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2008 Client Testimonials Our experience in Namibia and Sabi Sands in South Africa was wonderful, and we would (and frequently have) recommended Ultimate Africa to our friends. B. and D. Genderson, November 2008, Rockville, Maryland, USA
Ultimate Africa Safaris was very knowledgeable, helpful, extremely courteous and patient with all my questions – outstanding! Food was gourmet - truly magnificent! Guides were superb – they knew everything…so impressive, patient, accommodating, really tried to make the experience perfect. This trip was a dream come true. E. Smith, October 2008, Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
We chose to work with Ultimate Africa after speaking with them and getting a very fast answer to an approximate itinerary and associated cost. We were able to fine tune everything to our needs. The list of camps that were available for us to choose from was outstanding. We appreciated the excellent advice, professional manor (when I misplaced the tickets) and quick response on everything that we asked. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ultimate Africa, and will be happy to work with them on future adventures. Thank you Ian and Lorna for putting together a great trip. T. and P. Hansen, October 2008, Woodlands, Texas, USA
We had a fantastic trip. We were worried that it would not possibly live up to our expectations but it was incredible! We definitely need to return to Mombo Camp at some point. We saw so much there - lion kills and elephants in our truck (I was more frightened of the elephants than the lions)! We went fishing in the mighty Zambezi River (haven’t fished in decades). Great time! M. and N. Foley, September / October 2008, Rutland, Virginia, USA
We just wanted to send an email to thank you so much for the wonderful trip you put together for us. From start to finish your planning was flawless and each step of the journey progressed seamlessly. You are truly professionals and your choice of camps fitted exactly what we wanted to see in terms of wildlife. We were so lucky with the game we saw and have tremendous photos and memories. Without doubt, this was the first of many future trips to Africa with you. Thanks for everything J. McLellan and S. Plevin, October 2008, Williston, Florida, USA
Wonderful! Great guides! Service was excellent! The staff at all the camps were able to make me feel welcome and when I left the camp I felt I had made some friends. B. Thomas, October 2008, Tampa, Florida, USA
Our Johannesburg hotel was in a great location within walking distance from the airport. Chitabe Camp was fabulous – leopard and wild dogs! The buffalo and lions at Duba Plains were great. Savuti Camp was super – hunting with the wild dogs along side in the Land Rover, privileged to see an hours old lion cub. Royal Livingstone was in a great location. We enjoyed the adjacent Zambezi Sun Hotel for its young vibrant atmosphere. We would absolutely book a future trip through Ultimate Africa Safaris and we gave out all your business cards we had to some of the other guests at the camps. Ultimate Africa Safaris, Ian and Lorna, you are the best! Always answering all the questions fast and professionally. You also seem to know just what people are looking for. This, our second trip, was more relaxing but intense. Returning to Duba Plains was like visiting friends and what a coincidence we had the same tend and guide as last year! You made another dream come through for us and the “day dreaming” is still going on! R. and K. Mackert, September 2008, Piedmond, California, USA
The Johannesburg Airport Sun InterContinental Hotel was very close to the airport which helped after a long trip and having an early departure the next day. Eagle Island Camp offered fantastic wildlife viewing, knowledgeable guides, friendly staff and nice activities. The sunsets were fantastic there. Khwai River Lodge was by far superb with fantastic wildlife viewing, the guides were great, staff fantastic and the food included kudu and other local game options. Savute Elephant Camp had fantastic service, elephants could be viewed from the room porch, great guides and friendly staff. Ultimate Africa Safaris staff was knowledgeable and helpful and put together a great trip with wonderful arrangements to get us to connecting flights and through customs and airports. We were very pleased with Ultimate Africa Safaris and would absolutely book a future trip with them. Our consultants were very knowledgeable and professional. The camps were visited were clean and accommodations were beyond expectations. The wildlife viewing was superb. It was a trip of a lifetime. R. and S. Johnson, September / October 2008, O’Fallon, Illinois, USA
Ultimate Africa Safaris sent us to all the right camps – the variety was always evident (delta, river camp, prairie) and all were full of animals! Ultimate Africa has nice, client focused staff all round. C. Miller and A. Brandt, September 2008, New York, New York, USA
