Kathi Packer

Review of Thomson Safaris

Waking up to birds singing; "Jambo Jambo" hello at...

Waking up to birds singing; "Jambo Jambo" hello at my tent door - would you like coffee with cream and sugar?; making my way to the camp dining room - more coffee, eggs, toast, fresh fruit for breakfast...I wake up to this wonderful routine everyday on Safari and keep pinching myself that I'm here. At 8am our jeeps are ready, we climb in and anticipate another day of surprises, wonder and drama. Each area of Tanzania -Tarangire Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti offered its own unique story. I loved watching a 50 plus her of elephants swimming in the river in Tarangire Park, adolescents wrestling in the water, babies learning to dust their backs, mothers protection scared teenage all in one hour.
In Ngorongoro Crater I saw a rhino, my first time after three two former trips, along with lions, ostriches, zebra, wildebeest and much more. For me the Serengeti was the highlight of my trip. Driving in the midst of thousands of migrating wildebeest and zebra making their way up to the Mara River was a thrill to hear and see. We were lucky to catch a herd crossing the river and later viewed many crocs moving about. We also
spotted a magnificent leopard in a tree with its kill. He handily stood up for us and turned in our direction so we all had a perfect view. What a gift!
I know it may be luck if we see these reclusive animals but Thomson's guides are so well skilled and in communication with others that we were always rewarded with a very special sighting. I also think that Thomson's tented camp sites are strategically placed throughout Tanzania that greatly enhanced our access to the animals, especially the migration. We were able to follow the herds from Central to the Northern camps.
I particularly loved our guides Kileo and Kumbi who went out of their way to make us all happy. Each of us really appreciated their personal touch. I always felt that they gave each of us the time we wanted to observe the animals, not just take a quick shot and leave.We also enjoyed the friendly camp staff at each location. My boys were often in soccer matches with them at the end of the day. We truly felt welcomed and at home for the entire trip.
Africa tugs at my heart and I hope to return again soon with Thomson.