ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Ultimate Africa Safaris client testimonials 2004 I want to thank you for the outstanding
service you have provided to me. While I did shop around and find other travel
agents that were comparable in terms of price, you clearly stood out in terms of your
service and responsiveness! I am happy to give my business to you as you definitely earned
it! I don't know where to begin so I'll just
start by saying THANK YOU for planning our Africa trip -- it certainly was the
"ultimate" trip as your name implies. From beginning to end it was the perfect
trip and exceeded all our expectations. It was a wondrous and magical experience and your
expertise and insight in planning for "two Southern ladies" to
travel to the bush by themselves left nothing to chance. You were right -- Cape
Town is a wonderful city and the weather, accommodations, and our guide all combined for a
great start on our adventure. The River Club was a beautiful place to relax and the
sundowner on the Zambesi River and visit to Victoria Falls ended too soon. Starting our
safari at the rustic Savuti Camp, going then to the charming and relaxing Kwetsani Camp,
and ending at the marvelous Mombo Camp was the right sequence for us. I know I am using a
lot of superlatives here but I am telling it like it was! Each camp was unique in its own
right and when asked which our favorite was, we have to equivocate and say they all were!
I will never forget, and can never fully explain to my friends, the thrill of the roar of
the lion our first night at camp when we awoke and thought he must be on our doorstep! All
of the guides were great, however I will say that Benson at Savuti gave us so much
information and insight regarding the bush to start with that it helped us appreciate even
more the rest of our safari experiences. After Benson, I am now a birdwatcher (which I
never was before). I expected the animals but never dreamed the birdlife and the bush was
so beautiful. Every experience we had was great - even the monkeys stealing June's makeup
(we have a picture of the monkey in the tree "putting on her lipstick"). The
stay at the Grace in Jo'burg (and its great staff) helped us relax before the long flight
home. All our experiences combined to make this indeed the trip of a lifetime.
Thanks once again for your help in making it so! Would definitely book with Ultimate
Africa again. The trip you planned was just perfect. It is something we will
cherish forever. Everything went well, and was everything we dreamed about. I
hear through the grapevine, you will be there this month. Please tell Benson, Dan and
Malinga, we send our regards. Wanted you to know that everything went
like clockwork on the trip you arranged for us in Botswana using Orient Express Safaris'
three properties there. We met several couples that had not received the same
level of service in booking that we did - and we have sent them your way for future
travel. We were pleased everywhere. Overall it was one of the best experiences that we
have enjoyed. I would not hesitate to recommend your firm or serve as a reference. Very smooth every stop of the way. Very
good organization. Ultimate Africa was always helpful and friendly. There were no
surprises. Everything went amazingly well. We will recommend our friends book with
Ultimate Africa. Fantastic adventure and experience. We now understand why people
get Africa itch…We gained a tremendous respect and knowledge for the people of
Africa. Everyone was so special. Ultimate Africa's passion for
Africa, attention to detail, and focus on our needs created a stunning and inspirational
honeymoon that is certain to become a part of our family lore. Thank you for providing
Kate and I with such a beautiful, adventurous, and memorable beginning to our lives
together… Everything was great. You
certainly planned a wonderful trip for us. You do a first rate job and I can not say
enough good things. At every camp the hospitality was wonderful and I would
certainly give them all a five out of five star rating. That being said, I would give
Little Mombo at least six out of five stars! It was spectacular. Little Mombo is the best
camp in Botswana by far. The managers and guides there could not have been better. Ella
the manager may be the best hostess in Africa. The accommodations were as good as any
we've stayed in and the wildlife was unbelievable. Cape Town was also a great place. The
perfect end to the trip. I could easily move into the Cape Grace and never check out. It
was possibly the best service we've ever had at a hotel. Our guide there (Steve Muller)
was great and we certainly enjoyed having him show us the area. If you want to use us for
any references we will certainly give you nothing but the best reviews. We may actually be
ready to start planning our next trip. We heard great things about Namibia from many of
the other people we met at the camps and it has certainly peaked our interest. Also, my
parents are very interested in a trip. They have previously been to East Africa, but
Botswana has really got their interest now. Thanks again. Everything was handled
perfectly especially given how complicated a trip this was. Excellent experience. I don't know if you remember us but we
visited Victoria Falls and Botswana in September. We stayed at the River Club for two
nights, Duma Tau for three, Vumbura for two, and then Chitabe Trails for three more. We
had the most fabulous experience. Not a glitch at any point, and marvelous people
along the way. All the reassurances nervous me needed to stay safe, and wonderful animal
experiences all the way. In the planning stages I wasn't sure if Kate was too young for
the whole thing, but she got as much out of it as we did, and the camp staff were all
great with her. Thanks for all the info you provided us with, for meeting with us
at your Issaquah office that evening, and for all the superb travel arrangements. Outstanding! Unbelievable. Great
experience! Everything that we asked for. A 5++ star experience. Remarkable! Would absolutely book
again. Everyone on our trip kept complimenting us on choice of camps and lodges and the
sequence. I kept diverting the compliments to Ultimate Africa. Great Job! It was perfect - wouldn't change a thing.
