Good day,

The Ultimate lodge in Victoria Falls is an interesting place owned and run by a fascinating man, Russell Caldecott. Many of you know or know of Russell, from either meeting him in the Falls or from the posts he sometimes makes here on AR, promoting his company.

I am staying at the Ultimate right now, taking an extended break from my bush adventures, consolidating, planning, writing, making a little loot for a change and generally just enjoying. The main reason I am here is to ghost write an autobiography for Russell, a project I am excited about. Russ has led an extraordinary life, some of which I’d like to share as I’m sure many of you will be interested, him being one of us and all.

Russ enjoyed the typically carefree and adventurous upbringing many of us farmboys did, galavanting around the bush on Nuanetsi ranch, where his father was a section manager during the 1970s. He was fishing, hunting and exploring at an early age and deadset on working in the outdoors for as long as he can remember. Then came school where Russ excelled in sport, and I do mean truly excelled, eventually representing South Africa in athletics and playing rugby at provincial level. After a stint in the SA police stocktheft unit, Russ embarked on a career as a professional hunter, working in South Africa and Botswana. Fast making a name for himself in the hunting world, Russell’s life was torn apart when he was but 23 years old, a horrific car accident rendering him a paraplegic. When many would have curled up in a corner and faded away, Russ really came into his own, rebuilding his life from virtually scratch and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles en route. Of course, it was not easy, and Russ openly admits that for a few years after the accident it was touch and go…The agony, frustration, and helplessness pushed him to the brink many times. He had many questions and no answers during those dark days but change is the only constant and time eventually healed, enabling him to come to terms with his drastically altered circumstances.

Today, Russell operates a busy safari operation from the lodge, Ultimate Africa Safaris, specializing in 1 to 14 day photographic trips to Chobe and elsewhere, Zambezi fishing safaris and wait for it, wheelchair hunting safaris! In fact, as those of you who have dealt with him are aware, there is nobody better to organize your trip to Victoria Falls and surrounding areas, whatever you wish to do. Russ has connections all over this place and arranges everything, from chopper and elephant rides to sunset cruises, rafting etc etc. You name it, Russ will sort it. Yes, even wheelchair hunting safaris!

As well as specialized safaris, Russ also manages an NGO ‘Wheels against all odds’ which he established specifically to assist Zimbabweans with special needs. Recently Russ was instrumental in organizing the donation of 1500 wheelchairs for needy Zimbabweans, a commendable achievement.

I thought some of you may be interested in the photographs below. I apologize for the poor quality, but I just photographed pictures on the wall of the lodge this evening. As you will see, many interesting people have passed through this lodge. It is actually a wonderful place for a writer to be hanging out because the bush/hunting stories are endless. In the last couple of weeks I have had the pleasure of the company of PH’s Peter Garvin, Mike Bunce, Rob Style and a host of foreign big game hunters, as they visited the Ultimate on pre or post hunt Falls trips. I also had the pleasure of meeting our very own JudgeG here a couple of weeks ago, as well as another hunting judge from Germany and several groups of American and Canadian hunters. Festive hunting HQ is the Ultimate Lodge. I hope you enjoy the picture of Peter Capstick with the ivory. The photo was given to PH Mike Bunce and another as yet unidentified man ‘Johnny’ by Capstick, who was a personal friend of Mike Bunce. You can make out the writing if you look closely. The ivory is somewhere around 130/140 pounds but we are not sure exactly. I am going to call Mike Bunce tomorrow and find out the exact details.

I am inspired by the likes of Russell Caldecott. They make people like me who think they have overcome tough challenges put things in perspective. I like it here at the Ultimate lodge, surrounded by hunting happenings and memories. I think I’ll stay a while…

Best regards to you all, David

http://www.ultimatelodge.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/...Zimbabwe/77278381620




Russell with friend and hunting companion, Kevin Kuchel, and Kevin's lion




With Kevin Kuchel and leopard




Russell with well-known hunting personality Jim Shockey at the Ultimate




With hunting television star and author Michael Waddell, Nick Muntz and others from the Waddell crew



With Pam Zates(sp) of She clothing and her husband Kevin (?) at the Ultimate




Well known Zimbabwean PH John Sharp (extreme right) with Bob Hanson (extreme left) and other hunters at the Ultimate







A hunting we will go....




Peter Capstick with ivory in a photo given to his friend, PH Mike Bunce

David:

Great post and pictures! Say hello to Russell for me and tell him Les and I look forward to seeing him in 5 weeks!

Regards,

RCG

PS. Tell Rob he still owes me the invite letter.

