T he 9 day Western Approach Route uses the same daylight summit approach chosen by David Breashears for the IMAX film, Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa. This world-class trekking experience takes you to the summit on one of Kilimanjaro’s least traveled, most scenic and non-technical routes. Thomson's high camp, where you will stay during your trek, lies amidst towering glaciers at 18,750 feet and is inside Kili’s dormant volcanic crater. It's also conveniently located only 600 feet from the summit!

While trekking the Western Route, you'll experience the mountain's five distinctive climate zones, from the lush rain forest to the pristine glaciers in the Arctic Zone. With Thomson’s NOLS-certified (National Outdoor Leadership School) Wilderness First Responder guides, chefs with Hygienic Food Preparation Training, and a 98% summit success rate, you’ll have the best opportunity to celebrate at Uhuru Peak – 19,340ft!

The 10 day The Grand Traverse climb is the ultimate mountain adventure. This route spans the circumference of the mountain and offers unbelievable views that trekkers on the other routes won't see! A longer route means gentler slopes, maximum acclimatization time, and a daytime summit bid. The services of a skilled personal porter are provided for your comfort on this once-in-a-lifetime trek.

Add a Wildlife Safari After Your Trek 

While in Tanzania, take advantage of some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Enjoy some well-earned relaxation after your trek on a 5-day, 5 night extension. Upgrades and private safaris are available.

*Header photo by Tor Lundgren
*"Trip Details" photo by Erik Andrews

2012 Dates

Dates	Adult	Teen (12-15)	Special Features
03/01 - 03/13	$5,590	$5,590	Western Approach
06/08 - 06/21	$7,990	$7,990	Grand Traverse
06/09 - 06/21	$5,590	$5,590	Western Approach
	Space is Limited!
06/25 - 07/07	$5,590	$5,590	Western Approach
07/04 - 07/17	$7,990	$7,990	Grand Traverse
	Space is Limited!
07/08 - 07/20	$5,590	$5,590	Western Approach
	Space is Limited!
07/16 - 07/28	$5,590	$5,590	Western Approach
07/22 - 08/03	$5,590	$5,590	Western Approach
	Space is Limited!
08/04 - 08/17	$7,990	$7,990	Grand Traverse
08/05 - 08/17	$5,590	$5,590	Western Approach
	Space is Limited!
08/13 - 08/25	$5,590	$5,590	Western Approach
09/06 - 09/18	$5,590	$5,590	Western Approach
12/21 - 01/03	$7,990	$7,990	Grand Traverse
12/22 - 01/03	$5,890	$5,890	Western Approach
	Space is Limited!
12/26 - 01/07	$5,890	$5,890	Western Approach

PLEASE NOTE: This trip is run by our sister company Thomson Safaris.

 

Optional Safari Extensions: add $2,600 to the Western Approach trek-only prices and $4,090 to the Grand Traverse trek-only price.

 

Alumni Discount: if you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices

 

Price includes: All Kilimanjaro park entry fees, accommodations based on two to a room, including 4-season mountain tents on Kilimanjaro; Safety equipment, including oxygen, first aid kits, stretcher, Gamow bag, radio communication, safety protocols, etc.; land transportation; private bi-lingual guide throughout, area specialists, all meals, bottled water before and after trek, and treated water on the trek.

 

Personal Porters: are included on the Grand Traverse itinerary.
For the Western Approach add $350

 

Don't see your travel dates?

Call us, we can personalize any trip to meet your travel needs! 

Click the links below to view our Itineraries:

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Western Approach Route

Days 1 and 2 – Depart U.S. / Arrive Tanzania

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your lodge, where your Kilimanjaro Family Trek begins.

Day 3 – Acclimatization Day at West Kilimanjaro Camp (4,200')

This morning you will have a climb briefing at your lodge before transferring to base camp on the west side of Kilimanjaro. The camp is nestled near a volcanic cone, which affords superb views. Today is an acclimatization day and a day to recover from your long flights and view some amazing wildlife.

Day 4 – Forest Camp (9,281')

Your arrival at Londrossi Gate (5,900 feet) marks the official start of your trek!