All in all, a great trip at a reasonable price. E. Engle Jr, September 2008, Mill Valley, California, USA
Sausage Tree Camp provided very good wildlife viewing, especially on the canoe trip with hippos. It was great fishing for tiger fish. The wildlife viewing in the Linyanti concession was excellent. We enjoyed the mekoro trips, the swimming and the walking safaris. It is a beautiful setting. I wouldn’t change anything. I thought our trip was well handled. We certainly had all the necessary information. A. and K. Emanuels, September 2008, Inverness California, USA
Ultimate Africa Safaris provided excellent service and excellent follow-up. Good documentation. Courteous and attentive staff. Thanks a lot!! Great trip!!! R. and K. Nugent, August / September 2008, Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA
The Johannesburg Airport Southern Sun Garden Court is a very convenient location to the airport. Sossusvlei is a wonderful place – quiet and serene, great friendly atmosphere. Ongava is an elegant lodge. It was a thrill at Xigera Camp to be in the middle of so much water, especially after leaving the desert of Namibia. Savuti Camp was our favorite stop. A very friendly place and our guide was truly exceptional. Selinda Camp is beautiful and the staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. We were only at Toka Leya 1 night but enjoyed it immensely. We had a boat trip with a wonderful guide and driver. The trip met our expectations in variety of seeing all animals. Our experience with Ultimate Africa has been exceptional. The trip raises the bar for our experiences and our expectations. Thanks so much. F. and M. Gentry, September 2008, Olympia, Washington, USA
I have been on safari before in Kenya and Tanzania. The Ultimate Africa experience was far more intimate. I enjoyed the small lodges and the interactions with the other guests and especially the opportunity to interact with the staff and learn about their country. Having them join us for meals was something I looked forward to. Also the game viewing was much more intimate and interactive – hunting with wild dog, close – up viewing of big cats and their kill – fabulous and worth the money, I would go back to Botswana with Ultimate Africa Safaris in a heartbeat. F. Galli and L. Querimit, September 2008, Woodside, California, USA
Ultimate Africa were attentive, informative and timely. D. Rigg, September 2009, Mill Valley, California, USA
Thank you so much for providing for an amazing holiday! The hotels, the camps, and the connections were superb, right down to the three adult lions walking by within five feet of the Land Rover! We are still trying to catch our breath!! Thanks! J. Mackie, L. Massey, September 2009, Seattle, Washington, USA
We saw lots of hippos, crocodiles, birds, monitor lizards, monkeys and baboons at the River Club. Savuti Camp was incredible - we saw beautiful leopard, wild dogs on and after kills, hyenas, jackal, 60 plus elephant at one time, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, eagles. Little Vumbura was amazing – another leopard 10 minutes from landing at the air strip. Lions!!! Roaring!!! Mombo provided amazing lion cubs, leopard cubs, hyenas, buffalo out front of camp and under our tent at night. Lion prides, elephant, rhino etc, etc. We found Ultimate Africa Safaris to be very helpful and courteous. We would book a future trip through Ultimate Africa Safaris and can’t imagine not going back. We would change nothing! Most drives we had a private guide and vehicle – an intimate experience with the wildlife. It could not have been better! Out trip was excellent! Ultimate Africa Safaris put together a PERFECT trip!! Our many questions were answered whenever we called. Lorna was great! We especially enjoyed lunch in a hide where we watched elephants and hippo for some time. Spike, our guide, let our group hang out there to enjoy the scene longer than was probably allotted. Worth it! Staff was exceptional. I could go on and on. J. and S. Staso, July 2008, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
Our driver and guide in Cape Town were excellent. At Duma Tau our guide Mocks was great! The staff at Duba Plains were the best. Our guide Moranga was also the best, the managers Dudley and Bo were excellent! The food and service at Mombo was excellent. Royal Livingstone was beautiful and the elephant safari was great! We loved working with Ultimate Africa Safaris. We are very pleased with our trip, Ultimate Africa Safaris exceeded our expectations. The Gordon family, August 2008, Battle Ground, Washington, USA
The Portswood Hotel had a great location near the waterfront. Chitabe Main Camp provided lots of wildlife, the staff and guides were superb, the managers great also. Kwetsani offered more birding that anything but was a nice change and a smaller and very interesting camp, great managers. At Duma Tau we saw lots of wildlife, the staff, guides and managers were all terrific. At River Club our elephant back safari was a highlight! Great fun, staff and managers were great. Overall we are very pleased. G. Paulon, August, 2008, Forest Park, Illinois, USA
