Come As Guests, Leave As Family.
Odyssey Safaris
- Located In:
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United States
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2002)
- Member Of:
- APTA, ATA & KPSGA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $400 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Tracy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I got my money's worth on day one and the trip just kept getting better.
I booked my trip through groupon and it was a fantastic deal. The accommodations were amazing, the food was great, Kenya was a gift, our guide (Francis) was the best and deserves a raise. I can't recommend this tour company and this country/safari enough. It was the rainy season which meant more adventure (be prepared) and fewer tourists.
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Email Dan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had the most enjoyable travel experience from the beginning to end.
Initially I was unsure of the of what to expect from this type of vacation but Odyssey squelched any questions and doubts I had in making such a trip. From my very first communication with the company, I was impressed with their professionalism. Once we arrived everything fell into place and ran smoothly. Our driver was over the top good in all aspects making our trip a wonderful experience. The lodges we stayed at were fabulous and the staff at all the locations were so helpful and courteous. I can not say enough of this safari as we saw all that there was to see and I would highly recommend anyone to try this outfit.
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Email Melody | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our trip with Odyssey Safaris far exceeded our expectations.
Four of us had traveled in Kenya and several other African countries, but
it was a first for the friends who accompanied us on this trip. All of us agree that it was an outstanding trip. The driver\guides were experienced and delt with unexpected events like weather and road conditions efficiently. They were very knowledgeable about the parks we toured. Their ability to find wildlife and get us close to
the animals for optimal viewing was remarkable. The accommodations were beautiful, each offered unique architecture and outstanding service. Everyone was friendly and it opened the opportunity to meet local residents. Odyssey Safaris worked with us and went out of their way to help all eight of us from various states plan our trip. This trip was equal to other more expensive trip we had taken. We highly recommend a safari with Odyssey Safaris.
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Email Rochelle | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Odyssey created a magnificent vacation experience for my family that far exceeded our expectations.
From my first conversation with Mark and Lucy, I felt like my family was in good hands with a supportive, caring team. My many calls and emails were answered promptly. Mark, who bore the brunt of my novice questions, answered all my concerns with patience and good humor. Even during our trip, when I had a question, I received a very quick response from an Odyssey team member in Kenya, as well as an email from Mark. This, to me, showed that Odyssey was on top of every aspect of our trip and had our back.
From the moment we touched down in Kenya to our departure at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, our drivers/guides took care of all our needs. Charles, our driver/guide in Kenya met us with a bright smile. He was an exceptional guide and driver who had a great sense of humor. I'm sure our trip was enhanced because of Charles. We feel very lucky to have met him and have him show us his country. Charles was able to find a leopard as soon as we entered our first game drive. We joked, that everything else is downhill now. This was not true, every game drive was incredible. If we get to return to Kenya, Charles has to be our driver/guide.
Charles passed us on to our Tanzania driver/guide Gibson at the Kenya-Tanzania border. Gibson had big shoes to fill, and he did just that. Gibson was another excellent guide/driver. He was very accommodating with our schedule and needs and was very knowledgeable. I would definitely request him again if we are ever lucky enough to travel back to Tanzania. I was very touched when he presented me with a gift at the end of our tour.
All the lodges or tented camps we stayed in were good to great. Be prepared to not have wifi, hot water or even electricity at some of the places during certain hours (mostly overnight). It was kind of liberating to be disconnected for a time. Most of the place we stayed had amazing views. I do have some favorites, but they were all very nice. Most meals were buffet style, which my family enjoyed. While I didn't mind the few times we had a pre-packed picnic lunch, my husband would have liked to have been given more of a choice of options.
We spent long hours in our safari truck driving from one location to another, but I would never trade the six-hour drives for an internal flight. We were able to experience so much more while driving, getting to stop along the way and meet some local Kenyans. We also got to really get to know our guides. The drives passed quickly due to so much to see.
We did do a few extras while in Kenya. While in Nairobi, we had previously fostered a baby elephant at The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. We were able to meet all the baby elephants and watch as the came in for the night. I highly recommend this experience. We also went to the Giraffe Center. While we enjoyed feeding the giraffes, this is something we've done in the US.
While staying at The Sopa Lodge in the Maasai Mara, we scheduled two private bush meals; one dinner and one breakfast. Both of these experiences were great and something we were glad we got to do.
If we got to do this same trip again, the one thing I would do differently would be to add a few days, in the end, to relax in Zanzibar. This was a once in a lifetime experience for us and it exceeded all expectations. I will be recommending Odyssey Safaris to anyone who is interested in going on Safari.