Rain forest trek Your first day of trekking will take you through the tangled canopy of dense rain forest, home to the black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey and a vibrant array of exotic birds. Arrive at your camp, set in the lower heather belt, and enjoy a hot dinner.

Day 5 – Shira 1 Camp (11,499')

Once out of the forest, take a steep track into the Savannah.

Savannah trek The terrain is full of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Day 6 – Shira 2 Camp (12,795')

Spend the day exploring one of the highest plateaus on earth, which averages 12,500 feet.

Shira plateau Shira is actually a caldera — the first of Kili's volcanoes to expire collapsed on itself hundreds of thousands of years ago, and was then filled in with lava when Kibo erupted afterwards. You'll be trekking east, towards Kibo's glaciated peak.

Day 7 – Lava Tower Camp (15,213')

Proceed steadily upward over expansive ridgelines of high desert to our camp set in a striking spot near Lava Tower.

Lava Tower Our camp is set up right next to an impressive volcanic formation known as Lava Tower, at 15,100 feet. You can test your ardor this afternoon or tomorrow morning by climbing to the top of Lava Tower for spectacular panoramas.

Day 8 – Karanga Camp (13,231')

This morning descend into the majestic Barranco Valley, amidst the forest of interesting giant groundsels, between sheer cliffs with brilliant hanging glaciers.

Karanga Valley After lunch at Barranco Camp, begin a scramble up the steep "Barranco Wall." Later, you'll traverse up and down into the Karanga Valley, where you'll end your day. Today will help you to better acclimatize, due to the decrease in elevation of Karanga Camp.

Day 9 – Barafu Camp (15,331') 

This morning head out on the Southern Circuit, where the trail begins to turn steadily uphill.

Southern Circuit trail The temperature will grow colder and the landscape will get more sparse as you approach the arctic summit zone that you'll be heading into tomorrow. Tonight you'll sleep at Barafu Camp, where you'll fuel up for tomorrow with lots to eat and drink.

Day 10 – Crater Camp (18,802')

Rise with the sun and head for Crater Camp, climbing over 2,500 feet.

Glacier trek Today enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second volcanic cone. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the crater rim to an arctic moonscape. Camp is set in the wide crater atop Kilimanjaro, in soft sand near the indigo-streaked Furtwangler Glacier.

Day 11 –  Summit Mount Kilimanjaro 

Today you'll make your summit attempt! You'll arise with hot tea and some breakfast before starting your day. You only have 600 feet to go in order to reach Uhuru Peak (at 19,340 feet!).

Mwenka Route After reaching the summit, you'll begin your descent. Take the Mweka Route to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp for the night, which has an elevation of 10,065 feet.

Days 12 and 13 – Descent / Depart Tanzania / Arrive U.S.

Complete your descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you are met and tranferred to your lodge for a much-needed shower and rest. For those not continuing on safari, you will be transferred to the airport this evening for your flight home.

OPTIONAL SAFARI EXTENSION

Days 13 and 14 – Ngorongoro Crater

After sleeping in and allowing your body to recover from the rewarding Kilimanjaro trek it has just undertaken, drive towards the Great Rift Valley, into the verdant Ngorongoro Highlands.

Safari briefing    Your head guide will brief you on your itinerary and review the expectations for your safari, giving you a taste of what’s to come. Please ask the guide questions at this time and as they come up during the safari. Ngorongoro Crater You'll make the 2,000 foot descent via Land Rover to spend the afternoon on the crater floor. Your family will be amazed as you witness some of the highest concentrations of animals in East Africa. Tomorrow, you'll have a full day to continue exploration of the crater floor and enjoy magnificent wildlife viewing before returning to your Thomson Nyumba camp perched high on the crater rim. It is likely that you'll see members of the Maasai tribe in their vibrant red robes, leading their sheep, goats, and cattle into the Crater floor to drink the mineral-rich waters; the Maasai have exclusive rights to bring their herds here during the day, although only wildlife are permitted to actually live in the Crater itself. Visit a Maasai boma  Immerse yourself in the semi-nomadic culture of the Maasai by visiting a boma, which is a settlement of circular mud-and-dung Maasai homes. Many Maasai still roam the plains of northern Tanzania with their herds of cattle, maintaining their traditions while adapting to new ways of life. Learn more about their extraordinary culture as you tour the boma and take in the scenes of village life.

