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
Email Vanessa K - Boston MA | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ask for Erastus for you tour guide - By far the best!
Beatrice and Mark planned this trip for my sister and I and did a great job selecting a vacation package that was best for us and in our budget. We did the tour from Boston to Nairobi and it was a Friday to Monday trip (10 days total) - flew from Boston to Amsterdam to Nairobi and then back.
Pre-Trip Preparation: My sister and I got a few shots before (Yellow Fever, Tetanus, Polio, and Hep A) - but they weren't necessary for us - but no harm getting them just in case. We also took anti-malaria pills before, during, and after the trip - total of 14 days (also not needed).
Need a passport - but don't get your Visa until you get there ($50 USD) - much quicker and easier than doing it ahead of time.
Packed: Money Protector, Cash, CC, passport, Tablet & plug, Blanket, bathing suit, long pants (linen are best because it’s hot then cold), sweatshirt/pants because it’s very cold t night, Unscented shampoo (keeps away bugs), Safari hat, 5 Toothbrushes & paste (in case one touches tap water), Tums, Advil, Dramamine, Imodium, Prescription Pills in original bottle, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Power adaptors, backpack, Mosquito Net, 99% Deet Bug spray, Hand Sanitizer, Good Binoculars (I wish I had bought a Monocular), disposable Poncho, Travel Toilet Paper
When we arrived: got off plane, went through Immigration (got our visa), got our bags and then "went through customs" - we didn't really need to do anything except hand them a form. Then we walked outside and saw Erastus (our tour guide) holding a sign with our names. He brought us to the Safari truck and brought us to the hotel.
1st Hotel: Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi - great location and accommodations - lots of restaurants to chose from, rooms are very clean and nice, breakfast is included, pool, lots of weddings here - only negative was their beds were extremely firm.
Safari: woke up, ate breakfast, and Erastus was waiting for us in the lobby to take us to our first safari destination. We had 2 other people with us (an older couple) so there was plenty of room for us to put our stuff and relax on the long rides.
The ride to the first location is about 5 hours - but you really don't notice it at all because there are a few "stop-overs" to use the bathrooms and look at souvenirs and the people-watching along the way is fascinating.
Ashnil - Samburu: This is a tented camp - rooms are little huts with real doors but tent walls - you feel like you're really in a hotel room - nice beds and showers and they give you water bottles for tooth-brushing. The food all over africa is terrible if you're an american. We were told not to eat fruits, uncooked veggies, the water, or unpasteurized dairy products. That doesn't leave many options - so the food is the only thing I could complain about on this trip. There is a male elephant that comes right up to the electric fence daily - it's really cool. There are Vervet monkeys that try to get into your rooms at night - make sure you zip the tents closed! Beds are really comfortable and there is a generator to charge your phone/camera/laptops about 18 out of 24 hours a day.
The game drives here were amazing - the goal of the whole safari is to see the "big 5" and we saw a lion, (not one of big 5 but...)cheetah (with her cubs AND a kill), hippo (it's extremely rare to see any Hippo in Samburu), and a bunch of smaller animals and birds.
We went to the Samburu village - $30 per person extra - it was worth it. We got to see how they live off the land, and go into their little huts and see the school etc. They do try to sell you a bunch of souvenirs at the end - and I think it's better to buy gifts from them than the souvenir shops.
The drive from Samburu to Sweetwater was about 3 hours
Sweetwater: This is a tented camp with a lake in the middle (elephants and other animals gather at the lake after dark - it's very cool to see them up close while eating dinner). The tents are on stilts and you have to actually zip the entrance. There are a TON of weird beetles there - but no mosquitos. The rooms were cozy and comfortable beds - showers/bathroom was nice and they also give you water. The food was a little better. At every tented camp, food is included with your package but drinks (even water) is not. We just took waters from our Safari truck (there was enough for the week in there) and brought them to meals. Wifi is good here in the rooms and lobby.