The Cape Grace was amazing! The Botswana camps provided lots of game viewing and animal action. Ultimate Africa Safaris were very helpful and we would for sure book a future trip through them. Our trip was amazing, a once in a lifetime experience done in style. The Gonzalez family, August 2008, Diablo, California, USA
The trip was beyond words! S. Staso, July 2008, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
Thank you so much for your help. You were extremely knowledgeable and helpful! I got more information from our 5 minute talk than I have in weeks from the internet and other companies. I talked it over with my friend and it is a little higher than our budget right now, so our plan is to keep saving and hopefully go next summer. I will definitely contact your company when that time comes. Thank you again for your help and look forward to booking a trip with you in the future =) R. Tkaczuk, September 2008
My, my, my…Aren't you something! Your trip management is superb. I'm so very happy that we booked with you. I truly appreciate the kindness. Keep well and again thank you S. Tredway, July 2008, Newhall, California, USA
Ultimate Africa Safaris were extremely helpful and the itinerary and accommodations were superb! It was one of the best experiences of my life. A. Erickson, August 2008, Forrest Park, Illinois, USA
Duma Tau was a great introduction to safari in Botswana. All staff were fantastic, very warm, and fun. Great game drives and our guide was terrific. Kwetsani offered a great variety being a water based camp. The food was excellent. Little Mombo definitely had the most game, best camp for accommodation – a great finale! Our guide was fantastic. We loved everything about the Cape Grace Hotel. The suite was fantastic. We found Ultimate Africa Safaris to be very knowledgeable. The whole trip was well coordinated. Excellent. P. and H. Solomon, July 2008, Rockville, Maryland, USA
Trip of a lifetime! I am now a “spoiled” traveler. Thanks for the amazing itinerary! We were so impressed as you really take all this very seriously! I LOVED the area around Migration Camp--our drives each day were terrific and our driver, Isaiah was such a great teacher! And we always had 'private' drives. One afternoon, I went out on a drive by myself. It was simply amazing! The Crater Lodge was incredible! It was like staying on a movie set! A combination of decor that you would never really see anywhere else! The food was great...and, again, the staff was so friendly and helpful! We saw one of only EIGHT cheetahs in the crater (we were amazed by that!) and we saw two rhino (which, of course, we would not have seen anywhere else). Plus there was a 'close encounter' with a lioness that led to some awesome pictures! I would definitely recommend the Crater Lodge to friends! But I'd stress Lake Manyara first! Andour guide for our Stonetown tour was great! I don't remember his name, but he had given Bill Clinton a short walking tour the year before. He seemed to know everyone in Stonetown! We took a walking tour and we were able to go out in the afternoon for a spice tour with him. The one-on-one attention was wonderful and totally unexpected. The accommodations were outstanding and Mnemba was simply heaven on earth. I think one of the best parts of the trip was the fact that our lodges were small enough that we could have very nice conversations with the small number of guests and then our drives and tours were private (we only had to share a drive one day - and had a great time, at that!). I was very impressed by that because we traveled during the 'high season'. Our reservation with Ultimate Africa Safaris was handled courteously and efficiently. You were very helpful, we loved that! We did not have to worry about anything. Every question and concern was addressed quickly and thoroughly! Friendly emails and detailed answers. Thanks again for helping us have an amazing African experience! J. Kratofil, July 2008, Newhall, California, USA
Our experience with Ultimate Africa Safaris was absolutely wonderful. It was a trip of a lifetime – well organized, professional – the service looked effortless and seamless. The people were warm and genuine. Thanks. M. and M. Loberg, June 2008, Vinyard Haven, Massachusetts, USA
For us Africa is a once in a lifetime trip. We wouldn’t change a thing other than add days to the trip to relax more. In Cape Town the Cape Grace was one of the most outstanding hotels ever from people to the food to the most wonderful suite. The Township tour was something not to be missed. The trip was perfect in everyway throughout Africa – choices of camps were great, especially the order we did and having the mostly land camps combines with the water camp. Our trip was truly incredible and one we will never forget. R. and M. Isaacson, July 2008, Darnestown, Marlyland, USA
