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
IT
Email Gianpaolo Bandera and Ywette Fischer | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top for reliability, courtesy and attention to details
We had an unforgettable travel experience in South Africa and Zimbabwe thanks to the perfect organization of Compass Odyssey. Every little detail was as we expected and we perceived the care and attention that Darren put into organizing everything. He was able to answer all our questions, doubts or fears with extreme professionalism and friendliness. He assisted us in the long months that preceded the trip in a careful and punctual manner, with very quick and exhaustive answers. During the days of the trip he made us feel his closeness in a discreet but efficient way, to check if we needed anything.
I truly recommend everyone to rely on this agency and its collaborators present in the various countries. Serious, reliable people but above all rich in human qualities that are essential to face any journey.
US
Email Peter | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Compass Odyssey does an excellent job - again
This is not the first time I've used Compass Odyssey to make arrangements for my African safari. Previous trips targeted Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. This year I went to Kenya. Darren's choices for places to stay were superb. All travel arrangements worked perfectly. I had a fantastic experience! Next year I plan to use CO again, and I heartily recommend it to all!
CA
Email Tara and Matt McFarling | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Compass Odyssey was so wonderful to work with throughout all the phases of our safari planning.
From the first email communication, Compass Odyssey made planning our dream trip to South Africa seamless and stress-free. Darren took our list of "must-do's" and created an itinerary that not only met, but exceeded our expectations. During the planning phases of our trip, we received updates, sample itineraries including detailed information about local activities we could participate in, and helpful details that allowed us to tailor our trip to make our dreams come true. We were even provided updates on the weather! Every "t" was crossed and every "i" was dotted by Darren and his team so we knew exactly what to expect from the moment we arrived. We had the most amazingly knowledgeable guides at every destination along the way. They all made us feel like family and took such good care of us throughout our journey. They worked so hard to make our experience that much more meaningful. The accommodations selected for us in each of the four countries we visited were very well appointed, spotlessly clean, and each unique in their own way. The safari lodges in Kruger (Senalala Safari Lodge) and Botswana (Chobe River Lodge) were especially lovely. I could not be happier or more satisfied with the work Darren and the entire Compass Odyssey crew put in to make our trip a massive success. We will cherish the memories, experiences, and photos we collected throughout our trip. I would, without reservation, recommend using Compass Odyssey to help make your safari dreams come true. From beginning to end, our experience with Compass Odyssey was simply amazing.
US
Email KwayLynn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
Using Compass Odyssey to arrange our family trip to four countries in Africa was one of the best decisions that we made. Compass Odyssey answered all of our questions and concerns promptly and thoroughly, which made us feel at ease that we were in great hands. We were right. The trip went off without a hitch. We were met at each location by wonderful people who helped us navigate our daily adventures. The lodges were better than expected, as was the food and the hosts and staff. We can’t recommend Compass Odyssey enough for putting this trip of a lifetime together for our family.
US
Email Kathy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding service
Compass Odyssey was very good to work with. The communications were excellent from the initial contact to the final documents. The 2 guides that I had were extremely knowledgeable. My Cape Town guide was very good at planning the days according to what I wanted to do. Even though I was a solo traveler for the Cape Town portion of my trip I felt I got good value for my money.
US
Email Preston C | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best of southern Africa in 8 days
We participated in Compass Odyssey's 8-day Kruger-Zambezi-Chobe safari in August 2024; I'm not sure there's any other tour that takes in as many highlights of southern Africa in this span of time. I can't recommend it enough.
We began our journey in Cape Town and flew to Blyde River Canyon. This was an addition to the standard itinerary, but worth the extra day as the views are stunning. The next day we transferred to Senalala Safari Lodge near Kruger, which was the highlight of the trip. It's a beautiful, uncrowded place with excellent food served on the terrace every day, plus a watering hole just outside the fence where you can watch animals come and go. The game drives were phenomenal--we saw plenty of animals, but the deep knowledge of Senalala's guides made them extra special. I've been on safaris before but have never had a guide with such extensive knowledge of the natural world.
After three days in Senalala, we flew to Victoria Falls for two days. The Compass Odyssey includes a tour of the falls, which do not disappoint. We also highly recommend a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; you can see hippos, crocs, and elephants hanging out in the water or on the banks, and hear the roar of the falls from a half-mile away. The last couple days we spent in Botswana, in Chobe National Park, where you can do both game drives and boat safaris--we recommend doing both! This place is wonderful because of the dense elephant population; you see them practically every time you turn around.
Overall, Compass Odyssey's tour is a great way to see the highlights of southern Africa in four countries (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana), even if you have limited time. We packed in a lot, but the tour never felt rushed--the itinerary builds in lots of time for relaxing at the beautiful lodges. If you're looking to make the most of your time in southern Africa, this tour is the right choice.
US
Email Eric Zicht and family | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Darren was knowedgeable, accomodating, and responsive.
Our journey with Compass Odyssey took us on an unforgettable adventure through Southern Africa. From the vibrant streets of Cape Town to the majestic wildlife of Kruger National Park, and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe, every moment was a testament to the beauty of this region.
