Start Your Safari Journey

Life enhancing!! The entire experience of deciding if to take a safari, deciding which to take, living every moment of the safari and continuing to share the memories weeks after returning was amazing. Thomson Safaris, the US based staff (especially Lewis and Joshua) and that in Tanzania (we were blessed to have Nasibu as our guide, teacher and talented driver throughout the Safari) were knowledgeable, friendly, patient with our 1000 questions, and really understood customer service and satisfaction. First and foremost, we always felt safe and the staff in Tanzania (especially Nasibu and Joseph) and at the camps made it clear our safety was their primary concern. The Founders Safari provided 11 days of unbelievable wildlife, culture, learning, and amazement. We never felt our time was not richly used and never wished we could do more. Downtime was built in and appropriate. With Thomson Safaris, it was the little things that made the difference. Having a single guide for the entire safari allowed us to develop a relationship and made the experience more personal. The accommodations at four camps were comfortable and our every request was answered. Every detail was considered and planned from Jambo, Jambo in the morning to start the day, to amazing meals, to hot water bottles in our beds on cool evenings, to hot showers daily, to star gazing, to surprise breakfast in the bush after an early morning walk, to fairly comfortable Land Rover (the Tanzanian massage) which took us to incredible vistas and animal sightings. We unconditionally recommend a safari and Thomson Safaris as the best provider of that experience. For us now, we catch ourselves browsing through our many pictures and remembering exactly where we were and what we were feeling. The memories are life-enhancing. Asante sana.

It’s hard to even put into words how AMAZING this trip was—it was honestly the best trip of my life. Everyone at Thomson took such amazing care of me—from the second I called to inquire about a trip to the moment I landed everything was perfect. The guides, the camps, the animal sightings—all fabulous. The trip of a lifetime, and I am already wanting to go back ASAP. Rwanda and Tanzania are magical places, and thanks to Thomson my dream of traveling there came true. I went as a solo traveler and although I was very nervous, all the nerves went away as soon as my first guide met me at the airport! I am also allergic to gluten and the gluten-free food at the camps was delicious, went way above and beyond my expectations!

I had an amazing time on safari. My family (especially my mom) has been looking forward to an African safari for many years. This experience fully exceeded every expectation I had. We had a great time with the other guests. Saw every animal we wanted to see (and more!), ate delicious food at every meal, learned a ton, laughed a lot, felt safe, prepared, and clean. The Nyumba experience is amazing. Hearing animals at night and having the full African Safari experience is priceless. Babu, Onesmo, and all the staff at each camp were a huge part of our positive experience. They were so fun, kind, passionate, welcoming, helpful, and experienced. I felt like we were in the best hands on this safari. Babu and Onesmo gave us amazing experiences on each game viewing; they spotted animals so well and had so much knowledge about every animal, plant, and place. Every day was better than the next —thank you!

I am writing to express our heartfelt gratitude and immense satisfaction with our recent safari in Tanzania and gorilla trekking in Rwanda that we booked through Thomson Safaris. This trip was nothing short of spectacular, and much of that credit goes to the incredible local guides and staff that made it an unforgettable experience. Firstly, I must sing the praises of Robert, our lead guide in Tanzania. Robert is an outstanding ambassador for both Thomson and Tanzania. His knowledge of the wildlife, geography, geology and a myriad of other subjects is truly impressive. Despite undoubtedly having heard the same questions countless times, Robert was infinitely patient and always provided detailed and enthusiastic answers. His upbeat, unflappable and professional demeanor made everyone in our group feel safe, well-organized and exceptionally well taken care of. I cannot recommend him more highly. Harrison was equally remarkable. Like Robert, he was incredibly knowledgeable and patient, with a fantastic sense of humor that added a wonderful dimension to the trip. Both of these gentlemen are true assets to Thomson, and their long-standing tenure no doubt is a testament to their excellence. In Rwanda, we had the pleasure of spending two days with Anderson, our guide and driver. Anderson’s performance was also nothing short of exceptional. Despite our inbound flight being delayed, which resulted in a long wait for him at the airport, Anderson managed to keep everything running smoothly. His professionalism and ability to adapt to our tight schedule ensured that we didn’t miss out on any part of our itinerary. He was a wonderful ambassador for Rwanda and significantly enhanced our experience. While the accommodations, agenda, food, and overall organization were all first-class, it was the dedication, expertise and warm personalities of Robert, Harrison, Anderson and really everyone we came in contact with that truly made this trip extraordinary. At every camp, the staff was warm, attentive and amazing! I would also like to extend a special thank you to Angela for her assistance throughout the planning process. Her responsiveness to our questions and efforts to ensure my wife’s birthday was recognized while on safari added a personal touch that we greatly appreciated. Her recommendations on where to buy Tanzanite also paid dividends! Thank you for providing us with such a memorable adventure. We will undoubtedly cherish these memories for a lifetime.