At Makalolo Plains Camp Amon Johnson was excellent and the wildlife viewing was outstanding. The nights around the campfire were a “keeper” and the overall experience was better than anticipated. The staff really went over the top for us. Ruckomechi Camp was great. Walking safaris were a treat and the “tents with a view” provided one of the best visual stimulants I have ever seen. Stanley and Livingstone Hotel was a great hotel that went out of their way in difficult circumstances to provide a “great stay” in Victoria Falls. Regarding our reservation through Ultimate Africa – top marks to all from start to finish. Ultimate Africa Safaris are very knowledgeable, we would not have considered Zimbabwe without your knowledge. Feel that we pulled off a “coup” as we never saw another safari vehicle in Hwange. Our trip was explained to our satisfaction prior to traveling by Ultimate Africa Safaris. All the details were “spot on”. The trip ran perfectly – can’t believe we spent 2 weeks in the “bush” and not a single mistake anywhere. I would not change one thing on our trip – it can’t get better than this. This trip was difficult to plan given that we were late with the booking and were traveling with 3 children. We also opted for Zimbabwe which was / is in the midst of a crisis. With Ultimate Africa’s knowledge / experience we had a great trip in a great country. I would / will recommend Ultimate Africa and Zimbabwe to all. If you ever require references feel free to call. The Britt Family, July 2008, Hackettstown, New Jersey, USA
It was an excellent trip! A. and P. Cobb, June / July 2008, Bedford, New Hampshire, USA
When we went to Africa in 2000, it was a once in a lifetime trip. We were so thrilled to experience the animals, high adventure, the incredible smell of the African sage, and stunning sunsets. We savored every minute and called upon those memories and moments when things would get difficult in the years after. Botswana gives you a peace that settles in your soul. The kindness and caring of each person we met in the camps stayed with us. We can name them all eight years later and talk about them as if we went to school with them. Eight years later, finding ourselves retired and free to travel, we had drawn up three pages of places we wanted to go in the world. And as we discussed the many options, we asked ourselves where we wanted to go the most. The immediate answer was Botswana. We were concerned. Nothing could surpass the 2000 trip. Would it be enough if we did not see as many animals or experience the same warmth of the people? Knowing the experience would be different we still had to return. You were the only outfitter we considered in booking our trip. You knew where we had gone before. You had sent us to magnificent places. The travel was actually the most effortless and seamless of any trip I have taken. You might think we would have fewer questions the second time around! Lorna deserves our sincerest thanks and probably a good Martini for all the details we asked. Your planning could not have been better. The sequence of the camps we went to was perfect! Many people were puzzled about starting at Selinda; flying the Duba Plains, then back to across the river from Selinda to Duma Tau and then to Mombo. It was only when we got to Duma Tau that we understood how different the 2 camps could be when only separated by a river. And, of course, you were so right about Mombo. We are so glad you insisted and persisted. To end our trip at Mombo was absolutely perfect. I do not think our experience would have been as rewarding if we had done Mombo in the middle of the trip. I was astounded at the camps! How classy things can get in 8 years! The attention to detail at each camp was amazing. From keeping track of us all, taking us on adventures and making sure we had those hot water bottles, feeding us gourmet meals and treats every time we turned around, returning our laundry pressed and clean within several hours to water lilies floating in a bowl, it was incredible! The management teams all need to be commended. I cannot offer one suggestion for improvement. And I find it simply incredible that they are able to do what they do, where they do it. With digital photography, it was so appreciated that they had charging strips in the rooms and the community areas. Each camp has its own personality. Each one offered a different topography and terrain. Each one had different wildlife and vegetation. We loved them all! Our adventures and wildlife viewing were just incredible. I could spend pages describing some of the amazing things we saw. Although of the most amazing highlights
At Selinda * 1 Leopard, 2 Lions and 2 Cheetah in our first morning game drive * A herd of Cape buffalo on the move in the midst of sunset * Our guide, OB’s, lesson on the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere * The red-billed Quelea moving across the sky at sunrise
