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
Email Mike and Jen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A wonderful trip backed up by meticulous planning and engaging staff.
My Wife and I have been on a number of planned trips similar to the one provided by Compass Odyssey but none have provided the detailed planning, advice, support and attention to detail that Kate & Darren provided for us on our visit to the Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Chobe NP (Botswana). We were treated to some excellent accommodation, bountiful refreshments / meals and well trained staff who were totally focussed on providing a caring and attentive service.
The trip produced for us, two significant highlights (1) to see and experience the Victoria Falls in all their glory from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides, accompanied by a knowledgeable and interesting guide and (2) three days of safaris providing us with close up views of all manner of wildlife, birds and insight into the ecosystem in which they all live.
Certainly a trip that will live long in the memory - along with the hundreds of photos taken.
Email Greg and Victoria | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Compass Odyssey deserves its 5/5 rating.
From the first inquiry to the end of our trip, Darren was outstanding in providing a service with the aim of ensuring we had a holiday that met all our needs and expectations, leaving nothing to chance. We were never left wondering or waiting for a response.
Darren took the time to listen and understand our brief. Senalala Lodge delivered a beautiful understated, high quality standard of accommodation, meals and safari drives that left us with wonderful memories of a beautiful country full of extraordinary wildlife and a unique landscape. The extra touches such as the managers, James and Corlia and their outstanding guides joining us for meals made the whole experience very rewarding. We learnt that their lives are much broader than the Big 5.
If you ever thought a Safari was about driving around on a set route looking at the same animals then you will be in for a real treat at Senalala Lodge. Whilst on an early morning walk, we glanced side-wards to discover the surprise of a life time – a large white Rhino. With our guide's great skill we were able to spend time observing this magnificent beauty. Our guides, Ivan and Connor, had the greatest respect for the wildlife yet ensured our safety at all times.
We have no hesitation in recommending Compass Odyssey to travellers who like adventure combined with simple luxury and every detail ticked off. To know that there is a local person on the ground with every resource at his finger-tips was very reassuring.
CA
Email Graham Scrimgeour | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our already high expectations of our 2.5 month long trip were exceeded! Thank you Compass Odyssey!
To say that our recently completed 2.5 months in southern Africa was a roaring success would be a huge understatement. Darryn, and his Compass Odyssey team, did a remarkable job of planning and organizing our 4 days in Johannesburg, our week in Kruger National Park and our 8 days in Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and the amazing Okavango Delta. In addition, he gave us lots of invaluable advice and suggestions to help us plan, and bring to fruition our 7 week independent road trip through large parts of South Africa. Through the pre-travel planning process, Darren was exceptionally prompt in responding to all my questions and always provided detailed answers based on his extensive knowledge of sourhern Africa. During the trip, Darren routinely ‘checked in’ with Sue and I to make sure that all was good and that we weren’t encountering any problems en route.
Our Jo’burg and Victoria Falls guides, Chic and Mortimer/Ruth, are members of the Compass Odyssey team and were very helpful, interesting and exceptionally knowledgeable about their locales. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. Thank you Chic and Mortimer and Ruth!!
Toward the end of our trip as the world was changing daily because of Covid 19, Darren was very helpful in communicating with us any information regarding our onward travel plans back to Canada. THANK YOU!!
We will be returning to southern Africa and will definitely be using Compass Odyssey’s services for our next African adventure. In conclusion, if you are looking for a South African based independent travel company to plan some or all of a trip to southern Africa, look no further than Compass Odyssey.
CA
Email Brandy Hughes | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding Customer Service
I spent a lot of time researching safari companies before deciding on Compass Odyssey based on excellent reviews and initial communication. From the start, Darren was prompt and thorough with correspondence and information, answering all my questions (although most were covered in the excellent information package that was provided). Unfortunately our safari originally scheduled for late March 2020 did not occur as scheduled due to Covid. Throughout the process of heartbreak, cancellations, and dealings with insurance companies, Darren has been attentive, accommodating, and incredibly helpful.
Our safari was to be the trip of a lifetime for our family. It was not to be in 2020 but when it does happen (and it will!), it will be with Compass Odyssey. I have no reservations about recommending Compass Odyssey to anyone looking for a company with excellent customer service and a true sense of accountability to their customers and local business partners alike.
CH
Email Jessica | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Suberb service and high competence!
We had our perfect safari booked with Darren. He is super friendly and competent. Booking was very easy, they listened to our wishes and helped us figure out the perfect travel itinerary. I was so much looking forward to it... Unfortunately we had to cancel everything because of Corona. And although we had to cancel, the service of Darren still remained perfect. We tried postponing the cancellation as much as we could. And when we knew we had to cancel, he organised everything we needed for our insurance. I really hope that we can make this safari happen one day and I would not want to book it with any other tour operator. Thanks Darren & Co.!
