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
A spectacular, well-organized, once-in-a-life-time trip that exceeded all our expectations.
From touch down in Cape Town (where we were greeted by Garth, our excellent Cape Guide) to our delivery to the Kasane airport in Chobe, this was a truly effortless trip. Garth was a font of information about the country and the region, and was delightful company. He also adjusted as the weather turned and as he learned more about what we wanted to see. Plus he recommended a great book which I took with me for the rest of the holiday. The safari experience at Mma Danare was truly breath-taking. The sheer amount of wildlife we encountered was amazing (our driver, Chris, was unstoppable). We were lucky enough to be able to follow two male lions (and, separately) a larger pride of lions. Watching two young male cheetahs hunt was another highlight. So too were the giraffes and elephants and impala and and and. The lodge itself was exquisite. Our second lodge near Joa was also picturesque. A slightly different experience (being on wetlands) we were able to take makuro rides (including a very special sunset one) and see the delta from a new perspective. While the wildlife sightings were limited (this would be the only quibble about the whole trip. Because of the lack of rain, while the lodge was pretty and the water was interesting, there wasn't a great chance to see many animals) it was an interesting, unique perspective. Chobe was sensational. The wildlife experience there (more lions, so many elephants, elephants swimming across river at sunset!) was superb. And while the room and food at the Garden Lodge were terrific, here are the only other quibbles I had about our trip. There was very loud music nearby both evenings we were there that continued into the early hours of the morning (3:00 am). There was nothing the lodge could do about it... but... And we often felt like we were being rushed through our dinners. The staff was TOO attentive -- hovering over our shoulders to clear the plates and bring the next ones out. But as I say -- small tiny little "problems" in what was a spectacular two weeks. Thank you so much for organizing such an amazing adventure.
Email Gabe and Charlie Winten | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not just a number, our tour was a unique and personalised experience.
Not a seasoned traveller, I felt relaxed and confident with the tour that had been organised for us. The accomodation was personal and oozed quality. The guides were friendly and bent over backwards to ensure our needs were met. Transfers between destinations went smoothly with staff meeting us every time. Darren and Kate were in contact during our tour to reassure us we were cared for. I would definitely recommend Compass Odyssey to anyone wishing to travel to Africa, you’re in safe hands.
IT
Email Fortunato& Stéphanie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent planning for a real immersion into Africa’s wild nature
We had a wonderful experience for our safari in Victoria Falls and Botswana. Everything was very well organized by Darren and Kate! All the lodges and guides were very good and we managed to see a lot of animals.
CA
Email Christine and Don | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime experience without any worries
Darren and his team were fantastic to work with. From the first email exchange where we described what we were looking for through the final day on the ground, working with Compass Odyssey made the whole experience exceptional. Darren's pre-trip communication is fantastic - he responded to all of our inquiries within 2-3 days (usually faster) and was very thorough and knowledgeable. His on the ground team knew the areas we were visiting, had great recommendations and were able to add both commentary and color to the various locations we visited. They made sure we didn't have to worry about a thing - we just relaxed and enjoyed our holiday. We would (and already have!) highly recommend working with Darren for any Southern African adventure.
US
Email Myrna and Family | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They're local: they know the territory and the best choices for your trip goals, and stay in touch.
Communication with Darren and Kate at Compass Odyssey was excellent, beginning with plans and decisions. Our safari route is a common one: So. Africa to Victoria Falls (Zambia, Zimbabwe) and Botswana, but this was not an off-the-shelf tour. We loved the small lodge in the Klaserie Reserve and the options to get out on the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers on canoe and boat trips, plus the amazing game drives. It was the first visit to this area for our family group of four 'girls' (from 3 generations) and we all loved it. Being a small group helped us meet new people, enjoy spectacular game drives and interact with our guides, who were happy to share their knowledge. The whole experience was far beyond the 'Big 5 checklist' and highly recommended. Do think about what you hope to gain from such a trip and make it part of the plans. Also, know that Darren will be in touch along the way, and local agents will help with border crossings and logistics in the Victoria Falls area. To sum it up: before we even got home there was talk of another trip!
US
Email Val Naholowaa | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
Darren & Kate were phenomenal it terms of communicating & putting together our trip. There was not one incident that occurred, everything went as smoothly as it possibly could! When we plan our next trip into Southern Africa, we will be contacting Darren again.
US
Email Kim Daly | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thoughtful and thorough
Darren was exceptional in handling all of the details in a timely manner which allowed me to travel at ease. He would anticipate my needs and offer recommendations that were spot-on. Expectations were fully met and even exceeded. The tour was well paced and offered an array of excursions that left me feeling inspired, joyful and never exhausted. Our hosts and guides were warm, informative, and fun. I highly recommend a trip organized by Compass Odyssey!
US
Email Mala and Ramesh | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Trip!
This was our first trip to Africa. We traveled to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe and Zambia), Chobe, and Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Throughout our journey of planning, communicating, providing detailed information, and the various trip options, Compass Odyssey was with us all the way.
Traveling from the US, we had no clue on what to expect and was expected of us - medical, social, travel reservations, lodging, insurance, etc. Darren and Kate guided us with all these aspects. No question was too silly for them to answer, and we received responses within 24 hours.
Our baggage got delayed and did not arrive in Victoria Falls. Mortimer, Ruth, and Collin helped us shop for basic necessities. They were patient, friendly, and also gave us good vegetarian food options. Collin was our guide and he gave us lot of interesting info about the Falls. We also had a wonderful time in Chobe and Okavango Delta. The lodging facilities reserved by Compass Odyssey were excellent.
We would definitely go with Compass Odyssey on our next trip to Africa, and highly recommend them to others. Thank you Darren and Kate!
Email Jon & Mez | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Compass Odyssey = African Adventure
Compass Odyssey exceeded our expectations - detailed information prior to our trip; what to wear; what to bring; what to expect; step by step itinerary etc. Yet - for us....the frantic, working couple - there was little time to read and thankfully Crusty had a "Cheat Sheet" of essential information so we were still well informed and had the best of both worlds.
From Crusty reorganising cancelled flights without us being bothered (fault of the airline, not Compass Odyssey), to lovely Mortimer and Ruth picking us up from the airport, organising all our border crossings, activities and drop-offs - we really couldn't ask for more. Fabulous lodges, hotels and Gin and Tonic sunset Safari cruises with knowledgeable guides to see the amazing wildlife and animals. Fabulous food, every meal.
We wholeheartedly recommend Compass Odyssey to families, couples and singles. Crusty's attention to detail, his emails to check on how we were going during the trip and post-trip ensured a first-class experience.
AE
Email Beth | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent and reliable service
We were recommended to Compass Odyssey by friends that had used their services prior. From our initial email contact to our return from an amazing vacation, Darren and his team were incredibly professional, responsive, and available to answer any and all questions. I particularly liked the detailed itinerary they provided and all the supplementary information offered. They were knowledgeable, flexible and willing to customize our accommodations and specific tour requests. We traveled to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia as a family of 4 with 2 teens. In each location, we were very pleased with the accommodations and tour recommendations. We stayed in everything from luxury tented camps to lodges, guest houses and hotels. In each location, we found the staff to be personable and the rooms to be impeccably clean and comfortable. We were impressed with the quality and quantity of the meals provided. I'm very happy to recommend Darren and his team - you won't be disappointed!