Courteous, friendly, professional, well planned and flexible people that allowed
us to have a fantastic trip. All in all we had a wonderful time on the
safari. Pilot, our guide was wonderful as well as his assistant Charles. We saw some great
wildlife (lions,cheetahs,giraffes...you name it!!). I would recommend Ultimate Africa to my
friends. Wouldn't have changed a thing - it was perfect! Our safari was the trip
of a lifetime. Africa was beautiful and the animals were incredible. Our guides
were talented and great communicators when it came to describing to us what was going on
with the animals we were tracking / watching. We especially enjoyed hearing them talk
about their own lives and the importance of their country to them. The camps were also
wonderful - comfortable, clean and the food was great. Overall I can't say enough
wonderful things about the experience. Whatever I may have imagined it to be -
Africa and Ultimate Africa Safaris exceeded our expectations 100%. Thank you! Our safari you planned with Wilderness
Dawning was perfect in every way. We had the best guide named Kaiser. My daughters and I
laughed with him every day and learned so much from him about the animals, the land and
the Botswana culture. He stopped for anything and answered all of my daughter's questions
(and there were many). You and Wilderness Dawning made sure that all our needs were met
and that we had the time of our lives. We are glad that you really care about your
clients' experience in Africa. I can't thank you enough for making this a memorable and
carefree trip. If we ever return to Africa, we will book through you again. Thank
you so much. Ultimate Africa planned our vacation very
well. The camp selections were great. We enjoyed every day. This was our best
vacation so far. Thank you! Our trip to Kenya was very well
organized. Your honest assessment of the experience there was spot on - cell towers in
Masai Mara, many vehicles zipping in front of us…but we still saw wonderful wildlife
and had no problems. I appreciate you unlimited
patience answering all of our questions. Your enthusiasm, knowledge and your attention to
detail - wow! The trip was flawless. We loved all of it. The sights, the sounds, and
people. It was the experience of a lifetime. Aloha! We are finally back from one
paradise to be home in another. We wanted to thank you for all your expert advice,
opinions and efficiency in arranging our once-in-a-lifetime trip. From the time we walked
off the plane in Africa to the time we left everything lived up to and went far beyond our
expectations. All the camps you recommended were spectacular and very plush. The
animals were so amazing. My husband bought a brand new digital camera for this trip and
promptly took 2,000 photos! We saw all and more than we wanted to see! I had wanted to see
a lion on a kill and a baby giraffe, but not necessarily both at the same time! The staff,
guides and managers were all so wonderful. We were served a secluded champagne lunch on a
private island as soon as we got to the River Club in honor of our anniversay. At Jao, the
manager personally arranged a plate of chocolates surrounded with multiple candles in our
tent, along with a bottle of bubbly. However, our favourite still had to be Mombo! No
wonder they are sold out so far in advance! It was a perfect symphony. It is remarkable
how everything can be so organized and on time when everything and everyone are in the
middle of nowhere. In addition, we were already advertising for you when we were still in
the bush! We passed your name and website on to fellow travelers. We were so
impressed by your effiency, knowledge and honesty that we had to book with you. You were
also able to get great rates. When I called a second company just to check around and was
told that someone had already made reservations for me (you had), and that was less that
12 hours after I first spoke to you - incredible! I was further impressed when you were
able to get us into Mombo. You'll find many referrals coming your way from us! Very, very
knowledgeable indeed. Absolutely would book again. Please look us up if you ever
come to our little paradise. Mahalo. Thank you so much! Once again,
you did done an outstanding job in organizing the perfect African safari!
