| Why should I
travel with Thomson Safaris?
We specialize exclusively in Tanzania. The owners of our US
office also own the ground operations in Tanzania. No other
company comes close to our level of quality control and superior
service. Over 150 highly trained guides, logistics specialists,
office staff, reservations managers, drivers and mechanics
are employed full-time in the Arusha office. We are large
enough to be respected as the premier tour operator in Tanzania
and still small enough to care about every single one of our
travelers.
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Why is Tanzania
the best safari destination?
Safari in Kiswahili, the language of East Africa, simply means
"journey." Today, the word is synonymous with a wildlife
viewing adventure in the African Bush.
If your primary reason
for traveling to Africa is to experience an abundance of African
wildlife in unspoiled wilderness, then Tanzania should be
your destination of choice. Tanzania protects over 30% of
its land through national parks and reserves, more than any
other country on the continent. You simply cannot beat the
wildlife concentrations found in Tanzania.
The parks and wildlife
reserves of Tanzania are inhabited by vast herds of wildebeest
spread out across the Serengeti savanna, huge populations
of elephant and buffalo, as well as plains game and their
predators. All these animals interact and roam freely, the
same as they have for thousands of years. Here you'll witness
an incredible diversity of ecology and will find the vegetation
and bird life as fascinating as the big game.
Tanzania is home to 90% of the film series produced on African
animals. Tanzania also boasts a remarkable number of World
Heritage Sites including, Serengeti National Park, Kilimanjaro
National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Selous Game Reserve
(this reserve alone is the size of Denmark), Kilwa Kisiwani
and the Songo Mnara Ruins.
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When is the best time of year to go
on safari in Tanzania?
Anytime is a wonderful time to be on safari. April tends to be rainy, but for the more adventurous travelers, we can arrange a private trip for you during that time. At
Thomson Safaris we adjust our safari itineraries to take advantage
of the best possible game viewing in accordance with the seasonal
concentrations of wildlife.
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Where is the best place to go for wildlife
viewing in Africa?
You simply can't beat northern Tanzania for wildlife concentrations.
Most people have heard of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater
and the wide array of wildlife dwelling on the crater floor.
Most have heard of the vast Serengeti, which hosts
the annual migration of wildebeest and the predators that
follow in its wake. This is only the beginning of the natural
phenomena awaiting your discovery on a safari to Tanzania.
Guests of Thomson safaris consistently tell us the wildlife
they experienced far surpassed their most optimistic expectations.
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What kinds of animals will I see on
safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania is home to over 35 species of large mammals and has
over 1,000 species of birds. On a typical safari in northern
Tanzania you can expect to see elephant, buffalo, giraffe,
hippo, baboon, monkeys and a variety of plains game such as
wildebeest, hartebeest, zebra, impala and gazelle. Most people
see lion and hyena, and possibly cheetah or leopard.
In Ngorongoro Crater you may see one of the few remaining
black rhino to be found in Tanzania, in addition to bull elephant, lion, gazelle, hyena, wildebeest, African buffalo and more. You'll undoubtedly also see
several different species of mongoose, hyrax and other
smaller mammals you may not expect on safari. If you're lucky you'll see one or more of the
smaller cats, foxes, wild dog or the more reticent antelope
like lesser kudu, bushbuck, oryx or eland.
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What is the Migration?
Almost everyone has heard of the Great Migration of the
Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle
and zebra traverse the plains in search of food and water.
But how many of us know the real story?
At Thomson, we believe in setting the right expectations.
There’s so much more to a safari than the Migration!
There’s more wildlife, culture and beautiful scenery
than you can imagine, and with new animal species still being
discovered, who knows what exciting sightings you’ll
make.
We think an informed traveler is a happy traveler, so here
are some important facts about the Migration that you need
to know.
Ficition:
The main reason to go on safari is to see the Migration.
Fact: There’s
so much more to a safari! The Great Migration consists largely
of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, and zebra, all of
which you will see in abundance whether you witness the Migration
or not. What about elephant, lion, giraffe, African buffalo,
rhinoceros, flamingo, hippo, leopard, warthog, hyena, impala
and countless other species, some of which you may have not
even heard yet?
One thing is certain, Tanzania has the largest biodiversity
on the planet, has the greatest concentration of wildlife,
devotes fully one-third of its land to national parks, conservation
areas and reserves and has wowed innumerable safari-goers
with its sheer beauty and its diversity and quantity of wildlife.
Ficition:
The Great Migration takes place during a specific time of
year.
Fact: It’s
actually a year-round phenomenon. The simple story is that
these vast herds are on a continual search for food and water
and spend the entire year moving in a more-or-less clockwise
direction around the Serengeti eco-system.
Weather, specifically rain, is the driving force of the Migration,
so any change in the seasonal weather patterns (more, less
or no rain) has a huge impact on the location of the Migration
and the size of the herds.
Ficition:
The Migration is predictable.
