the Experts
Behind Your Tanzanian Adventure
Our passion for Tanzania’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unmatched wildlife drives everything we do. With over 40 years of experience, each member of our team—from our seasoned safari guides to our knowledgeable planners—brings expertise, dedication, and a deep love for Tanzania. We’re here to create memorable, safe, and authentic experiences tailored just for you. Meet the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes and on the ground to bring your safari dreams to life.
Meet Our Founders

Judi Wineland
Co-Founder

Judi Wineland
Co-Founder
Judi began traveling the world in 1969 as a singer and guitarist with the USO. Tours through Japan, Guam, the Philippines and Vietnam sparked a travel passion. Judi turned that passion into a budding business, becoming the first female entrepreneur in the adventure travel industry and the leader of the East Coast’s only adventure travel company.
Judi met Rick Thomson while traveling through East Africa in 1979, when he was the guide on her safari. They worked for different companies at the time but decided less than two years later to co-found their own organization.
Their mission: build a safari company with people on the ground in Tanzania—a company dedicated to sustainable practices, cultural enrichment and a peerless drive for quality adventuring. In early 1981, Thomson Safaris Ltd. was formed.
With Judi’s network and entrepreneurial experience, she helped develop the then-unknown and off-the-map country of Tanzania as an enticing destination for travelers.
Excellence and a unique Tanzanian experience set Thomson Safaris apart, and the company’s mission to give back led Judi to co-found FOTZC (Focus on Tanzanian Communities) in 1996. Dedicated to community-led initiatives in education, women’s empowerment and health in remote Northern Tanzania, FOTZC is Thomson Safaris’ proud philanthropic arm.
FOTZC has increased access to clean water for thousands of local Tanzanians through borehole projects and has provided thousands more with medical support with the Sukenya Medical Dispensary.

Rick Thomson
Co-Founder

Rick Thomson
Co-Founder
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.
Safari Trip Planners

Ina Steinhilber
President

Ina Steinhilber
President
What do you do?
I manage the company, which includes an always-interesting mix of responsibilities. Fostering a productive, engaged, fun and collaborative work environment is key because without a great team who enjoy what they do and care about quality, we’re nothing! I set budgets and policies, and I keep a close eye on financials, on marketing and on guest feedback. I make sure that we provide an excellent experience to our guests and do so with integrity.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I love hearing or reading guest feedback. It’s a genuine thrill when someone comes back from a trip and tells us how wonderful—often life-changing!—the experience was. It’s humbling, satisfying and fun! And it’s why we do what we do every day.
I was born in a little farm town in southern Germany that has castles on every hillside, wildflowers in every field and red geraniums in every window-box. Best of all: the pretzels! It’s still a magical place to me, even though I’ve been an American for over a decade now.
The best meal I ever had was bread from the baker, tomatoes from the farmer, cheese from the cheesemonger, wine from the vineyard and peaches right off the tree. Consumed with the aid of a Swiss Army knife. And eaten under an olive tree, on the outskirts of Rome.
Everyone tells me I’m crazy to ride my bike in the city, but I can’t resist! Boston drivers aren’t exactly known for respecting the rules of the road, which is challenging, but I love commuting by bike, starting and ending every day with a little exercise and always being in forward motion.

Andrew Doherty
Manager of Special Interest Travel

Andrew Doherty
Manager of Special Interest Travel
What do you do?
I am lucky. Aside from taking care of our valued safari guests, I get to manage Thomson’s Affinity & Special Interest Travel division. That includes travel for colleges, universities, museums, zoos, conservation groups, naturalists, professional photo workshops, yoga groups—even celebrity chefs.
Why do you like what you do?
I never get bored talking about Tanzania. Whether it’s helping first-timers select their dream safari or assisting a university to design an intricate, specialized expedition, I am in my happy place. Best of all, I love teaming up with my American and Tanzanian colleagues to make the magic happen.
Besides safari, what has been your favorite past travel experience?
Swimming with seemingly hundreds of California sea lions off Isla Santu in the Sea of Cortez…and finishing the day with fresh fish tacos on a deserted beach. We also came across a giant manta ray on the way back to port.
My favorite safari animal is the aardvark! My daughter is also obsessed with aardvarks. As they are nocturnal and den during the day, they are nearly impossible to spot! However, Thomson guests might spot them on the night drives in the Eastern Serengeti. They are highly evolved animals and truly one of a kind…and their existence proves nature has a good sense of humor—they are so odd and adorable at the same time!
My insider safari tip is to be open to what Tanzania and Thomson have in store for you. It’s okay to have objectives and expectations—but try to leave space for new experiences. Nearly 100% of the time, guests rave about experiences that weren’t on their radar. Tanzania and Thomson will surprise you in the best way possible.