Everything went well. EXCELLENT JOB!!! We were thrilled and overwhelmed with all that we
saw, especially in Botswana. Don't take me wrong - Namibia was just as fascinating. The
distances were greater, and at the very end I caught cold. We would like to send our
warmest regards, and express gratitude to the entire team of the Skeleton Coast Camp for
making our stay there so much more enjoyable due to their friendliness, and personable
approach. I still cannot believe how enthusiastic, and sunny they were in light of the
harsh, and lonely environment they get to live in! They must be truly special people!
Chitabe Camp's crew - they all shared taking care of us while camping, as well as during
the walking part - this is another team that we got close with, and will always remember
with special warmth. By the way, we would highly recommend theChitabe Walking Trail - our
guides were very responsible, kept us interested, yet out of harms way: on the second day,
when I was very eager to walk some more, they told us quite honestly about being
uncomfortable walking, with a pack of lions being in the very area. So we listened, and
took the car. Sure thing, right around the corner we came across 4 male lions, and 5
minutes later actually witnessed the killing of a buffalo by two females. Was I glad not
to be there on foot! Sleeping in the hides was awesome! Excellent as always. Your service was exemplary and I
would recommend you to anyone planning a trip to Africa. In fact, I already have
given your name to several people who were interested. I would like to go back tomorrow.
If we do ever go back you can be sure we will go through Ultimate Africa Safaris. Again
many thanks for the top notch service. Unforgettable African adventure! We
appreciate all you did to make our trip a dream come true. You took care of every detail
and our trip was perfectly coordinated. We were able to devote all our energy to the
experience, not the logistics. Thank for organizing an incredible adventure. We cannot get over how wonderful,
educational, and mind opening our recent trip was. My daughter, who did not want
to go initially, says that this was the most wonderful vacation that she has ever been on.
I can only describe it with one word - AWESOME. Thanks for the planning. Keep up the good
work! Exquisite. Unbelievable
wildlife…Cheetah, wild dog, leopard, hyena and more…We had a marvelous time and
it exceeded our expectations. What an extraordinary trip you
arranged for us. It was life-changing in all of the best ways. We had known, but not
really believed that there were still places that wild and wonderful left in the world,
and we felt amazingly privileged to have seen them. The animals were in all of their
healthy abundant untamed glory, the people were the kindest, proudest, most engaging that
you could ever meet, and the camps were unparalleled luxury. I have never felt so
well-taken care of, or so simultaneously invigorated and relaxed. Now of course
we're contemplating how and when we can go back. Understated elegance, awesome
river trip, enthusiasm was infectious, very scenic, fantastic wildlife viewing. Ambience
was unsurpassed. A fantastic experience. Totally awesome. I would like to go
again tomorrow. A HUGE SUCCESS AND HATS OFF TO
ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS. IT WAS A SUPER EXPERIENCE. AFRICA IS EVERYTHING WE EXCEPTED AND
MORE. ALL CONNECTIONS WENT SMOOTHLY AND PROMPTLY. THE CAMPS WERE BEYOND WHAT WE
DREAMED OF AND THE WILDLIFE WAS ON CUE. WE EVEN GOT TO WITNESS TWO KILLS LEOPARD/IMPALA
WITH MR. HYENA TAKING IT AWAY AND 10 WILD DOGS/KUDU. UNBELIEVABLE LUCK FOR FIRST TIMERS.
