50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional, honest, generous team….dreams come true
This is not a short review but please bear with me…..
I first got in touch with Compass Odyssey after reading a number of reviews way back in 2019. Their bio was encouraging given that Darren and Kate are both Australian expats with travel, tourism and nature based backgrounds. My background is travel and tourism and Australian so I knew what i was looking for in an agent to handle our booking (namely good knowledge, great level of service and efficiency). What I discovered very quickly was I had found exactly the people upon whom I could trust.
Initially the plan was to visited South Africa in March 2020 …… and we all know what happened that year!
Granted I had some ideas of what we wanted to do for our trip but Darren spent time (over email) getting an even deeper understanding of our style of travel (independent), standard and type of accommodation we preferred and how we saw the trip unfolding all of which was evident when Darren presented the initial itinerary to me. Not much changed from then in terms of itinerary structure which looked like:
3 nights Cape Town, self drive along the Garden Route to the Eastern Cape and the Drakensburg Mountains to Hoedspruit for 2 weeks (approx 3500 kilometres), 3 nights our at a private game reserve in Greater Kruger, flights to and from Victoria Falls (2 nights) and 3 nights back in Johannesburg ….just a little over 4 weeks.
Things were ticking along nicely and the nasty little bug called COVID-19 struck, Australia closed its international borders on the day we were due to depart! This is when Darren and Kate really earned their stripes with us. Our travel insurance was problematic, we still wanted to go to South Africa and we’d paid in full. What to do? Darren and Kate negotiated with the various accommodation properties whom agreed to hold our monies until late 2021. Excellent! But our borders remained closed and more negotiating saw monies being held until the end of 2022.
Our borders opened at the end of 2021, I changed our dates to Aug/Sep departure, Darren weaved his magic with the operators and we have just completed an amazing 4 weeks in South Africa. Granted a few places had closed their doors due to the pandemic but Darren was able to find same for same in most cases so there was some out of pocket but it could have been a whole lot worse.
Compass’ communication is professional, timely, courteous and efficient. No question is too small or silly and in fact is encouraged throughout the process.
Compass’ product knowledge is excellent.
Compass’ customer service is outstanding ….nothing I’ve not experienced in many, many years.
Compass’ final documentation to you is unbelievable….everything you need to know before you go.
Compass Odyssey are not about churning the customers through but rather befriending them and really getting to know and understand expectations with genuine care and understanding.
Whilst in Sth Af Darren communicated with us a few times to see how things were going, making sure the accommodation properties were expecting us. Again I’ve never experienced this level of service.
The trip was memorable, so well planned and executed….they even timed a nice luxury 2 day break in the middle of what was a very busy trip….so well timed and appreciated.
Even though the pandemic delayed our trip for 2.5 years the end result was so well worth the wait and I’m so grateful to Darren and Kate for everything they did to ensure that this was possible.
You can’t go wrong in using Compass Odyssey as your African travel agent and yes I have already recommended them to friends and will use them again should we venture to back Africa (there’s so much more to explore!)
5*+++
PT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded my expectations
I made a 10-day Safari Trip in Kenya and Tanzania with my friends and I have to say that was one of the best trips I have made, everything went great.
The coordinator, Lilian, made sure that we had everything planned, the drivers Edward and Sylvester were both very reliable and experienced and helped us see the big 5 very easily, the cook, Donald, made delicious food for us and the great locations around Kilimanjaro, Masai Mara and Serengeti were magnificent.
Without any doubt, I recommend Toursistlinesafaris!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was a wonderful safari tour with our guide Iddy.
Our safari through Tanzania with our guide Iddy will be a lasting experience for us. Everything was just right. The hotels and lodges were great and the organization was just perfect and Iddy as guide and driver was great.
The care during the safari in the Serengeti National Park was exceptionally good. Thanks alot. Burkhard and Birgit Storch from Hohenwarthe.
(automatic translation from German)
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A dream come true
We chose Saunterland Africa Tours to do the safari of our honeymoon and it could not have been a more successful idea! With James (the owner ) we have a fantastic communication and he cares a lot that his clients are happy and their safaris adjust to their requests, everything was adapted to our ideas and budget, as soon as our guide Alex we only have words of thanks, thanks to him we were able to see the big 5 and everything was explained in our language (Spanish) he works hard to find all the animals and take you to beautiful places, he was also very polite and also funny, we will never forget you Alex thank you for all! Both are great professionals who care that your trip is perfect. The Saunterland team made our dream come true, they are 100% recommended and we will choose them again on our next safari. Thanks for everything. Xxx
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A passion for delivering the safari of your dreams
I would thoroughly recommend using Twinkle Star Tours & Safaris if you are considering booking a trip to Kenya or Tanzania.