The trip was amazing. We are seasoned travelers and have been all over the world. This is our third trip to Africa for safari but the first in the Serengeti. I can’t say enough positive things about it. First, Thomson has over 40 years of experience in doing this and it shows. Every aspect of the trip was thought out in great detail and there were zero hiccups. No wasted time, but plenty of time to soak in the whole experience. Second, the three camps we visited were each incredible in their own right. Very different but each worth seeing. Third, the staff is awesome. Your guide is the key to the whole thing and we were fortunate to have Harrison as our guide. He is both a great person and great guide. To say he can multi-task is an understatement. He drove the very difficult roads, answered our endless questions, pampered us, and yet while doing all this could spot animals miles away that we never would have seen. He is a great asset to Thomson, and I suspect Thomson knows that. In addition, the staff at the camp were superb. If you want a lesson in leadership just watch Camp Manager Hussein (J4). Superb at customer service, leading his team and deflecting any credit to himself and instead giving it to his team. Fourth, the Serengeti. Wow. Everything you expect it to be and more. Highlights were the balloon ride over the Mara River (it’s safe… I worry about everything, and it’s safe), seeing the Big Five, the night drive and seeing animals we had never seen before, AND we saw four, yes four hunts by lions. Three were thwarted by the prey figuring out what was happening, but we did see five lions stalk an Impala about 100 yards in front of us. They took an hour, surrounded her, then caught her and devoured her. Pretty incredible to see. I could go on and on. One more thing. The food is great. My wife is a vegetarian and they more than accommodated her. The trip exceeded our expectations on every level.

Our safaris were life-changing experiences! My husband had done A LOT of research before settling on Thomson Safaris and it turned out to be the best decision; enough so that we used them again 4 years later to return to Tanzania. Thomson made our trip seamless and magical right from our initial contact with their Boston headquarters to reserve our spot. They kept us informed, organized, and excited throughout the months of planning right down to the perfect reception once we landed in Tanzania. Throughout our adventure, the Thomson staff members made us feel safe, valued, pampered, and appreciated as true guests of the Serengeti! We dream of returning soon and will not even consider looking to anyone else but Thomson Safaris! We felt valued, respected, and welcomed every step of the way. We are forever grateful for the beautiful experience that Thomson Safaris created for us!

I have been trying to figure how to put my gratitude into words. Here it goes. On June 5, I boarded plane from San Francisco California to Africa. I had a duffle bag crammed full of clothing and toiletries and a backpack heavy with too much camera gear. I had no idea what I would find in Africa. I hoped for a glimpse of a lion and maybe a rumor of cheetah or see a few zebras on the horizon. What I got was something so much more. And what I learned will stay with me forever. I learned there is nothing like listening to wildebeests and zebras having a late-night snack right outside your tent. I learned watching a cheetah and her two cubs feeding on a wildebeest can bring tears to your eyes. I learned that hearing the rumbling breath of a lioness as she sidles up to your vehicle will take your breath away. I learned that Maasai bomas are humbling, but the people welcoming and the children’s smiles unforgettable. I learned the Serengeti can be hot and dusty, and the roads a little bumpy, but I wouldn’t trade those rides for anything. I learned to never underestimate what seeing the sunrise over the Serengeti and the sunset over the Ngorongoro Crater can do to you. I learned in Stone Town it’s not about our past mistakes but how we learn from them that makes us a better generation. And that the best way to end your day, is with more food and stories than you could ever consume. But most importantly I learned there is truth behind the saying, ‘Life is not about the breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away.’ I realized that life is too short to waste time on moments that don’t take my breath away. Because those moments and the people who are in them are far more valuable than you realize. On June 18, my plane touched down in San Francisco, California. I stepped off that plane with a few life lessons and lifetime of moments that took my breath away. And for that I can never thank you enough.

