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 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!
MX
Email Andres Bichara | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Trip!
Darren and Kate are great!
Always answering the emails and providing outstanding service. We were their first mexican clients in 22 years and I need to take my hat off! Everything went as planned and explained by them. No surprises at all!
The safari was an outstanding expiriance. First time we do this and we loved it. Couldnt have done it without Darren and Kate!
Keep helping people fulfill their travel dreams!
US
Email Jon Robinson & Melinda Delpech | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best communication I have ever had from a tour company.
Compass Odyssey worked with us to create a custom trip including Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Their guides met us at every stop, were punctual, professional and knowledgeable. Ruth led us around Victoria Falls, her associate got us to the Kasane Airport in Botswana for our transfer to Pom Pom cam and after three days in the bush, Garth met us in Cape Town. We spent the most time with Garth and found him to be an outstanding guide. He was extremely knowledgeable regarding the history of South Africa. All and all it was a great trip and we would highly recommend Compass Odyssey .
VU
Email Greg and Lesley Walton | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Compass Odyssey
Being our first time to South Africa we selected Compass Odyssey to arrange our safaris and we were not disappointed. From the moment we contacted Darren we off to a good start. We gave Darren a brief out line of what we wanted to to do and within a short time Darren has provided information and suggestions of what would be best. During the weeks of communication Darren answered all out question and concerns straightaway and provide suggestions to make our trip better. Daren provide all the necessary information needed to make our holiday a success.
For the safaris that we did all the lodges were excellent and the staff at these lodges went the extra mile to make out stay memorable. We could not fault Darren's selection. Our stay included Kruger, Victoria Falls, Zambezi (Zambia and Zimbabwe) and Botswana. When there were any problem Darren contacted us and immediately made alternative arrangement so our holiday was not spoiled. Darren and Compass Odyssey were excellent and would recommend Darren and Compass Odyssey for your safaris and and any activity in South Africa
Email Jeff Hornsby | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Superb organization, no fuss
From day one when I first contacted Darren I couldn't have asked for better service. All queries were answered quickly, all bookings made with ease. The safari booked was superb staying at Batonka Lodge in Vic Falls and Garden Lodge in Chobe. Both lodges were first rate for comfort, service, food and location. The falls were magnificent and the game drives excellent. I cannot find fault with any aspect of the trip. Top notch.
CA
Email Serena R. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Service, Personalized Itineraries and Great Value - def more than 5*
We thoroughly enjoyed our Southern African adventures. We had a totally customized tour for 15 days through 4 countries in Southern Africa. We enjoyed planning this trip with Darren and Kate. We found them very prompt in answering our inquiries and providing expert advice and guidance. Initially we had contacted them for a 8 day trip to Vic Falls (Zimbabwe) and Chobe (Botswana) for a group of 8. We were so impressed with the types of accommodations, tour options and most importantly communication that we decided to have them plan another 7 days for 4 of us, travelling to Namibia and Cape Town. This 7 day add-on was a late decision and although it was a challenge, especially to get accommodation organized in Namibia where there are very few options (that does not involve pitching your own tent) in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, somehow, the they were able to get us the accommodation and guide arranged for the dates we wanted.
The flexible schedules/options, the accommodations they arrange for us (Batonka Lodge in Vic Fall, Garden Lodge in Kasane, Aus Safari Lodge/Sossusvlei Lodge in Namibia and Parker Cottages in Cape Town), the quality of the service provided by the local guides they work with and the personal service we rec'd while travelling (email check in etc) were definitely more than good value for our travel dollar.
The pre-trip info & communication was exemplary and we really appreciated working with a company that required thorough insurance (medical, trip interruption etc) coverage and provided us detailed itineraries and local contacts for guides and accommodation to use in emergencies and to leave behind with loved ones.
We were very impressed with the local guides they worked with. Ruth/Mortimer in Zimbabwe, Elvis in Namibia and Garth in Cape Town, were all so professional, very experienced and ensured that we were comfortable and well cared for at all times. We appreciated that they were all very flexible with our plans, rearranging itineraries where possible and ensuring that we covered all the things we wanted to while keeping at a pace that didn't feel rushed. Most importantly we felt very safe travelling long distances and to remote areas with them.
We wholeheartedly recommend working with Darren, Kate and the Compass Odyssey team. We know that they will not disappoint!