Thanks RCG, I will certainly extend your greetings to Russ and look forward to meeting both you and Les.

Cheers, Dave

Great photos David, thanks for posting.

Thanks Ahmed, ja I just can't get over this wheelchair big game hunting. Real commitment to hunting that is. Of course, Russ hasn't done many - wheelchair clients being few and far between - but the fact that he has conducted a few successful wheelchair DG safaris is admirable, really quite special.

As I've mentioned, some interesting folks pass through here. Today I have been socializing with well known PH and leopard guru Norman Crooks and his long term clients/friends Fred and Liz Caddell from Arkansas. Liz is Fred's daughter and a serious hunter. She was one of SCI's young hunters of the year 2011 and had taken the big five by the age of 20. She is now 21 and this trip was all about hippo and croc, to achieve the big 7. Liz is a particular young hunter, and though she took a fine 13.5 foot crocodile, she lucked out on the hippo, failing to find a bull that met her standard. I like that a lot. A great example being set by a young hunter - although she is super keen to get the 7 under her belt, she is prepared to wait instead of taking a substandard trophy. Liz shoots a .375 RUN and .416 Ruger custom built for her by Christensen arms in Utah. She started hunting at 9 years old and the first animal she took was a whitetail. This is the 4th time she has hunted Africa, it took her 3 safaris to South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe to get the big five. As well as the croc, she also took her 2nd buffalo bull on this hunt. Liz has promised to sign up on AR and post some hunt reports when she gets back to the states. This is what we need, on AR and in hunting - young blood. For the record, Norman Crooks says, and I quote 'I've only ever met one man who can shoot like Liz can.' Apparently Liz is a real little Annie Oakley. She says if she wasn't a competent markswoman it would be surprising, considering the range practice she puts in.

Also making a post hunt trip (fishing) to Vic Falls at this time is Carl Tatarin and his wife Veronica from Alberta, Canada. Carl is a great character, full of fun and a lifelong outdoorsman and hunter. He was telling me today that when he grew up in Northern Alberta, there was no electricity! I though it was only in Africa where living people grew up without electricity...Anyway, Carl has been hunting in Limpopo, SA with Adansonia safaris and Wentzel van Wyk. He took nyala, bushbuck, impala, 2 warthogs, reedbuck and a fantastic 32.5 inch waterbuck! Carl took the number 1 (SCI) duiker in Namibia in 2008. It currently ranks 7 in the record book and is still the Namibia number 1.

I hope you enjoy the photos from both hunts, the young lady is Liz, the mature gentleman with the very cool mustache is Carl....

Cheers, David




























Carl Tatarin's SCI number 7 duiker taken in 2008 in Namibia

I have had the pleasure of knowing Russell for over a decade. During this time I have stayed at the Ultimate many times. What David has said is absolutely true as well as all the others that have posted here that have stayed with him. To see what he has accomplished at the lodge all from being confned to a wheelchair is nothing short of amazing.

Without question, and it's not even close, if you you are in Vic Falls Russell is the man you want to contact. He can offer you anything that Vic Falls has to offer. Including arranging very high end photo safaris, hunting safaris in the Vic Falls area, fishing, viewing the falls, booking clients into the areas top hotels even if you don't stay at the lodge, etc. all with his unique persoal touch.

Staying at one of the Victorian hotels in Vic Falls is a nice experience. However, if you do not spend some time at the Ultimate Lodge you will be remiss what the full experience the Falls can offer with Russ as your facilitator. Like David also mentioned you will have the chance to meet some of the real legend PH's that all stay with Russ while in the Falls. This alone in my opinion is worth the stay.

Let me tell you about my friend Russell Caldecott.

Lots of folks who either post or lurk here would probably go to Zimbabwe if they felt they could be angst free about it.

Anywhere in Africa, I guess folks reasonably worry about their safety, the quality of the expected experience (to include comfortable and clean lodging, fine dining, reliable fuel supplies, etc) and, perhaps most important, that someone would be around upon whom they can trust if the fan and the excrement meet.

If you want to go to Victoria Falls or there about, may I join in here and recommend my friend, Russell.

It is a great pleasure (and relief?) to be able to email Russell about an upcoming trip, tell him what you want to do at the Falls (or get some suggestions), let him coordinate pick-up at the airport and gun permits, etc. with your P.H., find you great discounts at the old hotels (or maybe put you up himself), set up some activities like Falls visits, fishing for tigers!, supper at the Boma or Jungle Junction, river rafting, a trip to Chobe.... heck, you name it and he'll do it...