Days 15 and 16 –  Serengeti National Park

This morning fly out to the Serengeti to meet your new guide and begin your safari!

Serengeti National Park Head out into heart of Africa. Unforgettable scenes play out before you as herds of animals run across the plains and predators stalk their prey. Enjoy many wildlife drives amongst the masses of animals in this vast, untamed wilderness. Balloon safari  You'll have the option to float high over the vast plains of the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, taking in a bird's eye view of nature in action. Brief stop at Olduvai Gorge Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world and has been instrumental in furthering understanding of early human evolution. It was here that the Kenyan-born archeologist of British parentage Louis Leakey uncovered many finds that would forever change the way we think about our early ancestors.

 

Days 17 and 18  Depart / Arrive Home

Head back to Arusha this morning where good-byes will be said over lunch. You will have time in the afternoon to relax or shop before transferring to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.

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The Grand Traverse

Days 1 and 2 – Depart U.S. / Arrive Tanzania

Depart US via Amsterdam arriving in Arusha in the evening. You are met by your guide and transferred to exclusive accommodations located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The eco-friendly permanent tented lodge is a comfortable and elegant oasis with a gorgeous outdoor lounge, stunning views, and wildlife right on the property, thanks to the conservation efforts of the owner.

Day 3 – Acclimatization Day at West Kilimanjaro Camp (4,200')

This morning you will have a climb briefing after breakfast to make sure everyone is prepared fully for the next day's adventure. The lodge is set under the spreading branches of Acacia Tortillis, near an extinct volcanic cone, which affords superb views and an excellent spot for sundowner cocktails. Relax today, viewing some wildlife, acclimatizing at camp and enjoying a nature walk on the extensive property.

Day 4 – Shira 1 Camp (11,499')

Drive to the Londorossi Gate after breakfast and continue by Land Rover through the dense rainforest under the tangled canopy of moss coated vines, home to the black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey, and a vibrant array of exotic birds.

Enjoy lunch at the Morum Barrier Gate trailhead and commence your trek through the heath and moorland, eventually descending to your first camp. As the sun sets, the view of Kibo from across the Shira Plateau is breathtaking. 

Day 5 - Shira 2 Camp (12,795')

Spend a full day exploring the Shira plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet. Trek east toward Kibo's glaciated peak, arriving at Shira 2 camp this afternoon.

Day 6 - Moir Camp (13,800')

Proceed steadily upward through the heather and into the barren high altitude desert, toward the natural landmark called "Shark's Tooth." Continue to Moir Camp, a seldom-used but extremely scenic camp affording views over the Shira Plateau and upward to the Lent Group of lava plugs.

Day 7 - Pofu Camp (13,200') 

Begin your exploration of the Northern Circuit Route by heading further into the stark highland desert on a steep ridge off the main trail. From the Pofu Campsite you will enjoy a magnificent view into the wildlands of the north.

Day 8 - Rongai Caves Camp 2  (11,450')

Proceed steadily onward through the barren mountain desert, continuing the circuit to the east where you'll enjoy the vast, untraveled mountain wilderness. It is unusual to see other trekking groups, making the views and experience extraordinarily unique.

Day 9 - Mawenzi Tarn Camp (14,210') 

After a hearty breakfast, trek upward to reach a placid mountain lake at the foot of the majestic, steep ridges of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's second highest volcano. The camp is nestled at the edge of the lake in a protected alcove with spectacular views towards Mawenzi's cathedral-like spires.

Day 10 - Outward Bound Camp (15,585')

Trek across the impressive saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, admiring the spectacularly stark landscape. The temperature turns cold as you near the foot of Kibo, reaching Outward Bound Camp after a relatively easy hike. Rest and prepare for tomorrow's daytime summit bid. 

Day 11 - Summit Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340') / Crater Camp (18,802')

Depart after breakfast along a steep slope with switchbacks over loose rock, scree, and boulders as you near Gilman's Point. You will stop at Hans Meyer cave on the way, the famous place described by Kilimanjaro's first western climber in his journals.