At Duba Plains * 5 Lionesses killing a newborn, a 3 year old and a mother Cape buffalo * The fight for the carcass at waters edge between lioness and crocodile * A mother lioness with younger cub * Lioness Silver Eye wounded the day after the kill
At Duma Tau * A herd of elephant crossing the channel and then dusting themselves * A boat ride with Elephant crossing the river right in front of us * Pronging impala * A honey badger digging a hole, and devouring a mouse * Ollie telling us of the customs of the chief of the Boma dinner * Rafael’s stories of Africa at the Boma * I am crowned Chief Kgosi – I am so honored! * Dancing “Two-by-two” with the staff under the stars – I will never forget it
At Mombo * The big 5 in the first 18 hours we are in camp (with dinner and sleep in between!) * Wild dog on the hunt * Rhino * Lions mating * Leopard with a wart-hog kill up a tree and hyenas waiting below
There were so many additional delightful sightings. We counted 41 different species of birds, with the Lilac Breasted Roller still remaining our favorite. I think when you go to Africa the first time you are so anxious to see the main African animals. The trip not only brought the animals, but a new appreciation of the birds, trees and vegetation. It was sad to realize that those places and animals we saw in Zimbabwe in 2000 may no longer be there. Of greater concern, of course, is what is happening to the people. I remain awed at the knowledge of all our guides. We learned so many new things and they were very patient in responding to all our questions. The camp managers were just outstanding – being so kind and welcoming and addressing our every question or need. We were so happy to have the presentations at Duba Plains about the history of the Okavango Delta and the Rhino project efforts at Mombo. Both were extremely well done and informative. Wilderness Safari’s deserves every accolade and award. The camps are truly amazing. More importantly, their incredible efforts with the Children in the Wilderness program, the Rhino introduction program, the support of the communities and promotion of the local people in the operation of the camps and all their efforts with conservation are truly commendable. What a classy organization! I wanted to return to Botswana for two main reasons, to see the wildlife, and to be with the people. The wildlife viewing surpassed all expectations. My goal of being with the people surpassed expectations as well. I danced at every camp, I cried with every song. There is a genuine kindness and gentleness of the people and delightful good humor and spirit. I will forever treasure the many kindnesses shown to me and the many beautiful memories. Thank you Ian, for your efforts to provide us with the most astounding, magical experience that was beyond all our dreams. There is a heaven on earth - it’s in Botswana. With our sincere thanks and appreciation, The Mazzoli Family, June / July 2008, Landsdale, Pennsylvania, USA
Ultimate Africa Safaris handled our reservation courteously and efficiently, thanks for hanging in there with the questions and changes. Lorna got back to us every time and always addressed concerns and questions cheerfully. Thanks to Ultimate Africa Safaris we were extremely well prepared for our trip. Everything on the trip was excellent! The trip was seamless! Fantastic wildlife and a good variety of activities. We would absolutely book a future trip through Ultimate Africa Safaris. We would never consider booking with anyone else. The sequence of camps was PERFECT! The variety of camps excellent. If we should ever return, it will be so difficult to not replicate this trip. I would change NOTHING! The Mazzoli Family, June / July 2008, Landsdale, Pennsylvania, USA
We are thrilled with the trip you planned for us. You listened well to what we hoped to do and see. I am so happy we stuck to our guns when others wanted to do Zambia. You know the camp so well and were able to perfectly match the camps to our goals. Botswana is a most amazing and beautiful country – both in its wildlife and in the kindness and the genuineness of its people. Thank you for all your thoughtfulness and attention to our concerns and detail in planning our journey. The Mazzoli Family, June / July 2008, Landsdale, Pennsylvania, USA
Our trip was well beyond our expectations. We have memories (and pictures) to last a lifetime. The guides were especially wonderful – Ollie at Duma Tau, Johnny at Tubu Tree and Asile at Mombo. The manager, Natalie at Little Mombo was most accommodating. Soaking in the game viewing, landscape and culture etc was amazing. Thanks for your help. D. Barnes and E. Rosenstein, June / July 2008, Sausalito, California, USA
We feared that our second trip to Africa could not possibly be as good as our first 2000 trip. We were so wrong – our second trip was even better!!! Thank you so much. The Kleinfelter Family, June / July 2008, Ivyland, Pennsylvania, USA
