 500 cape buffalo with 12 lions stalking them; the buffalo finally saw what was happening and started a stampede, one of the buffalo caught up with the male lion and gored it. The lion was laying on its back very hurt when 11 female lions came to his rescue and enticed the buffalo to go after them so the male lion could get up and run for cover. There were also lots of elephants chasing hippos out of a watering hole, along with several other wonderful sightings.

I love Thomson and think you have wonderful guides. Thanks for another wonderful trip!

June C.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, October 2012

Giraffes

Elephant eating

Giraffes in Serengeti

Leopard in tree

Leopard in Serengeti

Tanzanian bird

Lion cub on kopje