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
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!
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.