A good friend of mine, Russell Caldecott, has ask me to post some information in regards to his lodge in Victoria Falls.

Russell was a former PH who was injured in a roll over accident while hunting. He is now confined to a wheelchair and has built this lodge up from scratch. He caters to hunters, and his place is neat, clean and a fraction of the cost of staying in town.

I have stayed with Russell on eight previous trips to Zim. He also can offer side trips and runs a fishing concession. I believe some other AR members have stayed and can vouch for his place. He is dedicted and extremely hard working to see that his clients have an enjoyable stay.

Contact information:
Website-- ultimatelodge.com
e-mail--russcaldecott@gmail.com

I can vouch for Russell.
stayed there in 2006
good guy---nice accommodations-

I was just there in September and Russell made you feel like you had been friends for your whole lives. He was very gracious and nothing was a problem at all! Rates were fair and you just didnt feel like you were a guest, but rather a friend in town to visit.

I can vouch for his Zambezi fishing trip and sight-seeing in the Chobe National park. Both are very worthwhile and priced right. He also arranged for a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls for my wife and I. I wouldn't hesitate to stay with him even though we happened to stay across the border in Zambia this year. A really neat guy with a great attitude and always a "plan".

I can second the comments on the fishing trip. I had a great time when I did it. He hooked me up with tiger fishing and a trip to the falls with almost no notice.

He is a nice guy. I enjoyed staying at his place.

I did however, think the accommodations were a little rough. Regardless, I would stay there again.

Hi Larry;

Russ has been updating his place including the rooms the last year or so. I think you will find the updates quiet nice if you get a chance to stay with him again. He also has hired a general manager that has really taken some of the stress out of his job.

Thanks for the heads up on Russ'lodge. I will surely keep him in mind.

I can't say enough good things regarding Russell and his lodge. Les and I stayed there for a few days in 2007 after a buff hunt in the Lowveld with Buffalo Range Safaris. This was when things were probably rock bottom in Zim, but Russ came through with goods and services.

Russ arranged a great day trip to Chobe and also got us to the Falls and the old Vic Falls Hotel for sundowners one night. We did not have a chance to fish, but other guests did and had a ball.

As mentioned, Russ and Sandro makes you feel like long time friends not customers. I can't imagine staying anywhere else when in Vic Falls. His recent upgrades including a huge generator only add to the places charm. He definitely is the most hunter friendly place there.

His spirit and attitude are amazing. I am glad that I know him and can call him a friend. As they say in Zim, Russ has a plan.

RCG

The Ultimate Lodge is the BEST place to stay in Vic Falls. We stayed there at the end of August for several days, and my wife loved it so much she can't wait for our next trip in 2011. Russ is a man who knows no limits and has an obvious passion for providing the best possible experience to every one of his guests. He has assembled the best staff you'll find in Victoria Falls. Our room was large and comfortable, and the grounds are a lush and beautiful oasis, a great place to stay while exploring the area, or before or after a hunt. We fished on the Zambezi for tiger fish and nembwe for two days, and our guide was Massau, the best river guide out of Vic Falls. The action was fast, the fish plentiful, and the river is awesome. The Ultimate Lodge is the kind of jewel that you almost hope others don't find out about, but then you find yourself telling everyone what a great time you had there. It was recommended to us by a good friend from South Africa, and I strongly recommend it to anyone traveling to Victoria Falls, especially hunters. You won't be disappointed!

Stayed with Russ and Company about six years ago with nothing but the best to convey. Glad to hear he is still in business and going strong. Will stay with out a doubt with him again if ever in Vic Falls. I would like to try the tiger fishing expedition he sets up.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

Thanks for the kind comments. I'm sure Russell is pleased with the response. His new web page is up and running and is quiet nice.
Thanks again!!

Find them on face book as Ultimate Africa Safaris & Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Or their website:www.ultimatelodge.com

I don't believe that Russ is going to make it here to the shows this year, but he would for sure love to hear from you.

If you are going to or through Victoria Falls you certainly will not find a better host! He seems able to satisfy your most remote travel needs. He and his staff are an amazing group!

Les

Yeah, great place and great guy. I would never stay anywhere else in the Falls. Like has been said - you feel like a friend, not a guest.

David

What a great response from all, we are tremendously satisfied that all speaks so highly of us and our operation and we anticipate every single ones return here to our beloved home Africa, once again its greatly appreciated and we promise our commitment and utmost input into your next stay here with us. You all have great day and feel free to check out our News Letter at http://www.ultimatelodge.com/N...tter/NewsLetter.html to keep you updated on the latest.

