Kate & Darren Humphrys with Henry, Olive and Hume
Compass Odyssey
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
US
Email Sandy and Bill | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime African experience!
Compass Odyssey planned our 15-night stay in southern Africa for us and another couple and we could not have been happier with the accommodations, the guides, the tours, the food, etc. We stayed in Cape Town for 4 nights, Franschhoek for 3 nights, Victoria Falls for 3 nights, Chobe for 2 nights, ending up at Shinde Camp for 3 nights. The whole experience was so well planned with wonderful guides as well as a little relaxing time as well. We felt that the time we stayed at each location was perfect. The guesthouses we stayed at were very accommodating with friendly and helpful staff, great food, and comfortable rooms. We especially enjoyed our guides and drivers (Garth, Mortimer, BK, and General) who were so knowledgeable with history and facts as well as having fun and pleasant personalities. The communications leading up to the tour were informative and comprehensive and while we were on the trip we stayed in touch with Darren who was there to answer any questions we had or to just tell him what a great time we were having. We always felt well taken care of by the guides and Compass and are eager to refer them to friends who may be considering a trip to Africa!
US
Email Ellen and Bill | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
It's all in the details!
There are many options for travel planners but we picked Compass because they listened and helped us design a vacation specific to us. The places we stayed were so comfortable and so special. From the heart of Cape Town to the wine lands to Shinde in the delta. We were so well looked after....our guides on the ground personalized the experience... never rushed. This was not a cookie cutter experience. The value was outstanding. Our time with Compass extended over 11 days and 4 countries. The guides were knowledgeable, helpful... they made the trip so easy for us and also special.
Email Sima Kothari and Roderick Jones | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly knowledgeable and responsive. Efficient and charming service of the highest quality .
We were delighted to have booked our holiday through Compass Odyssey. We travelled to Victoria Falls, and then onto The Hide in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe for 3 nights and then onto Botswana for 2 nights in Chobe, 3 nights in the Okavanga Delta and 2 nights in Naxi Pan. Darren created an interesting and streamlined itinerary for us and all of the accommodation was superb and different which enhanced the overall itinerary. We loved it!
Communication was excellent from the outset and there was a sense that we were in very capable and safe hands which was reassuring. We were provided with a wealth of information which was really helpful and Ruth and Mortimer who were our guides in Zimbabwe were hugely personable whilst providing a great service.
Darren was very flexible and charming providing us with a number of options and was never “ pushy” so we were able to fully tailor the trip to our needs and budget.
I did a lot of research into tour operators and can genuinely say that we think we secured a genuinely fine service which was great value for money. It was a truly special and memorable experience . We will definitely book with them again in the future !!
US
Email Mr. Ed Callahan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
You don’t have to worry about a thing
From pickup in Namibia to drop off a month later in Uganda, all I had to do was enjoy the trip.
These were my second (Namibia) and third (East Africa: Kenya and Uganda) trips organized by Compass Odyssey. I went with them because my first trip (South Africa/Victoria Falls/Okavango in 2018) went so smoothly.
Darren and Kate Humphrys made me feel like I was their only client. (We communicated more than 80 times before and during my trip.). In fact, Darren offered his suggestions for another Africa trip I took in July 2024 for which he wouldn’t receive a penny. He always ended his communications with, “I remain at your service.” The Humphrys always gave the impression that their moral code wouldn’t allow for anything less than complete satisfaction from me. Not just satisfaction but delight.
Every single thing you could think of was covered in the Trip Itinerary sent before the trip. If I had any middle of the night questions I’d communicate them and get a response the next day at the latest. Throughout the trip Darren was in touch with my guides and would ask me if I needed anything else.
What else could I need? Guides were phenomenal. Transitions were seamless. Accommodations ranged from simple to luxurious and were staffed by the most hospitable people on the planet.
If you’ve never been to Africa please go. The continent and Compass Odyssey want you to enjoy your experience, and they want it to be extraordinary.
US
Email Eric | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Adventure with Compass Odyssey
Unforgettable Safari Adventure with Compass Odyssey – Highly Recommended!
