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
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Email Carol C | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Safari Experience was All We Hoped for and More
Working with Darren and Kate, the operators of Compass Odyssey was a joy. They were quick to respond to any questions we had regarding our trip and were able to put together an outstanding itinerary, which made for a most memorable trip. I was impressed with the detailed itinerary of our days in Africa sent to us, which was followed by an easy to follow abridged itinerary as our departure date drew near.
From the moment we were met by Darren at the airport on arrival, until we left Africa thirteen days later, out trip went smoothly. The lodgings for the safaris were more than adequate, and we were impressed with both the facilities and the excellent staff. Our safari guides were exceptional, and we were able to see wide life that took our breaths away.
I have already passed on to my friends, who have expressed a desire to visit Africa, Compass Odyssey's name. If I were to book another trip to this wonderful continent, I would choose Compass Odyssey again!
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Email Leonard and Belinda Kaiser | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely first-class, an outstanding experience!
From the very first correspondence, we knew we were with the right company! We were so pleasantly surprised at the consistent, professional and friendly communications prior to our arrival, and from the moment we were greeted at the airport, our expectations were all exceeded. For the next several days we were treated to a local's view of all the best places to see, dine and experience, and it was like we were spending time with an old friend! We could have never found all the quaint, interesting and delightful places on our own. Darren went above and beyond everyday to make sure our time in South Africa was truly exceptional! Highly, highly recommend Compass Odyssey!
PE
Email Caterina Butera and Juan Boria | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Trip!
We are Juan and Caterina from Perú. We have been planning this trip to South Africa since April. And we made all the coordinations with Darren by e-mail. When we arrived in Cape Town, everything was perfect, all the coordinations, the timing, the hotels, the tours, everything! We had a lovely time there and we are dreaming about coming back with our daughters! We loved the Safari in NKaya Lodge, it was great! The service and guiding was excellent! We also went to Johannesburg and we find that city very interesting! Also Durban, that was our last destination was really nice! We are very grateful for the days we enjoyed in SA and for the excelent work of Darren as a coordinator and also as a host!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful time
I was apprehensive about travelling to South Africa but I was confident that my husband would not get us into danger and Compass Odyssey advertised that safety was a priority. We had a fantastic trip and saw so many animals it was stunning, and at no time did I feel unsafe. Kate and Darren's care of us as travellers was impressive even when we had our "own time" they recommended ideas specifically suited to our individual needs. I have so many wonderful memories and photos of our time in South Africa and hope to return soon to see more of Africa...only with Compass Odyssey.
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Email Eduardo and Nancy Vazquez | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Outstanding company,well managed and highly commendable
Second time in the last 3 years doing a safari trip with Compass Odyssey,this time we had a 3 weeks or 23 days trip including stays in,Namibia,Botswana(Okavango Delta,Khwai River and Mababe area,Zimbabwe,Hwange National Park and Senalala lodge in the Klaserie private reserve area.Everything once again went as advertised,from all flights to ground transport to excellent safari guides and abundant wildlife in all places visited.At Senalala was our second time and we had a very enjoyable time there.All meals were excellent and the customer care and service was as customary beyond expectations.As stated my first time with Compass Odyssey,if you are planning on a trip the Southern part of Africa,this is the company to go with.Compass Odyssey run by Darren and his wife truly delivers.We have the pleasure and honor of meeting Darren at the end of our stay in Hoedspruit and without a doubt as I mentioned to him,I will be doing a third trip with them again.We really appreciate the integrity and expertise of Compass Odyssey putting life dream trips together so I highly recommend this company to anyone dreaming of an unforgettable trip to motherland 🙏🏻🐆🦛🦏🦓🦒🙏🏻
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Email James Loberg and Aimee Powell | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easiest trip of our life
Everything was amazing, everywhere we needed to go we knew who was going to pick us up, where they were picking us up from, and what they looked like. Every recommendation made was amazing and we had a ton of fun.
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.
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
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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.
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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.