Game drive: We saw black and white rhinos, stopped at the Black Rhino sanctuary and the chimpanzee sanctuary. Saw 2 others of the Big 5 - the African Cape Buffalo as well the rhinos. We saw more lions, zebra, ostriches, giraffes, and stopped at the Equator for pictures and a water demonstration.
From Sweetwater to Nakuru was about 4 hours.
Nakuru: This is a lodge hotel - no tents - very nice here. One tiny problem we had was that ALL of our rooms at the 5 hotels were so far away from the lobby - if you're handicapped or old, you should definitely ask for closer rooms up front. The lunch here was very good - the best meal of the whole trip. The rooms were comfy and clean and very nice. We heard a lion roar in the early morning hours! Here we were supposed to see FLOCKS of flamingos - but there were only about 30. Again, we saw rhino and buffalo and the other animals. Still, no leopard though (the last of the big 5 to spot for us).
Trip from Nakuru to Masai Mara was about 7 hours:
Ashnil at Masai Mara: The rooms are just like the ones at the other Ashnil camp - same food as well. Comfy beds and clean rooms. Food was just OK. Hippos are right outside the dining room - we saw a hyena as well. The game drive here was AMAZING! We saw a huge pride of lions and so many other animals. On our way out of the park on the very last day, we FINALLY spotted the leopard - and WITH A CUB! We were so happy! AND a cheetah jumped on our safari truck - sat there for about 1/2 hour looking for her next meal - not bothering us - was so cool! Before it jumped on our truck, she went on the roof of another truck, went over to the open sunroof and shat through the open roof onto the tour guide hahahaha. We got to step into Tanzania for a minute.
The ride back to Nairobi was about 6 hours with stop-overs at interesting locations.
Back at the Safari Park Hotel, we went to the Elephant Orphanage, a mall, a black market, and a little sight-seeing of Nairobi with our tour guide before flying back home.
I travel a lot - and this was by far the BEST trip I have been on. Erastus was an amazing tour guide - he knew so many interesting facts about the animals, Kenya, and the people who we saw along the way. It's very important to tip your tour guide - at LEAST $10/day per person - we recommend twice that if you have Erastus as your guide - he truly loves his job and is so good at it!
Some things to remember about Safaris and Kenya:
1. Don't expect to go into the game drive reserves and see animals roaming everywhere - you will see a few every 10-15 minutes - it's part of the fun trying to spot them. They are not just all hanging around everywhere - they are living in their natural habitat and hiding from prey/sun/us.
2. In Nairobi, people are pretty much the same as in the US - they have the same things and do the same stuff. They are more religious though - everyone goes to church on Sundays. However, the farther out you go - like to the game reserves, the people become more and more primitive with their houses, livestock, jobs, food, etc.
3. Ask as many questions as you can think of while on safari - your tour guide is full of information and there are just so many interesting facts about Kenya you would never think of.
US
Email Linda | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5 Star Experience from Start to End
My husband and I were introduced to Odyssey Safaris (OS) through Groupon (which we decided not to use--keep reading). We contacted OS and received an immediate response. We were impressed that a real person, Mark Cahill, made himself available to speak to us. He proposed a safari in Kenya that was comparable in pricing to Groupon but in keeping with our availability. Prior to paying for our package, there was a political incident in Kenya that compelled us to ask for a change in destination. In short order, Mark prepared an alternative package in Tanzania--visiting 4 natonal parks within close proximity, at nearly the same price. He suggested that we consider doing a stopover in Amsterdam on our way back to the US, which was rewarding and gave us a break from a very long flight back to the West Coast. He also accommodated our request to pay for the airline (KLM) fare directly.
We had never done a safari and were a little apprehensive. Even though they provide a detailed itinerary and responses to FAQs, I sent Odyssey a few emails about logistics. They responded almost immediately with helpful information (even though some had been answered in their brochure materials).
