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
Excellent tour operator!
We obtained a Safari package for 2 people via Guilt City. Odyssey Safaris, the tour operator, did an absolute amazing job to assure that we were satisfied with the tour. Most notably, they were very supportive when our scheduled flight from the USA was canceled due to mechanical problems. Because of the flight issues, we arrived a day later in Nairobi. Yet, Odyssey managed to rearranged everything (hotels, guide) so we did not miss out during our tour. We stayed a day later than planned and got the full tour as described in the itinerary. In addition, Odyssey was supportive when a optional event was billed incorrectly by a third party. They were instrumental in assuring that the billing issue was rectified. Finally, the choice of accommodations and the quality of the guide made the whole safari very enjoyable. We recommend Odyssey for their Safari tour because they back their customers when needed and offer a quality tour package.
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...!
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.
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Email John & Vickiy Van Beek | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime
We returned on January 25, 2014, from our amazing Kenya safari. Words cannot adequately describe our wonderful adventure. The trip was truly amazing: the animals, the landscape, and the Kenyan people. Every aspect of the trip provided by Odyssey Safaris was first class. We loved the places we stayed and are grateful to Mark Cahill and his team that everything about our time in Africa was absolute perfection.
Our guide, Erastus, was the key to our unforgettable safari. Not only is Erastus a great guide and driver, he is also a very nice man. His ability to spot all of the various animals was remarkable, and we thoroughly enjoyed his narrative about what we were fortunate to be seeing. We found four of the Big Five on our first afternoon; and watched a leopard on Day 5 chasing an impala for the kill. Wow! Four female lions with two cubs, a week-old baby giraffe, two cheetahs, a serval cat, black rhinos, and elephant families with babies, were some of the highlights to go along with viewing thousands and thousands of other animals. And to finish it all off on the last day, we watched four adult male lions with the hippo they had killed that night.
We will never forget our wonderful adventure to Africa. Thank you, Odyssey Safaris!
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Email Lindy Harrell | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
From start to finish this tour group does an amazing job of scheduling and attending to every detail
We were introduced to our tour guide before arrival and was happy to see his smiling face at the airport. Erastus was very welcoming and helpful during the entire trip. I feel the mixture of game drives, shopping and down time were perfect. Most of the time was spent driving to and through the parks. Our driver was very knowledgeable about the animals as well as other local topics. A highlight of the trip was spending an afternoon with the Masai tribe. Be aware that they request a $40 donation in cash for this opportunity. We added Victoria Falls to our trip despite international news that the Falls was a trickle. This is false information. In fact, the Falls are better seen after a drought due to visibility of the bottom without the massive spray that is blinding. The Falls are magnificent. The Zimbabwe people are desperately poor and are grateful for any clothing, toiletries or shoes you might choose to leave behind. We found it useful to carry about $50 in single dollars.
Many thanks to the team at Odyssey Safari for the trip of a lifetime.
US
Email Sue Elliott | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari trip!
I had a fabulous time on the safari trip I took with Odyssey Safaris. From start to finish all of my concerns/questions were answered by their informative and professional staff. From the initial purchase of the trip, applying for the VISA, information regarding the itinerary, and up to the actual trip. The hotels that we stayed in were fantastic, all having their own unique experiences adding to the adventure of the trip. Food at all locations was good (except for the box lunches we occasionally had) and I am a pretty picky eater and still had no problem finding foods I enjoyed. But for the icing on the cake; were the actual game drives......AMAZING! We got to see the "Big Five" as well as hundreds of animals. The guide/driver who stayed with us throughout the week, (Steve) was wonderful. He was able to find all of the animals and answered any questions we had regarding the animals. I would not hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone considering crossing this trip off of their bucket-list.
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Email Karen and Nancy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A trip of a lifetime!!!
Our safari was absolutely amazing! After landing in Nairobi and going through immigration we were met by our guide, Charles. Charles was very friendly and delivered us safely to our first resort. Our only regret was not having more time to explore Nairobi. We definitely missed out on seeing the elephant orphanage and Karen Blixen museum. The following morning Charles arrived on time and ready to drive us to Lake Naivasha. This Sopa Resort was absolutely gorgeous. The grounds were pristine and our accommodations were more than we expected. To be able to walk around with the animals running free was truly an awe inspiring event.
After an amazing overnight stay, Charles arrived on time the following morning to drive us to the Ashnil tented camp. The ride was long and somewhat tedious, but Charles was very informative and his sense of humor kept the long journey surprisingly pleasant. Our stop to see the Masai tribe was another thrill along the way. Upon entering Masai Mara you whole world is turned upside down. This reserve is truly God's country. The natural beauty of the land combined with the freedom of so many species of wildlife is beyond words.
Charles picked us up promptly at 7am, for the next two mornings. Our game drives with him were spectacular. He made sure we saw THE BIG 5 and many many more animals. His experience proved to be very useful when finding the elusive rhino. Unfortunately, our trip was over. We were very sad to leave. In hindsight, we should have booked this trip for several days longer.
We would definitely rate this safari with 5 stars. The food, resorts and transportation were exceptional. Our guide, Charles was fun, knowledgable and kept us safe! All of the staff at the three resorts were courteous, friendly and went out of their way to make you feel at home.
We would definitely recommend Odyssey Safaris and also Charles, as your guide.
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Email Barbara Moore | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Vacay Ever
I am so glad that I went. I asked many people their favorite travel location. Almost unanimously, I was told Africa. I am now among those people. I have done some wonderful travel internationally as well as domestically. I describe my experience as the feeling I had standing in Notre Dame cathedral for the first time. What was better, was feeling that way every day.
I had great service from Odyssey both before and after. I wish we could have stayed longer in the resorts, 2 or 3 days. Some of the drives were very long. Our guide was great.
We saw the big 5 as well as a lion honeymoon. That sure cracked me up.
Seeing the wildlife has deepened my reverence for life itself. Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity.
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Email Maura | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip of a lifetime!
Booked a groupon for the Kenya Safari. The booking process and communication process went smoothly thanks to Beatrice and Mark and I felt comfortable with all arrangements prior to the trip. Francis was a very good guide and driver throughout the whole trip. I recommend adding a day and seeing the elephant orphanage and giraffe center. The temperature and weather in April was very nice with rain usually in the evenings (I think we lucked out with good weather though) and everything was so green and the animals were all fat and happy! All four lodges were very nice at Safari Park hotel, Amboseli, the lake, and Masai Mara- can’t pick a favorite because each had their own charm. I do recommend trying to request a river view room at the Masai Mara camp- if I did this trip again that’s the one thing I would try and do (everyone in our group got bush views). Don’t skip the boat ride at the lake! I also recommend the horse riding at the lake lodge if you like horses. The safari trucks were comfy and roomy with plenty of water bottles available. I added an extra day at Masai with a bush flight from the park back to Nairobi which was a nice ending. One thing to keep in mind is that the driving time between parks is long and may not be comfortable for small children, especially during rainy season in April when delays and detours can make the driving time around 7-8 hrs. Overall this trip greatly exceeded my expectations!