Arrive at the summit in the early afternoon hours when there are no other climbers and - typically - the best weather of the day. From the summit take a short descent to reach Crater Camp, set in soft sands near the retreating vertical ice walls of the Furtwangler glacier.

Day 12 - Mweka Camp (10,065')

Enjoy a morning hike to the Reusch Crater and central ash pit. The gaping mouth of this majestic, dormant volcano reveals a rare glimpse into a seemingly 'other world' an impressive sight, to say the least. From there, make a steep descent to Barafu Camp in time for lunch. This afternoon, continue the descent into the Heath zone, stopping at Mweka Camp for the night.

Days 13-14 - Descend / Depart Arusha / Arrive Home

Complete your descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you will be met and transferred back to a comfortable lodge for a much-needed shower and perhaps a celebratory drink!

OPTIONAL SAFARI EXTENSION

Days 13 and 14 – Ngorongoro Crater

After sleeping in and allowing your body to recover from the rewarding Kilimanjaro trek it has just undertaken, drive towards the Great Rift Valley, into the verdant Ngorongoro Highlands.

 

Safari briefing    Your head guide will brief you on your itinerary and review the expectations for your safari, giving you a taste of what’s to come. Please ask the guide questions at this time and as they come up during the safari. Ngorongoro Crater You'll make the 2,000 foot descent via Land Rover to spend the afternoon on the crater floor. Your family will be amazed as you witness some of the highest concentrations of animals in East Africa. Tomorrow, you'll have a full day to continue exploration of the crater floor and enjoy magnificent wildlife viewing before returning to your Thomson Nyumba camp perched high on the crater rim. It is likely that you'll see members of the Maasai tribe in their vibrant red robes, leading their sheep, goats, and cattle into the Crater floor to drink the mineral-rich waters; the Maasai have exclusive rights to bring their herds here during the day, although only wildlife are permitted to actually live in the Crater itself. Visit a Maasai boma   Immerse yourself in the semi-nomadic culture of the Maasai by visiting a boma, which is a settlement of circular mud-and-dung Maasai homes. Many Maasai still roam the plains of northern Tanzania with their herds of cattle, maintaining their traditions while adapting to new ways of life. Learn more about their extraordinary culture as you tour the boma and take in the scenes of village life.

Days 15 and 16 –  Serengeti National Park

This morning fly out to the Serengeti to meet your new guide and begin your safari!

Serengeti National Park Head out into heart of Africa. Unforgettable scenes play out before you as herds of animals run across the plains and predators stalk their prey. Enjoy many wildlife drives amongst the masses of animals in this vast, untamed wilderness. Balloon safari  You'll have the option to float high over the vast plains of the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, taking in a bird's eye view of nature in action. Brief stop at Olduvai Gorge Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world and has been instrumental in furthering understanding of early human evolution. It was here that the Kenyan-born archeologist of British parentage Louis Leakey uncovered many finds that would forever change the way we think about our early ancestors.

 

Days 17 and 18  Depart / Arrive Home

Head back to Arusha this morning where good-byes will be said over lunch. You will have time in the afternoon to relax or shop before transferring to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.

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Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

Why Tanzania?

