My OAT Ultimate Africa Review

Safari Tips From a 19-Time
Overseas Adventure Travel Traveler

Have you ever dreamed of coming face-to-face with lions passing just feet from your safari jeep?

Before we left on OAT's Ultimate Africa safari, we heard from many fellow travelers that this was “the trip of a lifetime.” They were right!
It was. And it can be for you.

Why OAT's Ultimate Africa Is Truly the Trip of a Lifetime

Things OAT Doesn’t Tell You in the Itinerary

While Overseas Adventure Travel provides excellent pre-trip guides, taking the Ultimate Africa safari reveals a few practical realities you only learn once your feet are on the ground. Keep these insider tips in mind to ensure a seamless experience:

Dark Blue and Black Are Magnet Colors for Tsetse Flies: You be told to wear neutral earth tones. Leave all blue denim and dark clothing at home. Tsetse flies are drawn directly to dark blue and black, and their bite easily penetrates thin cotton.

The "Hand-Wash" Rule for Underwear: Out of respect for local cultural norms, tented camp staff will not wash guest underwear. Pack 3–4 pairs of quick-dry underwear alongside a small travel detergent packet so you can rinse them in your tent sink.

Planning Your First OAT Adventure?

If you're considering Ultimate Africa or another Overseas Adventure Travel trip, I hope my experiences and tips help you decide whether OAT is right for you.

I've now taken 19 OAT adventures and have another one booked. If you decide to travel with OAT, I'd really appreciate your telling them (when booking):
“I was referred by Jesse Slome
(OAT #932019).”

It costs you nothing, and it helps me earn a credit toward a future adventure.

So far, 88 travelers have told OAT they were referred by Jesse Slome.

If you decide to take an OAT adventure,
I hope you'll be #89!

Thank you — and I hope to see you somewhere in the world !

If you take OAT's Ultimate Africa adventure, you'll understand why this is one of their most popular trips. And I now understand why some people have taken this journey more than once.

Of the 19 trips I've taken with OAT, I refer to just two as “Trips of a Lifetime.” Ultimate Africa is one of them. The other is Antarctica: The White Wilderness. That's saying something, because I've experienced some pretty extraordinary places with OAT.

We went to Africa to see animals in the wild — although some people on our trip were there primarily to see birds, and they certainly weren't disappointed. The wildlife was spectacular. But what surprised me was how much I remember the people and the joyful experiences we shared along the way. They were every bit as memorable as the animals.

Because OAT sends so many travelers to Africa, they've developed relationships with some outstanding camps. The accommodations were truly wonderful, with private bathrooms in every tent. There was coffee by an open fire as the sun rose. And every evening seemed to bring another unforgettable safari sundowner, with drinks and conversation surrounded by landscapes that seemed to go on forever.

And yes, there was the Big Five.

A big part of that experience was having outstanding guides. I remember one late afternoon when the sun was beginning to set. Our guides — there are two in each safari jeep — found a lion sunning himself. You can see him in the photo. That alone would have been enough to cap a great day.

But no. They heard that a leopard was nearby, so off we went. By the time we found it, it was getting dark. Surely now we were heading back to camp for dinner.

But no. Two female lions were out playing. So dinner could wait.

That's what made Ultimate Africa so special. Every day was different. Every day brought another surprise. And every day gave us another reason to say, “Wow.”

Every trip is unique, but Ultimate Africa is one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after you get home. It's easy to understand why people return to it — and, yes, I can imagine that we may do it again one day ourselves.

Who This Trip Is Perfect For

First-Time Safari Travelers: If you want a comprehensive, turn-key African experience covering wildlife, Victoria Falls, and local cultural exchanges in one seamless booking, this itinerary delivers.

Active Seniors & Couples: Designed specifically for travelers who appreciate structured days, early morning game drives, and small-group camaraderie.

Solo Travelers: OAT is famous for offering free or low-cost single supplements, making this trip an incredible option for independent solo travelers who want safety and community in the bush.

If you want an authentic, raw, and deeply memorable African safari that balances wilderness immersion with great comfort, OAT’s Ultimate Africa is well worth the investment.

Tips & Advice: OAT's Ultimate Africa Adventure

When To Go: I'd recommend Northern Hemisphere's summer (Southern Africa's winter). Yes, the weather can be chilly. But the foliage is down so finding and seeing animals is much easier.

What To Pack: Morning game drives start before sunrise and are surprisingly cold (especially in open-air jeeps), requiring heavy layers, fleece, and a windbreaker. Definitely pack a wool hat and a face gaiter (buff). By midday, temperatures heat up significantly, requiring short sleeves and sun protection.

What You'll Want For "Glamping": OAT’s wilderness tented camps feature real beds, attached private bathrooms with showers. They will get cold at night but the staff places hot water bottles into everyone's bed (a treat). Still, bring sweats or warm pj's to sleep in. A small flashlight or hands-free headlamp can be handy.

Definitely Book The Pre-Trip: This is a private game reserve approximately 40 square miles with three different lodges. It's fenced in so while it can take a 90-minute drive to find where the lions are hiding, you'll definitely see them up close. And, the lodges are first-class. This is definitely the way to start this wonderful adventure.

Less Clothes Works Fine: OAT provides a rolling duffel bag specifically designed for this tour. Light aircraft (bush planes) used to fly travelers between camps in Botswana and Zimbabwe can't fit hard suitcases. You'll wear the same clothes again and again (and nobody will care). Plus, you get free daily laundry at the camps (provided the sun is shining).

Camera or iPhone: I brought a professional 35mm Nikon camera which did take great photos. But honestly people using their iphones got as good shots and did better taking photos when it was still dark outside. Do bring something to protect your equipment from dust as you'll be driving down many, many dirt roads.

Money: We never needed cash. Credit cards worked everywhere, including paying tabs in the tent camps. We tipped our guide in U.S. dollars (our 'Emergency fund' if needed). But you may want to bring some $5 and $10 bills to tip safari guides who often really go above and beyond to find you the greatest animal scenes you can only dream of seeing.

Enjoy just a few of my photos

The Final Verdict - Should You Book OAT's Ultimate Africa Tour?

YES: We rate it 5 / 5 Stars. Fellow OAT Travelers (on the company website) Rate it: 4.8 / 5 Stars

If you want an authentic, raw, and deeply memorable African safari that balances wilderness immersion with great comfort, OAT’s Ultimate Africa is well worth the investment.

Ready to Book Your Safari?

Don't forget that first-time OAT travelers can claim a $100 discount on their reservation! Simply call OAT directly and tell your booking agent "you were referred by Jesse Slome (Referral Code 932019). Full disclosure, I get a 1-time credit towards my next trip. Maybe another safari. Thank you so very much to those who enjoy The Thrifty Senior Traveler.

Written by Jesse Slome, The Thrifty Senior Traveler
Originally published August 21, 2026 | Last updated August 21, 2026