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
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Email Robin W | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This trip turned into an experience of a lifetime that exceeded our expectations!!!
My daughter and I went on this Kenyan Safari trip as a college graduation gift to her, a mom/daughter trip. We were nothing but pleased with all of the preparation and execution of the trip. We were provided a very thorough packet to inform us regarding what medical attention was required and what visas/cash would be necessary. The trip itself was beyond words. We were assigned a guide that, if you can request him, you should. James Mbugua did everything in his power to make sure we got to see every animal on each of our wish lists, we saw all of the Big Five, elephants, black rhino, cougar, lion, cape buffalo. In addition the multiple giraffe, wildebeast, hippo, white rhino,zebras, etc... the list just goes on and on. The accomodations were amazing, just rustic enough to let you know you're on a safari, but elegant enough to keep you clean and warm. The food was plentiful and delicious, so many choices, you're bound to find several things with which you're familiar and even adventurous items. The Naivasha Lake Sopa Lodge was my favorite since the animals would walk right by us at dusk on our patio. I cannot say enough to praise the coordination of our time and the vast expanse of the territory we were able to cover. I would do this again in a heart beat. Thank you, Mark and James.
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Email Marilyn B. Campbell | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My Safari in Kenya
My Safari to Kenya was Excellent from beginning to end. I was extremely anxious about this trip. The staff of Odyssey Tours allayed my fears. Then provided the most wonderful experience of my life. James our Tour Guide was knowledgeable, patient and compassionate. Our Game Drives were spectacular and fun!. I would not hesitate to recommend Odyssey Safaris, my tour guide James, and the staff. The Kenyan people made our stay an outstanding experience. Thank you again and again!
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Experience level: first safari
Awesome Kenya Safari
An awesome safari, the only way to describe my 7 night Kenya Safari hosted by Odyssey Safaris. My internet searches led me to Safari Bookings a one place site that I could use to research and compare what was on offer. One safari stood out. It ran every week (which meant definite departure) , the price for each weekly departure was published (I hate those from $... prices call us for details) and it was an US and African co-owned business (this meant Odyssey had skin in the game both in taking my money and providing the service). In addition I liked the itinerary and the quality of the accommodation and the inclusions.
This led to the initial tentative call that ended with me feeling a high level of comfort with Odyssey Safaris. Mark who is a director of Odyssey Safaris answered all my questions and within an hour emailed me an 80 page information package with everything I needed to know such as itinerary, accommodation, inclusions, exclusions, what to expect, how to get a visa, insurance options etc. What stood out during the booking process was the promptness of the responses. And also a no pressure approach. A couple of weeks before departure we received details of our guide which included a photo. I really appreciated this.
Our guide was Odyssey's head guide Erastus. He was outstanding, great sense of humor and amazing eyesight. Our safari began with a long drive from Nairobi to Samburu national reserve. On route we met Eliud the African director of the company. We appreciated the short meeting and it reflected the value that Odyssey placed on ensuring a great experience for its clients.
Day to day:
Samburu national reserve (2 nights): I had no idea what to expect of Samburu. But I was pleasantly surprised by the large elephant herds we came across. My best memories of Samburu are of elephants drinking and playing and cooling off in the river. Our camp Ashnil, Samburu, was inside the park next to a river. Great location as on day two we had three elephants feeding behind the tented camp and one more big guy come & push a Duma palm tree to knock the fruit off & pick & eat the fallen fruit. All this right behind our camp about 20 feet from us. The key to accommodation is location (best inside the reserve) while comfort and food are secondary. However, Ashnil Samburu is very comfortable with good food and pleasant service.
Also on day 2 in Samburu, our guide spotted tracks of a large male lion along the dirt road. Soon joined by a another large male. We followed the tracks but lost them as they left the road to cross the river. That same evening our guide searched for them but to no avail. But when we returned to camp, we were told two big males had walked past the camp on the other side of the river. Man, lions can be sneaky. But we did see a lioness on day one and two cubs hiding in the tall grass on our exit from the park. We could hear lion calls during the night.
Sweetwater Game Reserve (1 night)
Sweetwater tented camps had the bets location. Right by a waterhole, teeming with Impala, waterbuck, warthog, some rhino and buffalo. A constant change of animals coming to drink & feeding on the plain. All visible from the camp. It also (along with Saravo Lion Hill Lodge in Lake Nakuru NP) had the best food.
Our game drives led us to vast plains full of various antelopes, rhino and buffalo plus a pride of 5 lionesses. A word of caution. Our guide did say that when he was here a month earlier the plains were mostly empty.
