Ultimate Africa Safaris - Issaquah, WA

Martina M.

The most incredible vacation I have ever been on and the only way to see Africa.

Ian and Lorna at Ultimate Africa Safaris helped us plan the trip of our dreams. They took the time to understand our interests so that we could have a truly custom holiday.

Every detail was taken care of; flights, insurance, transfers, accommodations, tours, and meals. Everything we did was seamless and well planned. There were no hidden expenses or unexpected surprises.

From the moment we landed in Cape Town it was one big adventure. Our guide made us feel welcome and her knowledge was excellent. She was able to answer our questions and showed us the most incredible parts of Cape Town. Each destination was based perfectly on our interests.

Then we headed to Botswana. The flight was easy and the views breathtaking. Once we landed we were met by our guide and whisked away to our first camp. We saw many animals on the way and when we arrived at the camp we were stunned by the beauty of the camp and the landscape.

The staff were amazing at all of the camps, the accommodations were comfortable, luxurious, rugged and beautiful. Each camp had its own special features. The staff were lovely and the food was delicious.

We travelled to several camps and countries over the course of 18 days and saw beautiful landscapes, incredible animals, and met some of the loveliest people.

I will be travelling to Africa again and I will only use Ultimate Africa, and have recommended them to all of my friends. Ultimate Africa is the tour company to use for your African adventures.

Norman

We have just returned from a visit to Africa (Botswana and Rwanda), and when you consider the breadth of what we experienced, completely amazed – this one will be hard to top !
Given that we were wanting to visit very disparate countries for the experiences they provided, we reached out to Ian and Lorna at Ultimate Africa.. from the very outset, once our requests and budget were communicated, their knowledge, questions and suggestions were what made the itinerary so seamless and meaningful to us. Their expertise and experience were put to good use, and it showed. Transfers and connections were without issue, lodgings were comfortable, and having superb local guides (who I constantly peppered with questions that were patiently answered) was the icing on the cake. Professional service indeed .. as folks who travel a lot, and individually craft our own itineraries, leaving this one in the capable hands of Ian and Lorna was a relief.
We truly enjoyed every minute, and have no hesitation in recommending them for future travels.
Have attached some pics of our amazing sightings.

Karen S.

Ultimate Africa safaris set up on the perfect trip to Africa. We went in the middle of March so it was somewhat hot. That is really my only complaint. The part of the trip to Cape Town was perfect. Our guide Soloman was very nice and knowledgeable. He took us on 2 great days to see things we will never see again. The 2 safaris were great. We saw many animal so upclose and personal. I never thought we would get that close. Khwai Leadwood was beautiful and everyone did everything to make us feel at home. The rooms were beautiful and very comfortable. Linyanti Bush Camp was our 3rd stop and everyone, especially M was awesome. The animals at both safaris were amazing. Our 4th stop was Victoria Falls. Very beautiful. We even got lucky and a helicopter took us to our 2nd camp. It was a great surprise. We had 3 romance dinners at the camps which was a nice surprise. All I can say is I would do this trip again so I would recommend Ultimate Africa safaris for anyone looking to take a trip of a lifetime.

Sean B.

We had been recommended this company from other very satisfied customers of Ultimate African Safaris. From start to finish Ian did a great job of hearing our wants and needs and then putting together a great itinerary. We went to three camps in early May and seemed like a good time for wildlife viewing and decent weather. Thanks for making our first safari and trip to Africa such a success!

Lance R.

In October of 2019, my wife and I did a two week trip in Tanzania, entirely organized by Ultimate Africa Safaris. In my review of that trip, I said I can't wait to go again.

And so we went in September 2021, again on a trip entirely organized by Ultimate Africa. This time it was primarily to Botswana, with 9 days in three camps, with extensions to Victoria Falls and Lusaka.

Again, Ultimate Africa did a great job. Once we jumped the COVID testing hurdle and were in Botswana life was simple and fun. Great game guides great day and night game drives, great food, great nature, great camp atmospheres, and my personal favorite - great outdoor showers.

If you can do a safari planned by Ultimate Africa, do it. You will have a great time that you remember forever. We will soon follow that advice and plan another trip.

Janaka

African Safari Travel Advice

My wife and I travel the world extensively. We like to go to places that are off the beaten path but known for specific experiences - South East Sulawesi for diving as an example. We recently went to Zimbabwe and Botswana. Here is our secret for ensuring the best experience possible:

Before you go find someone who is intimately familiar with the area. Even though we lived in Europe for 3 years we always find a local expert to help us understand the current conditions. Before we plan our trip. Unfortunately, this is a difficult thing to do. Almost all travel agents do not travel extensively to the places they book. This is the issue. They really don’t know these places well. So even if you find an agency that has high marks from travelers they tend to book to many locations and really have no idea what is happening on the ground.

The most important thing you can do before you go to Africa is find someone who has been to the area where the camps are recently, been to most of the camps, knows the organizations running them.

Why? Conditions change in these camps during the seasons, the animals that were there in the past may not be there anymore, the camps age quickly, the managers change. It is all very fluid.

You want an expert who has traveled these areas extensively for decades, is known by most of the important camps managements, understands the animals, guides, and the changing dynamics of the weather and what it means for the camps.

That is the best advice I can give.

My wife and I use Ian Proctor at Ultimate African Safaris. An amazing expert and our go to for South African trips.

RON B.

I really can't say enough good things about Ultimate Africa Safaris. We made a two week trip to South Africa & Zimbabwe in Sept.19. I did a lot of research before I went and they beat everyone's price, which can leave you some doubt about the quality of the trip you are going to get. This trip was first class , well organized and went without a glitch. The staff at all the camps and Hotels was first class all the way. Ultimate Africa Safaris were always super fast responding to all emails to answer all questions and concerns. If you are looking to go to Africa, don't wastes tons of time, check out Ultimate Africa Safaris.

Cathy O.

This is the fourth trip that we have taken with Ian, Lorna, and Ultimate Africa. The first trip was in 2010. They select the best camps for the time of the year that you will be going. They listen to what your goals are when planning a trip. They have excellent and timely communication and it is always comprehensive.

They have knowledge of all the camps, having been to them. We have been to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania on safari.

Our most recent trip to Botswana in May, 2024 was fantastic. Ian worked diligently to solve accommodation issues when another couple decided to join us.

We saw amazing game on the safaris and accommodations were excellent and varied, which is what we wanted.

I highly recommend Ultimate Africa Safaris when planning your next safari.