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Ultimate Lodge Vic Falls Visit
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We finished up our recent trip to Africa with a visit to Vic Falls. During our time there in part was spent with Russell Caldecott of Ultimate Lodge. Here is another great thing about AR. I learned of Russell through the AR. Thank you Saeed and all who participate in this forum. I want to add to the information here for others who are planning a trip to the Vic Falls area.
It was my distinct pleasure to have made Russels acquaintance. We were a party of four, myself, my wife, and my in-laws to be known as the OP's " old people fondly referred to". After completing a hippo croc hunt in the Lake Cahora Bassa area ( report to folow) we went to Victoria Falls to see the sites. It was a breath of fresh air to stay with Russell in a hunter friendly atmosphere. Russel was a very attentive host with a great lodge building which sported mounted trophies and local African art. One was immediately at ease.That with his comfortable accomodations and nicely manicured landscaped grounds and lush gardens set the tone for a very relaxing atmosphere.
Russel arranged a Chobe trip which was private for our group. He also arranged for one of his staff "Zwe" to accompany us around the local shops which definitely helped in fending off the over zealous merchants at the flea market. Russel also arranged a driver to take us to Makuni(sp) Village for the day, a traditional African village in Zambia. While in Zambia we also visited the museum in Livingstone that was enjoyable as well. It does not stop here. We were also treated to a BBQ compete with his home made sausages, which are absolutely great,plus chicken and steak. Fantastic.... I am so glad Africans are meat eaters. After the "eat a thon" was over he had arranged for entertainment for the evening. There were two groups that performed, traditonal dancers and a group who played instruments and drums "Marimba". It was soooo much fun. Do not be surprised to be asked to dance. By the way they do not take no for an answer. I have even seen pictures of Russell out there and he is in a wheel chair. So there is no excuse.
The wife while there also bagged herself her own set of trophies. We left the big pile with Russell who is arranging transport to Harare where Andy Hunter will arrange shipment back to the U.S. with our trophies. Russel is able to "make a plan" at the last minute and does so with passion and entusiasm. We were very comfortable while there. Looking back I wish we spent more time with Ultimate Lodge while in Victoria Falls. They also have fishing trips and actually catch fish as a result of Russell's training of his guides. Unfotunately I was not able to go this trip. I would be remiss not to mention all this is very reasonably priced...a great deal.
A quick comment here in closing regarding Vic Falls area. We were in Vic Falls in 2007 having been taken there by an operator I hunted with in RSA. There is a world of difference between 07 and 2010 in mood and vibrancy. I noticed there are now Tourist Police as they are called scattered around town to assist tourists that are out and about. Also I noticed one day an organized community clean up in an area. You can actually buy fuel in town now where in 07 there was none available. The Zimbabweans do not ask for tips unlike what we find in RSA. It was refreshing and I probably tipped more because of it.
It is a great destination a must see. Drop Russell an e-mail he will make a plan.
Put Vic Falls on your itinerary. It is safe and it is one of the natural wonders of the world.
 
Posts: 71 | Location: North Pole, Alaska | Registered: 20 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Thanks for the update on Vic Falls. We were there in 2008 and flew out of Vic Falls to Joburg. We, along with a whole group of Japanese tourists, lost cameras and other valuables to an organized ring of thugs at the airport. Ours were taken from our locked carry-on bags when they insisted on taking our bags(splitting the zipper with a pen method) at the last minute and putting them in the cargo hold, stating that they wouldn't fit in the overhead compartments. Hopefully the thievery is still not a problem there. We now have hard side luggage with no zippers. We will used it this July in going back to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
 
Posts: 18580 | Registered: 04 April 2005Reply With Quote
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I too have no hesitation in recomending Russell. I have known him for many years and he is a great guy and a very good operator who will always go the extra mile for his clients , many of whom become good and lasting friends of his
 
Posts: 459 | Location: Zimbabwe | Registered: 11 May 2010Reply With Quote
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