Jambo! My husband and I had the most amazing honeymoon with Thomson Safaris. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sociable and patient; he took care of all our requests during our safari, which made for a fantastic experience. The Nyumbas were extremely comfortable, we had hot showers every day and the food was exceptional! We were stuffed at every meal and there was not a single menu item we didn’t thoroughly enjoy eating. We were fortunate enough to see all of the Big Five animals, plus so many more. Our visits to the Maasai women’s market, boma, clinic and school left us with memories of a lifetime. We highly recommend Thomson, not only for their excellent service and accommodations, but also for their continued philanthropy in the Serengeti area.

Thank you again for all of your help in making this trip fantastic. We are very sorry to have it end and to leave Tanzania. The scenes were just spectacular, the people were so memorable, the camps and the staff at each of the camps were great. Mohdy, Mustapha, Sadiq, Hussein (and literally everyone else!) could not have been nicer. Bob said they were all like “life-long friends we just hadn’t met yet,” and that is a perfect description. We cannot wait to return and see all of our friends again! At the end, they all came together in a unity circle, symbolizing that they’re all united together.

Wow! This was a trip of a lifetime. There are so many reasons why Tanzania is one of the most special places on earth. The landscapes are beautiful, the people are so welcoming, the food at the Thomson Nyumba camps and Gibb’s Farm was delicious, and the wildlife is so vast! Our guides were incredible – so knowledgeable, entertaining, and passionate. They would explain an animal behavior, and boom! We saw exactly what they had talked about moments before. We saw so many special things! To name a few, we saw a leopard in a tree jumping from branch to branch, we saw elephants fighting, baby hippos playing, hyena chasing wildebeests, 60+ ostriches prancing along the road, etc. etc. The camps were so comfortable, I felt like I was staying in a nice hotel room, but out in the bush so immersed in the environment. The camp staff goes above and beyond and all logistics went off without a hitch. It was also wonderful to see all that Thomson Safaris does to give back to the local Tanzanian communities. Asante Sana (Thank You) Thomson Safaris. This is a trip that will be hard to surpass, and Tanzania will hold a special place in my heart forever.

Going on safari has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Thank you for this amazing life experience. We traveled to 4 camps, 2 in the Serengeti, one at Ngorongoro Crater, and one at Tarangire National Park. All the camps were lovely. Service was impeccable. Food was delicious. Accommodations were attractive and comfortable. Your staff is amazing, they treated all visitors like family. Ojukwu (OJ) was more than just a guide; he was part of the group, just as excited as we were to see the animals. He was so knowledgeable about animals, plant life, birds, culture, and history, and he was funny too. He was also a great driver. At one time, we missed a lion napping by the road. There was no place to turn around on the narrow road so he actually backed up the vehicle until we got where we needed to be. He was by far better going in reverse than I am going forward! The special touches at each camp were much appreciated. Hot coffee or tea brought to your tent each morning was perfect, as was the pot of hot water for washing your face in the morning. The hot water bottle placed under the sheets at the Ngorongoro Crater camp, was perfect on a damp night. And Thomson really takes our safety seriously. Traveling alone, I was usually in tent number one which was by the dining tent. Even though I had a flashlight, and not far to go, someone always escorted me to my tent. Sometimes it was one of the guards from a nearby village with their spear or machete. Once it was a young woman with a rifle. Animals have been known to come into camp but I never felt less than perfectly safe. I truly loved every minute and if they’d let me set up camp in a baobab tree, I would be there still! Thank you Thomson, for this most wonderful experience and all the best to your amazing employees.

