Compass Odyssey

Compass Odyssey Inspirational journeys on "The Road Less Travelled".
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Compass Odyssey is a multi-faceted company specialising in sustainable travel and tourism that provides memorable experiences for each traveller, whilst making positive contributions to the environment and communities through which they travel. Our page endeavours to highlight the everyday uniqueness (both good and bad) that flows through this continent of Africa.

Gianpaolo and Ywette, first-time safari-goers from Italy, shared this lovely review of their trip with Compass Odyssey: ...
04/09/2024

Gianpaolo and Ywette, first-time safari-goers from Italy, shared this lovely review of their trip with Compass Odyssey:

“Top for reliability, courtesy and attention to details.

We had an unforgettable travel experience in South Africa and Zimbabwe thanks to the perfect organisation of Compass Odyssey. Every little detail was as we expected and we perceived the care and attention that Darren put into organising everything. He was able to answer all our questions, doubts or fears with extreme professionalism and friendliness. He assisted us in the long months that preceded the trip in a careful and punctual manner, with very quick and exhaustive answers. During the days of the trip he made us feel his closeness in a discreet but efficient way, to check if we needed anything.I truly recommend everyone to rely on this agency and its collaborators present in the various countries. Serious, reliable people but above all rich in human qualities that are essential to face any journey.”

Thank you, Gianpaolo and Ywette, for choosing to travel with us. We’re so happy to have been part of your journey!

🌸 How’s the weather where you are? Here in South Africa, where Compass Odyssey is located, spring has definitely sprung,...
02/09/2024

🌸 How’s the weather where you are? Here in South Africa, where Compass Odyssey is located, spring has definitely sprung, and on some days, it feels like we’re rapidly fast-tracking into summer.

As we move into September, we’re still waiting for our first summer rains. The landscape remains quite barren at the moment, but the upside is that it’s an excellent time for wildlife sightings. With sparse vegetation, animals are easier to spot, especially around water sources, although antelope are finding it harder to locate suitable vegetation. The mild temperatures are perhaps the best reason to travel at this time of year - it’s warm but not too hot, making it perfect for comfortable safaris and outdoor exploration. For birders, this season is particularly exciting as migratory birds like Wahlberg’s eagles, European bee-eaters, and Diederik cuckoos start to make an appearance.

Meanwhile, on the other side of South Africa, the Western and Northern Cape, particularly Namaqualand, is gearing up for one of its most beautiful seasons. The famous wildflowers will soon begin to bloom, splashing colour across the semi-arid landscape and attracting photographers from around the world.

In the southernmost part of the country, Cape Town is taking a bit longer to emerge from its cooler, wet winter. The area is beautifully green thanks to the rains, but evenings can still be chilly, so remember to pack some warmer clothing if you’re visiting. The cooler weather also provides the perfect excuse to enjoy the region’s beautiful red wines and delicious local cuisine.

What’s the weather like on your side?

Images featured here:

📸 Beautiful lowveld sunset in South Africa.
📸 A typical Namaqualand scene during flower season.
📸 The vineyards in the Cape Winelands, South Africa.

NAMIBIA TO KILL MORE THAN 700 ANIMALS FOR MEATReckless and insensitive (to its wildlife) or thoughtful and caring (to it...
30/08/2024

NAMIBIA TO KILL MORE THAN 700 ANIMALS FOR MEAT
Reckless and insensitive (to its wildlife) or thoughtful and caring (to its people)?...we'd be interested to hear from our travellers about Namibia's decision.

BY LAURA PADDISON Namibia is planning to kill more than 700 wild animals, including elephants, zebras and hippos, and distribute the meat to the people struggling […]

🌍 📸 This month, we celebrated World Photography Day, a global event dedicated to photography’s impact on art, culture, a...
29/08/2024

🌍 📸 This month, we celebrated World Photography Day, a global event dedicated to photography’s impact on art, culture, and communication.

Reflecting on this, we couldn’t help but think about all the fantastic photos our Compass Odyssey travellers share with us after their journeys. Honestly, this is one of our favourite moments - reliving the adventures we’ve designed through the lenses of our travellers.

You might have noticed that we intentionally try to feature images shared by our travellers on our website and social media. We believe this aligns perfectly with our style and values, showcasing what real experiences look like. There’s nothing fake here.

We want to extend a warm thank you to all our Compass Odyssey travellers who have so generously shared their images with us and allowed us to share them with others here.

We can’t wait to see where your next adventure leads to.

Images featured by:
📸 The King & Plank family
📸 Lai Seto & Hui Li Lai
📸 Eliana & Laura Marengo
📸 Steve & Lauren Wilson
📸 Florian Teuteberg
📸 Nikki & Brian Binns

In our tech-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in capturing the perfect shot. Sometimes, it's important to pause a...
13/08/2024

In our tech-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in capturing the perfect shot. Sometimes, it's important to pause and ask ourselves, "At what cost?" What if we realised we lived our whole adventure through our viewfinder?