Angela Woods
Manager of Guest Services

Angela Woods
Manager of Guest Services
What do you do?
I oversee the Guest Services division, which is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service to ensure every guest has a seamless and unforgettable adventure in Tanzania!
Why do you like what you do?
I’m passionate about travel, inspired by the stories of others’ adventures and dedicated to turning dream travel experiences into reality. I enjoy connecting with people from all corners of the globe and diverse backgrounds. I believe travel has a unique power to bring people together.
What’s next on your travel bucket list?
I’m heading down under to Western Australia. I’m excited to soak up the sun on pristine beaches, savor world-class wines in the Margaret River region and marvel at the rugged beauty of the outback. A bonus will be to hang out with some friendly quokkas on Rottnest Island.
My favorite safari animal is a tie! Hyenas because they’re one of the most intelligent, resourceful, versatile animals out there! They don’t let anything go to waste, and I can’t help but love their laugh! Also warthogs because they make my heart so happy whenever I see them. They’re goofy in the most charming way!
My insider safari tip is to embrace “Hakuna matata” (no worries) as your safari mantra. Even though I’m usually all about planning every detail, I’ve found that letting go and embracing surprises can make the adventure even more memorable. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that turn a trip into something truly special.

Carolyn Hardy
Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant

Carolyn Hardy
Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant
What do you do?
I am a Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant! I assist guests in the planning process of their safari and Kilimanjaro trips. From deciding between the different itineraries to walking through flight routes, I’m here to make planning a bucket list adventure fun, not stressful!
Why do you like what you do?
I get to talk about safaris every day! Some of the most common questions our guests ask are about weather conditions, and what they’ll see in each park. So when I’m answering those questions, I get to relive my safari experiences while also helping them with important decisions.
What’s next on your travel bucket list?
Scotland! The landscapes, the castles, the bagpipes—that’s all right up my alley!
My favorite safari animal is the giraffe. They’re so elegant with their long legs and stunning eyelashes—and they’re always so curious about humans, too! Being able to watch dozens of them on the plains right from my verandah in the Eastern Serengeti was an unforgettable moment.
My insider safari tip is put the phone in airplane mode, or turn it off. Being on safari is such a unique opportunity to totally disconnect and appreciate the world as it was hundreds and thousands of years ago. The phone will still be waiting for you when you get home; the simple pleasures and sites of safari will not.

Sarah Jacobs
Guest Liaison & Office Administrator

Sarah Jacobs
Guest Liaison & Office Administrator
What do you do?
A little bit of everything! I’m a one-person support department for the whole team. Every day is a new adventure.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I love that I get to experience a little piece of each traveler’s adventure. Getting to talk to them from the first time they call in all the way through planning and traveling, until they come back and are ready to book again!
What’s next on your travel bucket list?
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. As a theater and history nerd I would love to experience new art in such an old place!
Besides safari, what has been your favorite past travel experience?
Getting to travel to New Zealand and Australia was a dream come true. We were lucky enough to get to see the Sounds in New Zealand by boat and it felt like going back in time to a prehistoric world!
My favorite safari animal is the secretary bird because they are as beautiful as they are powerful. Strutting the Serengeti and stomping snakes for dinner!

Halee Mahoney
Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant

Halee Mahoney
Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant
What do you do?
I am a trip consultant! I bring together what guests want from their vacation with my knowledge of Tanzania to create the best safari or Kilimanjaro experience for each guest.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I love getting to work with guests who are planning a special bucket list trip and getting to share in their excitement about traveling to such an incredible place! My trips to Tanzania have been incredibly meaningful to me, and I love being a part of that for other people.
Besides safari, what has been your favorite past travel experience?
During college, I got to work as a tour guide on a glacier in Alaska in both the summer and winter. I learned so much, got to share that insight with travelers and I loved seeing how the glacier changed between the two seasons and even day to day.
What’s next on your travel bucket list?
Thailand!
My favorite safari animal is a baby warthog! They trot so quickly with their tail straight up—I think it’s adorable!

Nicole Wineland-Thomson
Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant

Nicole Wineland-Thomson
Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant
What do you do?
I get to craft incredible safaris for guests interested in their first or perhaps return trip to Tanzania.
Why do you like what you do?
As I’m the daughter of the founders of Thomson Safaris, my life has been dedicated to Tanzania. Spending every summer there starting as a small child, I consider Tanzania a second home. I love the people, the landscapes and certainly the wildlife. I can’t help but want every person to fall in love with Tanzania, too!
Besides safari, what has been your favorite past travel experience?
Living in Milan, Italy, for a year.
What’s next on your travel bucket list?
Trekking Kilimanjaro with my son when he turns 12.
My favorite place for wildlife viewing in Tanzania is the lounge at the Eastern Serengeti nyumba camp. You get to see the giraffe and other wildlife drinking from the watering hole only yards away.

