Kate & Darren Humphrys with Henry, Olive and Hume
Compass Odyssey
- Office 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
NZ
Email Sharon Dobson & David McLachlan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
African safari trip in Soutrh Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana
Our experience using Compass Odyssey was great - from the interactions in the planning stage, deciding particular aspects of the trip, through to communication during out trip was all handled really well. Great to have invite to contact the team both before and during our trip just in case anything went wrong - although nothing did. We left it up to the team to make recommendation on the lodges etc to visit and we were really satisfied with the places we stayed at and the level of service, quality of game drives and the professional service provided by liaison people and guides we had throughout our trip.
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Email Jenny & Neil | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous safari in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana
The company gave excellent service from the offer to the end of the safari. They listened to your wishes and came up with a suggestion. They answered our questions promptly and adapted the trip according to our needs.
The accommodation where of different types which added to the experience. One was more like a normal hotell, apart from being close to The Victoria Falls. The second was tented accommodation in Zambia on the river bank. Where breakfast, lunch and a three course dinner was included. I didn't expect such good food out in the wilderness. The wildlife was literally outside the tent. The last accommodation, in Chobe, was a smaller very friendly lodge. We had private safaris. Which was really worth it as the ranger only had to adapt to our wishes. The service and food there were outstanding. I have a few allergies and they thought of everything throughout every meal.
All the rangers we went with showed the animals great respect which some of the others didn't to the same extent.
I can really recommend Compass Odyssey and if we ever go again I will definitely book through them again.
US
Email Nedra Howard | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Trip Ever!
We couldn't be happier with the communications, services, and experiences our safari tour provided. Darren responded immediately EVERY TIME to our e-mails. Our trip was fabulous. We saw and did everything we wanted and more. Our accomodations were wonderful. The staff at each place was marvelous. The food and dinner experiences were great. Our tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and worked to make sure we had the best experiences. If I could give more stars to this review I would. There wasn't a single thing that I would have changed!
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Email Kimberlee Jenne | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Compass Odyssey did an exellent job creating an itinerary that fit our requests.
I would highly recommend Compass Odyssey, they created an itinerary that went way beyond my expectations. They listened to our group and kept in constant communication. For example we had one night planned in Johannesburg, unfortunately their were riots due to an election. They were concerned about our safety and were willing to help. The accomadatons we chose were in a safe area and so our trip was very safe. The places we stayed were gracious and friendly. The food was delicious. Above all the guides were friendly and excellent educators and we were able to view so many animals, birds and plants. I would definitely use this company again!
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Email Edward K. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good People. Great agent. Deep knowledge and insights.
My wife and I have been arranging trips for our family every year since our children were old enough to remember great experiences. In all cases, I planned the adventures because I enjoy researching and reading up ahead of the trip. My family would tell you I would make a phenomenal travel agent. In the case of Africa, I decided to relinquish the duty to a travel professional (Compass Odyssey) as I did not have the same confidence in planning a safari, deal with multiple border crossings, language, exchange, political and cultural uncertainties. We visited Victoria Falls, had a safari in Zambia, and then a safari in the Okavango Delta.
I can tell you I am extremely impressed with the knowledge, level of care, detail, follow-up, follow-through (in planning, during the trip and post trip) we received. Unbelievable trip and life experience! And at a very reasonable price. Darren even suggested I make certain arrangements for a separate part of our trip on my own to save some money. It is clear that Darren and his team have deep relationships throughout the industry and is very well liked. Per the industry standard terms, I was extremely hesitant to wire such a large sum of money well ahead of arriving, especially since the relationship started online without a referral. I was greatly relieved and confident as time marched on and I saw the continued communication, passion and then a wonderful trip that followed. Since my children felt this was the best trip yet, I will have to concede that Darren and team take first place, ahead of myself, in planning the perfect trip. Feel free to reach out via email for additional support and detail, as I am more than willing to share this experience with anyone who may benefit. Darren has my permission to share my address as it suits his client’s needs. P.s. I do not usually believe in websites that show a perfect 5.0 rating. I even thought about rating them a 4.5 just to show some balance. Nah. Its 5.0
MY
Email Kelvin Ng and family | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredibly professional service and outstanding hospitality.