Our family recently had the pleasure of taking a two-week safari tour with Compass Odyssey, and it was an experience that will stay with us forever. This family-owned company truly exceeded our expectations, delivering an incredible journey through four South African countries, including Cape Town, Victoria Falls (both Zambia and Zimbabwe), and two distinct safari camps in South Africa and Botswana. If you’re looking for a personalized, well-curated, and memorable African adventure, look no further!
Breathtaking Experiences & Unmatched Wildlife Encounters
The highlight of our trip was, without a doubt, the wildlife. We were lucky enough to experience the raw beauty of nature in ways we never imagined. From swimming in Devil's Pool at the edge of Victoria Falls to running the rapids past hippos and crocodiles, every moment was thrilling. In the safari camps, we were surrounded by herds of impala, zebra, cape buffalo and elephants, “towers’ of giraffes, prides of lions, packs of wild dogs, and “crashes” of rhinos. Whether it was daybreak coffee in the bush or sundown cocktails on safari, every activity was designed to create unforgettable memories.
Seamless Travel with Exceptional Guides
One of the things that set Compass Odyssey apart was how smoothly everything ran. We never had to worry about a thing. At every stop, our expert guides were there to meet us and guide us to the next destination with ease. In Cape Town, Gillian Schroder brought a wealth of knowledge, offering deep insights into South Africa’s history and culture, and she quickly became a dear friend. In Victoria Falls, Emanuel Bondera expertly guided us through incredible adventures like the Rhino Walk and Elephant Café.
Personalized Service and Expert Management
Compass Odyssey, led by Darren and Kate Humphrys, has over 25 years of experience running bespoke tours in South and East Africa. Their dedication to providing tailored, high-quality travel experiences is clear. They manage every aspect of the trip and maintain personal relationships with their guides and lodging providers. Darren personally greeted us at the airport near Kruger National Park, and we could tell that every detail of our journey had been meticulously planned. Their tours focus on creating authentic, intimate experiences by visiting smaller, more personable venues that larger tours may overlook.
A Truly Affordable Luxury Experience
Despite the level of attention and luxury, Compass Odyssey offers their tours at an affordable price point. It’s rare to find a service this personalized and seamless without breaking the bank. The Humphrys family’s passion for their work, combined with their direct experience as naturalists, photographers and writers, gives them a unique perspective on creating tours that go beyond just visiting destinations—they focus on crafting experiences.
Conclusion: A Trip of a Lifetime
Our trip with Compass Odyssey was nothing short of spectacular. From the remarkable wildlife encounters to the warm, knowledgeable guides and the impeccable planning, everything exceeded our expectations. If you want a truly special and personalized African safari experience, I highly recommend booking with Compass Odyssey. We’re already thinking about our next adventure with them!
Another great trip with Compass Odyssey
This was my second tour with Compass Odyssey and it was another memorable experience. Darren and Kate are fantastic to deal with and made sure that everything ran smoothly. We were well looked after by our guides who were very knowledgeable about the areas we were travelling through. Thank you again for a wonderful trip.
US
Email Erin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Memorable Safari Experience with Compass Odyssey
I recently returned from an incredible safari organized by Compass Odyssey; this was the second time using this company. I can confidently say it was one of the best travel experiences of my life. From start to finish, their attention to detail and commitment to providing an unforgettable adventure truly set them apart.
Booking Process: The booking process was seamless. Compass Odyssey is run by husband-and-wife team, and they are so responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in helping us create the perfect itinerary. They took the time to understand our interests and budget, recommending a tailored safari that included visits to the iconic Massai Mara in Kenya and Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in Uganda.
Accommodations: Our accommodations were exceptional. We stayed at a mix of luxury lodges and charming partial tented camp, each providing a unique experience. The lodges featured stunning views, comfortable amenities, and delicious meals. The tented camp was cozy and intimate, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the sounds of the African wilderness. Every place we stayed felt like a home away from home.
