35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Meticulously organised, honeymoon trip of a life time!
We started our enquiry about our trip back in 2019 but due to COVID and our wedding being delayed multiple times we eventually got to go in 2023. From the moment we contacted Darren (Compass Odyssey) we felt as though we were in good, capable hands, and this faith was entirely justified. Always on hand to give speedy and helpful responses to any and all questions, Compass Odyssey took us through many iterations of our itinerary until we settled on our ideal trip. Then, throughout COVID, Compass Odyssey were always in touch, keeping us updated with the latest protocols in each of our selected countries (South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana) and ensuring that our bookings were seamlessly transferred to our eventual dates.
As for the trip itself, words cannot begin to describe the amazing time and experiences that we had, thanks to Compass Odyssey's meticulous planning. We set off on our trip confident that we knew all the relevant and important details, and this turned out to be correct - all processes and procedures were flawless and took what could have been a huge amount of stress out of the trip. All of the reserved lodges were perfect, the arranged transfers hassle free and the activities sensational. Even when we did have a small hiccup with one of our activities (outside of Compass Odyssey's control), both Darren and Mortimer were available instantly to swiftly resolve the issue.
Our honeymoon trip was absolutely everything that we could have wished for, and more, and for that we cannot thank (and praise) Darren, Kate & the rest of the Compass Odyssey team enough.
SI
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful experience for the second time
Apr 2023
We were so satisfied last year with Meru Slopes Safari and his best guide ever named Douglas and cook named Moshi, that we did it again this year. Beside Terengire, Serengeti, and Ngorogoro we also add lake Manyara this time (which we highly recomend, since it's really different - big jungle - bush and also saw lions sleeping with their full ballies on the tree). Last year we were in july, since we wanted to see big migration of wildebeest and zebras on Mara river crossing. We were more than surprissed when we saw big migration again - this time (end April, beginning of May) there were milions of Zebras and wildebesst in the south of Serengeti. It's really something when you see milions of animals all around you. I must say that at the begining I was afraid about the weather, since this time of the year the monsoon season is at it's ending, but everything was OK and we even liked it more, since it was low season and we were nearly the only one in the camps and also by game viewing. Some roads are really mudy and full of water, but our best guide and driver Douglas managed all of them. He even took us to the camp to the north of Serengeti, where we liked it a lot last year , since the landscape is faboulous. We were the first and the only human guests after 3 months there. Our company was a pride of 9 lions (with 2 cups) and this was a special 'one time' experience when you hear lion roaring in the middle of the night next to your tent. You can feel it right to your bones. Our next level was also tracking the leopard footprints for about 10 kilometers (for the last 7 km also with a help of hyena running in front of our land cruiser) and than we saw a leopard in the grass about 20 meters from the road. The high grass was also very challenging and made us even more concentrated on surrounding. What to say at the end - will probably be back again one day and will choose the same agency and guide and cook. You really can't get better and more knowledabgle guide as Douglas is - he lives in and with nature, respect the animals and know all the answers on our milion of questions. He always said that nature provides. And at last - we were enyoing every single meal that Moshi (best cook) provided us, even that this time we had special requirements on vegetarian and no gluten food.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable trip to Madagaskar
After a perfect preparation with friendly personal contact we went to Madagaskar. Everything was organised just perfect. For our first part of the trip (national park Antsirabe) we had a friendly driver who told us a lot about this beautiful country. Every aspect we had questions about were answered, climate, nature, politics, life etc. We learned a lot! We were very lucky that all the animals we could see in an area were there, it was so great to see the lemurs but we also loved the great variety in kameleons and gekko's. We could'nt have done it without the guides who found every animal and told us about their behavior.
The second part of our trip was in the north, from Diego Suares to Nosy Komba. Here as well a very experienced guide and good driver who told us a lot about this area. It was nice to see the African life, we visited the market, had dinner in a local restaurant and the 3 bays walk was unbelievable in its beauty!!
On our way down we visited the red and the grey Tzingy, incredible landscapes and also saw beautiful birds, lemurs and kameleons in the dry forest. All very impressive.
From Ankarana we made an extra trip to Ambilobe which is a lively town with lots of small bars and restaurants. Chaotic and dusty. The day after a visit to a plantation, also very interesting. We could not only see how several fruits grow (cocoa, vanilla, pepper and jackfruit) but also taste some of them! Tip: buy Ylang Ylang essential oil here, it is the best!
For Nosy Komba we hardly have words to describe it. Blue warm ocean, a wonderfull place to stay, great food and a nice snorkling trip. We saw beautiful colored fish and sea turtles!! Of course we visited the small village with all the beautifull craftwork and bought some souvenirs and presents. (please pay what they ask, it is all beautifull and not expensive but lots of work to produce). And we saw the black lemurs very nearby.
All the resorts and hotels where we stayed were beautifull, clean, very friendly staff and great food. We had a wonderfull trip!
