Expert in Tailored African Safaris

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Rick MacSwain, Travel Agent in Edmonton, AB

Rick MacSwain

Edmonton, AB Travel Agent
Super Agent

Rick MacSwain

Edmonton, AB · 25+ Years of Experience

Network Travel Ltd., a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(60)
100% Recommended
Well planned. Great people. Great time.. Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Masai Mara National Reserve

Interests:

Safari, Escorted Tours, Executive Corporate and Luxury Travel, Bespoke Travel, Groups

About Me

Masai Mara Balloon Safari in 2025
Masai Mara Balloon Safari in 2025

With over 30 years in the travel industry and 14 immersive journeys to Africa, I bring unparalleled expertise and passion to every safari I design. Africa isn’t just a destination for me - it’s a place that stirs the soul, captivates the senses, and leaves travelers forever changed. I have personally explored the sweeping savannahs, remote luxury camps, and vibrant cultures of this extraordinary continent, and I use that first-hand experience to craft unforgettable safaris tailored to each traveler’s style and expectations.

Why Travel with Me?
Having visited Kenya six times, South Africa twice, Botswana twice, and Uganda 3 times, I understand the subtle differences that make each destination unique. Whether it’s the iconic Great Migration in the Masai Mara, the vast salt pans of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi, or the scenic splendor of South Africa’s Kruger region, I curate journeys that go beyond the ordinary. I’ve also spent time in Uganda, where I led groups on life-changing gorilla treks and cultural encounters with local communities - an experience unlike any other in the world of wildlife travel.

Tailored Experiences, Every Time
A safari is deeply personal. I specialize in creating custom itineraries that balance wildlife encounters, luxury accommodations, and cultural immersion. My handpicked lodges and camps are chosen not just for their comfort and world-class service, but for their locations in prime wildlife-viewing areas. Whether you’re dreaming of watching elephants roam at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park, gliding silently in a mokoro through Botswana’s Okavango Delta, or enjoying a sundowner in the bush, I ensure every detail is seamlessly planned.

Insider Knowledge You Can Trust
Traveling through Africa requires more than booking a lodge - it requires expert guidance on timing, logistics, and local experiences. I partner with the best on-the-ground operators and English-speaking guides to deliver safe, authentic, and meaningful adventures. My personal presence on many of our escorted safaris ensures guests feel supported from start to finish.

Signature Highlights I Recommend:

  • Witness the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania (timed perfectly for your visit).
  • Track mountain gorillas in Uganda, a humbling encounter with these gentle giants. - Experience a luxury tented camp safari in Amboseli with views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Explore Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta in Botswana, known for high-density wildlife and water-based safaris.
  • Discover South Africa’s winelands, Cape Town, and private reserves, combining culture with safari adventures.
  • Glide over the Masai Mara on a balloon safari game drive. 

A Passion for Africa
Every time I return to Africa, I see something new—a breathtaking sunset over the savannah, a lioness teaching her cubs to hunt, or the warm smiles of local communities. These moments fuel my passion and allow me to share authentic, first-hand stories with my clients. I believe a safari should be as unique as the traveler, which is why I design each journey with care, precision, and a deep respect for Africa’s landscapes and wildlife.

Let’s Create Your Safari Adventure
From the moment you contact me, I’ll take the time to understand your travel style, preferences, and expectations. Whether it’s a luxury honeymoon safari, a family adventure, or a small-group expedition, I will craft an experience that exceeds your dreams. My goal is simple: to provide a journey that is seamless, inspiring, and unforgettable. If Africa is on your bucket list, I would love to share my expertise and passion to make your safari extraordinary.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
60 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 60 reviews

