A Love Affair
With Tanzania
In the late 1970s, two adventurous souls embarked on separate journeys around the world. Rick, from New Zealand, set out to explore new horizons, while Judi toured Southeast Asia with an all-female singing group, entertaining Vietnam War troops on a USO tour. By 1981, their paths converged in Tanzania. Judi, who had launched a budding travel company, was scouting the country when she met Rick, a local guide. Together, they envisioned a safari company built on a unique foundation: partnering with and respecting the knowledge of Tanzanians who understood the land, customs, and wildlife like no other.
Growing with Purpose
Safaris That Give Back
What began as a shared vision has blossomed into Thomson Safaris, a renowned, award-winning travel company celebrated for its commitment to Tanzania. Over the years, Thomson Safaris has cultivated meaningful relationships with local communities and village elders. Recognized for its contributions to Tanzania and the travel industry, the company even had the privilege of connecting with conservation icons like Jane Goodall. Driven by a belief that tourism should be a force for good, we incorporate sustainability at every turn—from eco-friendly Nyumba camps set in Tanzania’s wilderness to our solar-powered offices in Watertown, Massachusetts. After over 40 years, our journey in Tanzania continues, and we invite you to join us.
Related Posts
Jul 01, 2021
Thomson Co-Founders Reminisce on the Dawn of Adventure Travel
In celebration of Thomson’s fortieth anniversary, we sat down with Thomson co-founders Rick and Judi to hear stories from the early days of their careers, and how those formative…
Jul 21, 2021
40 Years of Sustainable Travel
From the beginning, our founders Rick Thomson and Judi Wineland believed that tourism should be a force for good. Eco-friendly practices and a commitment to bringing high-paying, stable jobs…
Jun 07, 2021
What was a Thomson Safari like 40 years ago?
Campfire meals, tiny A-frame tents and gargantuan trucks: these were the facts of life for visitors to Tanzania in the 1980s, when safari travel was in its infancy. Even though…