Unbelievable wildlife viewing There is no greater wildlife experience in the world than Tanzania — a nation that devotes 33% of its land to conservation and boasts the highest concentration of animals anywhere on the planet. From the vast Serengeti to the lust rain forests of the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania is home hahahato wildebeest, chimpanzee, zebra, hippopotamus, giraffe, hyena and cheetah — just to name of few! Imagine seeing a hundred Thomson gazelle springing across a dirt road or majestic elephants leading their babies to a watering hole. Tanzania is the only place on earth where the “big five” — buffalo, elephant, leopard, the black-maned lion and the endangered, rare black rhinoceros — all live in one place. Peaceful, safe and stable Tanzania is a peaceful, safe country. A democracy since gaining independence 1961, Tanzania is led by a president and national assembly elected by popular vote. While not a wealthy country, Tanzania is quite stable, and its people are committed to preserving its natural and cultural resources. Tanzania is referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” peacefully sustaining more than 120 different ethnic groups and free of the political upheaval present in some other African countries. Serengeti National Park Protected since 1921, the Serengeti became Tanzania’s first National Park 30 years later. The Serengeti is almost as large as the US state of Connecticut, and features grassland plains and savanna as well as riverine forest and woodlands. Wooded knolls mark the official entrance, called Naabi Hill Gate, which then drops into the park’s signature wide-open expansive plains. Like no other, this stretch embodies the meaning of the word “Serengeti,” which derives from the Maasai word Siringet, and has been translated as “the land that flows on forever.” Covering over 6,000 square miles of pristine land, the Serengeti offers not only sprawling landscapes but the largest migration of mammals on earth, including 1.5 million wildebeest. Ngorongoro Conservation Area Designated a World Heritage Site in 1979, Ngorongoro Crater is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a wildlife and cultural preserve covering 3,200 square miles. Ten miles in diameter, the crater is the largest unbroken caldera, or ancient colapsed volcano, in the world. All of the Big Five can be found here: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and the endangered, rare black rhinoceros. Members of the Maasai tribe, the only people permitted to live within the preserve’s boundaries, are quite visible in their bright red and royal blue cloths as they tend to their goat and cattle herds. Mahale Mountains National Park Rising from the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest and least-explored lake, the misty mountain forests of Mahale are home to the largest group of free-living chimpanzees in the world. A visit to this lush, remote rainforest is like traveling back in time. With a little luck, your family will have the opportunity to observe the chimpanzees as they feed, groom, play and wrestle across the forest floor. A trip to Mahale is a rare privilege few people get to experience. Mount Kilimanjaro To adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, few names are as evocative as that of Kilimanjaro. Africa's highest mountain stands alone at 19,340 feet, and as Hemingway wrote, "is as wide as the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun." You and your kids will traverse a road less traveled —your rugged, scenic nine-day Western Approach trek is inspired by the route followed by David Breashears and the IMAX crew while filming “Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa.” Maasai You’ll be warmly welcomed by the Maasai, a semi-nomadic people who live in northern Tanzania. The Maasai, who speak Maa, originated from the lower Nile valley and began migrating south around the fifteenth century, arriving in central Tanzania between the seventeenth and late eighteenth century. Your family will visit a Maasai boma (traditional village), where you will gain a glimpse into traditional Maasai culture and arts.

Why Tanzania with Thomson?