📸 Sometimes we wonder if it might be best to put our smartphones away and truly live in the moment. 🌟

Another company has picked up on this dilemma and decided to create a product that might seem archaic to some but can be incredibly beneficial to others. The Camp Snap camera offers a refreshing way to take simple travel photos without a digital screen finder. This allows you to focus on your surroundings, rather than the screen.

The Camp Snap camera helps many to be mindful and intentional with their photography, enabling them to enjoy their holidays more fully.

🌍Read more about the author’s use of this camera and the key takeaways: https://adventure.com/camp-snap-digital-disposable-camera-review/

Maybe you also have come across a product or tip that will help others travel more intentionally? Please share it with us below. 🌿✨

📸Photos with thanks to Compass Odyssey travellers.

📷🌅

Women’s rights have come a long way, but many obstacles remain. In South Africa, we celebrate National Women’s Day annua...
09/08/2024

Women’s rights have come a long way, but many obstacles remain. In South Africa, we celebrate National Women’s Day annually on 9 August. This public holiday commemorates the courageous women who fought against apartheid and paved the way for freedom and equality in South Africa.

On August 9, 1956, over 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, protesting the pass laws that restricted the movement of Black South Africans. This historic Women's March was led by brave women like Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. Their protest was a pivotal moment in the struggle against apartheid and remains a powerful symbol of resistance and solidarity.

If you are interested in learning more about this remarkable chapter in history, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, offers a profound look into the struggles and triumphs of these women. The "Women’s Struggles in 20th Century South Africa" exhibit showcases stories of resilience and bravery, highlighting the incredible contributions of women like Lilian Ngoyi. Through powerful displays and personal narratives, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and achievements of these trailblazing women.

Let’s celebrate their legacy and continue to be inspired by their fight for equality and justice. As we honour these women, we also acknowledge the ongoing efforts needed to achieve true gender equality.🌍✊

📸 Images 2 & 3 with thanks to the Apartheid Museum.

For more information about this exhibition download the info leaflet here: https://www.apartheidmuseum.org/exhibitions/our-triumphs-and-our-tears-womens-struggles-in-20th-century-south-africa

Have you ever heard of Damaraland?📍 Where is this area?Damaraland is found in Namibia's remote north-west Kunene region ...
07/08/2024

Have you ever heard of Damaraland?

📍 Where is this area?

Damaraland is found in Namibia's remote north-west Kunene region and offers a wonderful example of successful community-based wildlife conservation. Venture through this arid and breathtaking landscape with our local guide, Elvis and you’ll encounter desert-adapted elephants roaming free, sweeping views and vibrant sunsets painting the sky over the escarpment.

🌿 Why consider Damaraland?

Despite its arid and foreboding landscape, Damaraland is one of the most accessible and authentic wildlife destinations in Africa. Here you’ll have the opportunity to spot the region’s famed desert-adapted elephants, springbok, Red hartebeest, Greater kudu, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, and with a bit of luck, cheetah and lion. The area is also home to 170 bird species, including endemics like Rüppell’s korhaan and Benguela Long-billed lark. Unlike most protected areas in Southern Africa, the wildlife here roams free, unrestricted by fences or gates, moving among the local people and their livestock.

✨ Why do we recommend Damaraland?

At the core of this remarkable wildlife area is Namibia’s conservancy programme. Until 1981, Damaraland was unprotected and open to poachers, mostly from outside the area. Eventually, Namibian NGOs formed a wildlife-guard system with people from the community, and interest in the welfare of the wildlife increased. After successfully halting the poaching activities, there were many ideas on how to conserve the area and its resources. In 1996, Wilderness Safaris joined the community’s conservation efforts by building Damaraland Camp and Doro Nawas Camp, co-establishing a system that has become the most successful community-based tourism venture in Namibia.

The community members hold a significant share in the camps, and all camp staff come from the local community. This ensures that benefits flow directly into the conservancy and its members, supporting community projects and sustaining itself without donor funding. The increase in the community’s awareness of nature conservation has been immense; where wildlife was once viewed as a threat, it is now regarded as an important asset. Former poachers have become community wildlife guards with great success.

Have you visited this fascinating destination yet?

📸 Images with thanks to Compass Odyssey travellers:

Image 1 & 2 - Damaraland by Bill Widen
Image 3 - Desert elephants by Chris & Abby Drivdahl
Image 4 - Eliana & Laura Marengo in Damaraland
Image 5 to 8 - With thanks to Wilderness Doros Nawas Camp

Have you ever tasted the flavours of Southern Africa? 🌍🍴 Today, we’re taking a delicious detour to highlight some of our...
05/08/2024

Have you ever tasted the flavours of Southern Africa?

🌍🍴 Today, we’re taking a delicious detour to highlight some of our favourite Southern African dishes that you simply must try on your Compass Odyssey journey.