Fact: While
we can do our best to reference historical patterns, study
weather trends and stay in touch with a superior team of guides
out in the bush, no one can predict with any certainty where
the great herds will be. When was the last time you were able
to accurately predict the rainfall totals and regional location
of rain within your state?
Ficition: If
there are so many animals on this migration, it would be impossible
NOT to see them.
Fact: First
of all, it’s important to understand that Serengeti
National Park is the size of Connecticut, and the much larger
Serengeti eco-system spans far beyond the park’s borders.
It includes not only the park itself (6,000 square miles!),
but Kenya’s Masai Mara (only 600 square miles), parts
of the neighboring Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and beyond.
Then, you must consider that wildebeest, while they tend
to travel in herds, are not joined at the hip! Groups of wildebeest
may range from 10 to 100 to 1,000 or 100,000 individuals,
and these can be spread over miles and miles. Sometimes, you
may see what appears to be a single-file line of wildebeest
that spans the horizon. Other times you may see clusters of
smaller herds here and there. And, yes, sometimes you may
even be lucky enough to see the massive herds that turn the
grassy plains into a vast tapestry of ungulates.
Finally, you must also understand that the reason the National
Park is so rich with wildlife is because the land is so highly
protected. Keeping as much of the landscape as possible in
pristine condition means limiting the road system in the park.
There are vast swaths that are - wonderfully – ONLY
accessible to the wildlife.
Taking these facts into consideration, Thomson will arrange
expert guides with rugged, customized vehicles to take you
as close as possible to the wildlife – with the most
up-to-date information from the bush and without any mileage
restrictions.
Ficition: The
Great Migration consists of vast herds crossing rivers, dodging
crocodiles and making death-defying escapes as they flee.
Fact: Well,
yes that does happen, and, yes, it’s just as dramatic
as what you’ve seen on the Travel Channel. The reality,
however, is as much about luck as it is about patience. In
order to get that kind footage, a film crew positions themselves
for weeks or months in one spot, waiting patiently for these
bursts of absolutely astounding activity. On safari, it is
much more likely that you’ll see varying sizes of herds
grazing quietly on the plains.
Ficition: Other
companies can guarantee that I’ll see the Great Migration.
Fact: This
is simply not true. Mother Nature offers no guarantees. To
anyone. Ever. But don’t worry!
You will definitely see examples of all the animals that comprise
the “great migration”: wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s
gazelle throughout your trip. They may not necessarily be
part of the Great Migration of the Serengeti (for example,
at Ngorongoro Crater the herds are mostly non-migratory).
Even the quantities may vary widely from one location to another
and from one time of year to another.
Still, having said all that, it is true that on a Thomson
Safari you are very likely to see some part of the migration.
You may not see that dramatic river crossing (few people ever
do), but you’ll probably see varying sized groups of
wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle as they graze,
play and gather on the plains.
Almost all Thomson Safaris itineraries include staying in
two separate, seasonally appropriate regions during your four
days in the Serengeti. It’s all about maximizing your
chances of seeing the most abundant wildlife during your safari.
BONUS FACT:
Above all else, do not get your heart set on the TV-version
of the Great Migration. There is SO MUCH MORE to the safari
experience.
You WILL see a great deal of wildlife! You are not only going
to Tanzania, the world’s best safari destination, but
you are going with one of the best, most experienced companies
out there; it’s a given that you will see a magnificent
variety and quantity of animals.
Twenty-seven years of experience in the wilds of Tanzania
allow us to make that promise without hesitation.
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Will I have a chance to interact with
the local people of Tanzania?
The vast majority of Tanzanians are still living very close
to their traditional lifestyles. Most of the people are subsistence
farmers. The Maasai live a pastoral existence following their
herds of cattle to better grazing areas, still adhering to
the traditions and ceremonies of their ancestors. Their "villages"
are located throughout northern Tanzania. Other small tribes
of hunter-gatherers, living according to their ancient customs
and traditions can also be found in this area.
At Thomson Safaris, we consider the cultural component of
any safari to be subtle yet essential. All of the guides are
Tanzanian born. They are an excellent resource to help you
gain greater insight into the local culture. On some of our
trips, we begin with a visit to a traditional village where
you are welcomed as friends of Thomson Safaris. As we drive
between parks, we pass many villages and Maasai Bomas giving
you further glimpses into the lives of the Tanzanian people.
More often than not, we are able to stop at one of these bomas
to get a more in-depth perspective on Maasai culture.
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What if I want a custom safari?
We would be delighted to work with you to help you and your
family, friends or organization plan the best possible safari
to match your interests and budget. We organize custom safaris
for professional photographers, honeymoon couples, families
and many museums and educational institutions, including Boston's
Museum of Science, Harvard University, American Museum of
Natural History, Princeton University and Stanford Travel
Study, to name just a few.
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Can I take my children on safari?