OUR LIST OF GAME IS COMPLETE...WE SAW THEM ALL!!! IF ONLY AFRICA WAS'NT SO FAR AWAY! THANK
YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WORK.WE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE - THE CHANGES IN SCENERY, THE BIRDS, ALL
THE WONDERFUL ANIMALS, THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS, FRIENDLINESS OF STAFF, BEST WISHES AND
THANKS AGAIN FOR THE GREAT PLANNING! We're back after a perfectly fabulous
trip. Thank you so much for arranging it for us. We met a travel coordinator from Zimbabwe
who said she had knew you (Ian). We saw leopards mating in Botswana. We also followed
mating lions for a long time, saw wild dogs hunting - in fact one came right up to the
vehicle and sniffed Cathy, who was not appreciative - saw hyenas up close and personal and
lots more. Memories for a life time. One of the staff at Duma Tau Camp asked who
had planned our trip. When we told her that you did, she said not to worry, that you were
one of the best. Top ten definitely and maybe even one or two. Thought you might
appreciate hearing that. You're top ten as far as we're concerned. Can't think how the
trip could have been improved. So thank you for your expertise, I'll never forget the
trip. I couldn't have been happier with the great variety of Botswana that you gave us the
opportunity to experience. The trip was fantastic in every respect -
it exceeded all expectations! Reservations were handled wonderfully. You could not
have made it easier to plan this trip. Great service - you answered my many questions. All
of our transfers were incredibly coordinated - seamless and a joy. Every need was
anticipated. Absolutely would book again - Namibia! It only wet our appetites for
more. Just wanted to let you know that we had
the times of our lives - a great trip in every respect. In fact, I can not wait to go
back. All of the camps were terrific, and I can not imagine a better safari than the one
we had. The Grace was superb all around. Absolutely fantastic food. Eagle Island Camp was
the most relaxing of the camps we visited. Not as much wildlife due to the water
environment but great birds. Khwai River Lodge had the most diverse animals and night time
safaris. Savute Elephant Camp was superior for the large prides of lions. I would have
liked to have stayed longer. Grade A. Had an AMAZING trip! Our last day at Duba
was phenomenal. Lions-lions-lions! Oh, and between the lions (hunting) we came upon a
leopard. We stayed out 10 hours on the game drive following the hunting lions. Four of the
guests had to go to the airport. The camp accommodated those of us wanting to stay out
(past siesta) by arranging transfer of passengers and exiting guests to made it to the
airport. This despite horrible driving conditions because of high water. Our guide -
extremely kind and patient Katembo spent the day driving back and forth. When he returned
after the airport drop, he came with a spur-of-the moment picnic fixed by an incredibly
thoughtful camp staff! Awesome. At the end of the day, we came back to camp -- Lance and I
were STUNNED to run into Mark who was a Sefafone pilot traveling with us on our first trip
to Africa in Zimbabwe (at Mana Pools and Makalolo). What are the odds we would meet up
after two years? It was truly, a magical day. The rest of the trip was fantastic as well:
Franschoek near Cape Town is gorgeous. What a charming, beautiful area. Le Quartier was
stupendous -- and can we TALK about the restaurant? We got back from biking one day - and
Trevor had suggested we ask if they still have the "tasting menu." The front
desk wasn't sure, then called us to say the restaurant hadn't decided. When we showed up
for dinner, however, sitting at our table was a printed menu for our own "tasting
menu." It was beyond-the-beyond. Were it not for the biking, we would have put on 20
pounds from the amount of fantastic food we ate in those three days. Duma Tau? One word:
cheetahs. Despite the lion name - we were into three cheetahs. One day we followed them -
only to see them fail to get the small zebra they were after. We then watched for over an
hour the most amazing animal behavior I've seen. The intimidation of cheetah by the zebra
herd. It gave me a new respect for how threatening these seemingly benign animals can be.
They stared down the cheetah, grunting, snorting, moving closer - to allow the rest of the
herd to pass. I will never look at a zebra again and think defenseless animal. Chitabe? I
cannot say enough about our guide Relax. Informative and patient. And the staff couldn't
do enough for us. Because it was a TAD chilly - okay outright cold - we spent only one
night in the hide. But that one night was beyond ANYTHING we were expecting. Beautiful
setting, staff to greet us with drinks and cold towels (after walking there), lanterns, a
delicious dinner - and that nearly full moon was a great touch. Everyone should try doing
this. It was stunning to sleep under the stars. All the while, the camp kept our room
available to us. So when we changed our minds about doing only one vs two nights - we just
returned to the room. And Relax spent the other days walking with us. On the one drive we
had (back from the hide) we followed three lions who were...playing. Literally, they were
romping and playing with one another. A nice change from the predator behavior we usually
witness. One charming moment was watching one lioness climb a tree a bit, only to be
followed by her brother who one-upped her by climbing way up on the limb - and realizing
how high he was. Trust me - lions are not as adept at climbing as leopards. Watching the
young male walk down way hilarious. We're already planning the next trip. Namibia,
Botswana and Capetown. Speaking of Capetown - we LOVED it. And the Cape Grace. We were
trying to figure out how we could live there. Not just in Capetown -- but the Cape Grace.
But all of this is to say, thank you -- thank you!!! We have recommended you to friends. Very
good, efficient, knowledgeable, and eco-friendly. Meeting planes and transfers were very
prompt courteous and helpful. All the camps made accommodations for my physical problems.
I went on safari with a torn rotator cuff and a cane. We returned yesterday on schedule.