For instance, this past trip, Zwe, his driver and right-hand-man met Emmy and me at the airport, made sure we had our DS-11 (is that the right form?), took us to Gorges Lodge (where we got a discount of 40% from published price), took us to the booze cruise after we freshened up, got us to the Zip Line and a Falls visit, showed us how to safely get U.S. dollars at Barkley's Bank.... every thing... including making sure we didn't even have to wait in line at the airport (a zillion folks) for check-in and customs.

Of course, there is a price for such service but it is worth it for two big reasons. First, the savings on lodging more than paid for it. Secondly, I had zero angst as to whether my daughter and I were in good hands the whole time at the falls... and that's worth a lot.

BTW, it was a hoot, while relaxing at Ultimate Lodge by reading a book on the way to go fishing on the Zambezi one afternoon, to get to a part about David Hulme and to look up and there he was. For sure, you never know who you'll meet at Ultimate.

The Boys from Aus enjoy time at Ultimate and I'm eagerly waiting for September 2012.

Do you know if Kevin Kuchel is from Chicago and is an accountant? He looks very familiar to a disabled hunter that I met a couple of times in Jo'burg. The hunter that I met was out to finish his quest of the Big Five.

UEG,

Must be the same guy. I understand Kevin is a pharmacist not an accountant, but everything else fits. Thanks for the comments guys, greetings and thanks to you all from Russell.

Dave

Great pics and writing as always David. Hope to see you in Zim next time I'm over. Cheers, David

David, what a great post, with wonderful photos! I am lucky enough to be friends with both Russ Caldecott and Kevin Kuchel (and yes, Kevin is a pharmacist from the Chicago area). In my opinion, these men truly define the meaning of “toughness”. Most of us here on AR feel pretty good about our hunting exploits. Now, think back to what you’ve accomplished and try to imagine doing it without the use of your legs! With Russ as his outfitter, Kevin is close to completing his big five. He has passed on some 60 lb. elephants because he wants bigger, but he’ll eventually get one. He's one tough guy!

As if living life in a wheelchair was not enough of a challenge, Russ has built a successful safari business and is THE man to go to when you’re in Vic Falls, as the Judge and peashooter so aptly point out. From touchdown to take-off at the Vic Falls airport Russ will organize whatever you wish. My wife and brother and I were in Vic Falls at the end of June for four days. We had two amazing days of fishing on the Zambezi above the falls with Massauso, the best guide in the region. And Russ organized everything and anything for us on the other days. I'm looking forward to taking one of his ultimate photo safaris one day.

The Ultimate Lodge is a real haven for hunters and PHs. Any hunter who goes to Vic Falls, even if just to do some sightseeing before or after a hunt, should get in contact with Russ. You'll love the lodge and it's appeal for hunters, from the memorable photos and mounts on the walls, to the camaraderie around the fire at night.

One last thing, Russ is the kind of man you will never forget, and you'll always be happy that you met him. I can't wait to read the book that David is writing about his life. The Ultimate Lodge is the kind of place that will be talked about amongst hunters for generations. And decades from now old hunters will reminisce and say "remember when...." and they'll be talking about Russ and his lodge. They are both classics already, so don't miss out on a chance to experience them!

Dale

Thank you Judge, Peashooter, David, Dale, Oz and the rest of you for your support of Russ and the Ultimate.

So true Dale, these wheelchair warriors are the epitome of tough hunters. Talking with Russ about what he has experienced/gone through really humbles me. What guys like Russ and Kevin have achieved from their wheelchairs defies belief and is a good lesson for everyone, especially whiners like me! Kevin has passed on some 60 pound elephants! That really tells the tale, doesn't it? And I know it's fact, Russ has told me all about his exciting hunting exploits with Kevin. Absolutely astounding.

It never gets boring here at the Ultimate. Yesterday PH Peter Garvin popped in and was telling me about a super lion his client had just shot off a young elephant carcass which the lion had killed! One bite to the back of the neck and not a newborn either, about the height of an average man...Unfortunately Pete didn't have any pictures with him.

I am looking forward to meeting well-known hunting agent Ron Oliver when he pops in to the Ultimate to visit Russell later today.

David

David,
A great story about a great guy. I had the pleasure of staying at the ultimate lodge a year ago last June. Russell and his staff are great. As it was my birthday and I happen to have had a bottle of scotch along it was only polite to share. It was an evening of great comraderie sprinkled with great adventure stories.

