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!
R. and F. Bomchill, November 2004, New York, New York, USA

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"). 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.
P. Conley and L. McCann, October 2004, Smyrna, Georgia, USA

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.
D. and V. Gibson, October 2004, Pymouth, Indiana, USA

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.
A. and T. Horwitz, September / October 2004, New York, New York, USA

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…
K. Mattsson-Boze and K. Ginevan, September / October 2004, Havre de Grace, Maryland, USA

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 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 Hotel 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.
S. Glasner and R. Olson, September / October 2004, Seattle, Washington, USA

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.
The Gilday Family, September 2004, Seattle, Washington, USA

Outstanding! Unbelievable. Great experience! Everything that we asked for. A 5++ star experience.
D. Dupras and D. Ness, September 2004, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

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!
E. Estabrooks and Family, August / September 2004, St. Petersberg, Florida, USA

It was perfect - wouldn't change a thing. Courteous, friendly, professional, well planned and flexible people that allowed us to have a fantastic trip.
M. and C. McCoy, August 2004, Ellicott City, Maryland, USA

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!!).
H. and S. Arnold, August 2004, Salida, California, USA

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%.
C. Swisher and Family, August 2004, Palatine, Illinois, USA

Our safari 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 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.
L. Robinson and Family, July / August 2004, Soquel, California, USA

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!
C. Grau and Family, July 2004, New York, New York, USA

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.
B. and L. Marshall, July 2004, Dallas, Texas, USA

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.
E. Rubinfeld and Family, July 2004, Seattle, Washington, USA

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 in honor of our anniversay. In the Okavango 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. 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.
V. Tham and K. Tan, June / July 2004, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

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. By the way, we loved the Chitabe 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.
A. and K. Kaushansky, June / July 2004, East Brunswick, New Jersey, USA

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.
S. and D. Jackson, June 2004, Martinsberg, West Virginia, USA

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.
K. Bjorhus and Family, June 2004, Norcross, Georgia and Litchfield, Minnesota, USA

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!
E. and C. Thornton, June 2004, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

Exquisite. Unbelievable wildlife…Cheetah, wild dog, leopard, hyena and more…We had a marvelous time and it exceeded our expectations.
B. Lindsley and Family, June 2004, Malibu, California, USA

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.
R. and C. Johnston, June 2004, West Kingston, Rhode Island, USA

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.
S. and D. Jackson, June 2004, Martinsberg, West Virginia, USA

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!
D. and R. Bennett, June 2004, Seneca, California, USA

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.
F. Hart and Friends, June 2004, Alexandria, Virginia, USA

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. K. Meunier and Family, May / June 2004, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

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. Grade A.
R. Wright and Family, May / June 2004, Chico, California, USA

Had an AMAZING trip! 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!!!
J. Brownell and L. Evans, May / June 2004, Olga, Washington, USA

We have recommended you to friends. Very good, efficient, knowledgeable, and eco-friendly. All the camps made accommodations for my physical problems.
G. and C. Greenwald, May 2004, Arlington, Virginia, USA

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!
M. and J. Lipschutz, May 2004, Los Angeles, California, USA

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.
J. and R. Zatz, May 2004, San Jose, California, USA

I just wanted to thank you again for recommending this trip to me. It was superb.
M. Hill, April 2004, Alamo, California, USA

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.
B. Garrett and Family, April 2004, Portland, Maine, USA

We had an amazing time in Africa thanks to your expertise. Every staff member gave us excellent service and was very polite.
J. and K. Harvey, March / April 2004, Mountain View, California, USA

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.
F. and F. Shank, March 2004, Denver, Colorado, USA

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.
D. and M. Foust, March 2004, Saratoga, California, USA

Thanks for your help in planning a great trip. We had a super 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.
N. and L. Barthelemy, January 2004, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

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.
Unknown, 2004