Lake Nakuru national park (1 night)
The accommodation and food was on par with Sweetwaters. Also great views of the lake. But since the lake level has risen and its alkalinity changed, the flamingos, it was famed for have all left. But it has rhino, zebra, buffalo & giraffe. We missed out on seeing a large pride of lions which others had seen. But that is the way game drives go.
Masai Mara game reserve (2 nights)
Two nights at Ashnil tented camp right by a river full of hippos. We could see them all day & hear them all night. Highlights of the game drive was a 2 day old hippo kill attended by hyenas and vultures and a failed hunt by a cheetah. It was surreal to see how the cubs followed mum at a distance & lay down during the hunt. We also came across lions on several occasions but they were mostly sleeping, I guess full of hippo.
I highly recommend Odyssey Safaris.
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35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent tour operator!
We obtained a Safari package for 2 people via Guilt City. Odyssey Safaris, the tour operator, did an absolute amazing job to assure that we were satisfied with the tour. Most notably, they were very supportive when our scheduled flight from the USA was canceled due to mechanical problems. Because of the flight issues, we arrived a day later in Nairobi. Yet, Odyssey managed to rearranged everything (hotels, guide) so we did not miss out during our tour. We stayed a day later than planned and got the full tour as described in the itinerary. In addition, Odyssey was supportive when a optional event was billed incorrectly by a third party. They were instrumental in assuring that the billing issue was rectified. Finally, the choice of accommodations and the quality of the guide made the whole safari very enjoyable. We recommend Odyssey for their Safari tour because they back their customers when needed and offer a quality tour package.
CA
Email Shammi, Toronto | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome Safari! Trip of a Lifetime!
The Kenya trip arranged by Odyssey Safaris was fantastic!
Everything was arranged beautifully and we had absolutely nothing to complain about!
We are indeed grateful to Odyssey Safari for making this such an enjoyable and memorable trip.
The guides were excellent and special thanks are due to them [James was our guide].
My son Rohan created a video synopsis of highlights of the safari that is accessible on You Tube, with homage paid to our guide James. The title of the video is 'Kenya 2014 - The Big 5' , it is 14 min in length, and the link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBs1iwpO6cY
We highly recommend Odyssey Safari and have done so to family and friends.
We would have no hesitation in using their services again if the opportunity presents.
We have travelled extensively across the globe and would rate this experience as one of the best.
You really get up close with the wildlife and get to see more animals than you can imagine.
The food, accommodation, arrangements, service were all top notch.
You will have a fabulous time if you choose to go.
Enjoy!
Our trip exceeded our expectations!
Accommodations and service exceeded our expectations. Mark from Odyssey Safari has covered all the details and was able to answer all of our questions starting from Visas, Immunizations, etc. He even selected the perfect match - the fourth passenger for our jeep! Our guide was waiting for us at the airport in Nairobi, we didn't have to worry about any details of our itinerary, everything was arranged ahead of time. Our guide even arranged for us to get an upgrade one night from the tent into two bedroom private villa with two bathrooms, large living room with fireplace... It was a treat, we felt like royalty! Even the tents we stayed at were very nice and luxurious with hardwood flooring, granite counters, comfortable beds... Our guide was very knowledgeable, we got to see so many animals in their habitat, we were just a few feet away from cheetahs, lions, elephants... We got to see the migration of wildebeests, which was incredible, there were thousands of them... I was traveling with my two daughters, we felt safe the entire time, and we immensely enjoyed our trip! We got to visit numerous areas including Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. Besides amazing natural beauty of Kenya, we also got to witness tremendous outpour of support from US and other countries to help Kenyan people in dealing with their poverty level and health care... Definitely amazing experience, would use Odyssey Safaris again...!
CA
Email Naomi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Tour and a Great Experience
First time travelling to Africa on Safari. My brother planned this tour in August 2013 and organized it through Odyssey Safari. This was a trip of a life time. We left on the 29th of April to Nairobi in a group of 10 from Edmonton (Canada). Our drivers/guides Erastus and Simone met us at the airport and transferred us to our overnight stay at the Fairview Hotel in Nairobi. The next morning early after breakfast left for Masai Mara for our 3 nights stay. After the long ride very beautiful drive and the bumpy road to the camp we were over joyed at seeing the beautiful place and the warm welcome we received. The evening game drive was fantastic, so many wildlife on the very first day. The rest of the game drives were even more exciting. We ran into some vehicle trouble right by a Lion who was protecting his kill, that made it even more exciting. We had so much fun that morning - it did not bother us that there was a Lion so close to our vehicles. Erastus and Simon did everything possible to make our game drives through Masai Mara a truly memorable one. Some of us went to the Masai Village and that experience is something that I will live with for ever. After our sad good byes at the Masai Mara Camp we headed off to Lake Naivasha - wow that's a fabulous place and we will go back there for sure. Loved the experience of walking with the wildlife roaming the grounds of the Lodge. Especially the Giraffe's and the best was seeing the Hippo's come out at night to graze. The drive/walk through Hells Gate park and walking through the gorge was unbelievable. Finally off to Lake Nakuru to see the Rhino's and the Flamingos. We saw a Lion once again with a Buffalo kill and the Rhino's and just before we excited the park we got the thrill of a life time- a Black Rhino did not like us and boy oh boy did he ever give us the chase. Erastus was great he moved it so fast as he did not want the Rhino to get in front of the Jeep. That truly was the highlight of our Safari. Hats off to Erastus and Simone - we gave them a lot of goodies and tipped them well. They deserved it and we hope everyone will tip their guides well. They go out of their way to give you a good time. Thank you also to Mark Cahill for organizing this Safari so well. Odyssey Safari you are the best. We hope we get to see Erastus and Simone again.
