MT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fabulous experience of a lifetime
For me, Compass Odyssey means meticulousness and diligence, reliable and highly professional. It's from quotation and initial booking stages that CO gave a glimpse of their dependability. Darren was extremely fast in answering all our queries, and his response was always well detailed. He strived and managed to tailor-made our South African tour to our preferences and liking.
The tour is extremely well organized, with excellent local guides, and extremely well selected accommodations. Garth, Mortimer and Chic were remarkable. Besides their professionalism, they have always managed to adjust the program according to our liking, and have always made us feel welcome. I have particularly appreciated Garth’s initiative to include a bird watching activity which was out of schedule. Chic was really informative and was always willing to suggest dining options. Mortimer, together with his wife and son, did a great job in coordinating our tours and cross border arrangements. I must say that we have greatly treasured the ‘Tour of the Township’ with Mortimer’s wife, and would have really wished to visit the local school which were told that was closed (being part of the excursion we have brought several dictionaries and English literature books for the kids and it was rather disappointing that no one advised us beforehand that the school was going to be closed). Notwithstanding this, we have managed to fulfill this time with another equally amazing activity, feeding the vultures.
Our tour was an excellent mix of culture, history, tradition and wildlife experience. We have gone through several distinct ecosystems – the wine lands in Stellenbosch area, safari destinations of Kruger & Chobe national parks, the waterfall wonder at Victoria Falls, to the dramatic cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg.
We went foe this tour in search of Africa’s rich tradition, diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery, however thanks to Compass Odyssey we left with a collection of new experiences, expanded horizons and a fresh perspective of life.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari for the best price
We booked safari on safaribooking.com a two mounths before the trip. The trip was excellent! Early in thr morning we were brought in our hostel in Dar es Salaam and went to Mikumi. There we changed a car and went to park. We saw many animals: buffalos, elephants, crocodiles, hipoos, etc. Our driver Bob new the park and showed all animals and told us different things about the park. We had a night in camping, it was also excellent. Thanks to this safari organization, yhey make our trip very interrsting! We got new emotions! Of course I'll recommend it to my friends.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brilliantly arranged
I arranged very last minute a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, 3 weeks before departure to be exact. That's why I asked Tanzania Specialist for help. It was impressive to see how professional, friendly and efficient these guys work, especially with the short time of preparation. Everything was perfectly arranged and we got holidays we will never forget.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good safari for a reasonable price: 5 day budget camping Safari for +- €800
Communication via mail and whats app. This went very well though its maybe a good idea to use an online paying program in stead of just making a deposit.
Safari itself was well organised. We were picked up from a hotel and brought to the hotel of Meru slopes in Arusha. This hotel was basic but clean.
Next morning we left at 6 am and drove to the first camping site in Serengeti. We did not do safari the first day and that was a disapointing because we thought we would see already animals. Camping site in Serengeti was beautiful but toilets en showers were dirty.
Camping site in Ngorongoro was nog nice. A lot of people, very dirty toilets and showers, very cold at night.
The food during the safari was very good.
We saw the big 5 and the great migration so that is of course the most important and a big succes.
Our guide and chef were very friendly.
The safari car was a bit to old and not so comfortable..
Overall we enjoyed it very much. A very reliable company!
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fast response both over phone and mail and very friendly, flexible and helpful staff
Communications went smoothly, however the car broke down a couple of times on the way from Nairobi to the Miti Eco Camp, but it got fixed everytime and people were friendly and helpful. The sleeping arrangements and food was also fine and the safari was great - James the driver knew everything about the animals and their habits and he stayed within respectable distance to the animals but still made sure we got so many different kinds to see.
all in all very satisfied and if you want to save a little money on the safari budget you can for sure go with this company.
US
Absolutely trustworthy and honest about working within stated budget for the very best experience!
Our journey was More than we hoped it would be. It was perfectly orchestrated and without a hitch! thank you so much for your frankly honest, patient and most thorough planning and flawless choices of drivers, accommodations and advice! Your choices were above any suggestions for improvment . your suggested flight times were perfect. Most of all, I sing your praises about how intuitive and honest you are about budget questions and set up perfect lodge accomodations and guides. Your advice about warm clothing was MOST appreciated- we used all we brought because of your advice including hand warmers for the AM drive.
Each of our drivers were very knowledgeable, honest and professional. they were also attentive and clearly Loved their occupations and showed it! Prompt, MOST knowledgeable and careful. Edward Thembe (?) from Zulu Nyala to Hazyview then to Kruger was both patient (with a slow climber on the panoramic route (me!) and careful as we dodged boulders that were thrown onto the road after local demonstrations./protests.
Hazyview could easily have been more than a respite stop! The accomodations were luxurious and comfortable/restaurant offered a breakfast that sustained us till dinner!
Now to Mohlabetsi Tyler, the 7 year old replied when asked what he would say when friends asked him about his trip he said "yeah, go to Mohlabetsi! Its like sleeping IN the zoo only the animals are closer"
Tipping hints are appreciated as this can become a significant additional cost for GREAT service.
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super friendly staff and service minded. Very good safari experience
Staff was service minded and even picked us up in the airport a few days before the safari started. Safari was very good and we saw all the animals. Safari driver was very good at explaining about the animals, however he had a couple of technical issues with the car, which resulted in delays. Overall recommendable.
NZ
The advice and pre-trip assistance was excellent. We had a truly memorable trip with no issues.
Our expectations were exceeded. Amazing wildlife, excellent camps and guides.
LV
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Our quide and manager were excellent
The program and the service were very good. Just sleeping in the tent was difficult during the trekking.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Superb from start to finish!
My husband and I have just returned from the Transtrek 12 Day Classic Safari.
Everything from start to finish was superb. From our initial enquiry, Daniel, from Transtrek was professional, helpful, friendly and patient. He initiated a phone call between us so that we could discuss the plans and he was able to use his expert knowledge to advise and alter some of the details of the safari to satisfy our wishes. Dan was always quick to respond to any questions we had during the planning stage, which gave us total faith in his arrangements. Our faith was justified as everything, from the initial pick-up, when we arrived at Nairobi Airport, to the final airport drop-off at the end, went like clockwork.
The safari was absolutely amazing. All the reserves we visited, our day in Nairobi and all of the lodges and camps we stayed in were first class.
We had the best of drivers in Peter. He met us early one morning, at the Airport Hotel and was with us throughout our time in Kenya. His knowledge of the wildlife of Kenya is amazing and his expertise enabled us to see all of the, “Big Five”. Nothing was too much trouble for him and we enjoyed listening to him talk about life in Kenya. We only hope that he enjoyed our tales of life in the UK just as much. Peter is, without doubt a real asset to the Transtrek Safari experience.
If you are reading this review because you are unsure of who to book your next safari with, don’t hesitate in contacting Transtrek, Dan will take care of every last detail for you.
We fully intend to return to the wonderful country of Kenya again some day and will not consider any other company to take us there.
Thank you Dan and Peter, you both made our first safari an unforgettable experience.