Now, about the trip itself. We were amazed beyond belief. The entire experience was flawless. We were met at the Kilimanjaro Airport by Mweta, who was a very experienced guide. (He said he's almost ready to retire but he had plenty of energy for us!) He stayed with us for the entire trip being guide, educator, and driver. I don't understand how a person can manage to avoid the major pits of the road, identify birds in flight, and see a giraffe in distance, all while answering our questions about the culture, the weather, the politics, etc. Every single day was unique: we saw dozens of animals on our very first day (Tarangire). But every subsequent day we saw new animals as well as coming across those we'd seen in different habitats and different situations. The quality of the guide will shape your experience and ours was exceptional.
We appreciated the sequence of the National Parks, spending approximately one day at each. We started with Tarangire (which is sometimes skipped in shorter safaris of fewer than 7 days: what a shame!); then Lake Manyara--not to be missed; then Ngorongoro Crater; finally Serengeti for 2 full days. By the 8th day (our first day was just for landing, dining, and sleep), we were ready to go home, satiated on a feast of mammals, birds, some reptiles, panoramic scenery, and a few experiences with the Maasai.
Let's move on to lodgings and meals. We were again, delighted with our accommodations. We had no idea that they would be as luxurious as they were. Even the "tents" were completely furnished with beds with firm comfortable mattresses, mosquito netting, bedside tables, sitting areas, and complete bathrooms including hot showers and flush toilets! Several of the tent sites used solar power, which made sense. Every lodging was unique, e.g. the tents on boulders overlooking a lake; the tents in the middle of a plain, set in a circle; the lodging on the top of a large hill, with a bathroom suite that would rival any 5 star hotel in Europe or the US. The safari-lodgings we stayed in were run by a French company but, thankfully, the staff were all Tanzanian. They were, without exception, gracious and accommodating. The meals were (to us) tasty and healthy. The breakfasts catered to Westerners, i.e. fruits, croissants, toast, eggs, bacon. We wished they offered an occasional choice of local cuisine...Maybe next time. Important to note that neither of us became even slightly ill during the entire trip.
In addition to being able to observe wildlife and take in breathtaking scenery, we were able to take a walk with a few Maasai men across the plains as they talked about their everyday life; and visit a village to see a welcome dance, go inside one of the dwellings, and visit a kindergarten. These were just glimpses but will leave lingering memories.
We could say so much more but it would take many pages. Suffice it to say, we would use Odyssey Safaris to plan other trips in the future.
For those of you who are new to safaris (as we were): you'll experience much jostling in the vehicle as you dodge thousands of ruts (our guide was a genius in his ability to maneuver around them but you'll stlill be jostled); dust in capital letters, and the noise of the vehicle can be noticeable. But these are details if you want to see animals in the wild, sometimes within feet of your vehicle; if you want to see panoramic scenery and skies like you've never seen before, stretch before you; and appreciate the friendly waving of children by the road as they herd their goats and cattle.
Don't miss this experience: it will bring a new meaning to the word awe.
US
Email Brittyn | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience!
I traveled to Kenya with 3 friends after booking with Odyssey when I found a Groupon deal for different days that they honored for us. We spent a week traveling to Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. I was concerned that a week wouldn't be enough, but we were busy all day long and traveling from park to park was an adventure in itself with things to see along the way out the window. We absolutely loved our guide, Erastus, and even cried at the airport when he dropped us off! He was extremely friendly and jovial, and I would highly recommend requesting him if anybody else goes with Odyssey. We saw all the animals we hoped to see (elephants galore, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, warthogs, lions, cheetahs, monkeys, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, etc). 3 out of 4 of us are vegan and had essentially no problems with finding good food to eat. All the lodges were top notch accommodations, and the Kenyan people were all so friendly!
CA
Email Angi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing adventure through Odyssey Safaris!!
