Page 3 of 3

Aren't some of your safaris the same as offered by other companies? We are specialized travel agents that deal exclusively with Africa. In addition to customized trips we offer several of Africa's leading tour operator's group safaris to our clients.

If the trips are the same then why should we book with you? Safaris are generally not inexpensive and we are amazed by the attitudes of many travelers who take chances when booking a safari. Some travelers feel they are the experts when it comes to choosing hotels, lodges and camps in Africa and choose a travel agent that simply says "yes" to all their ideas (which is not good). We can speak from experience that not all properties are equal. With regards to the ones that are great it takes an expert to mix and match each property based on the time of year, activities, style and other factors to ensure each traveler a well rounded experience. We have met people whose agent’s have booked ridiculous itineraries such as seven out of seven nights in Botswana spent at water camps with little wildlife, or guests hoping to witness the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara traveling at the wrong time of year...or guests who request a specific lodge only to find out that wildlife viewing in that area is very limited (even when the brochure says it is great)...

In addition to choosing a travel agent with extensive hands on knowledge you should ALWAYS read the fine print. One new Africa travel company has an impressive website and attracts many travelers…which is great. We are surprised however that clients feel safe entrusting ten’s of thousands of dollars with a company that is not a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, is not licensed with IATAN, does not carry liability insurance, does not take credit cards for payment, does not hold clients monies in trust and they charge US $500 if you wish to make any changes to your itinerary! Considering the cost of an Africa safari that is simply frightening!

We have listened as travelers say "you all sell the same safaris" and then they have booked with other agents. One recently wrote: "We ended up booking it with another agent when it became apparent that everyone was booking the same trip. Ultimate Africa did such a great job of helping me, and I was struggling with making a decision. We basically booked through the other agent because they were located near our home town. In hindsight we both wished we would have booked it with you and I told my girlfriend that the second we walked out of meeting with the other company after making a deposit. You definitely have the supreme knowledge of the area and while this is probably of little solace to you I will be recommending you to anyone who asks about our trip." Thanks - Bill Givenhawk, Denver Colorado

We have seen travelers who booked elsewhere arrive on safari completely unprepared with nothing but summer clothes during the coldest time of the year because their agent didn't provide them with correct travel information. Or with suitcases that are not allowed on certain planes. Our clients note that our information and materials are very accurate and up to date. On a more serious note we have watched travelers book with obscure or cut price agents and when a problem arises they have no recourse. In some cases they actually come back to us for help even though we didn't handle their booking! Considering the cost of a trip to Africa – who do you want to handle your dreams?

Ultimate Africa Safaris is licensed, insured and registered. We are members of both the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN). These are some of the reasons we have become one of the USA's top safari consultancies - we offer a high quality service based on personal experiences in Africa.

What if we want to design our own safari? Each of our clients is unique and has special interests. Whether you wish to celebrate an anniversary at a specific location in Africa or enjoy the convenience of a private aircraft and the company of a specialist professional guide we love preparing customized itineraries. With our extensive hands on travel experience in Africa this seemingly complex task is made easy. Many of the safaris featured on our website can be modified to depart on specific days of the week or to include different accommodations and activities, usually at little or no extra cost. Whether wine or digital photography, hiking or elephant riding - please don't hesitate to inquire.