Having worked with James back in 2019 to create our dream safari, it was not until this year, 2022, that the dream came true. Starting in Nairobi, we were picked up by our guide, Abubakar. This being my first safari, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but Abu, put us at ease, kept us safe and comfortable and helped us see so many wonderful animals and their natural behaviours in the wild. We went to Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naviasha, Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Lake Manyara National Park and Amboseli National Park. I would recommend all these places. Each has its own unique character and ambience. If I had to select some highlights though, it would have to be Ol Pejeta because of the exceptional work they are doing to save the Northern White Rhinos; the Serengeti because it is truly a wonder and the Crater - because that is where we got to see all the BIG 5 in one day. In terms of highlights - I would also recommend paying the extra costs to meet the last two Northern White Rhinos in Ol Pejeta as the money you spend goes to a wonderful charity and also gives you the chance to meet face to face these wonderful animals. My eyes are welling up, remembering the time we got to spend with them. My husband also treated us to a balloon ride over the Masai Mara. I am not a brave flyer at the best of times, but I am so glad we did this. It was a wonderful way to see the Mara and the different animals across its plains.
The Guides
Abu was a brilliant guide with knowledge and experiences of the animals. His friendly disposition and network with fellow drivers meant we were always able to see really wonderful animals, and take as much time as we wanted to get our perfect pictures and memories. When we crossed over to Tanzania we had a new guide, Stuart from Raven Safaris. Stuart knows the Serengeti and the Crater having long years experience. Stuart's patience and knowledge of the animals was exceptional and we were both lucky and privileged to see 4 different leopards because of his brilliant guiding skills.
Value for money
If you are researching for your own safari, you will know, they are not cheap, however, considering the parks we visited, the places we stayed the food provided and the knowledge shared by our guides, the value for money was brilliant on this trip. It was also tailored to meet the requests we had and all our questions were answered without hesitations. If you are looking for a bit of luxury I would certainly recommend Ol Pejeta and the Intimate Camp in the Serengeti. As someone who doesn't camp a lot, both of these places offered camping tents which are honestly nicer than my own apartment back home!
I have wanted to go on safari since I was a young person growing up watching the documentaries narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Wildlife is not a documentary - however, we were lucky and privileged to get a small window into that world for a few weeks. I will treasure the memories and photographs forever and hope that in years to come those wonderful places and their inhabitants continue to not only exist but also thrive.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So caring, informative and super helpful
The trip was amazing, the team was so helpful from picking me up from my hotel and drop off, payment was totally flexible. The guide was amazing and very informative. Best experience ever!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pathetic, Liars and very unprofessional
I did a safari with Bluerange connect in August 2022. We communicated through WhatsApp and paid 30% cost in advance. Once we reached Nairobi, we paid remaining amount a day before. We specifically booked 4x4 Land cruiser option and paid for the same. But on a day of safari they gave us van. The driver had no idea so we called tour manager, Lilian. She refused to change the vehicle. She insisted on meeting and she came two hours late to meet us on the day of the safari. Later she admitted it is her mistake but she won't change vehicle without additional payment. We argued but she said she quoted wrong price. It seemed she deliberately came late so that we give in and pay additional cost as we did not want to waste time. It was already late to start the safari. We kept calling her, texting her and beg her to come earlier. We had to pay $350 additional cost as we did not want to compromise on our experience and then she changed our vehicle. Again the Land cruiser given to us was in very bad condition. It was old, seats were broken and no cooler for water.
This did not stop there. They changed our accomodation without informing or discussing with us. We were promised a different lodge in Lake Naivasha but was given a downgrade. When we tried to talk to them about it, they just kept telling it is not downgrade where we can clearly use google and see it is a downgrade. They would directly inform the driver where to take us for the stay without dropping a single messege to us about the change.
This company is run by very unprofessional group of people who are liars and scammer. Do not book with them. They will ruin your once in a life experience of safari with their mismanagement.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent tour operator and guides with all arrangements carried out smoothly and efficiently.
We took the eleven-day Kenyan/Tanzanian Safari, and it was indeed the most wonderful experience of my life. I went with my 11-year old grandson. Bienvenido Kenya Tour and Safaris took care of us throughout the trip. Transport showed up when expected, our guides were excellent - particularly Patrick in Kenya - and the arrangements were exactly as planned.
We saw an enormous number of animals - all the big five - as well as many other species. We also got very close to numerous lions, elephants and other creatures. It was an extremely thrilling experience.
Accommodation ranged from good to very basic. Be prepared to rough it occasionally! There was also quite a bit more driving involved that I had anticipated.
For those considering this safari, the more research you do up front the better! I would have liked a bit more information about accommodation options, as well as a bit more guidance on what to bring, what not to bring, etc. In the end we just took very small bags, with only three changes of clothes, binoculars (a must!), guide book, cellphone and a warm jacket as nights can get chilly. This all proved to be more than adequate, and having small, light bags was a bonus, as we were constantly moving from one place to another. We were advised to bring "safari style" clothes, but that was not necessary! Also, take a small towel - some of the camps do NOT provide towels and cold showers with no way of drying off is not all that pleasant.
I would highly recommend Bienvenido Tours. Good value, no hidden extras and Purity is very responsive and helpful.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The safari was amazing, guide was very knowledgeable
The safari was amazing, the guide was very knowledgable, we saw many animals and the food was great. My favorite part was climbing Mount kilimanjaro, we had an amazing guide and we saw so many animals. I would recommend this trip to anyone!
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect, all was meravellous and excellent atention whit all
Motto Travel is a big and magnific team, they prepare all whit the best enjoy travel , and all the moment you feel confortable because they made all necesary for to have a big a lovely experience from Kenia