Understanding places. Understanding travellers.
After four decades of travelling, learning and connecting with people around the world, we bring genuine insight to every journey we design.
No two trips are the same. Each itinerary is created with trusted partners and tailored to what matters most to you.
You’ll work with a dedicated consultant from first call to journey’s end, someone who knows the destination first-hand and can guide your choices with clarity.
It’s an approach that has earned awards from The Sunday Times, The Observer and Condé Nast Traveller, and a five-star Feefo rating from our clients.
THE ULTIMATE DIFFERENCE
Our directors have also been on quite a journey. Back in the 70’s and 80’s, Nick Van Gruisen was a professional guide in Botswana and Rowan Paterson was organising wildlife safaris and treks through the Himalaya. They’ve been involved in travel ever since.
In 1991, The Ultimate Travel Company was born – a specialised, privately-owned travel company with far-reaching expertise and a personal touch. Nick and Rowan are both still actively involved on a day-to-day basis, sharing their years of experience and know-how with the team.
- A diverse and exciting portfolio of long haul luxury and adventure, wildlife safaris, ocean and river cruises, beach vacations and European breaks for individuals, families and small groups alike.
- The first-hand know-how and expertise to create the perfect holiday for you.
- Enthusiastic, flexible, personalised and accurate.
- A trusted network of regional partners worldwide who deliver the ultimate experience on the ground.
- Owners and directors on hand 24/7.
- Significant donations to charitable initiatives in key destinations.
- An unwavering focus on responsible tourism – sustaining local cultures, wildlife habitats and eco-systems.
THE DIRECTORS
Nick Van Gruisen
Rowan Paterson
Responsible by Nature
Our annual mangrove-planting programme in Madagascar offsets the emissions from our operations and client travel, while helping restore fragile ecosystems. We also support a number of global projects in health, education, social care and wildlife conservation.
As an ATOL, ABTA and IATA bonded company, your financial protection is always assured.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
By committing to a future holiday with a fully accredited and bonded travel company such as The Ultimate Travel Company, you can book with confidence, safe in the knowledge that…
- Your holiday will be fully protected financially by our bonds with ATOL and ABTA.
- Our team of destination experts are on hand to talk you through the specific conditions relating to all aspects of your holiday and to help you make safe and informed decisions.
- If within a few weeks of departure government restrictions in place either here or abroad prevent you from travelling, you can choose to postpone your holiday or receive a full cash refund.
- Flight Disruption – we will do everything we can to get you to your destination as quickly and smoothly as possible. In the unlikely event that we are unable to do so, we will either re-arrange your holiday for a later date and absorb any additional costs incurred or reimburse you in full for all monies paid to us.
TRUSTED BY FELLOW TRAVELLERS
We had a wonderful safari experience in South Luangwa, Zambia this September. Despite a few unexpected setbacks behind the scenes, everything ran seamlessly for us. Our driver and guide were outstanding, and the standard of accommodation was truly first class.
The Ultimate Travel Company created a completely bespoke trip for us. Every detail was carefully thought through. From handpicked hotels and seamless flights to unforgettable tours and local experiences, nothing was off the shelf. Just excellent, personalised service from start to finish.
DISCOVER MORE INDEPENDENT REVIEWS FROM FEEFO
WHY CHOOSE THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL COMPANY
Trusted Expertise & Honest Guidance
With decades of experience and a team of passionate specialists, we provide honest, informed advice. We take the time to understand our clients, offering tailored recommendations with full transparency, so they can travel with complete confidence.
A World of Meaningful Experiences
Our journeys do more than take you places, they broaden horizons. We curate immersive, life-enriching experiences that create lasting memories, whether it’s deep cultural connections, unique encounters, or responsible, ethical travel choices.
A Travel Collective
Our strength lies in the relationships we build; with our clients, our guides, and our global partners. We foster a sense of community where expertise is shared, personal connections are valued, and every journey is enriched by the people behind it.
Looked After, Every Step of the Way
Our role is to make travel effortless. From meticulous planning to on-the-ground support, we take care of every detail. We are a trusted, independent, family-run business, and our clients rely on us for reliability, financial security, and a personal touch in everything we do.