Our guide Kumbi was absolutely terrific! A consummate professional. His knowledge was deep and varied and he answered hundreds of our questions! He was a great communicator. I loved that he was as delighted to see a rhino as were. I would go on another safari with him in a heartbeat. He is a real gentleman. Our rafiki Raphael really made the trip more enjoyable for all of us, but especially the kids. Under his quiet and humble demeanor is a man who appreciates kids and their energy, questions and desire for fun. Everyday he led games, crafts and conversation and he built a caring relationship with each child. He really helped soothe my son when he was sick and is an incredibly kind person. He was instrumental in making the trip a success. I highly recommend him for family safaris.

I appreciated the attention to detail and Thomson’s ability to maintain the same high quality experience throughout the safari with no exceptions. Every staff member seemed proud to work for Thomson Safaris. Well done! Whatever you are doing, it’s working and our guides James and Harrison must be ingredients in your secret sauce! Thank you for a memorable experience!

i just returned from a 13-day Safari and no words can describe the experience, emotions and feelings for Thomson Safaris and the wonderful treatment provided by all. From the arrival and pick up at the airport to the final drop off, the experience was top notch!! The food was amazing. As someone with Celiac disease, I was especially impressed. The team carefully accommodated my gluten-free needs throughout the trip. I never once got sick, which gave me tremendous peace of mind while traveling. The tents were great! Showers were hot! Camp staff was friendly and wonderful…especially Patrick, IDD, Rose and Hussein. The safari camps exceeded expectations. Our guides, Robert and Moudy, were knowledgeable, funny, and made the entire experience magical. They were the highlight of the entire safari, and we looked forward to each day’s wildlife viewing adventures because of them. For anyone looking for a Tanzania safari that combines expert guides, personalized service, incredible wildlife encounters, and outstanding accommodations, I highly recommend Thomson Safaris. You will not be disappointed!

Grayson and Dickson were our guides and their humor, passion, and dedication made this a trip of a lifetime. As a solo traveler, I always felt safe, supported, and genuinely looked after by Grayson and Dickson. They went above and beyond to make sure every part of my experience was comfortable and memorable, and I couldn’t have asked for better guides. Grayson was amazing. His knowledge and passion are unparalleled. Thomson is lucky to have him. Dickson is the perfect balance of being professional as well as fun. I always enjoyed my time with him.

Our safari was breathtaking and emotional, especially seeing my children’s eyes as they took in the scenery, people and wildlife. There are no words to capture the feelings of our experience! Feeling safe and trusting the company you choose is so very important. It was so nice to relax with our family, sit back and enjoy the amazing adventure. My husband and I had the best time, but seeing our children go through these experiences was even better. Knowing that Thomson took care of everything made us feel special and great! Every detail was taken care of.

Our experience with Thomson and our first visit to Africa exceeded every expectation. We really enjoyed and appreciated how this safari was organized. The flow was great, food was amazing, locations were interesting, staff was so friendly and the guides were superb! We saw so many amazing natural sites and had so many interesting animal encounters. We also loved getting to know more about the African and Maasai culture – Tanzania will stay with us forever. We are grateful to Thomson for putting together an excellent itinerary with top notch staff, guides, and locations. I simply can’t say enough wonderful things. Bonus that we had an awesome group and had so much fun getting to know them in addition to an amazing safari! We feel so lucky to have decided to go with Thomson for our first – hopefully not our last – African adventure! Keep up the great work taking care of your amazing staff – they all work so hard and do a fantastic job! Thomson is well represented in the field, thank you for the most memorable safari!

I do not have enough superlatives to describe our safari this time. This truly was “a trip of a lifetime”. Our guide Ojukwu was a perfect guide. He far exceeded all of our expectations in every area. I really do not have words to express how good he was, so welcoming, knowledgeable and able to take us to exactly the right places. I never expected to see – let alone take a video of – a crocodile take a zebra, or a cheetah catch a wildebeest. It was all amazing! We fell in love with Northern Tanzania. Gibb’s Farm, as usual, was outstanding. A real oasis. We connected with many that we remembered from our past visits. Mwagusi Safari Camp was a place we loved 3 years ago for 3 nights and hence went for 5 nights this time. We both agree that if we have a bad day then Mwagusi is where we put ourselves. It is our “happy place”. I miss it already. Our favorite event there was to be surrounded by a pride of 12 lions, some no more than 10 feet away and us in an open vehicle. Cubs were nursing, rolling upside-down and generally playing. We sat with the lions for quite a while, not moving, except for the wine glasses in our hands. I took so many photos. Thank you so much for helping arrange this safari. It was perfection in so many ways. We arrived home tired but oh so happy. Now just got to get back on the right time zone! Next time we will have to stay even longer!