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Number one kenya
I definitely rate polmans as the number one African safari guru in Kenya, had an awesome time at the Masai Mara with polmans and will definitely travel again with polmans
MT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good value for money and professional service
Very professional assistance provided by Blessing and Pamela from the office. Most importantly great driver/guide Mutho who took care of us for 12 days of our road trip through Zimbabwe and Botswana
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exactly what I was looking
We'll never forget our 5 days in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. Thanks to Maggie, it was very easy for us to organize this and everything went exactly as we planned, and even exceeded our expectations. Amazing safari and sceneries were even better with our guide Peter who seemed just excited about the game drives as we were. He went out of his way to show us all the beauty of both places and accommodate our preferences. On top of that, he made game drives, and the ones between the places, more fun, talking to us not just about animals and plants (which he was very knowledgeable of), but about life and Kenya in general, always polite and with a smile on his face, making us feel very comfortable and really immersed in this once in a lifetime experience.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredibly safe, comfortable & exciting expirience where we felt supported the whole way through!
Not only would we recommend Phine Safaris to anyone who is looking for a safari in Kenya, but I would book them again and again, 10 times over, as we had a most wonderful and memorable experience. Form the moment we contact Phine Safaris, we felt instantly taken care in how they listened to what our needs/budgets were in order to design a trip that best suits our family. When we met our guide, we continued to feel cared for, and so much so, that by the end of our trip we felt a special connection and the beginning of a friendship. Months have passed since our time with Phine Safaris and we're still talking about the amazing experience we all had...as we look forward to retuning to Kenya once again and reconnecting with a company and staff that we all loved!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable, in time, fast contact about everythibg
Best experience! As a young woman I felt very safe. They organisiert a fantastic elephant experience and very good airport transfer.
We were in contact via WhatsApp about every step.
I recommed Dream African Vacations. See you next time in Zimbabwe!
Thank you!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top-notch!
If I could give 10 stars, I would. From the planning, to the travel accommodations, to the professionalism of the tour guides and drivers, my entire experience with Tanzania Choice Safaris was A++. This was truly a trip of a lifetime, and I can honestly say I loved every minute of it. Without a doubt, the days we spent in the van on the safari were the highlight of the trip for me. We saw every every animal we wanted to see and we were able to get some really great views of the animals (especially the big cats!) In short, the safari was everything a safari should be—adventurous, exciting, thrilling, and just plain fun. Lastly, I cannot say enough good things about our tour guide, Leslie. He is a true professional, and was so much fun to be around! He was kind, patient, attentive, detail-oriented and extremely knowledgeable about all of the animals and Tanzanian culture. He is clearly passionate about what he does, and that passion shines through in his delivery of the information and how he lead the safari. Thank you to Brenda and Leslie and the entire Tanzania Choice Safaris team!
SI
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best tour operator for Kenya - 10 days private Safari
We are enthusiast in nature and animals. Went last year in July on 7 days safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire, decided to do it again this year and that we wanted to go to Kenya parks as well. I started to plan our trip quite late in March, but with the great help and suggestions of Noah from Wildebeest Safaris, who had always time for my endless questions we finally made a perfect plan, that we were able to see 5 of the Kenya's best NP. Since we were coming from Serengeti NP he arranged that our guide Denis picked us up on the border of Isebania and than we spent 2 days in Masai Mara, went to Nakuru NP which we loved it a lot. After this we went to Samburu national reserve for 2 days, where we were able to see all 5 endemic animals (Gerenuk, the Reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, the Grevy's zebra, the Beisa oryx). On the way to OL Pajeta we saw Mt. Kenya. For the last two days we went to Amboselli. Our safari was in the begining of May which is low season and that was great, since in most camps and on Safari we were nearly the only guest and so got special treatment... had closer view to animals. The distances between parks are quite long, specially between OL Pajeta and Amboselli, but we really had good driver and guide named Denis, who was able to follow up with all our wishes to spend as much time as possible in the parks searching for animals. He was also a really good driver, since some roads were really not existing but he managed all of them. He also new a lot about animals and had many informations about different prides in some area of parks (how big is the pride, some history of each pride and some interesting stories about the animals). In Masai mara we saw two famous cheetah and were also able to see and follow leopard for nearly half an hour, we saw lions eating buffalo, we were in the middle of fight of 2 clans of nearly 50 hyenas and in Amboselli we could monitor how 7 lions were planing an attack on 2 warthogs. I must say, that it wasn't easy to please demanding clients as we are, but Noah and Denis managed everything. Noah is really patient and is trying to find the best solution for every our wish, he knows the bussines and was allways there for me, when I had some ideas or questions. He also suggested us to visit Nakuru NP (instead of Naiwasha) and Samburu instead of Tsawo, which we both really liked. And our guide and driver Denis did great job, since it was not easy to be fully concentrated on safe driving, surching for animals, answering on our questions and be out for the whole day from early morning till late evening. What to say at the end - I recomend this safari with Wildebeest Safaris to everyone. It's really nice to see the animals in their nature habitat and it's special experience.