It was a great trip. All the places were phenomenal! A++! Ian
was an absolute pleasure to work with and planned a perfect vacation. I have recommended
Ultimate Africa to others and will continue to do so. I am now considering a trip
to Kenya / Tanzania - will be in touch! Exceeded my expectations. We were
very well prepared. Service was excellent everywhere. Highly recommend Ultimate Africa. Camps
and lodges and length of stay were well picked and matched. I just wanted to thank you again for
recommending this trip to me. It was superb. The trip was just unbelievable - as
always. Duba provided experiences that even our guide had not seen. The lion/buffalo
activity fascinated us every day all day! We observed two prides---one with four lionesses
and twelve cubs and the other with nine lionesses and eighteen - yes eighteen cubs of all
ages. We followed the larger pride for one entire day while they hunted. Just at sunset
when they had seemingly settled for the night, a buffalo cow who had just given birth came
out of the bush right next to them, and the hard to watch kill began. One of the lionesses
broke the back of the newborn calf and turned the cubs loose to finish it. They couldn't
bite hard enough to do it, and the calf cried and cried long after the cow was dead. Even
though it was truly heartbreaking to witness, we all know it has to happen for the lions
to survive. We were glad that the gathering darkness softened the scene a bit - in other
words we saw the scene through shadows! Fortunately for the pride neither the hyenas nor
the male lions discovered the kill so mothers and cubs ate the whole buffalo! The next day
we followed one of the lionesses gathering her very small cubs from the bush, watched them
swim across a fairly deep stream and then join the whole pride probably for the first
time. All the cubs came running out to greet the new little ones, and such a scene of
rolling, licking, and genuine welcome you couldn't begin to imagine. That brought us to
tears again - but unlike the night before this was a joyous occasion! It looked just like
a human family reunion! And Duma Tau was again wonderful. There we followed a pack of 17
wild dogs on an evening hunt. We had never seen wild dogs before and watching their
behavior was another first! We found them resting and greeting one another. When they
began the hunt we followed along at they fanned out in all directions. They were
successful in about an hour, and we saw them finish a whole impala in about five minutes!
Absolutely amazing! That was not as distressing as the buffalo kill because it began and
ended so quickly. The dogs are really beautiful. We hope they can make a comeback and
survive in Africa. The tents were lovely and clean, showers were always hot and the food
everywhere was gourmet plus! We enjoyed the other guests at both camps and made friends
that we hope to see again. Staff everywhere were helpful, and the guides amazing. You
do not disappoint in any way. Ultimate Africa is the best and have sung your praises to
everyone. We had an amazing time in Africa
thanks to your expertise. Every staff member gave us excellent service and was
very polite. Thank you. Wow - our trip to Tanzania was beautiful.
The wildebeest were incredible en mass in the Serengeti. The Crater was busy with other
tourists but still worth seeing. Lake Manyara was OK and the lodge was very nice. I felt
nervous as an American on Zanzibar (Stone Town) but expected that. Thank you for such sage
advice and superb planning. Perfection. I was so looking forward to our
first trip to Africa. I expected it to be exotic, wild and beautiful. Africa far surpassed
anything I ever could have imagined! The wildlife, landscapes and accommodations were
simply stunning. The people where charming and gracious. Thanks to you, I believe we saw
the very best of Africa. Thank you for your knowledgeable and generous help and for your
honest and objective advice. I will be talking to you soon about another Africa adventure.
Thanks for your help in planning a great
trip. We had a great time and everything went very smoothly. The combination Cape Town,
game reserves and the Victoria Falls finale was perfect. Our trip generated a lot of
interest among our friends, family and coworkers, so we might send you some customers in
the future. Plus we love Africa and are likely to go back to that part of the world within
a few years. We had an absolutely incredible trip. I
don't know what I expected but it surpassed all my expectations. The first night
out on game drive we saw 2 leopards. Unbelievable. We were so exited that we decided this
trip and the subsequent camps couldn't get any better. But they did. Each camp had some
incredible animals to offer. We saw not only 1 very rare Pel's Fishing Owl, but 5. We also
so the Sitatunga antelope, an abundance of elephants, zebras, giraffes, baboons, hippos,
buffalos, lions and 95 different species of birds. The only animals we did not see were
rhinos and cheetahs. The guides we had at the various different camps were extremely
knowledgeable and absolutely delightful. The camp managers were wonderful and totally
accommodating. I can recommend you to anybody. It was a dream come true. Return to Safari Testimonials |