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Email John & Vickiy Van Beek | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime
We returned on January 25, 2014, from our amazing Kenya safari. Words cannot adequately describe our wonderful adventure. The trip was truly amazing: the animals, the landscape, and the Kenyan people. Every aspect of the trip provided by Odyssey Safaris was first class. We loved the places we stayed and are grateful to Mark Cahill and his team that everything about our time in Africa was absolute perfection.
Our guide, Erastus, was the key to our unforgettable safari. Not only is Erastus a great guide and driver, he is also a very nice man. His ability to spot all of the various animals was remarkable, and we thoroughly enjoyed his narrative about what we were fortunate to be seeing. We found four of the Big Five on our first afternoon; and watched a leopard on Day 5 chasing an impala for the kill. Wow! Four female lions with two cubs, a week-old baby giraffe, two cheetahs, a serval cat, black rhinos, and elephant families with babies, were some of the highlights to go along with viewing thousands and thousands of other animals. And to finish it all off on the last day, we watched four adult male lions with the hippo they had killed that night.
We will never forget our wonderful adventure to Africa. Thank you, Odyssey Safaris!
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Email Lindy Harrell | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
From start to finish this tour group does an amazing job of scheduling and attending to every detail
We were introduced to our tour guide before arrival and was happy to see his smiling face at the airport. Erastus was very welcoming and helpful during the entire trip. I feel the mixture of game drives, shopping and down time were perfect. Most of the time was spent driving to and through the parks. Our driver was very knowledgeable about the animals as well as other local topics. A highlight of the trip was spending an afternoon with the Masai tribe. Be aware that they request a $40 donation in cash for this opportunity. We added Victoria Falls to our trip despite international news that the Falls was a trickle. This is false information. In fact, the Falls are better seen after a drought due to visibility of the bottom without the massive spray that is blinding. The Falls are magnificent. The Zimbabwe people are desperately poor and are grateful for any clothing, toiletries or shoes you might choose to leave behind. We found it useful to carry about $50 in single dollars.
Many thanks to the team at Odyssey Safari for the trip of a lifetime.
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Email Karen and Nancy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A trip of a lifetime!!!
Our safari was absolutely amazing! After landing in Nairobi and going through immigration we were met by our guide, Charles. Charles was very friendly and delivered us safely to our first resort. Our only regret was not having more time to explore Nairobi. We definitely missed out on seeing the elephant orphanage and Karen Blixen museum. The following morning Charles arrived on time and ready to drive us to Lake Naivasha. This Sopa Resort was absolutely gorgeous. The grounds were pristine and our accommodations were more than we expected. To be able to walk around with the animals running free was truly an awe inspiring event.
After an amazing overnight stay, Charles arrived on time the following morning to drive us to the Ashnil tented camp. The ride was long and somewhat tedious, but Charles was very informative and his sense of humor kept the long journey surprisingly pleasant. Our stop to see the Masai tribe was another thrill along the way. Upon entering Masai Mara you whole world is turned upside down. This reserve is truly God's country. The natural beauty of the land combined with the freedom of so many species of wildlife is beyond words.
Charles picked us up promptly at 7am, for the next two mornings. Our game drives with him were spectacular. He made sure we saw THE BIG 5 and many many more animals. His experience proved to be very useful when finding the elusive rhino. Unfortunately, our trip was over. We were very sad to leave. In hindsight, we should have booked this trip for several days longer.
We would definitely rate this safari with 5 stars. The food, resorts and transportation were exceptional. Our guide, Charles was fun, knowledgable and kept us safe! All of the staff at the three resorts were courteous, friendly and went out of their way to make you feel at home.
We would definitely recommend Odyssey Safaris and also Charles, as your guide.