welcome to africa
Geographically, Africa dwarfs many other continents. In the north, the Sahara covers more than a quarter of the continents surface but most of Africa is made up of Savanna, grassy plains and hills contrasting with tropical rainforests that contain biodiversity of amazing richness. It is these plains that have allowed the animals animals to thrive and the predators to follow close behind. This in turn has attracted tourists eager to capture the safari in countries like Botswana, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania. On the other hand, Africa has few major cosmopolitan centers with the exception of Cairo and Johannesburg but small cities like Marrakesh, Nairobi and Cape Town make up for that. Explore some of our programs below, take a safari through the Moremi or a luxury cruise down the Nile. Learn tracking from the bushmen of the Kalahari or the creation of fine wine outside Cape Town. Regardless of the experience chosen, Africa will change you..for the better.
Botswana
Botswana is a relatively small, land-locked country bordered by Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa. It is considered one of the best game viewing areas in Africa particularly in the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Chobe in particular, is noted for large Elephant populations estimated at 130,000. Many of the best camps are in private concessions close to but not under the rules of the National Parks. The major areas in the country are the Kalahari Desert, mostly to the west and the Makgadikgadi Pans which are flood plains that offer unique exploration opportunities in the dry season and great migration game viewing in the wet season. We encourage you to consider Botswana as part of your safari wish list and stand ready to help.
Egypt
Kenya
Kenya has long been associated with the concept of safari along with areas of Tanzania where the two countries were created after independence. That meant a stay in Nairobi followed by a visit to Tsavo East and West. The Maasai Mara came into vogue along with its neighbor the Serengeti and inclusive of Ngorongoro Crater. Other parts of Kenya have opened up, as former colonial farm land was returned to its natural state and tribal control. New areas like Laikipia Meru and Samburu have come into vogue since they offer an entirely different experience. All are excellent and we have selected the best camps from which to go out and explore. Mostly in 4WD vehicles but also including game walks, ballooning and the scenic flights between camps. Where possible we work with private reserves to allow the avoidance of crowds and a better chance of game encounter.
Malawi
From a geographic perspective, Malawi is a land-locked country with Zambia on its Western Border and Mozambique on its Eastern border. It also shares Lake Malawi with Mozambique. The Lake makes up 20% of the country and is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world. From a touristic perspective, Malawi is relatively unknown but we like to think of it as Africa in miniature. With attractive national parks, plentiful wildlife, and beautiful unspoiled beaches plus mountains and lush vegetation, Lake Malawi is a private gem. It can be visited in combination with Zambia or other countries but we feel that a stay in Malawi just by itself would be more than rewarding.
Morocco
“Morocco is like a tree whose roots lie in Africa but whose leaves breathe in European air”
- Hassan II, King of Morocco
- Hassan II, King of Morocco
Although it might seem difficult to believe, although just 10 miles from the shores of Europe, large portions of Morocco remained an almost complete mystery to the Western world until the early 20th Century. Today, Morocco is a vibrant and modern country yet retaining its mystery and exoticism, a country with cities with a unique atmosphere of their own but also a country where the rural world has changed very little over centuries. Most things are possible in Morocco. One can wander through the narrow and labyrinthine alleys of a medieval city, passed by donkeys loaded with fruit and fresh vegetables in the morning; and enjoy a cocktail in the most sophisticated and chic urban bar in the afternoon.
Welcome to Ultitude’s Morocco...
Welcome to Ultitude’s Morocco...
South Africa
South Africa has a lot to offer regardless of your interest. If it's wildlife you seek, you can visit penguins around Cape Town, whales on the coast and all the big five in both Kruger and Madikwe. If it is nightlife you seek, look no further than Cape Town and Durban. For a more laid back nightlife, the noted restaurants in the wine-lands are a great option. South Africa is a destination in itself, deserving of more than one visit. It is also a natural companion to other adventures given its proximity to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Combine the nightlife of Cape Town with the sophistication of the wine-lands, before or after your stay in the Kalahari or the Okavango delta. Did we mention that the country has one of the finest luxury trains in the world and is a great place for family travel? We have given you a few suggested offerings but there are many more possibilities.
Tanzania
Tanzania has an interesting past and an exciting future, specifically in Tourism. Tanganyika was a German colony that was taken over by the British at the end of World War I, helped in no small part by the actions of Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn in ‘”The African Queen.” Zanzibar, the name of a group of islands was part of the Sultanate of Oman and heavily involved in the Arab Slave trade. The British made Zanzibar a protectorate as a means of abolishing the slave trade. One Sultan ruling the islands disputed the British rules and the British warships shelled his palace causing him to surrender, resulting in the shortest war ever, at 38 minutes. At the time of independence, both Tanganyika and Zanzibar stayed separate but eventually merged both their names and countries to create Tanzania. Like Kenya, the primary focus of tourism was the Serengeti Plain but over the years, many different experiences have been made available in the South, West and North of the mainland. The country’s coastline (more than double that of Kenya) plus Zanzibar have created superb beach conditions as a way to round out a Safari or as a respite from the cold for many Europeans. We offer a varied selection of adventures for our clients.
Zambia
Zambia is a land locked country that borders several other countries including Congo, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. It gets its name from the Zambesi River which flows through the country. It flows into Victoria Falls which Zambia shares with its neighbor Zimbabwe. They also share the shores of Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake in the world. Most of the safaris are conducted in South Luangwa National Park which has a large variety of game. In addition to normal game drives, Zambia is known for its walking safaris with a professional armed guide in company. It offers good opportunities to combine with game viewing in Zimbabwe or Botswana or maybe both. It also offers joint offerings with Malawi an undiscovered gem in Africa which we are proud to offer.
Zimbabwe
For many years, Zimbabwe suffered under a government whose policies led to a dramatic fall in the quality and availability of game experiences suitable for international travelers. This was unfortunate in many ways but especially on the animal and human populations. Thankfully, change has come about and nature has once again shown how resilient it is, especially when combined with good stewardship. Zimbabwe is more than ready to welcome you back.