Come As Guests, Leave As Family.
Odyssey Safaris
- Located In:
-
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
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime
I can not say enough about Mark and his team at Odyssey Safaris. They were responsive to all of our questions and concerns with plenty of detailed and helpful information prior to the trip. Travel was easy. There was never a moment when we felt abandoned. We knew exactly what to expect (except for how beautiful the animals are!) at every step of the journey. The guides were always where they were supposed to be, waiting for us to assist us with our luggage and transfers.
The accommodations were 5 star. We could not have asked for more beautiful properties or settings. The lodge on the Mara was second to none.
The safari was incredible. Within 10 minutes of landing at the Massai Mara we encountered a pride of 13 lions! As this was just the beginning of our safari, it set the tone for a spectacular adventure. Our guide, Musa, was absolutely the best we could have asked for.
Thank you to the entire team at Odyssey, for an unforgettable trip. The memories will last a lifetime!
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
First class and top notch. An experience of a lifetime.
Kudos to Odyssey for such a wonderful experience from planning to final execution. It was with a little fear and trepidation that I left Canada for a country that is so totally different from the comforts we have here in North America. But my fears were soon alleviated when we arrived at our first accommodation. It was far superior than I had anticipated and it set the bar for the rest of the journey. We were greeted at the Nairobi airport by Erastus, our guide and driver for the duration of our stay. I can't say enough about how wonderful our experience was, Erastus was so knowledgeable about the animals and their habits and was able to locate the big 5 within the first two days. Our interaction with the staff at all campsites was first class, they couldn't seem to do enough to ensure our stay was memorable and all our needs were met. It was a magical experience thanks to Mark Cahill and his staff at Odyssey Safaris and the planning that went into making our trip so wonderful. A big thank you to Erastus, he is a wonderful Ambassador for Kenya and takes great pleasure in showing us foreigners his country. As far as recommending Odyssey Safaris as a tour operator, out of 10, they have a 15 in my books. Thanks again.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an amazing safari trip to Kenya this October - a 12 out of 10!
Our tour was well organized with top of the line accomodations. Our safari driver was the best from picking up at the airport to our departure at the end. We saw all the main animals and visited two villages to drop of supplies. It was the adventure of a lifetime!
US
Email Margaret Ann | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Loved it!!!!!!
This was SUCH a great adventure and all the people working for Odyssey were super from beginning to end. The first test happened when we arrived in Nairobi at 3am but our luggage was not there too! Eliud and Lucy were there to meet us and checking on our luggage and making reports was a slow process causing delay at a time when you would want things to go smoothly so that you could get to the hotel. They were both happily accommodating and just took this in stride. And actually, finally getting our luggage the next day took a great deal of persistence on Eliud's part but he finally was able to get it for us-----his graciousness was remarkable! And then we were on our way!!!
The accommodations were very nice....."tents" in the tent camps are not what we think of as tents. They are very large rooms with very large bathrooms and are very clean. They have hardwood floors and sliding glass doors to the back patios. Just watch when you open the door to enter or leave your room that monkeys or baboons don't try to run in! They are all over in all sizes but tend to keep their distance. No real problem.
John was our driver and he was such a nice, fun guy! Our vehicle was marvelous! Everyone had a large window, plenty of room and the roof would raise up if we wanted. We could be out on our game drives as long as we wanted to be but we were usually ready to come back for dinner and we weren't interested in going out at night although it was possible. The animals are fairly easy to find and are used to vehicles; so they don't run away. And all of the drivers communicate with one another so there are usually numerous vehicles parked to watch. (Some of the animals are so quiet that you feel that you could get out and mingle...but...mmmmmm.....probably not!) Be prepared for many VERY bumpy roads-----John called it an "African massage!" LOL....
I recommend this trip to everyone......it is such an adventure and Odyssey played a big part in our enjoyment our trip. They were always right there to do their very best to see that everything was just right----if there were any problem, they happily took care of it. Accommodations were very nice and the food was plentiful and always prepared very well. We saw all of the animals and met the nicest people EVER!!! I would LOVE to go again....and with Odyssey!!!
CA
Email Jane Campbell | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
I had the most amazing trip. It was all I dreamed of and mor
The safari was extremely well organized. The service from Odyssey Safaries was very professional. I had no worries or concerns. I have the highest respect and reguard for our guide, Erastes. He was very knowledgeable about the animals and made every effort to show us all of them, the big and the small. I would recommend Erastes any time as a driver and a guide. The accommodations were 4 star and the variety of food choices and quantity was excellent.
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Email Gwendolyn Moss | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime adventure! Accommodations were great! I travled alone. Never felt in danger.
Sweet Waters was the best all around stay. It did not disappoint.
CA
Email Shammi, Toronto | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome Safari! Trip of a Lifetime!