[IMG:top]http://www.ultimatelodge.com/images/victoria falls 005.jpg[/IMG]

Hey Russell,

Hope you are well bud. See you soon, or not so soon.....

Dave

Mr Hulme hope you are well squire! So how did it go with your walk about round the border? Give me a call some time.

Will give you a call soon Russ. The walk is still very much in progress. Many problems and numerous delays but we almost completed the Zam Valley - 25% opf the entire distance. Camera is dead and there is a heap more to sort out, but we will be resuming ASAP.

Cheers and take care my friend, Dave

Russ: Wow what a nice facility you have, and a great Web site. Another great reason for my wife to come with me when I return to Africa.

you better bring the mrs !! will be waiting as you can see from the website there is myriad of activities to keep the family and non hunters busy from sun rise to sun rise!!!

I also stopped in at the lodge with Russ after a hunt in 2009 with Charlie and Pam Stanton.Russ organised a booze cruise and on retunr to the lodge we had quite party that I will remember for a long time. I can't wait to return to Zim and catch up with him once again.The new web site is cool

Welcome Russ, it has been a while since I was with you but hope to stop by next year if all goes as planned. Planning to hunt Matitsi in 2010.

Welcome Russel. We enjoyed the swimming pool tremendously the last time we where there...

I wouldn't go to Vic Falls without stopping by and spending a night or two with Russell. Sandra cooked up a nice Italian dinner last time. I enjoy the conversation. Wish I could return every year.

Dean Stobbs and I fished half a day in 2008. I can't remember the guide's name, but I've fished with him twice, and really enjoy his company and expertise.

I ran $20 short a years back and Russell just waved it off. I paid him back $40 the next time I went to Zimbabwe, two years later. Not interest, just a deposit, knowing I'll run short again. He's good-people, that's about the highest compliment possible in my industry.

When I'm in Russell's company I always feel like I get more than I give.

Russ & 'The Ultimate' is absolutely the best! I am not planning on hunting this coming year. BUT...I AM PLANNING ON TAKING MY 6 YEAR OLD GRANDAUGHTER BACK TO RUSS'. The company of hunters....the fishing....the Chobe (especially for a kid) just can't be beat. Who knows....I am meeting Theo at DSC. Maybe I will be hunting. Russ....talk to you soon!!

We are ready and waiting for the arrival of all our friends and new ones to be made. As always looking forward to a good year here in Africa. Feel free to have a look at our January News Letter on the happenings in and around Ultimate Lodge here in Victoria Falls.

http://www.ultimatelodge.com/N...imesJanuary2010.html

Also have a look at our Photographic News update on Hwange National Park.

http://www.ultimatelodge.com/N...imesJanuary2010.html

Our best regards from the Team at Ultimate

Welcome to the forum, Russell. I'm glad your lodge is still doing well.

I stayed there in 2005, after my Matetse buffalo hunt. Bcolyer was part of my group and was in the room next door.

Ditto on everything good that has been said about Russell and his Ultimate Lodge. Russell did everything he could to make my stay there a pleasure.

Thank you byffybr and so it shall remain that we do that to every single client of ours, a standard we are proud of.

Ultimate Team

To all fellow hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. Here at Ultimate Africa Safaris & Lodge we have started our season and is looking forward to receiving all our guests and friends this year. For all we have our News Letter posted and invite you to have a look, keeping all informed on the happenings here at Ultimate. Feel free to take look.

http://www.ultimatelodge.com/N...Letter/NewsMain.html


From the Team at Ultimate

I'll be staying with Russell on September 9th. Anyone else?

I just spent some time at UL and can comment as follows:

1. Food is very good and drinks are very reasonably priced

2. Rooms are great, redone. They now have very nice (new) rooms with queen beds, in addition to the double rooms.

3. Staff is very friendly and competent.

4. Security is excellent

Wouldn't think of staying anywhere else in Vic Falls.

Thank you Russ for the kind words, you know it Brother and so we will be set apart from the rest.

The Team at Ultimate

We stayed with Russell last May. He makes you feel like an old friend. The grounds are spectacular. Drinks around the fire pit are priceless. If you need things do do in Vic Falls he has all the contacts. We had a great time!

Thanks Russell, Shawn Davison