Everything was extremely well coordinated and Ultimate Africa Safaris were very helpful. Our experience with Ultimate Africa Safaris was very satisfactory. We would definitely book a future trip through Ultimate Africa Safaris. T. and S. Keeler, June / July 2008, Mercer Island, Washington, USA
The Johannesburg hotel was very, very convenient. At our first camp Jao we saw a large variety of animals (zebra, giraffe, leopard, elephants) and we enjoyed the activities. Little Mombo was our favorite. High adrenaline game drives. Our guide was great! Tons of animals. Saw the big 5 including black and white rhino together! At Selinda the chef was great – tried new and innovative recipes. Selinda was a nice and relaxing way to end the trip. All our transfers etc were smooth, we did not have to worry or think about anything. We would absolutely book through Ultimate Africa Safaris, Lorna was great and very knowledgeable. Very responsive to my every need and was patient when I had to take time to consider some decisions. We were very pleased we were able to book 2 out of 3 of the camps I wanted even though we booked a little late (about 4 months out). My preferred mode of communication is email and Lorna seemed comfortable with that. Her emails were very thorough, answering all my questions and then some. A. Nguyen and T. Huang, June / July, 2008, New York, New York, USA
Our reservations were handled courteously and efficiently and we would definitely book another trip through Ultimate Africa Safaris. This was a truly fantastic trip for all of us. It definitely exceeded our expectations… we all felt we learned a lot and had a lot of fund doing it. All of the accommodations were very satisfactory. All of the transfers, flights, accommodations and activities went like clockwork. And there was always someone to meet us just when we needed it. All of the guides were very impressive. At the 2 camps the guides had an impressive ability to drive and still spot and identify game at great distances. They were all very knowledgeable about the animals, the birds, the plants and the local “color”. We cannot think of a single question from us that was answered with an “I don’t know”. They were also fun to be with. In Cape Town, Delia McBride was an excellent choice for a guide. She is a very interesting and enjoyable lady and she has extensive knowledge about the immediate area and South Africa, both current and past. The sequencing of the camps was very good. As we left each camp, especially the 1st one, Chitabe, we were always a bit concerned the next experience could not measure up. But it always did and each camp was distinctive and enjoyable. As you probably know, Little Vumbura has recently gone through extensive renovation. It was without a doubt the most “elegant” of the camps, significantly improved from the pictures in the catalog. It is quite lovely. In addition, the food was outstanding and the staff was very approachable and enthusiastic. Selinda has also gone through up-grades and their stone bath tub was a real treat. This was probably where we saw the most game. In summary, I can’t say enough about what a wonderful trip it was…the planning and details were managed beautifully from start to finish and we thank Ultimate Africa Safaris for a most memorable experience. C. and L. Bennigson, June 2008, Boston, Massachusetts, 2008
Our experience with Ultimate Africa was very good; the staff are professional and knowledgeable. V. and T. Bond, June 2008, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
Toka Leya offers nice river cruises. Sausage Tree Camp has excellent birding, the river activities are wonderful, the staff very special and the food is tops. The wildlife at Mombo was amazing. The Kutler family, June 2008, Los Angeles, California, USA
Everything was excellent! Lorna was helpful. We loved it! M. Witul and S. Steinberg, May 2008, Long Beach, California, USA
The staff at Duma Tau were outstanding. Duba Plains was best of all 3 camps we visited, we saw a kill and it was amazing. The staff and small size group at Duba Plans was very nice. Ultimate Africa handled our reservations courteously and efficiently and were knowledgeable and helpful. We had a fantastic experience all the way through. Loved it all! Thank you for putting such a great trip together for us. J. and T. Christenson, May / June 2008, Boise, Idaho, USA
Wonderful in every respect. It was seamless. Thank you for putting together a fabulous trip for us, handling all the details and making everything very easy. P. Benoliel and W. Carey, June 2008, St Davids, Pennsylvania, USA
Just back from our safari. It was fantastic. Everything was perfectly organized and we had a wonderful time. Thank you for the exceptional arrangements. J. and D. Kehrer – June 2008, Pullman, Washington, USA
