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
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Email Melissa Mona | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy to work with
The very first thing we did was go to a place to book excursions, felt like high pressure sales on the guide's part. We hurriedly pick a few and asked to go to check in at our accomodataions so we could freshen up from traveling. The next day we were a bit surprised to be handed an invoice for transport to and from activitites. We almost missed one activity because our guide told us to be ready at one time and the transport arrived over an hour and a half before that time. Fortunately that driver waited for us to hurry and get ready, we did almost miss the boat for the excursion, they held the boat since there were so many people from different places on the bus. May have made the actual boat ride shorter, I have no idea.
The transfers to and from countries with the guides seemed seamless. We always felt safe. transferred from Zimbabwe to Zambia and back, then to Botswana later.
the host and accomodations in Botswana, and the guides there were beyond amazing. I would do this part of the tour again in a heartbeat.
The food at all accomodations was great.
Reply from Compass Odyssey
Posted on Aug 4, 2023Hello, Melissa and thanks for the review.
We always prefer to pre-arrange our travellers' activities for their time in and around Victoria Falls so that upon your arrival, there is no need to visit the activities office and make your choices on the spot, as happened in your case because you hadn't asked us to arrange anything. We're sorry that the activities consultant made you feel pressured and we've asked our guides, Ruth and Mortimer to ensure this doesn't happen. We're also sorry that it seems that the collection time for your sunset cruise was incorrectly advised to you by the activities consultant. The activities are booked/operated by a third party. Two of the activities that your group of six travellers chose did not include transfers in the cost, so you were transferred by Ruth. We mentioned this scenario in your safari documentation and also mentioned that Mortimer and Ruth are not your full-time guides and that any extra transport or services may require payment, as happened in your case. We're glad you enjoyed the hospitality of Anja and her team at Chobe River Lodge.
Darren and Kate
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Email Anna and Marcie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The tour operator should be given kudos for hiring our tour guide, Elvis. He was the best.
I would and have described this trip as rugged. A major portion of the trip was spent in our vehicle on rough roads, which are typical for viewing the sites in Namibia. Thank goodness for Elvis, our guide who kept it entertaining and made regular stops. I'm not sure that on a couple of those days, flying in a bush plane wouldn't have been a better option. Obviously, adding to the cost. The only real complaint that I have is the vehicle which was rented for our trip. They often say, know your audience. We were 4 women, 2 in their mid-60's and 2 in their mid-70's and short. We all were challenged getting into the vehicle whose first step was sitting at least 3 feet off of the ground. Eventually, Elvis bought a stool which made it much easier to get into the vehicle. Having been on safaris in the past, I know that there are All Terrain Vehicles that have easier boarding methods. Communications with CO was great. They responded timely and thoroughly. I can't say enough great things about our guide, Elvis. And, everything ran smoothly both due to CO and Elvis. We never had to wonder what was going on. If I were to rate this tour on a scale of 10, I would rate it an 8 out of 10.
Reply from Compass Odyssey
Posted on Oct 4, 2022Thanks for your review, Anna and we're glad that Elvis was able to help make the long driving days bearable. We do mention in our detailed itineraries that the days can be long in Namibia...such is the price for travelling in this vast, open country. Elvis has kept the magic stool for future travellers who travel in that larger vehicle and my apologies that it took a few days before this simple remedy was obtained. We only use this vehicle when there are 4+ travellers. We use a 5-door SUV 4x4 for 1-3 travellers and could offer it to four travellers like yourselves but this would mean three of you sitting on the back seat together, which surely wouldn't be comfortable.
Thanks to your suggestion, we have recently received fares from a local charter airline and will offer this option to our travellers in the future...though the costs are considerably above our usual travellers' budget plus this would also mean that we wouldn't be able to offer Elvis as the sole guide because he obviously can't get between point A and Point B at the same speed as the plane.
Very well organized and interesting tour of the places to see in Cape Town
This was not a safari tour, but a first experience of all the beautiful sights Cape Town has to offer. The guest house (Parker’s Cottage) where I stayed was excellent, their breakfast offer was outstanding with various choices of cooked breakfast, fresh juices and amazing and tasty fresh fruit with granola. The local guide cum driver was knowledgeable and provided a lot of insight on South African history and politics.
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Email Caldwell | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well-planned & great communication
We had an amazing time in Chobe & the Okavango on one of Darren's trips. Our time in Pom Pom Camp was unforgettable thanks to a fantastic guide named Patros. Darren was thorough and quick to respond as we planned our trip -- which is very important when you're trying to become comfortable with logistics of a trip into the bush. The camp had a potentially significant luggage SNAFU on our way out the door, but the camp operator took care of us while we were delayed in Maun -- and Darren did what he could to assist.
Our time at Garden Lodge in Chobe was nice. The owners are fantastic, but one of the staff members left a bit of a bitter taste. I understand that person is being cycled out soon enough, so should not count against the lodging.
Overall, my feeling is that we live in an age where its become increasingly feasible to design your own worldly adventures. We picked Compass Odyssey because it lined up with our trip budget, however, after the fact, I do believe the trip was slightly over-priced. I say that even though Compass Odyssey gave us a great deal of peace of mind headed into our adventure and guided us to some great venues.
So helpful for our trip of a life time.