Wildlife Experiences: The highlight of the safari was undoubtedly the wildlife encounters. Our guide, Wilson, was outstanding—his knowledge of the animals and their behaviors added depth to our experience. We were lucky enough to witness the tail end of the Great Migration, with hundreds of wildebeest and zebras traversing the plains. Each game drive brought new adventures, from spotting lions lounging in the shade to Leopard in the tree with a kill. Trekking to see the Gorillas in Bwindi National Forest was outstanding and worth it, to bee withing 6 feet of these amazing animals is truly a unique experience.
Cultural Insights: One of the standout aspects of the trip was the cultural experiences. We visited a local Maasai village, where we learned about their traditions and way of life. The warmth and hospitality of the Maasai people were heartwarming, and participating in their dances and rituals was a highlight of the trip.
Conclusion: Overall, I cannot recommend Compass Odyssey highly enough. Their professionalism, passion for wildlife conservation, and commitment to customer satisfaction made this safari an unforgettable experience. I returned home with a deeper appreciation for Africa and a longing to return. There is a reason my husband and I continue to come back to Africa; it feels like home and with compass odyssey they make sure your treated like family. If you’re considering a safari, look no further than Compass Odyssey they will exceed your expectations!
US
Email Eduardo and Nancy Vazquez | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Outstanding company,well managed and highly commendable
Second time in the last 3 years doing a safari trip with Compass Odyssey,this time we had a 3 weeks or 23 days trip including stays in,Namibia,Botswana(Okavango Delta,Khwai River and Mababe area,Zimbabwe,Hwange National Park and Senalala lodge in the Klaserie private reserve area.Everything once again went as advertised,from all flights to ground transport to excellent safari guides and abundant wildlife in all places visited.At Senalala was our second time and we had a very enjoyable time there.All meals were excellent and the customer care and service was as customary beyond expectations.As stated my first time with Compass Odyssey,if you are planning on a trip the Southern part of Africa,this is the company to go with.Compass Odyssey run by Darren and his wife truly delivers.We have the pleasure and honor of meeting Darren at the end of our stay in Hoedspruit and without a doubt as I mentioned to him,I will be doing a third trip with them again.We really appreciate the integrity and expertise of Compass Odyssey putting life dream trips together so I highly recommend this company to anyone dreaming of an unforgettable trip to motherland 🙏🏻🐆🦛🦏🦓🦒🙏🏻
US
Email James Loberg and Aimee Powell | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easiest trip of our life
Everything was amazing, everywhere we needed to go we knew who was going to pick us up, where they were picking us up from, and what they looked like. Every recommendation made was amazing and we had a ton of fun.
NZ
Email Jenny B | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Compass Odyssey provided a wonderful service, with easy communication and great, knowledge guides.
Having been recommended Compass Odyssey from other New Zealanders, I found communication easy and prompt. There were changes early in trip planning, including dates, and Darren took it all in his stride. Compass came up with recommendations that I could choose which option suited me best, displaying very knowledgeable details on the areas I wanted to experience. There was no detail that was left to chance, which I found re-assuring before even stepping onto Africia. The background information provided, with regards to visas/ the safari lodges / roads etc. was absolutely spot on. knowledgeable
The local guide in South Africia - Gillian was warm, great sense of humour and listened to our ideas on what we wanted to do.
Chobe National Park exceeded any expectations that I had, and the river safaris were fantastic. Our guide, Tefo really did his absolute best to give myself and my friend the best experience he could. I never thought I would get so close to big predators and elephants! The amount of wildlife, in part, due to the drought, was mind-blowing.
The guide used for two weeks in Namibia, Elvis was top notch, and I would also highly recommend. Elvis was thoughtful throughout - basically living with myself and my friend - every breakfast, lunch and dinner for the two weeks! Elvis knew his facts on the local flora/fauna and though had to repeat himself at times, because I couldn't tell the difference between antelope, was very patient with me! When requested to come up with options in local areas to view local people, Elvis knew exactly where to go.
Thank you, Compass Odyssey, for providing an efficient, safe, well-planned trip that I will never forget. Africia is an amazing destination that I would love to experience again, and I would, without hesitation use your company.