Thomson Guides Ensuring safety on Kilimanjaro means trekking with the best guides who are experts in monitoring your health and in recognizing symptoms of altitude sickness in the early stages.
Thomson Kilimanjaro Guides are licensed guides and medically trained as Wilderness First Responders (WFR). Their experience and knowledge of Kilimanjaro is unparalleled with hundreds of summit ascents and extensive training in evacuation procedures under their belts. They are leaders with impeccable judgment and natural ability to instill confidence. Dedicated exclusively to Thomson, our guides are committed to helping you successfully reach the summit of Africa's highest peak. Thomson Porters Mountain porters on Kilimanjaro are an essential part of every trek. Your trek consists of a core group of porters with specialized jobs to ensure that your camp experience is as comfortable and relaxing as possible, and that your gear is transported safely.
We take care of our porters like no other company does, by providing each porter with a rain poncho and a cold-weather (closed-cell foam) sleeping pad. We make sure that they all have adequate mountain footwear, sunglasses, a sleeping bag and a warm hat, gloves and jacket.
In addition, we support the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), a Tanzanian non-profit organization based at the foot of the mountain. KPAP is a branch of the International Mountain Explorer's Connection, and is committed to improving the working conditions of porters. We assist the KPAP with the transport of donated clothing and gear, and also by adhering to strict principles for porter ethics. Mountain Meals Our cooks are professionally trained on a set recipe book and provide you three delicious and energizing meals a day plus snacks upon arrival in camp. They are diligent about proper sanitation practices to ensure that you stay healthy throughout your trek. With advance notice, our cooks frequently cater to dietary requests such as vegetarian or vegan without compromising the quality of the meals. A well balanced, calorific, and tasty diet is imperative while trekking at high altitudes. Thomson staff meticulously produces and prepares a majority of the food in our base kitchen in Arusha prior to each trek. Friends Across Borders School visits and pen pal meetings are two of this trip’s greatest highlights. You and your kids will meet teachers and students at a school near the town of Karatu and learn more about education in Tanzania. Children who have signed up for our Friends Across Borders Pen Pal program will enjoy meeting their pen pal and sharing with one another. Teen trips feature age-appropriate cultural immersion experiences in place of pen pals. Tanzania-based for over 30 years Thomson is the first US tour company licensed to operate safaris in Tanzania. Through 30+ years of experience, Thomson has created a one-of-kind experience for families. Nearly 70 staff are employed in Thomson's Arusha operation year-round, driving and maintaining safari vehicles, cooking, serving as expert guides, etc. Thomson's personal attention to detail and first-hand knowledge of Tanzania’s culture and natural resources ensure your family will have an unforgettable adventure. Your family will encounter new surprises ever y day traveling the back roads in custom four-wheel drive Land Rover safari vehicles. You’ll discover vast, ruggedly beautiful landscapes, stretching from the volcanic cone of Mount Meru to the Great Rift Valley, from the dramatic, tree-strewn landscape of Tarangire to the endless plains of the Serengeti. You'll meet local villagers, school children, artisans, the Maasai and your Tanzanian guides – who share their thoughts, traditions, language and everyday lives with you. Private, custom-designed accommodations Swahili for “home,” the Nyumbas are the culmination of over 30 years of safari expertise and are Thomson’s signature style of accommodation. Nyumbas are canvas structures luxuriously appointed with handcrafted furnishings, sisal rugs, Maasai beading, fine linens and antique textiles. The spacious layout offers plenty of room and each Thomson Nyumba includes a spacious private verandah with comfortable seating and a writing table. Oversized, fine-mesh windows look out over beautiful African vistas while allowing the fresh breeze in off the savannah. Private and comfortable en-suite bathrooms feature flush toilets and safari showers with plenty of hot water day or night. While at Thomson's Nyumbas, your family will enjoy unparalleled yet unobtrusive access to the wildlife. Unlike conventional lodges, the Nyumbas put you in the wild, up close to the animals. Imagine unhindered views of the star-filled night sky, gourmet meals prepared from fresh local ingredients in coal-fired ovens, and a sincere welcome from friendly, reliable staff at each camp. In short, it is the perfect balance of luxury, sustainability and immersion, a world away from civilization. Tanzanian-born guides 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 great safari. And quite simply, Thomson guides are the best. We don't say so. Thomson's guests do! They rave about every one of them, from Abraham to Charles to Willie. Thomson's guides were born and raised in Tanzania, and love to introduce visitors to the natural beauty and wildlife of their country. Most of them have been with Thomson for years, often starting as drivers or mechanics, and working their way up to senior safari guide. The guides all take naturalist courses or have degrees in natural history and wildlife. They maintain mental maps of Tanzania's back roads and hiding places and keep up-to-date on animal migrations — and they have super-sharp wildlife spotting abilities! The bottom line is, Thomson's guides are happy with their jobs, love to interact with people from different cultures, and work hard to make sure each guest is satisfied. You’ll appreciate their passion and enthusiasm as you experience Tanzania through their insightful eyes. Small groups and personal attention Small group size gives Thomson the ability to respond to each guest as an individual, with unique needs, wants and desires. When you call, any member of our staff will answer your questions with authority and patience. After you book a trip, we'll stay in contact, providing you with thorough information about your trip. This level of personal interaction continues in Tanzania, where Thomson's staff is as curious about you as you are about them. To thank the Tanzanian staff, we bring each employee who has been with us five years or more (mechanics, cooks, drivers, guides) to the US to enjoy a cultural adventure of their own. Unlimited exploration Most safari operators restrict the number of miles their drivers can drive per day. Thomson wants you to have the most rewarding wildlife experience so there is no mileage restriction for guides and drivers. There is something for everyone Since our knowledge of Tanzania is so intimate and thorough, we really know how to cater to every type of traveler. We get it – not everyone has the same time availability, the same budget, or the same interests. Some people have more physical limitations than others, and some people like to live on the edge for a full-fledged family adventure. Whether you’re looking to spot lions and wildebeest in the Serengeti, leave the tropical temperatures behind on a trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, learn from members of the Maasai tribe and connect with local Tanzanians, or unwind on the beach in Zanzibar, Thomson has something for you.