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Email Kathy Shepard | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bucket List Trip
I have dreamed of going on an African Safari for most of my life. Fortunately, I was able to travel to Kenya and Zanzibar this Spring with my beautiful daughter. We selected Odyssey Safaris for our adventure and are happy we did. Our travel coordinator Beatrice covered all the details and kept us well informed. Our guides Jackson and Stephen were terrific. Whether it was in Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha or the Masai Mara Game Reserve, they knew exactly the right locations to catch sight of the magnificent wildlife. I am thrilled to say we saw all of The Big Five...elephants, rhinos, cape buffalo, lions and leopards among so many others. Our accommodations were all first rate, my favorite being the Ashnil Tented Camp. Our "room" looked like something from a Hollywood movie! The added touch of a welcoming hot water bottle on the bed after a long day was just splendid. The buffet meals at all the hotels were plentiful and delicious (though I did not care so much for the two or three boxed lunches). Staff were friendly and accommodating. Our side trips to a Masai Village (loved the singing, dancing and handcrafted bead jewelry) and hiking on Crescent Island (up close and personal with giraffe, zebra and other animals) were also highlights. We extended our trip for a three day visit to the beautiful Tanzanian Island of Zanzibar where we visited the UNESCO World Heritage site, Stonetown, the birthplace of Queen's Freddy Mercury and an incredible organic spice farm. Our hotel, the Blue Bay Beach Resort served a delicious fresh fish dinner on the beach by the Indian Ocean. Just terrific. Overall, this was a trip of a lifetime and I highly recommend Odyssey Safaris.
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Email Sue Kabel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
Our safari with Odyssey was beyond anything I could have imagined. We received exceptional service from the time we booked until the moment we arrived home. Our guides, Simon, Charles and Erastus were great!! They drove us safely, while answering our questions and looking for wildlife. They were very personable and experienced, which made the trip so much fun. We saw elephants, lions, leopards, baboons, zebras, monkeys, gazelle, rino, hippos and more. We also experienced beautiful sunsets, rainbows and lightning. Our guides explained the culture of the Kenya people and tribes. They also knew every bird, species of animals and what they were doing. I was amazed!
All the bookings and flights were taken care of promptly and professionally by Mark and Elliott.
I would and have been recommending this trip and company to my friends and family.
Thank-you Odyssey for the experience of a lifetime!
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Email Carolyn | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
I will like to thank you for taking care of us on our first safari trip. I had an amazing experience. This trip has truly exceeded my expectations. The entire trip was well organized. I will like to mention that Erastus was great. He was very professional, always on time and willing to accommodate us. I was impressed on how well he could spot the animals and how knowledgeable he was about them. He also ensured that we saw the big 5 and went in search for the animals we were more interested in seeing. The hotels were very beautiful and in great locations. The hotel staff was very friendly. The only inconvenience we had during our trip was in the hotel Sopa in amboseli. This hotel didnt have wi-fi and the hot showers were controlled therefore we couldn't shower with hot water as we pleased. (The hotel only provide wi-fi in the lobby but it was out of service during our stay.) Otherwise our stay was great. What I liked most about odyssey safari was the quick response when I had questions and the great customer service it provided. I will recommend this company to all my friends and family. Again, thank you very much odyssey safari.
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Email David and Denise Shanerman | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Safari Honeymoon
The trip of a lifetime. Odyssey Safari delivered an incredible trip.
All the logistics regarding airfare, ground transportation, and safaris were excellent. The hotels were beautiful and top self. Food ranged from good to outstanding depending on hotel.
The guides and excursions were fantastic. Incredible value and attention from Odyssey. I would recommend them to everyone!!!!
I will be back!!!!
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Email Mary Jane | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A once in a life time family experience!
I want to thank Odyssey Safaris and Mark in particular for an amazing family experience. We are a family of ten, ranging from 10 to 80 years of age, that went on safari in Tanzania and then visited the island of Zanzibar. Odyssey exceeded all of our expectations! The connections and transportation was flawless. Our guides were wonderful .... knowledgeable and experienced in locating the "big 5"; and patient and understanding of the needs of such a diverse age group. Our guide Chris seem to know exactly when and where the animals would be in a particular location and would patiently wait as long as needed for all of us to take our photos. He was particularly attentive to the children and grandparents . And seeing those beautiful animals in their own environment was a thrill beyond description. The lodges and tents were fabulous, with beautiful views and well appointed. Mark had recommended several activities he thought would match our interests...a visit to a Masai Village, a visit to a school, and a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. The visit with the Village people was amazing ... they were warm and welcoming. The visit to the kindergarten is a beautiful, unforgettable memory. Unfortunately, my husband became ill and could not go on our balloon ride. I contacted Odyssey about the possibility of getting a refund for my husband's ride and they were most accommodating. Mark advised us we would get a full refund and the check was waiting for us when we returned home! Odyssey is an amazing company and I would recommend anyone thinking of going on safari to go with them. You won't be disappointed! Thanks again for an unforgettable family memory.
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Email Nancy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, knowledgeable, experienced, and accommodating tour operator.
One of my best trips ever! Excellent guide, very nice accommodations, service and communication exceptional.