50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Compass Odyssey helped us plan an amazing trip to southern Africa
We selected Compass Odyssey for our Africa experience and we couldn't be happier. We'd narrowed our search down to a few agencies after some initial inquiries and selected Compass Odyssey because of the wealth of detailed information they provided an their low-key/low-pressure approach. Darren and Kate provided prompt responses to all of our questions, and we can't say enough about the information packets they provided. We never felt pressured in making our decision even as some lodgings were filling up while we were working out the details. We had a busy two weeks that included time in Cape Town, the greater Kruger area, Victoria Falls, Chobe, and the Okavango Delta. Darren and Kate tailored the itinerary to our needs and wishes, and the lodgings and guides at every location exceeded our expectations. The arrangements Darren and Kate made for us allowed us to relax and enjoy our experience instead of worrying about how we were going to get to the next destination or what to expect once we got there. Everything went according to schedule, and we had a seamless transition from one place to the next: ALL of the details were well-thought-out and taken care of. One of our big concerns prior to the trip was food/meals, since we are both gluten and dairy intolerant, and the lodges and lodgings Darren and Kate arranged were able to accommodate our needs without a problem. We will certainly choose Compass Odyssey for our next adventure in Africa. Thank you, Darren and Kate!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience!
We had an awesome 5-day group safari and went to Tarangeri, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Organisation and communication with Bryson upfront was very good. Moreover Juma, our driver and guide, was the best guide I've ever met: he spotted the wildlife very well and knew everything about the animals. He has repaired the jeep several times (which was the only thing that could be better: the tyres of the jeep). Moreover, Markus was an excellent and cheerful cook: his smile when serving the food made us happy every day. To conclude: highly recommended!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
This was an outstanding trip from the moment we booked until we arrived back home. Every question was answered quickly and the preparation information was spot on. This company is unique in that the have 12,000 acres of land leased from the Government home of the Masai. For this Thomson provides a hospital and school also running programs to empower women who have no source of income. Only Thomson guests have access to the land and their safari camp. That alone was worth choosing this company. A wonderful cultural experience with animals galore. We traveled to 3 camps throughout Tanzania seeing the Big 5 and ending with 3 nights at Gibbs Farm. An experience not to be missed! Our guide during the safari, Babu was the best. He never missed a question, of which there were many and nothing was too much trouble. We hated to say goodbye to him! We would highly recommend Thomson to anyone that is looking for a unique and memorable safari where animals and culture intertwine to give a full picture of this beautiful country and it’s people.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A-MA-ZING experience!
Sammy is an amazing, friendly and experienced tourguide and a good driver as well. The company is very reliable: Accurate, fast communications and willing to adapt when necessary. I ended up being the only person in the car and they have not charged/asked me a penny extra than initially agreed.
The Masai Mara experience was better than expected. Sammy and I witnessed a large group of Wildebeest crossing the Mara River and we had the best view! In short: amazing! The camp was good as well.
Thank you so much for the highlight of my Kenya-trip Travel Waves!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
next time still with you
12 days wonderful experience with Jimmy! nice plan nice stays nice view. Adventure Africa the best choice.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari (5 days - 4 nights) Nairobi - Mombasa.
James was reacting quickly. Gave a good overview of the proposed safari. No problem to make a change to another lodge.
Driver/Guide (Toya) is driving safe. We had a mini bus for the 2 of us. He saw the animals even before us while driving !! Also good company.
Lodges were fine. Clean, good food, beds and shower.
Can advise to book Wildlife Sun Safaris.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful experience
We spent 5 amazing days discovering the Tanzanian Savannah. Lion king aventure understood immediately our expectations and adapted the program according to our schedule and our budget.
Our guide was very competent and friendly.
A big Thanks for this perfect holidays !
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Trip!
We had an amazing time on our trip through Safari with Us! Our guide Ettienne took great care of us and we enjoyed his company and vast knowledge of the area. The highlight was definitely the Kurula lodge and our safari guide JD, who was absolutely exceptional!
KR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was amazaing and reasonable price tour.
That was amazaing and wonderful tour. My driver was tony. he ran offroad very skillfully.
I've traveled very smootly. First day was too many rainy day, I couldn't enjoy afternoon safari(For safety reasons). But afterday(fullday safari), tony did wonderful tour until Masai Mara National Park deadline. I saw all of big 5. That was very impressed.
Last day morning, I enjoyed morning safari and i saw a lots of animals too.
We wanted to go big market, and he took our that market. The boss of Joseph thoughtful and deep one, driver Tony also did.
Thank you for giving worderful honeymoon. Thank you so much.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
7 Day Safari - easy to organise and an amazing holiday
Booking the holiday:
It was very straight forward to arrange the holiday. Replies were always very quickly, although they didn’t provide much information about accommodation, timings, routes etc.
This is the perfect holiday for people who want everything taken care of for them. If you take comfort in knowing all the details of your holiday then this might not be the one for you.
The holiday:
From start to finish your driver will be responsible for getting you where you need to go safely. The driver also guides you in the Parks and provides info about the animals you see along the way.
I travelled alone and shared a minibus with 8 other people. As you’re in the minibus and same accommodation with these people everyday you’re effectively sharing your holiday together, so you better hope for good people! I got lucky and it made the holiday that much better.
The Maasai Mara was amazing and we saw the tail end of the great migration. Be prepared for a very basic campsite accommodation and very welcoming staff. Also be ready for lots of pushy locals selling souvenirs at every opportunity.
Lake Nakuru was beautiful, although the flamingo population appears to have migrated elsewhere so don’t expect to see too many. The black and white rhinos make up for it though!
Be careful if you’re offered a boat ride at Naivasha, the boats are slow and get far too close to the hippos. It felt very unsafe. Accommodation in Naivasha and Nakuru were hotel resorts with relatively basic facilities.
If you visit Hells Gate National Park, make sure to walk or cycle the route, it’s a good opportunity to stretch your legs after long days in the minibus. Be cautious before entering the gorge, the guides don’t appear to be as professionally trained to spot flash flooding as they make out.
Amboseli was spectacular. You have have have to get up early and witness sunrise in the park. Expect a basic campsite with very very friendly staff and if you’re lucky, views of Kilimanjaro from the front porch of your tent.
Overall it was a fast and busy week; truly a whistlestop tour of some of southern Kenya’s best offerings. You won’t spend long anywhere, but it’s the perfect holiday if you’re on a budget and aiming for the dry season.
I had a really unrealistic list of things I wanted to see on this holiday, e.g. lions hunting, cheetahs running at full speed, leopards sitting in a tree, elephants, even a honey badger. I ticked 90% of the list off on day 1!