As somebody who hunts in a wheelchair I honestly truly appreciate what he has done and is doing. I've never done anything like the hunting he has done but chasing animals on my ranch is quite the challenge and I can't imagine going for dangerous game like he and his clients do. My hats off to you Sir.

Well......I was sort of waiting to let a few others get their .2 cents worth in before launching into my epistle, but I guess it is about time - so here goes!

Uncle Russ Caldecot.....you see, when you call a close friend 'uncle' in Africa, it has a different connotation than just the standard prefix for age. Yes, Uncle Russ is getting long enough in tooth and sometimes beard to qualify for the 'uncle' title. BUT Russel Caldecot has earned this title because of TRUST, EXPERIENCE, HOSPITALITY, GRACIOUSNESS, and a whole host of other terms that extend beyond friendship to personal RELATIONSHIPS.
I cannot count the circumstances Russ has saved my bacon, so to speak. When I needed a place to land....Russ was there. When I needed someone to get me from a jam....Russ was there. When I needed a friendly face....Russ was there. When I needed trusted advice...Russ was there. When I needed arrangements made....Russ was there. When I needed a contact....Russ was there. When I......Well, you get the picture!

Here is the BOTTOM LINE. I am going Elephant hunting in Botswana the first three weeks of next April. My daughter and grandaughter will be with me. I will be in Maun. There is no decent transport from Maun to Vic Falls when I need it. SO........I am hauling all our butts BACK to Jo-berg, then flying BACK to VIC FALLS, with one of the specific reasons being so my daughter and grandaughter can meet Uncle Russ.

Folks.....the good old days of Africa are right now! Guys like John Sharp, Rob & Barry Styles, and any host of others are to be found at any given time at the Ultimate. I want my girls to meet some of these folks. I want my girls to get a great big swallow of the old Africa that is today. Before it is gone.

I have been going to the Ultimate for the last 10 years.......I have been there a total of close to 3 months - just at the Ultimate....I am making an expensive trip, out of the way - and NOT even hunting, just to go back to see Russ, and fellow hunters, and PH's!

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE BOOK! CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU RUSS!! And I'm excited as hell for my family to meet you. See you soon. Maybe in Vegas for SCI even before we get there next April.

HELL...........I even met Judge G there - where we had party hardy last year. Maybe we should get together an AR Ultimate group for family time at the Ultimate.

IF YOU ARE FROM THE U.S. and part of the HUNTING FRATERNITY. JUST TRY TO PICTURE THIS........WHEN IN VIC FALL.....NO ULTIMATE........NO RUSS...........Something would be sadly missing, some LARGE part of the OLD AFRICA today would be gone. AND there would be no getting it back.

Russ..........

Well......I was sort of waiting to let a few others get their .2 cents worth in before launching into my epistle, but I guess it is about time - so here goes!

Uncle Russ Caldecot.....you see, when you call a close friend 'uncle' in Africa, it has a different connotation than just the standard prefix for age. Yes, Uncle Russ is getting long enough in tooth and sometimes beard to qualify for the 'uncle' title. BUT Russel Caldecot has earned this title because of TRUST, EXPERIENCE, HOSPITALITY, GRACIOUSNESS, and a whole host of other terms that extend beyond friendship to personal RELATIONSHIPS.
I cannot count the circumstances Russ has saved my bacon, so to speak. When I needed a place to land....Russ was there. When I needed someone to get me from a jam....Russ was there. When I needed a friendly face....Russ was there. When I needed trusted advice...Russ was there. When I needed arrangements made....Russ was there. When I needed a contact....Russ was there. When I......Well, you get the picture!

Here is the BOTTOM LINE. I am going Elephant hunting in Botswana the first three weeks of next April. My daughter and grandaughter will be with me. I will be in Maun. There is no decent transport from Maun to Vic Falls when I need it. SO........I am hauling all our butts BACK to Jo-berg, then flying BACK to VIC FALLS, with one of the specific reasons being so my daughter and grandaughter can meet Uncle Russ.

Folks.....the good old days of Africa are right now! Guys like John Sharp, Rob & Barry Styles, and any host of others are to be found at any given time at the Ultimate. I want my girls to meet some of these folks. I want my girls to get a great big swallow of the old Africa that is today. Before it is gone.

I have been going to the Ultimate for the last 10 years.......I have been there a total of close to 3 months - just at the Ultimate....I am making an expensive trip, out of the way - and NOT even hunting, just to go back to see Russ, and fellow hunters, and PH's!

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE BOOK! CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU RUSS!! And I'm excited as hell for my family to meet you. See you soon. Maybe in Vegas for SCI even before we get there next April.