I just wanted to write back and let you know that we had a great time in Botswana. The Savute Channel was very high at Duma Tau which made things interesting. We saw lion, leopard, wild dogs, and hyenas at Duma Tau, which was perhaps our favorite camp. It seems to be becoming popular given the variety of wildlife. Little Vumbura was a bit more mixed in wildlife viewing, but we saw lions and hyenas there. We also took a mokoro ride there which was interesting. We were glad that we had skipped Duba Plains as other guests mentioned that lions had wandered away when we would have been there (when we saw them at Mombo). Mombo was amazing, in terms of accommodations and variety of wildlife. The largest pride of lions hadn't been seen for a couple weeks when we got there, but we saw many lions (mostly Western Pride), and that perhaps also allowed for better variety of predators. We saw lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dogs, etc. Take care, and thanks for arranging the trip. S. Pawliczek, May / June 2008, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
We loved the day long drive at Chitabe, lunch with the elephants on a river bank! At Savute we experienced lots of game and a great bush dinner. Ultimate Africa was easy to work with and recommended a good selection of variety of camps. J. Kirby and C. Nichols May / June 2008, Mt Vernon, Washington, USA
Greetings from Cape Town! Everything is going perfectly here at the Cape Grace. The service is quite extraordinary and our guide has been exceptional. Bill and I also want to thank you very much for your kind gift of wine. We loved our trip to the Bascule wine vault and enjoyed a nice Pinotage, thanks to you. Today, we are off on the Cape tour; tomorrow to the wine country and then to Namibia on Wednesday. Really looking forward to it! Thanks, again, for all your expertise in planning this wonderful trip for us. Very best regards, M. Yoshimoto and W. Hahn, May / June 2008, Redondo Beach, California, USA
Ultimate Africa was extremely knowledgeable, courteous and efficient. Ian took great care in listening to our lives, likes, dislikes, and expectations, and then came back to us with the perfect itinerary. All the fine details were meticulously taken care of and our trip went without a hitch. Truly the trip of a lifetime…simply spectacular. Our deepest thanks for a job well done. Everything was very well explained. Everything went like clockwork. The flow of the trip and the variety of location in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia was perfection. More Mombo baby!!! Glad you recommended no less than 3 nights. Could have stayed 5 or more!!! Without a doubt we would book again! M. Yoshimoto and W. Hahn, May / June 2008, Redondo Beach, California, USA
This was the most fantastic trip that Dody and I have ever taken. New Zealand got bumped off the number one spot. Everything ran like clockwork which is something for Africa. I have already had people asking who we used so you may get some enquiries. Thank you again. P. and D. Nies, May / June 2008, Mountain Home, Alaska, USA
Little Mombo was the best camp for viewing wildlife. We saw lots of lions and the leopard with cubs. Great guides and lots of babies right now. At Duba the lions were “on vacation” during our stay. At Duma Tau the highlight was 2 cheetah with an impala and a couple of leopards. At River club the village tour was a highlight. I wish we could have spent more time there. Everyplace made us feel so special in helping us celebrate our anniversary. This trip was the best we have taken. We saw everything! P. and D. Nies, May / June 2008, Mountain Home, Alaska, USA
We are back from Africa and had a fabulous time. Our guide in Cape Town was superb as were our tours (despite the fact that it never cleared enough to see Table Mountain!). We had a particularly outstanding guide at Chitabe Lediba (Newman Chuma), and Simon was an excellent guide at Little Vumbura. We saw great wildlife, including cheetah, lion, leopard, wild dogs, aardwolf, African wild cat, and even a spring hare, although I fell in love with the elephants. The flights, transfers, accommodations and activities were outstandingly coordinated. We had a wonderful trip! Gross and M. Fogler, May 2008, Bangor, Maine, USA
Everything was so well coordinated - the best I have ever encountered. For myself you answered questions right away. My daughter is the one who booked everything and it was a lifetime experience I won’t forget. R. Falk, April / May 2008, Kirkland, Washington, USA
Amazing! V. Caunt, April / May, 2008, Kirkland, Washington, USA
