Rick began guiding Tanzania safaris in 1979. Having completed a London to Nairobi overland expedition that same year, he stayed on in Kenya and guided trips around the Kenyan National Parks, meeting Judi Wineland along the way.
Many travelers chose Kenya at the time, but the stories of the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater lured him to Tanzania. Convinced the country was a missed opportunity for travelers, Rick eagerly partnered with Judi to create a company with Tanzania at its heart.
Rick is Thomson Safaris’ field operations perfectionist. His early background as a mechanic fueled a love for precision, and the technical mindset necessary to select, build or modify top-of-the-line equipment to suit the unique needs of safari use. His tenure as a guide provided the knowledge to construct excellent itineraries and understand all facets of a safari operation.
Rick has customized Land Rover Defender vehicles for carrying guests on rigorous safari tracks while providing for the needs of wildlife viewing and photography. An early adopter of LED lighting, he helped create and build solar-powered LED lighting for Thomson Camps. Noisy generators were no longer required due to the LED efficiency and sustainability. From tent design to unique refrigeration solutions, each piece of the safari experience is the product of Rick’s studious endeavor to create the highest quality Tanzanian adventure.