YES! Thomson Safaris has a personal understanding and deep
commitment to meeting the special needs of families. We have
designed unique Family Safari programs to allow you and your
children to experience the wonders of Africa together. Special
features for children ages 6 - 16 include:
- Penpals with whom kids will correspond and then meet in
Tanzania
- Young Adventurers Serengeti Workshop
- 40 page Safari Logbook including a journal, bird lists,
mammal lists, games, sketchpads, and address lists
- Safari Guides who enjoy and relate to children
You'll have a chance to deepen your understanding of cultural
diversity, discover the many miracles of nature, and at the
same time play, laugh, and enjoy the pleasure of one another's
company. Our trips are well suited for children six years
and older.
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Will I stay in
tents or lodges?
Our safaris offer a wide array of safari styles to suit your
interests and budget. Please see our brochure or the accommodations
section of this site for a description of the different types
of accommodations we use on our trips.
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How big are your safari groups?
Small. Our scheduled safaris vary in size depending on the
nature of the safari, family departures being slightly larger
to accommodate for kids and grandkids. On a typical sold out
trip, we may use 3 to 4 customized Land Rovers, guaranteeing
everyone a window seat, and allowing for a more intimate connection
with the African bush.
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What's the weather like in Tanzania?
Located at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,600 feet, northern Tanzania's
dry, sunny climate is nothing like the steamy African jungle
of Tarzan movies. The weather is spring-like year round, with
daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, evenings in the 60s.
From June until August, temperatures are slightly cooler,
ranging from the upper 50s to the mid-70s during the day.
The coastal and lowland areas tend to be more tropical in
temperature.
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What clothes should I bring on safari?
Safari dress is comfortable and casual - layers are recommended.
Keep it simple and bring things you don't mind getting dusty.
After you have booked your safari, we will send you a pre-departure
information booklet including a detailed packing list to help
you prepare for your safari.
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What's the food like on safari?
You will be pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the
variety of the food available on safari. In most lodges, meals
are served buffet-style so you can choose what you like. The
food is prepared according to western tastes, with some curries
and local cuisine included. If staying at any of the Thomson Nyumbas,
fresh meat and produce is procured locally and then prepared by expert chefs to
the highest standards. Returning guests are consistently amazed by the meals we are able to prepare out in the bush.
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Can special dietary requirements be
accommodated?
Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic
meals can easily be arranged with advanced notice. If you
are vegetarian or vegan you may wish to bring along some alternative
protein sources. If you have multiple food allergies, you'll
definitely want to bring along supplemental snacks. It is
important we know of any possible dietary restrictions as
soon as possible.
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Are safaris in Tanzania safe?
Today's modern safari is a far cry from the rugged safaris
of the past and the images we see in old movies. After a stimulating
day of wildlife viewing, you can relax at comfortable, attractive
lodges, with amenities like swimming pools, full service restaurants
and en-suite bathrooms. Located right in the heart of scenic
settings within wildlife reserves, the lodges and Nyumbas are
close to nature, but not too close for comfort. Askaris (night
watchmen) patrol the grounds at night, just to make sure that
all is well.
Tanzania is one of Africa's most
stable countries, where you'll receive a warm welcome from
its gracious people. Every care is taken to ensure your health
and safety on safari.
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Is it OK to drink the water?
We provide bottled water on wildlife viewing drives and in any of our
Nyumbas, and you can purchase good quality bottled water at
all the lodges.
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Are there a lot of bugs in Tanzania?
There are more bugs in many places in the USA than you will
encounter on safari. Again, remember that most of the areas
you'll be visiting are arid (especially from July - November).
The bugs you will see are fascinating, but certainly not anything
to be concerned about.
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How far in advance should I book my
safari?
It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure
availability at the time you wish to travel, especially during
the peak seasons (June through August and Christmas time).
This is especially important for those wishing to travel on
private custom safaris and those adding extensions to the
scheduled trips.
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Can I use a credit card to pay for
my safari?
We accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express for your safari
deposit. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure and
is payable by check, wire transfer or money order.
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What shots should I get?
For medical advice, it is always best to consult your doctor
or travel clinic. Most travelers into Tanzania get, at minimum,
a yellow fever vaccination and anti-malarial medication. Bear
in mind that you will be staying in camps and lodges oriented
to meet the needs of American and European guests.
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What additional costs can I expect
when I travel with Thomson Safaris?
Our safari land packages include all accommodations, meals, airport transfers,
park fees and services of Thomson Safaris guides and drivers.
It is customary to tip your guide and driver, as well as
the Thomson Nyumba staff (we suggest
typical amounts in the pre-departure information we send you
after you book on one of our safaris). You must remember,
however, that tips are not required and are completely subjective.
You will also need to pay for your own bar beverages (we
provide water at meals and on game drives) and personal items
like laundry service and phone calls. Before you go, you are
responsible for any passport and visa fees (we send you the
visa application form with your pre-departure information).
We also highly recommend you purchase travel insurance (a
pamphlet is included in your pre-departure packet). And finally,
if you know yourself to be a big souvenir shopper you'll need
to budget accordingly.
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