The guide is the key to a great safari! A guide's knowledge, sensitivity,
and good humor are some of the most essential elements of a successful
safari. And quite simply, Thomson guides are the best. We don't
say so. Our guests do! They rave about every one of them, from Abraham
to Charles to Willie to Robert.
Our Dedicated Tanzanian Guides
Take Pride in Introducing You to Their Country
Our Guides are Passionate About
Tanzania and Love What They Do
Our guides were born and raised in Tanzania
- and thrive on introducing travelers to the natural beauty
and wildlife of their country. Most of them have been with
us for years, starting as drivers or mechanics and working
their way up to the position of senior safari guide. Each
head guide must have at least 10 years of experience in the
bush.
The bottom line is, our guides are happy with
their jobs, love the interaction with people of different
cultures, and work hard to make sure their guests are satisfied.
All of that becomes very apparent when you experience Tanzania
through their insightful eyes.
As Trained Naturalists, Their
Knowledge Will Impress You
At Thomson Safaris, We Never
Lose Sight of the Human Touch
All of our guides are naturalists, have degrees
in natural history and wildlife, maintain mental maps of Tanzania's
backroads, keep up-to-date on wildlife migrations and have
super-sharp spotting abilities. Much of their training in
how to deliver outstanding service to travelers comes directly
from Thomson Safaris' senior staffers and guides, whose standards
are high and whose instruction is rigorous.
The level of personal attention continues
in Tanzania, where our staff is as curious to learn about
you as you are about them. To thank our Tanzanian staff, we
bring each employee who has been with us five years or more
(mechanics, cooks, drivers, guides) to the United States to
enjoy a cultural adventure of their own.
"The
guides know the answer to any question you can ask them - we
peppered them with questions all week about geology, people,
animal behavior, you name it, and we never stumped them... When
people ask me about our trip, I start to run out of adjectives
- I feel very lucky that we were able to go."
Liz Marinelli, Serengeti Family Safari
"Wilbard,
our head guide [on Kilimanjaro], was highly professional, and
kind, honest and decent. As we climbed, I became aware that
it was Wilbard who made sure everything was perfect - all the
time. [On safari] John Urio helped us to sight, and I'm not
exaggerating, well over 200 species of birds. And for all the
animals he knew their habits, their behaviors and obscure and
fascinating details. He was an expert."
Craig Enger, Kilimanjaro Western Approach Route & Safari
"When
you are thousands of miles from home, a trip can be made or
broken by the people who greet and take care of you. Consistency
is something that Thomson provides. The same guide who meets
you at the airport stays with you for the entire trip - he becomes
a part of your daily life while on safari. This consistency
makes one feel safe and comfortable, which in turn adds to the
pleasures. I can't wait to go on my next safari with Thomson.
You have got yourself another lifetime customer!"
