Guest Reviews
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Read more up to the minute reports from our guests!
The staff on my Western Approach Trek were well-trained and equipped
Kilimanjaro Review: Scott O.
I have climbed Kili twice with Thomson. All of the aspects of the climb with Thomson were excellent just as they had been on my first trip. The most important part of climbing with Thomson was the part we never used: the emergency equipment and the training the staff has in case of an emergency. One guide carried emergency equipment all the way to the summit with us. That is what made climbing with Thomson an easy choice for us.
Scott O.
Kilimanjaro Western Approach Route, February 2012
This was Scott's second time trekking with Thomson; his first trek was in 2009.
We compared prices with other companies
Thomson Safaris was a very good value for our money
We tell everyone how much we enjoyed the trip with Thomson. We compared prices with other companies and believe that we got very good value for our money. Another thing that sold us is the fact that Thomson employs its own people; several of the people we met have been with the company for many years. That speaks well for Thomson.
Marion D.
Signature Thomson Safari, February 2012
This was the best family vacation we ever had.
Private Family Safari Review: Rick K.
I have lived in the Middle East and had an apartment in Hong Kong, traveled to 50 countries and for ten summers have taken our three kids to different continents. However, this vacation I can say unequivocally was the best vacation we ever had.
Robert Chama was a gem and the arrangements and logistics by Thomson were exceptional.
Having 36 straight meals with my three adult children, having their iPhones and Blackberries not operative and having them remain with us at the table for every meal or every picnic was more than anyone could imagine on a vacation. Most importantly, to have the family so focused on photography and nature was a unique and unforgettable adventure. Having taken 12,000 pictures helps us relive an unforgettable experience.
My only regret is why I waited so long. I cannot imagine or envision a better family trip.
Nick K.
Private Family Safari, December 2011
Review: Kilimanjaro Grand Traverse
Grand Traverse Review: Leslie B.
Our group summited Kilimanjaro at 1PM on a Sunday after 10 days of trekking Thomson's Grand Traverse route. What a fabulous adventure! Thomson was, by far, the most professional outfit on the mountain. Our guides were experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable. Our porters were strong, fast, and friendly. My fellow travelers encouraged each another the entire way.
All in all, it was the perfect mix of adventure, challenge, and relaxation on the most beautiful place on earth. What more can I say? Thank you, Thomson, for a life-changing adventure!
Leslie B.
Kilimanjaro Grand Traverse Route, January 2012
Safari Delivered "Dream Come True" Moments!
Thank you for putting together such an ideal itinerary for me, and for making sure I got Kumbi; as you know from my letter, he was outstanding!
I enjoyed every location I visited, but my favorite was Kogakuria. I fell in love with the tall grasslands, sprinkled with the occasional tree, and the rolling hills. In the hour or two just after sunrise, the low light turned the whole landscape into a golden dream. Oddly, given that I went to Tanzania to experience the wildlife, my most magical moment was in an area with no visible animals at all, at the border between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. Since the migration hadn't reached there yet, there weren't any large animals to stand out above the tall grass. The land seemed to stretch out forever, and I felt connected to all of it in a way I've experienced in only a handful of places. This particular location made me realize why people refer to a "sea" of grass, and I loved watching the wind roll through it in waves, and listening to the leaves rustle against one another.
Of course the wildlife viewing in the area was also outstanding; it was in a nearby valley that I got to approach within a few yards of a cheetah (my favorite "dream come true" moment), and watch lions feeding on a zebra (my favorite "National Geographic" moment). The feeding lions included a young cub who was practicing his choke hold and wrestling with the zebra's head; it was incredibly funny in a grisly sort of way, because the zebra's head probably weighed as much as the cub, and a couple of times the cub flip-flopped completely over the zebra's neck.
Thanks again for helping to make this wonderful journey happen. A significant factor in my decision to go with Thomson was how easy it was to talk with you, not just because you always seemed to be available, but also because you were so knowledgeable, and eager to help.
Mahalo,
Anna L.
Private Thomson Safari, July 2011