.

Angela: Hi David,

My colleague probably said this because we’re still seeing lots of pent-up travel demand from the pandemic. Maybe you’ve heard of the huge tourist crowds in places like Italy and France–people have missed out on years of travel, and they’re making up for it now!

Safari and Kilimanjaro travel is booming because of this. Thomson Safaris is having its busiest season in 40+ years, and space is already selling out for 2024.

We’re not sure when we’ll see a world “back to normal” when it comes to vacationing. Until we do, we’re advising everyone to plan a little more proactively:

• Be deliberate about your plans. Book early so you can get exactly what you want, when you want it.
• Reserve your flights well ahead of time to lock in the lowest prices possible. Right now, March 2025 airfare from Boston and New York to Tanzania is lower than we’ve seen in years!
• If 2023 or 2024 aren’t good fits for you, you wouldn’t be alone in looking ahead to 2025! Simply give us a call and we’ll work with you to find availability.

Long story short: If you wait until next fall to book, you risk facing stiff competition for your preferred dates and destinations–if they’re available at all.

Angela: Hi Kathy,

Yes, a Thomson safari would work wonders! Over the decades, we’ve taken so many guests who used travel wheelchairs and other mobility devices on safari, and they’ve consistently come home with glowing reviews. Just let us know about your mobility requirements in advance, and we’ll handle the rest.

It’s in your favor that safari can be as sedentary as you like–you and your fellow travelers will spend a lot of your time spotting wildlife from a Thomson Land Rover. If you’re able to stand with support, the vehicle’s pop-top roof lets you lean against its strong, tall sides for unobstructed wildlife viewing.

Here are some other ways Thomson makes mobility easier:

• Thomson can reserve the tents/rooms closest to the camp’s common area to minimize the distance to your bed.
• Thomson can provide a small step to help you in and out of the Land Rover.
• For some activities, like the Eastern Serengeti walking safari, Thomson can provide a vehicle that follows your group–you can explore with your fellow travelers, then ride in the vehicle at your convenience.

And if scheduled safaris or Thomson’s Nyumba camps aren’t a good fit, we can always consider private and custom safaris. We’re also happy to connect you with past Thomson travelers who can share their experience with mobility on safari–just reach out and we’ll put you in touch!

Angela: Hi Dominic,

Yes, yes, and yes! After 40+ years leading safaris, we’ve learned to accommodate just about anything Thomson guests need. Just be sure to let your safari consultant know your requirements as you plan your trip.

For CPAP users on safari—breathe easy! During your time in Thomson’s Nyumba camps, guides can provide 12-volt car batteries to power your CPAP machine at night, which staff will re-charge during the day. At the lodges, you can plug your CPAP machine directly into the wall outlets using the appropriate adapters (generally the outlets are U.K. style). You may need to bring some additional components depending on the model of your machine—something we’ll go over in detail once we schedule your safari!

There’s a sound solution for hearing aids too! Simply charge them using the outlets available in the vehicles or in the lounge tents. On the insulin front, Thomson Safaris has had a number of guests who take medication that needs to be refrigerated, and we’re happy to assist with any special requirements.

This is your adventure, so share your needs or concerns early on and let us worry about the details, so you can focus on the wildlife!

Angela: Hi Celia,

You’re not alone in wondering–this is probably the #1 most common question guests ask!

I’ll start by saying, Thomson guides are completely understanding about the need to “go” on the road. They’ll let you take breaks at park entrances, rest stops and picnic areas, where restrooms are usually available. But what should you do if you’re in between bathroom stops when nature calls?

First, don’t hesitate to let your guide know. It’s normal and expected to make pit stops in the savanna. Your guide may even make a few himself on a wildlife drive–it just goes to show, it’s all part of the routine!

Simply ask your guide if you can “check the tires,” and he’ll know what you mean. He’ll start scouting for a safe, private spot where you can attend to your needs behind the back bumper.

If you can make it back to camp, you’re welcome to beeline for your tent’s private bathroom or opt for the toilet tent near the lounge. But there’s no need to stress your body out if you can help it; the roadside has been a tried-and-trusted restroom for every living thing, everywhere, since forever!

And honestly? It’s a surprisingly memorable experience!

Angela: Hi Norma,

Let me put you at ease: Everyone is going to eat so well! Thomson camp chefs can accommodate any dietary preference–they just need to know the details ahead of time.

For your vegetarian daughter, they’ll pull out all the stops. Expect flavorful plates of sauce-smothered veggies on rice, handmade pastas, quiches and more. All in generous proportions. Plus, fresh fruits like mango, papaya and pineapple are available at every meal.

Your gluten-free husband can look forward to firsts (and seconds, and thirds) of tender meats, Celiac-friendly desserts and specially made breads to accompany his soups. Everything is prepared in separate, sanitized stations to eliminate the risk of cross contamination.

Your picky eater will have a smorgasbord of comfort food: breaded chicken, eggs and cheese, burgers and so on. Thomson chefs craft their menus for the western palate, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try East African flavors, too.

In short, no matter what your dietary preference is, the Thomson chefs know how to zest to impress!

Angela: January is actually one of my favorite times to go on safari! My first trip to Tanzania was during this season, and it was magical.

The green season begins in January, and the plains are lush, the weather is gorgeous and the wildlife is happy. It’s also when the calving season begins: just imagine, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves and zebra foals (and lion cubs, and piglets and so on!) being born across the Serengeti.

While calving only happens early in the green season, the Great Migration is visible year-round in Tanzania; there’s no “best” time to go on safari. So long as you avoid the heavy rains of April and early May, you’re going to see tons of wildlife!

In Kenya, you can only see the Great Migration during the summer months, which may explain why you didn’t see many safaris in January.

January tends to be quieter, since many travelers have more time to travel during the summer and winter holidays. But if you have the flexibility to safari in January, go for it! The wildlife is stunning any time of year. And because there are fewer people out there, you’ll have a lion’s share of sightings to yourself.

Angela: One of the best parts about safari is that the animals are accustomed to safari vehicles–they’ll sometimes wander right up next to yours! It’s exciting, and it’s all the more reason for safety to be Thomson’s #1 priority.

When you’re on wildlife drives, you’re led by guides who have decades of experience understanding animal behavior. They’re always looking and listening, making sure the wildlife isn’t behaving in a way that suggests the vehicle is too close. Plus, your vehicle is designed with safety in mind: it has a tall frame and pop-top roof that can be closed at any time.

Same goes for camping! Thomson’s Nyumbas put you in the thick of the wilderness, where you’ll often fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of wildlife. These camps work so well because there are strict safety protocols in place. Guards patrol day and night. There’s no reason you’ll need to leave your tent at night, but if you do, you have a bell you can ring for assistance.

Long story short, in Thomson’s 40-plus years on safari, there have never been any notable interactions between animals and guests. That alone is a testament to the strength of the precautions taken by Thomson guides, staff and guests.