Ultimate Africa Safaris excels at designing custom luxury travel experiences across Africa, offering everything from private vehicles and exclusive camps to unique activities such as gorilla trekking, hot air balloon rides, and horseback safaris. Ian Proctor, who boasts 30 years of experience in high-end African travel, has personally visited 410 of Africa’s premier safari lodges and camps—all meticulously vetted.
Since 1996, Ian has been creating lavish safaris for discerning travelers, providing insider access and unmatched expertise. With extensive regional insight, he personally oversees each itinerary, limiting his clientele to guarantee a top-tier, concierge-level experience. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or embarking on your first trip to Africa, Ian has one clear objective: to craft a luxurious and transformative safari experience that surpasses your expectations and remains etched in your memory.
Ian’s passion for Africa was ignited in the late 1980s after an unforgettable encounter with a wild elephant in Tanzania. This life-changing moment led him to establish Ultimate Africa Safaris in 1996, positioning it among the first safari companies to establish an online presence. As of 2025, following their most successful safari season in nearly three decades and Ian’s recent nomination to the board of the Safari Professionals of the Americas, Travel + Leisure has recognized him as one of the world’s most influential vacation specialists.
Ian radiates enthusiasm for curating highly personalized African experiences that defy the typical mass-market itineraries. “I want my clients to fall head over heels in love with Africa,” Ian states. “Whether you’re awakening in a luxurious treehouse or drifting off to sleep under the stars during the great wildebeest migration, you deserve an unobstructed view of Africa’s finest wildlife, far removed from the crowds.”
The hallmark of Ultimate Africa Safaris lies in its steadfast commitment to quality and detail, bolstered by Ian’s hands-on experience within Africa. He devotes two to three months annually to inspecting lodges and camps, verifying that each recommended property upholds the highest standards—from renowned sites like Giraffe Manor and Mombo Camp to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. His insider expertise ensures an unforgettable journey.
However, not all safaris are created equal, and Ian candidly acknowledges this fact. Elements like wildlife density, guide quality, vehicle comfort, crowd sizes, and safety can dramatically impact your experience. “Many companies promote a one-size-fits-all adventure,” Ian remarks. “They assert that everything is superb, but few have actually set foot in the locations they recommend.” In a realm where mere weeks can dictate the difference between calm solitude and overwhelming crowds, Ian understands what elevates a safari to extraordinary status.
Enhancing the experience further, Ian’s clients frequently enjoy exclusive perks arising from his long-standing personal connections. This could entail complimentary nights, unique activities, private helicopter transfers, or spa treatments at no additional charge.
If you are keen on having Ian curate an extraordinary safari experience like he did for me, you can easily arrange a call or Zoom meeting through the Ultimate Africa Safaris website or reach out to him via email at [email protected].
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