Kate & Darren Humphrys with Henry, Olive and Hume
Compass Odyssey
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
US
Email Peter and Jane Wellington | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Compass Odyssey personalized a safari to our specifications. Every small detail was perfect.
We took our first Compass Odyssey safari in 2018. We have traveled independently all over the world, and have disdain for group travel, including cruises, but planning a do your own safari was beyond us. Compass Odyssey worked with us for several weeks, on an almost daily basis, to fine tune the details of our safari, and the work paid off. The safari locations were varied, provided great game viewing, and the hospitality was wonderful everywhere. No detail is too small for Compass Odyssey; a great example was when they met us in the Johannesburg airport to walk us from immigration to the gate for our next flight, a distance of only a few hundred feet. Nobody will ever get lost on a Compass Odyssey trip.
Amazingly, when we checked the published rates at all the lodges we used and the flight costs, the total was greater than Compass Odyssey's price! That total didn't even include transportation to and from airports or long road transfers to safari camps.
We have referred several friends to Compass Odyssey, and they've all had great trips. There was no doubt that we would use them again for our return this year. It feels like Compass Odyssey has special arrangements with the safari lodges they use. These are all small, luxurious lodges, but it felt as if were receiving a bit of special treatment at times. We did have a pre-planned personal guide at one lodge, but we were almost always in uncrowded safari vehicles. As far as wildlife, we saw it all: leopards with food in trees, wild dogs hunting, elephant families greeting each other, the Big Five, spectacular birds. That, and the incredible African scenery, the great lodge guides and staff, the attention to special dietary needs and every other little detail combined to make this the best trip we've ever taken.
To sum up, Compass Odyssey provided a bespoke experience for less than the cost of most, if not all, prepackaged group safaris. Thank you, Kate and Darren!
US
Email Sharon, Madeline and Scarlet Ramelb | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Quality and Personal Service!! If I could give them 10 stars I would!!
This trip was a dream of ours for many years. And dreams really do come true! Darren and his team really made this an exceptional experience from beginning to end. The planning was personalized and very thoughtful. Our accommodations exceeded our expectations ... the food, the staff ... the game drives ... everything! And I could go on and on about our guides. They were instantly part of our family. Compass Odyssey really knows their stuff .. and set up every detail beautifully. We have recommended them to everyone we know. Africa is an amazing place with beautiful people, amazing scenery and creatures big and small. We are already dreaming of our next trip ... and will be calling Darren to make it all happen!
US
Email alison | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you want a unique and personal trip to Africa, work with Compass Odyssey!
I was lucky enough to be guided by Darren personally on a trip to Morocco several years ago. We’ve stayed in touch and I knew when it was time to return to Africa that Compass Odyssey was going to help pull it all together.
Other reviewers have mentioned how easy it is to work with Darren and Compass Odyssey, how the guides are wonderful, the accommodations perfect, the food delicious, etc. And that is true.
But where I really appreciate Compass Odyssey—and what I think sets them apart—is how they cater to the specific traveler and what they are looking for in a trip. These tours are not one-size-fits-all. Darren won’t recommend something that he does not think you will like or that does not meet your specifications. Instead of just saying yes, yes, yes, he will actually disagree with you and explain why he doesn’t think your idea might work for you and offer alternatives. He is also immensely patient and detail-oriented so that everything is perfectly organized and arranged.
The folks I travelled with fell in love with Africa and are already talking about a return trip with Compass Odyssey. I can’t wait!
US
Email Ralph Barber | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
INCREDIBLE Safari
From the first inquiry to the final flight Compass was amazing. The detail in planning far exceeded any expectations I had. Each lodge was gorgeous with incredible staff. The 12 days I spent in Southerm Africa is something everyone should experience. I highly recommend using Darren for help planning the trip of a lifetime.
DE
Email Olga M. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The most epic trip of my life
I can hardly find the words to express how deeply moved and impressed I was by the trip organized by Compass Odyssey. The owners, Kate and Darren, are truly passionate about what they do and go above and beyond in designing a journey that takes every single wish of the customer into account.
From the very first contact to the follow-up after the trip, I felt completely taken care of — and most importantly, truly heard. The itinerary was tailored to my individual preferences, and the entire communication was warm, kind, and incredibly understanding.
I'm especially grateful that my wish for vegan options was respected and accommodated at every location and during every activity. The service provided by Compass Odyssey is simply unbeatable: a private driver on site who offers support and advice, private game drives and boat cruises — everything was exclusive and personalized. Such unforgettable and superb experiences which are only yours!!!
Thank you once again, dear Kate and Darren for a journey that still brings tears to my eyes.
