To all my dear Friends, Colleagues, Clients and Agents
 
I am sure you all know or might have heard that I regretfully decided to close the doors of Ultimate Lodge at the end of January this year 2011. This may seem like a drastic action but lately the unrealistic increases in tax rates, permit fees, staff costs and municipal services have left me no choice. Please be reassured that the services of Ultimate Africa Safaris will not be terminated.

While it is no longer cost effective for me to continue running the lodge, I will turn all my focus to booking more exciting experiences for my clients. So, if you are looking to book a photographic, fishing or hunting safari, and just general site seeing and shopping around Victoria Falls, I am definitely still your man! You know I have the know-how to create a holiday to be remembered!

I will be arranging great accommodation deals at various hotels in Vic Falls for you. Every month I am going to send out updates on the country, weather and what to do when – I look forward to being able to dedicate my time to your wishes and logistics on the ground in Zimbabwe and surrounding areas to Victoria Falls.
 
At the end of the day, nothing much is changing – so don’t worry please. Only the accommodation at Ultimate Lodge will no longer feature in my services. I will still arrange your private transport and activities in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana – your stay just won’t be at the lodge anymore, but at any of the great accommodation options I will be providing you with.
 
Look out for my monthly news, get in touch with me for anything you need and I will see you next time you are in Africa!

Feel free to contact me on Skype (Russell Caldecott crazyhorse393) and talk to me live or alternatively e-mail on russcaldecott@gmail.com
 
So long, and Ultimately yours
Russ

After twenty two years in Vic Falls, rest assured, Russell although not using his lodge will continue to offer excellent service to anyone who wants to visit Vic Falls and book other activities. Shame for all you that know Russell and how hard he works, the government is so desperate for cash they are pounding everyone. Hang in their Russ, I believe your friends will not let you down.

Does anyone have an update on this?

I have a friend that is headed over at the end of the month. Someone from SA says he has booked him into Russell's lodge.

Thanks.

I just corresponded with Russell this morning. He is arranging lodging, fishing and other activities, etc. for my friend Lee Davenport (who is presently en route to IAD for the long trip to JNB on SAA and to Vic Falls on the 15th.... and then to hunt leopard with Karl Stumpfe in the Caprivi).

On Tuesday, I'm en route to Vic Falls with Russ making all the arrangements for me an my daughter. I'll be staying at Gorges lodge for two nights (before I go to Matetsi) and not at Ultimate Lodge, though.

One thing I can say... I feel quite assured that everything will be smooth as silk if Russell is in charge.

I'll send Russell an email and maybe he'll respond as to whether or not he, again, provides lodging himself or books other places for his clients.

Thank you sir.