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U.S. Safari Experts
Our U.S. staff is easily accessible
at our toll-free number. We've all either worked, lived or
traveled extensively in Tanzania, and we'll share our expertise
to make your safari planning comfortable and enjoyable.
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"Gregg,
especially to you, with whom we most often worked, thank you
for your patience and kindness. This safari was a dream and
it not only matched my expectations, it soared beyond anything
imaginable. For that, thank you Thomson Safaris."
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| Kathy Trapnell,
Menlo Park, CA |
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Rick Thomson and Judi Wineland,
Owners of Thomson Safaris
Over two decades ago, Rick Thomson and Judi Wineland took
their passion for Africa and found a way to make a living
from it. Together as co-owners and co-founders they began
Thomson Safaris, the first U.S. safari company to open offices
in Arusha, Tanzania.
From 1980 to 1985, Rick lived in Arusha, building relationships
with local tradespeople, training guides and designing customized
safari vehicles. Today, he directs programs from our office
near Boston.
In 1978, Judi Wineland founded Overseas Adventure Travel
(OAT), one of the nation's pioneering adventure travel companies.
She teamed up with Rick in 1981 to form Thomson Safaris, and
their safaris became an essential part of OAT's success.
Judi sold OAT several years ago to take a more active role
in Thomson Safaris and concentrate once again on her first
love: Tanzania. |
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Both Rick and Judi devote their energy to the development
of itineraries and the daily running of the business, seeing
to the endless details that ensure a wonderful safari experience.
They return to their second home, Tanzania, for at least eight
weeks each year with their children, to rekindle friendships
with their Tanzanian friends and discover new and exciting
safari opportunities.
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Our Knowledgeable U.S. Staff
Customer Service & Office
Manager |
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Sales & Marketing Manager |
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Affinity Program Manager |
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| Gregg Pokraka has adventured throughout
the US and Central America, Europe and more recently, Tanzania.
In addition to his dedication to travel, he brings with him
over 14 years of customer service experience. As our Director
of Customer Service, his friendly manner, attention to detail,
and in-depth knowledge of safari logistics ensure the success
of your entire trip. |
Ina Steinhilber has been traveling the
world since her teens and continues to pursue her passion
for trekking, hiking and ice climbing in the mountainous regions
of the US and abroad, including Tanzania where she attained
the summit of Kilimanjaro. Her 10 years experience in the
art market fostered her enthusiasm for travel and culture,
and now she is dedicated to helping you make your trekking
or safari dreams a reality. |
Claudia
Dunn's love for the outdoors and culture has
brought her to the mountains of Switzerland, to the desert
of southern Utah and throughout the Hawaiian islands. More
recently, she traveled to northern Tanzania accompanying distinguished
members of the American Zoological Association. Claudia now
uses her planning skills to make sure prominent organizations
such as Harvard Alumni, Smithsonian, MIT and others have a
perfect safari. |
Safari Sales Manager |
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Safari Specialist |
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Safari Specialist |
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Safari Specialist |
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| Kaki Trimble has traveled
extensively to such exciting locations as Australia, New Zealand,
Egypt, the South Pacific and throughout Europe. Most recently,
she visited Tanzania, where she explored the northen region.
She received her MBA from Simmons SOM, and now combines her
business savvy and extensive travel experience to help you
choose and plan the safari of your dreams. |
Andrew Doherty
is a serious fly-fisherman and a true animal lover. His interest
in wildlife and biodiversity has led him to northern Quebec
and Ontario, Costa Rica and northern Tanzania. He fell in love
with Tanzania’s sheer abundance and variety of flora and
fauna, the warm and friendly people and the vastly changing
landscapes. He is eager share his safari experiences and help
you plan a memorable safari. |
Bryan Rotundo is
a true adventurer.
He has trekked through the outback of Australia, explored New
Zealand on a solo back-packing journey and sailed the islands
of the South Pacific. His personal explorations along with an
extensive back-ground in travel planning make him
a great partner in creating the trip of a lifetime. |
Alexandra Freyer grew up in
a family that valued international travel as a means for personal
growth and cultural awareness. She's taken that belief to
extremes, scuba diving with Great Whites, bungee jumping from
the tallest platform on Earth, trekking in the Himalayas and
traveling throughout India, Asia and Africa, including Tanzania.
Alex is excited to share her enthusiasm for Tanzania with
you. |
| Predeparture
Safari Specialist |
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Predeparture
Safari Specialist |
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Affinity Predeparture Specialist |
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Receptionist & Guest Liaison |
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| Eliza Hatch
thrives on adventure travel. She has circumnavigated the globe,
visiting India, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and more!
But it was during her trip to Ghana and Tanzania where she
discovered her passion for travel to developing nations. Her
love of languages and other cultures combined with her enthusiasm
and instinctual grasp of travel details make her an ideal
person to prepare you for your safari. |
Meghan Henry
has helped plan countless trips throughout the world. Her
love of wildlife, learning about and experiencing other cultures,
coupled with her degree in tourism, has inspired her to travel
to destinations such as Western Europe, Costa Rica and Ghana.
She is eager to share her knowledge and help plan an unforgettable
adventure.
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Ryan Thompson
has been accustomed to the expatriate lifestyle from an early
age, living in Nigeria, Zaire, South Africa, Malaysia and
Indonesia. His experiences abroad, along with his enthusiasm
for travel, make him a valuable resource and travel consultant.
He is excited to help prepare the members of Thomson's affinity
groups for the adventure of a lifetime in Tanzania. |
Jacqualine Faria is our resident language
expert, with conversational skills in Spanish, French, German
and American Sign Language. Swahili is next on her list! Her
interest in travel, language and cultures brought her to Thomson
where her organizational skills, attention to detail, and
commitment to excellence lend themselves to providing guests
with the highest level of personalized service. |
Kilimanjaro Program Manager |
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Predeparture Kilimanjaro Specialist |
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Sales & Marketing |
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Project Coordinator |
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| Katie Cordes
lists conquering Kilimanjaro as one of her most memorable
trips. Experiencing different cultures is her passion, having
volunteered throughout Eastern Europe and adventured in Tanzania,
Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. With her degree
in International Development, the love of hiking and the outdoors,
and an understanding of travel logistics, she is excited to
help you plan your adventure of a lifetime. |
Michael Moitoso has
explored a myriad of cultures around the world. He has travelled
to Mexico, Italy, Morocco, and trekked volcanos in Guatemala
and Portugal. During his last two trips to northern Tanzania
he has explored the safari circuit as well as summited Mount
Kilimanjaro. His travel experience enables him to share his
enthusiasm and knowledge of travel logistics with our guests. |
Ali Riley's
passion for travel has taken her to several continents, including
the forest canopies of Costa Rica, the top of the Alps and
to the plains of the Serengeti. Her design skill, good humor
and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of the
Thomson team. |
Jeremy O'Kasick
first traveled to Tanzania as a Fulbright scholar over seven
years ago. Since then, Jeremy has lived and traveled extensively
throughout the country, working in the media and travel industries.
A fluent Swahili speaker, Jeremy helps lead special projects
for Thomson Safaris and writes many of the marketing materials.
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