We had a fabulous experience with Compass Odyssey on our trip to Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe) and Okavango Delta (Botswana). From the onset, communication from Darren and Kate was prompt, friendly, and helpful. They were incredibly meticulous in answering all our queries and designing an itinerary that worked for us; we found the meticulous pre-safari dossier to be a great touch too! On the ground, Ruth and Mortimer in Zimbabwe were absolute stars who took care of our every need, and their hospitality was undoubtedly a highlight of our trip to Vic Falls. The accommodation provided throughout our safari was top-notch as well. It was my parents’ first safari and they enjoyed it immensely; I’ve been to safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, but Compass Odyssey nonetheless stands out for their unrivaled service and attention to detail—I can safely say this was one of the best safari experiences I’ve been on. All in all, we would highly recommend Compass Odyssey to anyone looking for a high-value, reasonably-priced safari in Southern Africa.
Email Peter and Karen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great tour that went like clockwork - highly recommend
We were a couple travelling with friends (another couple) to Chobe National park and Victoria falls starting and returning to Johannesburg. The whole experience with Compass Odyssey was fantastic right from the first contact with Darren to the final hooray! We were able to arrange the trip just the way we wanted it to fit in with all our other arrangements for this holiday. Darren was an absolute please to communicate with, the quality of pre-tour information was great and very helpful, and his local guides exceptional. We stayed at Garden Lodge at Chobe (awesome place on the river, comfortable, friendly and relaxed stay with excellent food) and then Batonka at Victoria Falls (fairly new and a bit upmarket and just fantastic).
We had a great time (2 days) at Chobe on the river with our guide Tefu (hope I got that correct) who ensured we got fantastic photos including 2 amazing sunsets - he knew just where to be at the right time! The river and wildlife particularly the elephants, hippos, crocs and birds was something else. Then we were onto Victoria Falls for 3 days with our guide Mortimer who assisted us across the border for an absolutely awesome time viewing the falls from both sides, did a chopper flight (I recommend it!) and took a dip in Devils pool (not for the faint hearted but was just so cool to hang over the edge of the falls!!) and an evening Zambezi cruise. Mortimer and Ruth (his lovely wife) helped us with our activity arrangements and transfers whilst our Vic falls guide Innocence gave us a very informed tour of the falls (the falls are truly amazing).
Overall this trip was fantastic and was a great compliment for the rest of our time in Africa. I would definitely recommend Darren and his crew from Compass Odyssey to anyone visiting Africa. Just contact him and I'm sure he can arrange something to fit your needs.
US
Email Alaina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic and Organized tour operators!
Compass Odyssey was a great and reliable company to work with. They were always timely and provided much needed information in a timely fashion. Our guide was great and timely as well. We were provided with amazing accommodations. They were able to provide us with so many opportunities and sights to see in the short amount of time we had available. Overall, great tour and great tour operations. I will be using Compass Odyssey again.
US
Email Maxine Tate | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
FABULOUS TRIP PLANNED EXPERTLY BY A FABULOUS TOUR COMPANY---COMPASS ODYSSEY IS THE BEST!!!!
I have been on many tours around the world and have never experienced working with any like tour company like Compass Odyssey..Darren is so efficient about every detail...from the correspondence in emails that were answered immediately and all the questions answered quickly and I had a bunch!!! It took a while to tweak the trip where it was exactly what I wanted and Darren did such a wonderful job...in the end it was definitely a trip of a lifetime!!! The lodges where Darren booked us was top-notch and only the best!!! Our rooms were beautiful as were the whole camps which had views of animals or water or both!!! The food was fabulous and the presentation wonderful at all the lodges ..the staff was very friendly and accommodating. The safaris were fabulous ....We saw so many animals and it was so much fun trying to spot them...we were so close to the animals you could almost touch them!!!! What a wonderful experience we had and we love Afica...I hope to go back one day and would use no tour company except the wonderful COMPASS ODYSSEY!! Thanks so much Darren and Kate!!!
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Email Victoria Durden | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Perfect Trip!
I can’t thank Darren and the Compass Odyssey team enough for the perfect trip! I knew what I wanted to do, I just didn’t know how to make it happen and that’s where Darren came in. Traveling solo I had a lot of questions and concerns and Darren was very patient and helpful in answering all of my numerous questions during the months long trip planning process. He always responded quickly & cheerfully. The trip itself was amazing. The guides in each location went out of their way to ensure my experience was the best. The accommodations were top notch. Darren checked in on my travels every leg of the trip to ensure that everything was going as planned. It’ obvious that his priority is that his clients have an incredible experience. I highly recommend Compass Odyssey for all of your travel needs. They can't be beat!