HELL...........I even met Judge G there - where we had party hardy last year. Maybe we should get together an AR Ultimate group for family time at the Ultimate.

IF YOU ARE FROM THE U.S. and part of the HUNTING FRATERNITY. JUST TRY TO PICTURE THIS........WHEN IN VIC FALL.....NO ULTIMATE........NO RUSS...........Something would be sadly missing, some LARGE part of the OLD AFRICA today would be gone. AND there would be no getting it back.

Russ.........Pick us up at the Airport - April 15th next year. Stop you're grinnin' and wash the linen! I'm bringin' my Grandaughter, and she is all of 8 years old!!!

Brennan

p.s. Russ, the frickin' Skype still doesn't work worth a crap on my computer.

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Vining:
David,
A great story about a great guy. I had the pleasure of staying at the ultimate lodge a year ago last June. Russell and his staff are great. As it was my birthday and I happen to have had a bottle of scotch along it was only polite to share. It was an evening of great comraderie sprinkled with great adventure stories.

Thanks Tim, I'm sure your evening was hugely entertaining!

quote:

Originally posted by Randy Routier:
As somebody who hunts in a wheelchair I honestly truly appreciate what he has done and is doing. I've never done anything like the hunting he has done but chasing animals on my ranch is quite the challenge and I can't imagine going for dangerous game like he and his clients do. My hats off to you Sir.

Randy,

My hat's off to you sir. Expect a PM from Russ soon, he would very much like to discuss wheelchair hunting with you!

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by bcolyer:
Well......I was sort of waiting to let a few others get their .2 cents worth in before launching into my epistle, but I guess it is about time - so here goes!

Uncle Russ Caldecot.....you see, when you call a close friend 'uncle' in Africa, it has a different connotation than just the standard prefix for age. Yes, Uncle Russ is getting long enough in tooth and sometimes beard to qualify for the 'uncle' title. BUT Russel Caldecot has earned this title because of TRUST, EXPERIENCE, HOSPITALITY, GRACIOUSNESS, and a whole host of other terms that extend beyond friendship to personal RELATIONSHIPS.
I cannot count the circumstances Russ has saved my bacon, so to speak. When I needed a place to land....Russ was there. When I needed someone to get me from a jam....Russ was there. When I needed a friendly face....Russ was there. When I needed trusted advice...Russ was there. When I needed arrangements made....Russ was there. When I needed a contact....Russ was there. When I......Well, you get the picture!

Here is the BOTTOM LINE. I am going Elephant hunting in Botswana the first three weeks of next April. My daughter and grandaughter will be with me. I will be in Maun. There is no decent transport from Maun to Vic Falls when I need it. SO........I am hauling all our butts BACK to Jo-berg, then flying BACK to VIC FALLS, with one of the specific reasons being so my daughter and grandaughter can meet Uncle Russ.

Folks.....the good old days of Africa are right now! Guys like John Sharp, Rob & Barry Styles, and any host of others are to be found at any given time at the Ultimate. I want my girls to meet some of these folks. I want my girls to get a great big swallow of the old Africa that is today. Before it is gone.

I have been going to the Ultimate for the last 10 years.......I have been there a total of close to 3 months - just at the Ultimate....I am making an expensive trip, out of the way - and NOT even hunting, just to go back to see Russ, and fellow hunters, and PH's!

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE BOOK! CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU RUSS!! And I'm excited as hell for my family to meet you. See you soon. Maybe in Vegas for SCI even before we get there next April.

HELL...........I even met Judge G there - where we had party hardy last year. Maybe we should get together an AR Ultimate group for family time at the Ultimate.

IF YOU ARE FROM THE U.S. and part of the HUNTING FRATERNITY. JUST TRY TO PICTURE THIS........WHEN IN VIC FALL.....NO ULTIMATE........NO RUSS...........Something would be sadly missing, some LARGE part of the OLD AFRICA today would be gone. AND there would be no getting it back.

Russ.........Pick us up at the Airport - April 15th next year. Stop you're grinnin' and wash the linen! I'm bringin' my Grandaughter, and she is all of 8 years old!!!

Brennan

p.s. Russ, the frickin' Skype still doesn't work worth a crap on my computer.

Thanks bc, your post says it all....

Russ sounds like a great fellow. I haven't hunted the Vic Falls area yet, or even visited it for that matter. Sounds like I need to arrange a trip through The Ultimate to meet him. I know my wife really wants to see the falls next time in Zim. David, I'll get in touch with you soon.