Recently back from an amazing safari adventure in Kenya organized through Odyssey Safaris. Odyssey tailored the trip to our specifications and instructed us on payment schedules, visa requirements, medical requirements, etc ... basically made everything simple and easy for us. Mark Cahill ensured that our flights were booked to take advantage of the best routes and prices and our accommodations were excellent (in fact we were given upgrades in a couple of instances). Our guide, Kieri, was friendly, knowledgeable and extremely accommodating -- he ensured that we got to enjoy the landscape and culture of Kenya. I would highly recommend Odyssey Safaris -- they will do everything possible to ensure that your safari experience exceeds your expectations.
CA
Email Mahasri W. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely awesome!!!!
Our family of 5 are seasoned travellers, doing regular trips twice a year for the past 10 years. A Safari in Africa has to be on everyones bucket list of things to do, so I searched for tour groups. We live in Edmonton, Canada, and there are so many that offer tours. I found 'Odyssey Safari's' from New York. NEW YORK! WTH!! Why would I book through theses people when I can book face to face with someone right here in Edmonton, and I have never before booked through anyone other than directly through the Airline or personally going to the travel office, but after speaking personally to Mark Cahill at Odyssey, I was skeptical at 1st, especially with so many scams going around, but this guy sounded honest and was very up front about everything and not pushy at all. So, us 5 and 5 others, a group of 10 got a great price and took a chance a booked not knowing what to expect coz 5 other family members have always wanted to join us on our many travels, so this time I was worried coz I was responsible for them too if things did not go as planned. But they sure delivered!!! OMG!! What a trip! Stuff that movies are made of - like a Black Rhino charging us and a lioness and her 4 cubs playing just outside our Jeep and giant Giraffe's and Hippo's munching right outside our cottages! All made possible by Odyssey and their fantastic drivers and Vehicles, but people, please expect some minor breakdown's!! When you see the Terrain and the horrible roads that are totally neglected by the Kenyan Govt, it's no fault of the Hotels or the drivers. Us in the western 1st world nations are so spoilt with everything going perfect. We had one flat tire and one other minor issue which was quickly taken care of but what you experience on the great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru! Nothing compared to a minor break down. From the time we landed in Nairobi, it was awesome, fantastic, fabulous, great and did I mention the part about we experienced 'what movies are made of' - thanks Odyssey! We had the best vacation ever. I recommend Odyssey to anyone & everyone, coz they walk the talk. I would ask for Erastus and Simon, if they are available - Great drivers/Guides, and please TIP these guys coz they are poor and we have so much here.
US
Email Heather H. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Perfect Experience
This is an experience of a lifetime! Odyssey Safaris is spectacular!
Our Tour Guide - There is no doubt that our guide, James (Kiarie), is the best safari guide in all of Kenya. He was able to track and spot every creature. His well established network of guides in every park enabled us to locate the most elusive animal. Hearing him share his expansive knowledge of each species was like having a National Geographic documentarian in arms length. James was patient through our first sightings and our special needs related to getting just the right photo. Additionally, James is a talented driver and navigates the under developed roads with skill and courtesy. He curated our stops along the way and advised the group on how to interact with the locals. He built trust with each of us from the start, with his impeccable manners and smart guidance. He customized each days times and priorities based on our needs. We affectionately called him James Bond.
Sightings - We spotted the Special 5 and Big 5 within the first 2 days of our adventure....but that was only the beginning... 3/4 of the field guide was checked by the time left. James helped us all learn the variations of antelope, birds, rhinos, zebra, giraffe, etc.
Hotels and Staff - The hospitality in the tent camps are outstanding. The staff was extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful, particularly at Safari Park Hotel, Samburu Ashnil, Sarova Lionhill Lodge, Sweetwater and the Masai Mara Ashnil. The guards were my favorite staff members- they help you feel safe and they are more than happy to chat with you about their unique tribes, traditions and culture....and they are very curious to learn about your world as well. Sweetwater was amazing for the watering hole - we called it the lazy man's safari. My least favorite hotel was Masai Mara Ashnil, the staff was far less friendly and accommodating than the all others- with the exception of the guards and bartenders. I think we were spoiled by the A M A Z I N G service everywhere else. We stopped for a rest at Mara Serena Lodge - this looked and felt like a much better experience...I will opt for this one next time. Overall, amazing wonderful staff that added to the magic of Africa.