What stood out most were the lodge hosts and trackers who made our stay truly exceptional. Their warmth, knowledge, and passion for the wildlife enriched our experience beyond expectation. In Cape Town and Victoria Falls, our guides were equally remarkable, offering deep insights and ensuring we discovered hidden gems at every turn.
The highlight was undoubtedly the game drives in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where we witnessed nature in its purest form. Each safari was a new chapter, filled with thrilling encounters and breathtaking landscapes.
Thank you, Compass Odyssey, for curating such a remarkable journey. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence made this adventure one we will cherish forever.
Detail orientated and truly respected by owners/ managers of lodges and guides.
This was my #1 bucket list trip, and have wanted to go to Africa since I was 14 years old. I’m now 68. So to find someone to make all your dreams come true, one needs to use Compass Odyssey. It was five days in Cape Town, a stunning city and the surrounding peninsula. Garth Angus was our guide and his wealth of knowledge of not only the history of South Africa but the floral and fauna made that trip a highlight. When you are in a vehicle with someone for 8- 10 hours, you want to have a rapport with that person and we got it in spades with Garth.
Next off to Namibia for 10 days and got to meet our driver and guide, Raymond. A truly spectacular country with a myriad of geography. The dunes, the coast just spectacular. Raymond was also an exceptional guide, very proud of his country and a great teacher, the only place we saw rhinos, both black and white!
Our final stop was 6 days in Botswana, 2 night in the Kansane area at Chobe River Lodge, and lucked out with one of the best guides again. Hi Tefo! He showed us some spectacular wildlife around the Kasane area of Chobe park, including lions, leopards, Cape buffalo elephants, just about anything you would be interested in seeing, his tracking ability was amazing.
Lastly we flew to the Mababe area in the Okavango Delta where our guide was the kind and gentle Antony. The Nokanyana Lodge suffered a devistating fire just a couple of weeks before our arrival. They lost the dining hall and lounge and outdoor viewing deck in the fire. The staff worked extra hard to make our stay the very best it could possibly be and always had smiles for us all the time, a shout out to Lemo and Chef Nati, only two of the wonderful staff who worked at Nokanya!
Antony knew that to see a cheetah would have been the icing on the cake for us, and he tried so hard but those elusive cheetahs were not to be spotted. Other great wildlife abounded, especially the hippos.
So as we think and dream about our return trip, we will be definitely using Compass Odyssey and the excellent services of Darren (Crusty) and Kate Humphries.
NZ
Email Sue M | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An excellent Tour Company to plan & communicate with, and no hiccups touring in Africa for 4 weeks.
I got a recommendation to travel with this company & I will now highly endorse this recommendation after touring with them for 4 weeks. Nothing was left undone. Darren's places to stay worked extremely well with my photography expectations of early morning photography because we were already staying inside a number of National Parks. Two weeks traveling, safaris, dining with the same guide was so easy with such a brilliant guide-Elvis. He was easy to develop a rapport with, understood our needs, especially stopping for photo shoots. He was extremely patient. We always knew exactly what we were going to do, need, etc. Nothing was too much for him. We both felt so comfortable & safe, including his driving, in his care. He spoke clearly and drip feed useful information. I believe he is an excellent ambassador for his country.
Also, Gillian our guide, in Cape Town was excellent, young and vibrant. We didn't really have a strict itinerary so she made sure we were informed of her suggestions and schedule. Because the All Blacks were playing South Africa, Gillian continually enquired to the best place to watch the game. Although we were beaten, sitting amongst hundreds of compassionate Africans in a superb viewing spot certainly was a highlight of those 4 days. I would not hesitate to return to Africa only under the auspice of Compass Odyssey. Sue, NZ
NZ
Email Jenny B | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Compass Odyssey provided a wonderful service, with easy communication and great, knowledge guides.
Having been recommended Compass Odyssey from other New Zealanders, I found communication easy and prompt. There were changes early in trip planning, including dates, and Darren took it all in his stride. Compass came up with recommendations that I could choose which option suited me best, displaying very knowledgeable details on the areas I wanted to experience. There was no detail that was left to chance, which I found re-assuring before even stepping onto Africia. The background information provided, with regards to visas/ the safari lodges / roads etc. was absolutely spot on. knowledgeable
The local guide in South Africia - Gillian was warm, great sense of humour and listened to our ideas on what we wanted to do.
Chobe National Park exceeded any expectations that I had, and the river safaris were fantastic. Our guide, Tefo really did his absolute best to give myself and my friend the best experience he could. I never thought I would get so close to big predators and elephants! The amount of wildlife, in part, due to the drought, was mind-blowing.
The guide used for two weeks in Namibia, Elvis was top notch, and I would also highly recommend. Elvis was thoughtful throughout - basically living with myself and my friend - every breakfast, lunch and dinner for the two weeks! Elvis knew his facts on the local flora/fauna and though had to repeat himself at times, because I couldn't tell the difference between antelope, was very patient with me! When requested to come up with options in local areas to view local people, Elvis knew exactly where to go.
Thank you, Compass Odyssey, for providing an efficient, safe, well-planned trip that I will never forget. Africia is an amazing destination that I would love to experience again, and I would, without hesitation use your company.