Lots of communication prior to our trip, all questions answered. Batonka a beautiful place to stay, great breakfast to start your day! My sisters did find the single twin beds to be quite narrow, in North America twins seem to be a thing of the past, rooms have 2 double size beds. Sam, taxi driver from Zambia to Zimbabwe boarder, very knowledgeable. Emmanuel, driver & guide in Livingstone, fun and knowledgeable. Mortimer, our guide to Victoria Falls, patient and very helpful, made excellent recommendations for excursions. Only suggestion would be to reconfirm cost of extra transfers, who remembers what is in the contract?! Letting us know a taxi might be an option to consider.
Super reliable, honest, thorough and knowledgeable.
This was our third safari with Compass Odyssey (CO). Our Namibian adventure did not disappoint. We visited several locations in different parts of the country. The activities and excursions were extremely varied and enjoyable; the itinerary executed as promised, safely, seamlessly and without a hitch. You can most definitely count on Darren and Kate of CO to put together a fabulous vacation for you, as we do. They work with the highest level of integrity, professionalism and care, which is why we trust them as much as we do! We will always cherish our memories of Namibia: the people we met; the animals we saw; the desert we walked in; the mountains and starry skies we gazed at; the dunes we climbed; the hot air balloon we flew in; the accommodations we temporarily called home; etc etc etc. On a scale of 1 to 10, our trip was a 15! Thank you, Compass Odyssey! As Laura wrote in her last Instagram post before we left, “Namibia: a wonder and a gift to Earth!”
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Email Salvador and Teresa | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was very good in every thing that we experienced.
Tour guides, safari guides, hotels, meals, transports and transfers were excellent.
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Email Janet & Steve Wilson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime
Trip of a Lifetime (Proposed Review):
Our entire experience working with Compass Odyssey (Darren Humphreys) to create a trip of a lifetime to southern Africa was truly fantastic! With our son and his family living and working in Cape Town, we wanted to visit South Africa and take the opportunity to add in some adventure! We looked for safari packages that included experiences from our bucket list and found on-line Compass Odyssey’s “5-Day Zambezi-Chobe Safari & Victoria Falls” to include a taste of the Falls, guided game drives and tours, comfortable accommodations and safe transfers from place to place. We were seeking to “personalize” our itinerary!
We were happy to find that Compass Odyssey (Darren) focused on merging his 5-Day Safari package with the visit to our family. When we arranged a 2-day cruise on the Chobe Princess III at the end of the Odyssey safari, Darren collaboratively coordinated the transfers to and from the jetty.
Communication: Without exception, Darren wanted to know and understand what we were hoping to experience. He eagerly and promptly responded to our questions and concerns. He provided a wealth of background information and suggestions to assist our planning. Once our trip started, we switched to using WhatsApp that offered “real time” chats to keep us connected. He was only a text away for assistance should we need it. .
Safety: From our arrival at Johannesburg airport to our departure at the end of the trip, we were met, guided and accompanied through all transfers from place to place (passports, customs, accommodations, vehicles, boats and planes).
Accommodations: Each accommodation manager met us upon arrival because Darren had personally checked in with them to insure their readiness. Each accommodation was well suited to our needs, in close proximity to our activities, and was clean and comfortable. The Safari Club was just what we needed after a 16 hour flight from the US. It was close to the airport, offered a delicious meal, and provided a secure and comfortable room to rest before our next morning’s flight to Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was marvelous. Beautiful setting, excellent breakfast, comfortable room and close proximity to the Falls. The Chobe River Lodge was an excellent location for rest and relaxation between four exciting game drives within the Chobe National Park. Each accommodation had friendly staff who were always close by to provide any assistance needed. Even after we left the safari to join our family in Cape Town, Darren continued to be a resource to our stay in South Africa. Without reservation, I enthusiastically recommend Darren Humphreys and Compass Odyssey as a Five Star tour company for anyone wishing to have their trip of a lifetime personalized to their needs! Every aspect of our 18 day journey went from Best to Best to Best!
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Email Abby | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Personalized, fun, and educational
I went on a tour with Compass Odyssey to Namibia for 12 days (with a two day extension in Cape Town). The guides were fantastic and knew everyone and everywhere, and answered our myriad of questions about animals, cuisine, politics, history, landscape, everything. I learned so much and was fascinated by everything we did and saw. I would 100% go to Namibia with Compass Odyssey again! I'd just spend more than two days in Cape Town next time.
Email Richard and Hayden | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic from start to finish
As experienced travellers and always designing and booking our holidays, putting that trust into someone else to curate a memorable “once in a life time trip” is a big thing! After ALOT of research, we eventually landed on Compass Odyssey to book our safari. Darren and Kate did not disappoint!! Communication, attention to detail and the personalised service was simply outstanding and nothing was ever a problem.
Our 8-day itinerary consisted of Victoria Falls – Hwange NP – Chobe NP. Right from Victoria Falls airport pickup to saying our goodbyes in Botswana, local guides Ruth and Mortimer were fantastic and all transfers, activities and border crossings went to plan. Ruth was kind enough to take care of our dinner reservation at the Lookout Café and was more than happy to drop us off and pick us up (there is a small extra fee for this, which was outlined in the itinerary from Darren).
The Hide in Hwange NP and the Chobe River Lodge in Botswana were both amazing properties, with great staff, guides and wildlife viewing, and delicious food!
Thankyou again Darren and Kate, for the amazing trip and personalised service, we hope to see you again for another African adventure!