US
Email Christopher Queen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another Fantastic trip with Compass Odyssey!!
"It is not death man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live" -Marcus Aurelius This is my second trip with Compass Odyssey and I don't see how you could get better service. Darren and Kate take care of every little detail so you can enjoy every second of your trip. Especially during the current time, they made sure I was aware of every Covid requirement such as forms and details regarding testing requirements, etc.. They as usual kept me updated on every aspect of the trip as well. This is a great time to travel, airports are extremely less crowded, flights were about 1/2 full giving you ample room to relax(I had an entire row to myself on each flight from Ft Lauderdale-Joburg to and from), airports and airplanes are the cleanest they have ever been with frequent sanitization. I had prepared for the journey to be somewhat tedious with Covid protocols etc. and I was very wrong the journey was fairly easy and customs was extremely quick also(no large crowds!!). Once again they selected top notch lodges with amazing food and even better staff (Nottons in Sabi Sands and Senalala in Klaserie). Some of the most friendly people you will ever meet and will have a fantastic time!! You won't be disappointed with Compass Odyssey!! And now is a great time to travel with lower prices(airlines,etc) and less crowds.
JP
Email Takuya | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent operator that I have never experienced before
I was planning to visit South Africa in December 2020 and ask 4 agencies to quote and give me a itinerary plan through Safaribooking. Mr. Darren in Compass Odyssey gave me the most quick response and appropriate plan to suit my request. Especially, I am searching to see the wild dog and he kindly investigate where has more possibility to see them at that timing and made me a plan.
Finally, very unfortunate situation coming from COVID situation and have to cancel the trip but even this cancellation he made me very detailed support without any complain or fee to pay. I'm surely recommend them as agency to go to Safari in South Africa and of course I'll come with them to see wild dog in the future. Thank you again Darren and see you in the future.
US
Email Brian A | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best tour we have ever been on with great people, service and lots of African animals seen!
Everything on our tour went exactly as planned from itinerary planning with Darren to each stop on our adventure. There are so many great choices of activities and we were able to choose the ones that fit our interests well. Very attentive to our needs and travel was made easy with no worries. We saw plenty of animals and birds on each leg of the tour. I am a photographer and got many great images. The guides were very knowledgeable about all the wildlife and birds - felt as though they were biologist/ornithologist/botanist combined. We felt very safe as well. It was our first trip to Africa and had some fears that were completely allayed by the staff and accomodations. People could not have been more friendly. We want to go back again!
US
Email Deb and James Macias | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience
Compass Odyssey was wonderful! They worked with us on an itinerary ensuring we had an exclusive adventure.
From the moment of our arrival until departure everything was top notch. Our accommodations were beautiful, our guide Mortimer was spectacular.
We went with another couple and we were all impressed with entire organization. We have traveled together to numerous countries and by far our best experience.
Compass Odyssey will not disappoint, we are looking forward to returning.
US
Email Holly Romo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I would give then 100 stars if I could!!
We actually didn't get to go in June 2020 but I needed to write this review anyway!!
In 2019, I began planning an Africa trip with Darren at Compass Odyssey for 7 people in June 2020. He was amazing from the very beginning. Always available to answer any questions we had, patient with us when we changed our minds about exactly what we wanted to do, and planning a great trip that would fit into our budget. Over the planning time, we had people drop out, people who wanted to extend their trip, concerns about what "shots" we might need and a myriad of other concerns. Through all of that, Darren was a champ. He handled every change we wanted made, answered all of our questions and allayed all of our concerns.
Then comes COVID! We had to postpone our trip, which Darren handled brilliantly. He made sure that all of our deposits would hold until June 2021 and took care of all the legwork involved in moving our trip out a year.
Here we are approaching June, 2021, and we are now having to postpone again, as some of our travelers are still uncomfortable with going. I assumed we were going to have to just cancel and try to get reimbursed by our travel insurance for nonrefundable expenses already paid.
Well, that didn't happen. Darren stepped up to the plate and all of our deposits, etc, have been extended until at least the end of 2022. So our trip of a lifetime isn't gone, just on hold!
I'm pretty positive that we will go in 2022, but I know for a fact that if we can't, Darren will make it right for us. I'm sure that, eventually, I will be back here writing another glowing review after we get back from our trip.
If you ever want to go to Africa, you could not find a better company than Compass Odyssey or a better person than Darren, to plan YOUR trip of a lifetime!!