Africa
Reviewed By Dadyo. - Camrose Ab. | Traveled to Africa
Well planned. Great people. Great time..
Rick MacSwain responded
"Hi Ron, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure having you travel with us, and we're thrilled to hear you had a great experience. I'm looking forward to our next adventure. All the best! Rick & the Network Travel Team "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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South Africa and surrounds
Reviewed By Na - Lacombe Alberta Canada | Traveled to South Africa | Africa
Enjoyed a really great trip using Network Travel services. Bonus was to have Rick on the tour as well. His experiences in the area added to general understanding and enjoyment. Rick interacted with travellers, and other service providers such as hotels, restaurants , local guides , drivers in a pleasant and respectful manner. He was fun enthusiastic and patient throughout the trip. Look forward to travelling with him again.
Rick MacSwain responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words and for joining us on this South African adventure! It was such a pleasure having you on the tour, and I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed both the experience and the time we spent together exploring the region. Your thoughtful feedback means the world to me and the Network Travel team. I truly look forward to traveling with you again on another adventure! Rick MacSwain Network Travel"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Great Japanese Adventure
Reviewed By Gyozas - Edmonton | Traveled to Japan | East and Southeast Asia
The itinerary of our trip included a diverse array of stops. Rick read our group and was able to modify and adjust as needed. We thoroughly enjoyed his guidance throughout the adventure and highly recommend his services.
Rick MacSwain responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words and for joining us on this incredible journey through Japan! It was a pleasure traveling with you, and I’m glad the itinerary and our flexibility along the way made your experience even more memorable. Your recommendation means a lot, and I hope to welcome you on another adventure soon. Arigatou gozaimasu! Warmest regards, Rick MacSwain Network Travel"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Trip of a lifetime!
Reviewed By Warner and Eldeen - Saskatoon, SK. | Traveled to Kenya | Africa
Simple words can't describe the awesome experience we had on our Kenyan Safari. The flights, the safari, the accommodations, the food, the people and the hot air balloon ride. Rick and the team pulled together outstanding service and looked after us start to finish. We will be travelling again with Network Travel.
Rick MacSwain responded
"Warner and Eldeen, thank you so much for your beautiful message. It was such a pleasure having you with us in Kenya — your energy and enthusiasm made the journey even more special. I’m so glad you enjoyed everything from the game drives to the lodges (and that unforgettable hot air balloon ride!). It means a lot to hear that you felt looked after from start to finish — that’s exactly what we aim for. All the best!! Rick & the Network Travel Team"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Extraordinary Experience!
Reviewed By LaureneKim - High River, Alberta | Traveled to Africa
My bucket list was to go to Africa and in January 2025, I was able to make it happen after many years of dreaming! I booked with Network Travel knowing that Rick MacSwain (owner) was accompanying the group and that made us feel much more assured as we had never travelled this distance before. The trip exceeded our expectations in all areas! And having Rick with us was definitely one of the reasons why. He was informative, knowledgeable, friendly, funny and overall a wonderful person to have with us. From the moment he introduced himself to us in Dubai (we added on this extension to the Africa trip) to the moment he left us in South Africa (to greet another group of travelers), it was invaluable to have Rick's expertise. We didn't have to worry about a thing on this trip and that in itself is priceless! I would highly recommend Rick and Network Travel and have already done so to our family and friends!
Rick MacSwain responded
"Laurene, thank you so much for your kind words and for being part of our journey through Dubai and South Africa. It was a true pleasure sharing the experience with you and Alan. We hope to welcome you both on another adventure soon! Wishing you all the very best until then."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

Memory Makers
View Album
Balloon Safari

My Travel Stories

Elephant Camp Victoria Falls

An Unforgettable Journey Through Southern Africa

I just returned from an extraordinary journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia - and what an experience it was! We kicked things off in Johannesburg, the vibrant heart of South Africa, before flying north to witness the thundering power of Victoria Falls -one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The sheer scale and beau...
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Client Testimonials

Conference Group to Europe
Rick was simply amazing! Our group required a lot of organizing with many moving parts that combined hotel stays, transfers, tours, meetings, a Med cruise and speciality restaurants. Every detail was coordinated our group to Europe was one of our best experiences. Fantastic experience and we would highly recommend Rick for any group.
Jim B Edmonton Alberta
Family Group Vacation
Rick is awesome, very organized, knowledgeable, reply’s to emails very promptly.
Sarah E Calgary Alberta
Golf Trip Extraordinaire!
Working with Rick is always a great experience. Every detail is considered and taken care of.
Melly S Edmonton Alberta
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