Village Visits - Visiting the Samburu Village and Masai Village was a wonderful addition to our trip. I preferred the Massai Village as it seemed more authentic and less about selling goods and asking for money. I am thankful that we visited both and could compare the two.
Karen Blixen Museum - If you love Out of Africa, you will L O V E visiting her home. Don't expect bells and whistles...this is a very simple, straight forward museum experience. Just spending time there was delightful. Learning more of her story will stay with me. I recommend the book about her life in the gift shop.
Itinerary - Our 10 day package was perfect. This Odyssey excursion is well-curated, with a variety of different experiences. You are given the flexibility to opt in or out of drives, which helps when you are weary mid-week. It was fun for my 70 year old mother and for me at 42. We visited Sambaru-Buffalo, Lake Nakuru, Sweet Water, Masai Mara. We had plenty of time to take in the overwhelming beautiful scenery, shop for souvenirs, enjoy cultural entertainment and, of course, see every animal our heart desired.
Preparations - Odyssey made it easy for us to plan for this extensive trip with their well organized pre-trip packet. All relevant information was included about immunizations, safety precautions, weather, accommodations, options and an easy to follow day-by-day itinerary. The staff was very responsive to our pre-trip questions and we felt completely prepared for our adventure, which eliminated much stress prior to departure.
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!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great travel company to go through for an amazing vacation
An African Safari is a must do for any avid travelers. But doing it is not something that is easily done alone. We heard about Odyssey through a friend who had went recently. We considered a couple Safari companies and ended up going with Odyssey. The trip was well planned out and organized. We had an amazing time. We had one hiccup at the end of the trip where we were scheduled to sit in the DAR airport (if you call it that) for 7 hours. After some back and fourth, Odyssey was able to come up with a solution for us to stop at the Serena in DAR. Overall, we had an amazing trip and going through Odyssey was a big reason for that.
US
Email Shirley | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Odyssey Safari was a great value, well planned and included everything we wanted to do and see.
The key to a successful safari is your driver and guide, a small and compatible group and a company that works with you from planning to getting you back safely. Odyssey Safaris met this criteria. Once we decided which Safari to take, everything fell into place. Mark and Lucy were quick to respond to any question we had. Our accommodations were excellent, the lodges, food and settings. We traveled by Toyota 4 wheel drive, no mini vans. There were 6 of us, never having met before, but compatible. Our guide, Charles, kept us on schedule, whether on game drives, driving from one park to another ,or optional tours. He also knew the history of Kenya. He had a good sense of humor. He knew the names of all animals and could find them and always stop for our photos. He kept plenty of water in the vehicle for us. The roads in Kenya are not too good, so expect some bumps. You will get a list of what and what not to take. I recommend a pair of rubber shoes,( keen, or similar) that can be washed and worn the next day, NOT sandals. Take less clothing . we stayed in each lodge 2 nights making it easy to get clothes washed. Get 6 people and go together. It is an awesome adventure. Odyssey safaris will treat you well. remember ==some bumpy roads in Kenya. Oh, and yes, a great value compared to some other companies that take you to the same places for twice as much money.
CA
Email Judith | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another Amazing Safari
We had travelled with Odyssey before, so when I went to book our Great Migration safari, I knew what I wanted - tweaking their base safari to cover a few things I had noticed and wanted time for. They were very agreeable, and arranged everything, even coordinating between ourselves and the 2 friends we were travelling with. One of our friends added an extra stay to the end of the itinerary and that was booked with ease. They even arranged a pleasant surprise for us in the form of very upgraded accommodations for two nights. Our driver/guide was terrific, and knowledgeable. 5/5 stars, would travel again.