I’ve done two safaris with Thomson. The first was a scheduled group safari, the Grand Safari. It was during the beginning of COVID and we caught the last flight back to the US. Thomson was incredible in ensuring that everyone got flights back as soon as possible since we were schedule for later flights. The members of the group were a lot of fun and we still stay in touch. The second time was recently. I did a private safari for 3 weeks and requested the same guides I had on the first trip. I had two guides, one for driving and one for spotting. It was the best experience I have ever had. What makes Thomson exceptional is the staff. They are warm, friendly, and very attentive. I cannot say enough good things about the guides. They know the animals: they know their habits, where they can be found and their ability to spot them is amazing. There were many occasions that I did not see a thing and they would stop, get the binoculars and show me where to point the camera. The food at the Thomson camps is incredible, always 4 courses and the flavors need to be experienced. What the cooks do with primitive kitchens is nothing short of amazing! Gibb’s Farm and is truly a resort and breaks up the tented accommodations. Great cottage rooms, fresh food, (it has a farm on property) and fantastic service. On one night, the dining menu didn’t appeal to me and the chef came to my table and made a few suggestions and ultimately made a special dinner. There are other providers that provide similar safaris but at higher prices; in my opinion, Thomson Safaris give the best for the price.

It was our second safari with Thomson; this time it was 3 generations! And the trip of a lifetime. After our first trip we knew we would return with our grandchildren when the time was right. Thank you so much for your obvious commitment to Tanzania and its people. Your efforts enrich our lives as well as theirs. A safari with Thomson is an experience everyone should treat themselves to!

Right from the start, when Nasibu met us at the airport, his incredible personality and knowledge were evident. His passion for his work, his country, the animals, the people and most of all, to Thomson. As business owners ourselves, we could only hope to have an employee that you have in Nasibu. We have had SO much fun with him, his English is excellent and he laughed at our jokes! We were beyond blessed to have him as our guide. Thank you, thank you! Our safari adventure far exceeded our expectations! We so enjoyed Nasibu that we renamed him the “Serengeti Star. ” He was truly the star of our adventure. ❤️

The absolute best part of our safari was our guide, Mustapha. He was incredibly knowledgeable and made sure to tailor the trip to our needs. He checked in frequently, was very attentive to our comfort, and explained details clearly so we always had a sense of what was going on. He helped us understand cultural facts and was eager to ensure we saw the Big 5. Mustapha went above and beyond, and we will definitely recommend him as the guide to ask for. I got great photos, but I wouldn’t have been able to without him. The food at camp was excellent! We had just traveled to South Africa on a luxury train, and the food on safari was even better. The soups, especially, were delicious at all the camps. The camp staff made us feel so welcome and even taught us how to play a card game. I was impressed that Thomson Safaris has been around for over 40 years. The trip couldn’t have happened without Mustapha!

I wouldn’t say this if I didn’t mean it—traveling with Thomson Safaris is always one of my very best travel experiences. From the moment I begin planning to the final day of the journey, I feel genuinely cared for and truly valued as a guest. As a solo female traveler, feeling safe and comfortable is incredibly important to me, and Thomson consistently exceeds my expectations. Their attention to detail, thoughtful service, and knowledgeable team make every safari seamless and stress-free. Having a personal trip planner is a wonderful advantage — especially when designing a custom safari itinerary tailored to my interests — but I’m confident I would have the same opinion on one of their scheduled safaris as well. The professionalism and warmth of the entire Thomson team shine through in every aspect of the experience. Thank you for another unforgettable safari in such an extraordinary place. I can’t wait to travel with Thomson again.