June 7, 2013
Thomson Safaris Review: It was like living inside an IMAX movie for 8 days
When we started planning for our African Safari, we contacted several operators. Only Thomson Safaris came back with an itinerary that mirrored our desires and added an a few exceptional options we never thought of, including Gibbs Farm and Shanga Shangaa in Arusha.
Needless to say our experience with Thomson Safaris started off on the right foot. The pre-trip materials and welcome packet were well prepared and Paul patiently answered all of our questions.
We arrived in Tanzania and were greeted by our guide, James. From the start he gave us a good impression with his professional appearance, knowledge of the area, leadership and warmth.
The Ngorogoro Nyumba being placed in that spectacular Acacia forest was so beautiful. I think we liked the food at the Ngorogoro Nyumba best. At each camp, the food was superb and we are so very thankful that you and your chefs were able to accommodate our vegan traveler.
Some of Marcia & Tom’s Photos:
Zebra in Serengeti National Park
Lion in Ngorongoro Crater
Hyenas in Ngorongoro Crater
Brown Hooded Kingfisher in Tarangire National Park
Baboon and baby in Tarangire National Park
Elephant in Ngorongoro Crater
Flamingos in Ngorongoro Crater
On our last morning in the Serengeti there were wildebeest and zebra for miles and miles. James made our short morning game drive a memorable one and stayed with us until he safely saw the plane to take off for Arusha.
It is the little things that makes Thomson Safaris so great: The travel journal with the bird/animal listings (we have a few to add by the way), the attention to detail in the tents, the writing desk and lamp out front, the friendliness of the staff, the hand washing station at each meal, the opportunity to learn a little Swahili and so much more.
This was a trip to celebrate my 50th birthday and I truly wanted it to be special, but who knew it was even better than we imagined. It was like living inside an IMAX movie for 8 days.
Please give Rick & Judi our best wishes for their continued success.
Kind regards,
Marcia & Tom Blackwell
Private Safari, March 2013
Watch the Video Slideshow Marcia & Tom made of their safari on YouTube
May 14, 2013
Thomson Safaris Review: Thanks for memories that will last a lifetime!
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
February 18, 2013
Bottom line: The Trip was Magnificent. Thomson Safaris Review: Bob D.
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
December 24, 2012
The whole trip was layer upon layer of wonderment! Signature Thomson Safaris Review: Sally M.
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
November 12, 2012
I smiled for 2 weeks straight! It was a perfect trip! Signature Thomson Safaris Review: Lynne & Paul R.
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
November 2, 2012
Everything went like clockwork! Highlights of Tanzania Safari Review: Peggy H.
I just got back from the most amazing experience of my life…just wanted to thank everyone at Thomson Safaris for putting together a totally fantastic and problem-free safari. Everything went like clockwork and the staff, food and tents were great. The animals cooperated, too. My girlfriends and I will tell everyone we meet about your company…thanks again.
Peggy H.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, August 2012
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