Lewis Crary
Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant

Lewis Crary
Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant
What do you do?
I’m a vacation-maker! Got an elephant affinity? Hot air balloon-curious? It’s my job to listen to and collaborate with guests to find their perfectly suited itinerary. I lived in Tanzania and I’ve been lucky enough to do safari throughout the African continent, so I love providing a little direction as travelers work to crystalize their safari vision!
What is your favorite part about your job?
I come from an animal science background, so any job where I get to babble on about baboons or jabber about giraffes is a dream come true. If you’re opting to visit Tanzania then we already have something in common and I’m going to enjoy getting to know you!
What’s next on your travel bucket list?
Rwanda—hands down. My sister tells me the gorilla trekking is nothing short of a spiritual experience and it’s so easy to fly to Kigali from Tanzania. On my next safari, I’m planning to combine both countries into one unforgettable African adventure.
My favorite safari animal is the rhino, or kifaru in Swahili. With their poor vision and quick tempers, they’re definitely a smash-first, ask questions later type. I also wouldn’t mind sporting a pair of their swiveling, radar dish-like ears.
My insider safari tip is: Always arrive one day early if you have the time. Flights seem more volatile than ever, and I couldn’t forgive myself if I lost safari time due to airline disruptions. When you book your trip, ust ask us to tag on the extra night to the start of your itinerary!

Fiona Sullivan Haberman
Senior Trip Manager

Fiona Sullivan Haberman
Senior Trip Manager
What do you do?
I am the Senior Trip Manager here at Thomson Safaris. I help guests throughout the entire trip preparation process, from booking flights to answering packing questions.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I love getting to talk on the phone with guests to answer any questions that pop up throughout the lead-up to their trip with Thomson. It’s so fun to share in their excitement and anticipation!
Besides safari, what has been your favorite past travel experience?
Traveling around New Zealand in a campervan.
The best meal I ever had while traveling was fresh seafood in Cascais, Portugal.
My favorite place for wildlife viewing in Tanzania is the Eastern Serengeti because you can view wildlife from the comfort of the lounge tent. Watching giraffes come to drink from the watering hole while you sip a cup of coffee or drink a glass of wine is magical!

Cat Yoder
Trip Manager

Cat Yoder
Trip Manager
What do you do?
As a member of the Prep Team at Thomson Safaris, it’s my job to make sure our guests have everything they need for a terrific trip. I sent regular tips and reminders and am available to answer any questions our guests have so they are prepared and excited for the journey of a lifetime.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my job is getting to share in the excitement with our guests. We get to hear and share such amazing stories. Even though I can’t always be on safari, I get to experience a little piece of travel and of Tanzania every day through our wonderful guests!
Besides safari, what has been your favorite past travel experience?
Study abroad in Japan. It was my first trip outside the USA and really awakened my love for travel and showed me just how different and fascinating other places can be, and how much we can learn when visiting them.
What’s next on your travel bucket list?
Next, I’d love to go to Brazil. Beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, rich culture, great food—it truly has everything!
The best meal I ever had while traveling was at a little restaurant by a stream outside Dubrovnik. We had grilled fish (fresh from the stream, of course) with an enormous charcuterie board filled with local cheeses, olives and cured meats. To top it all off: freshly baked bread with homemade olive oil. Delicious!

Joshua Skalski
Trip Manager

Joshua Skalski
Trip Manager
What do you do?
I help our guests prepare for their safari and Kilimanjaro trekking adventures. That includes everything from answering questions, providing pre-departure materials, arranging services and accommodations to simply talking on the phone and offering peace of mind to our travelers.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of the job is getting to hear not only our guests’ travel stories but also their life stories. I love getting to know them on a personal level.
Where’s next on your travel bucket list?
I’d love to eventually make my way out to Japan!
The best meal I ever had while traveling was at Ellen’s Stardust Diner in NYC! I’m a sucker for classic diner food and musical theater, so this was the perfect combination!
My insider safari tip is: plan to come in a day or two early if you can! This helps to mitigate issues caused by flight delays and give you extra time to relax before your adventure.

Bren Rand
Trip Manager

Bren Rand
Trip Manager
What do you do?
As a Trip Manager, I help guests on their way to the most amazing safari or trekking adventure possible. Setting my guests up for success is key; by sending all pre-departure materials, arranging services and booking accommodations and by answering all questions, I want my guests to know they’re in good hands.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love being able to chat with guests about their experiences after their adventures! Hearing about a successful trip that I had a hand in planning is like no other feeling. Also getting to see all my guests’ photos is a bonus. Extra points if they are bird photos!
Besides safari, what has been your favorite past travel experience?
I traveled to Italy with my family! We stayed in Rome, Florence and Naples and got to experience a wide breadth of cultural activities. Not to mention the food was unparallelled!
My favorite safari animal is the secretary bird! They are majestic flightless birds that spring around the plains, hunting prey with their strong legs.
My insider safari tip is: Read the prep guide! We crafted this wonderful resource using decades of feedback from trips. Everything in it is there for a reason, trust me!