Ian and Lorna, Thank you! Our trip to Africa was absolutely AMAZING!!! The camps were fantastic, the weather was perfect, food was always top star and cocktails were always flowing. Loved the sundowners :) I think a few of us gained around 5-10lbs…..not kidding. Little Vumbura was a perfect start for our group. This camp broke us in with variety. Mombo was unbelievable! Kings pool remodel was absolutely gorgeous (my favorite tent). Sausage Tree tents and bathrooms were neat because they were different from the rest of the camps. Complete outdoor bathrooms….very cool. River club was a great addition with Victoria falls and we were also able to visit a small village and see the school (out for break). Cape Grace was wonderful! The two bedroom suites were directly across from each other so we could leave our doors open and feel like we were in a huge house. We actually never went out to dinner one single night but hung out in our rooms and enjoyed the hotel. Your were right the service was unbelievable. Janice our guide in Cape town was fantastic too. Everyone had their favorites but the highlight was our last camp stop in Sausage Tree. I'm so glad we decided to add this camp to our itinerary. Hippo city, canoeing, fishing. Three bull elephants were in camp all three days and nights. They decided to come into the bar area and proceed to hop over the walkway, hang out for a bit and drink out of the pool. We were able to meet Jason (owner) who was very cool and Nikki the camp manager was great. Our last night in Sausage tree we had a special surprise….eating out in the bush with candlelight. We also met two gents that traveled from Mombo to River club to Kings pool with us. They were a kick in the pants and we hope to hook up with them in the future. As well as another couple from Portland that we met in River club and hooked up again in Cape town. Small world in Botswana and Zambia. The single highlight that everyone agreed upon was flying out of Kings pool. Our group was split into two small planes and the pilots followed the River for about 20 minutes flying around 500-1000ft so we could see everything from above. It was completely surreal and we felt like we were in the movies. I'm not sure how we could top this trip….maybe you have some ideas :) We look forward to booking a future trip back to do it all over again. Until later….. Smiles, O. Granger, April / May 2008, Kirkland, Washington, USA
Dear Ian - you are amazing! We thank you so very much! When we try to explain this incredible adventure to our friends, we always say to them "You must call Ian Proctor. He will arrange for you the trip of a lifetime." We will never forget our time in Africa. Thank you so very much, Ian! K. and J. Wilson, April 2008, New London, New Hampshire, USA
I just want to thank you for coming to our rescue the other night and to apologize for the lateness of the call. I was a bit frantic at that point - as you no doubt could hear! The phone service had failed the night before and I knew I was running out of phone time so called Ultimate Africa, thinking I could leave a message. I hadn't expected to actually speak with you, but I must say I felt a good deal better afterwards! Our journey home went smoothly - Horizon rebooked us on the same flight today at no additional charge. Our safari exceeded all our expectations - We are so impressed and appreciate all you did on our behalf. If I can ever return the favor by singing the praises of the safari experience, just let me know! S. and J. Walker, April / May 2008, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
I have recommended Ultimate Africa to several of my friends. A, Hoffman, April 2008, Lafayette, California, USA
The trip was a real eye opener from a cultural and practical viewpoint. Definitely one of life’s highlights. M. Dadosovich, April 2008, Lafayette, California, USA
You were very, very helpful and responsive. You provided an education on the process and timing that I wasn't aware of. It was an excellent customer experience....thank you! M. Ortiz, April 2008
Ultimate Africa Safaris are very accommodating. They invest the time to research and advise whatever is needed. Ultimate Africa Safaris are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We would never book elsewhere. Thank you for the fabulous trip. M. and C. McCoy, March 2008, Ellicott City, Maryland , USA
A truly fabulous trip! We were spoiled by all the personal attention. And we were lucky enough to have our own private vehicle and guide in 2 of our 3 locations! We were astounded by the knowledge level of the guides – truly impressive – and by their willingness to share themselves personally. We learned so much culturally from them. We found our 3 locations a great survey of Tanzanian landscape. Such different places! We had no idea the landscape had such variety. Also we loved the order of the accommodations. Intentionally, or a happy coincidence? Had we gone under canvas after Crater Lodge it would have diminished our “camping” experience. Lake Manyara provided our best wild life viewing of the trip! Our guide, George, was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable. We were impressed by the level of comfort the luxury mobile camping offered. The staff were the warmest we met in Tanzania. Crater Lodge was amazing. We would absolutely book with a future trip with Ultimate Africa Safaris and will be singing your praises to our friends. M. and F. Larkin, February 2008, Evanston, Illinois, USA |
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