The Kenya trip arranged by Odyssey Safaris was fantastic!
Everything was arranged beautifully and we had absolutely nothing to complain about!
We are indeed grateful to Odyssey Safari for making this such an enjoyable and memorable trip.
The guides were excellent and special thanks are due to them [James was our guide].
My son Rohan created a video synopsis of highlights of the safari that is accessible on You Tube, with homage paid to our guide James. The title of the video is 'Kenya 2014 - The Big 5' , it is 14 min in length, and the link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBs1iwpO6cY
We highly recommend Odyssey Safari and have done so to family and friends.
We would have no hesitation in using their services again if the opportunity presents.
We have travelled extensively across the globe and would rate this experience as one of the best.
You really get up close with the wildlife and get to see more animals than you can imagine.
The food, accommodation, arrangements, service were all top notch.
You will have a fabulous time if you choose to go.
Enjoy!
Our trip exceeded our expectations!
Accommodations and service exceeded our expectations. Mark from Odyssey Safari has covered all the details and was able to answer all of our questions starting from Visas, Immunizations, etc. He even selected the perfect match - the fourth passenger for our jeep! Our guide was waiting for us at the airport in Nairobi, we didn't have to worry about any details of our itinerary, everything was arranged ahead of time. Our guide even arranged for us to get an upgrade one night from the tent into two bedroom private villa with two bathrooms, large living room with fireplace... It was a treat, we felt like royalty! Even the tents we stayed at were very nice and luxurious with hardwood flooring, granite counters, comfortable beds... Our guide was very knowledgeable, we got to see so many animals in their habitat, we were just a few feet away from cheetahs, lions, elephants... We got to see the migration of wildebeests, which was incredible, there were thousands of them... I was traveling with my two daughters, we felt safe the entire time, and we immensely enjoyed our trip! We got to visit numerous areas including Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. Besides amazing natural beauty of Kenya, we also got to witness tremendous outpour of support from US and other countries to help Kenyan people in dealing with their poverty level and health care... Definitely amazing experience, would use Odyssey Safaris again...!
US
Email Scott and Stephanie K. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya - Simon is the best!!
My wife and I went on our first ever trip to Africa through Odyssey Safaris through a Groupon deal and it couldn't have been better. We were taken care of the whole way and never felt unsafe at any point. We didn't get to see all of the Big 5, but it was the trip of a lifetime. It couldn't have been better with panoramas of Mt. Kilimanjaro and an all-inclusive end at Diani Beach. Simon was the ultimate guide - he was very friendly answered every legitimate and ridiculous question that came up and was a heartfelt professional. We would love to go again with Simon any day. I highly recommend Odyssey Safaris to anyone who is the least bit intimidated (like I was, but not my wife) in taking a trip to Africa. Maeshi marefu!
CA
Email Naomi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Tour and a Great Experience
First time travelling to Africa on Safari. My brother planned this tour in August 2013 and organized it through Odyssey Safari. This was a trip of a life time. We left on the 29th of April to Nairobi in a group of 10 from Edmonton (Canada). Our drivers/guides Erastus and Simone met us at the airport and transferred us to our overnight stay at the Fairview Hotel in Nairobi. The next morning early after breakfast left for Masai Mara for our 3 nights stay. After the long ride very beautiful drive and the bumpy road to the camp we were over joyed at seeing the beautiful place and the warm welcome we received. The evening game drive was fantastic, so many wildlife on the very first day. The rest of the game drives were even more exciting. We ran into some vehicle trouble right by a Lion who was protecting his kill, that made it even more exciting. We had so much fun that morning - it did not bother us that there was a Lion so close to our vehicles. Erastus and Simon did everything possible to make our game drives through Masai Mara a truly memorable one. Some of us went to the Masai Village and that experience is something that I will live with for ever. After our sad good byes at the Masai Mara Camp we headed off to Lake Naivasha - wow that's a fabulous place and we will go back there for sure. Loved the experience of walking with the wildlife roaming the grounds of the Lodge. Especially the Giraffe's and the best was seeing the Hippo's come out at night to graze. The drive/walk through Hells Gate park and walking through the gorge was unbelievable. Finally off to Lake Nakuru to see the Rhino's and the Flamingos. We saw a Lion once again with a Buffalo kill and the Rhino's and just before we excited the park we got the thrill of a life time- a Black Rhino did not like us and boy oh boy did he ever give us the chase. Erastus was great he moved it so fast as he did not want the Rhino to get in front of the Jeep. That truly was the highlight of our Safari. Hats off to Erastus and Simone - we gave them a lot of goodies and tipped them well. They deserved it and we hope everyone will tip their guides well. They go out of their way to give you a good time. Thank you also to Mark Cahill for organizing this Safari so well. Odyssey Safari you are the best. We hope we get to see Erastus and Simone again.