🥘 Bobotie (South Africa)

A South African classic, bobotie is a savoury dish made with minced meat and spices, topped with a creamy egg custard. It’s often served with yellow rice and a side of chutney. Bobotie is believed to have been brought to South Africa by Dutch settlers in the 17th century.

🍲 Sadza (Zimbabwe)

Sadza, also known as "mealie meal" or "pap," is a staple food in Zimbabwe. Made from maize flour, it has a dough-like consistency and is often served with vegetables, meat, or a hearty stew. Sadza is a cultural mainstay and is enjoyed by people across the country.

🥗 Seswaa (Botswana)

Seswaa is a traditional Botswanan dish made from slow-cooked beef, goat, or lamb, which is then pounded and served with pap (maize porridge) or sorghum. It’s typically enjoyed during special occasions and is a true taste of Botswana’s culinary heritage.

🍮 Malva Pudding (South Africa)

For dessert lovers, malva pudding is a must-try. This sweet, spongy cake drenched in a hot cream sauce is a South African favourite. It’s often served with a scoop of ice cream or custard.

🍖 Biltong (Southern Africa)

Biltong is a form of dried, cured meat that originated in Southern Africa. It’s similar to beef jerky but typically made from beef or game meats and spiced with coriander, pepper, vinegar, and salt. It’s a popular snack and a great source of protein.

Which of these dishes would you love to try? Or perhaps you have a favourite Southern African dish to share with us? 🍽️❤️

🌍 In June, Ronda and Jerry from the US embarked on a dream adventure with us at Compass Odyssey. Their first-time safari...
02/08/2024

🌍 In June, Ronda and Jerry from the US embarked on a dream adventure with us at Compass Odyssey. Their first-time safari took them to Victoria Falls, followed by exceptional wildlife viewing in Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta.

Jerry shared their experience with us on Safaribookings. Below is an extract of their review.

“Worry-free Safari/Victoria Falls Vacation - 5/5

My wife and I recently took a bucket list trip to Africa which included a stop in Victoria Falls and safaris in the Chobe National Park and Okavanga Delta, Botswana. Our trip was absolutely amazing and checked off a trip of a lifetime for us. I will say that while the Victoria Falls visit and the Botswana safaris were incredible, even more impressive was the pre-planning, planning, service, value and overall trip details done by Compass Odyssey.

Every detail was provided to us before travel, including names/phone numbers of expeditors at every stop, visa details at the airport, details on each resort, to even a daily agenda of what our trip included. Darren (one of the owners of Compass Odyssey) was absolutely amazing and extremely responsive prior to the trip, asking us what exactly we wanted to do then creating our trip of a lifetime. He made any changes or additions that we asked for (such as we wanted to do a village tour at one of our stops), and ensured that everything was arranged. He provided us many documents prior to the trip which included the daily agenda, things to do in the towns where we were staying (in addition to what we already had planned), to information regarding Southern Africa, such as what plugs we needed at each location, to information on malaria and other diseases, to visa requirements at each location, and much more!

I will say that I have taken many trips around the world and this was truly the first time that I did not have to worry about any detail…Darren had already thought of everything and made sure it was handled!

I would absolutely HIGHLY recommend Compass Odyssey for any travel to Southern Africa!”

✨ Humble thanks for your very kind words and generous review, Jerry and Ronda. We know it sounds like a cliché but the pleasure really was all ours. We love being able to help travellers come to Africa and experience everything that she has to offer.

📸 Here are a few of the Morrison’s beautiful images taken during their trip to Victoria Falls and Botswana.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Don’t Let Your Baggage Weigh You Down! 🧳🌍Planning a trip to Africa? Let’s talk luggage! When it come...
30/07/2024

Travel Tip Tuesday: Don’t Let Your Baggage Weigh You Down! 🧳🌍

Planning a trip to Africa? Let’s talk luggage! When it comes to packing, less is definitely more. For most flights within Southern Africa, you’re looking at a baggage allowance of 20kg (44lbs) for checked luggage, plus an extra 8kg (18lbs) for carry-on. Your luggage can be soft or hard-sided, but lighter is always better.

For those legendary flights into the Okavango Delta or within East Africa, where aircraft are generally smaller, things get a bit tighter. In the Delta, your carry-on and checked luggage together shouldn’t exceed 20kg (44lbs) per person. In East Africa, you’re down to 15kg (33lbs) for everything – yes, that includes your hand luggage and camera gear! Make sure to pack in soft-sided or duffel-style bags for these trips. ✈️👜

Sounds complicated? Don’t worry, when you book with us, you’ll receive a pre-safari dossier that breaks down all the details specifically for your adventure.

The Biggest Challenge:

Most travellers make the mistake of bringing too much clothing. Opt for lightweight, easy-to-wash, and quick-drying clothes.

Dressing in layers is key, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day, from chilly mornings to warm afternoons. For any wildlife activity, it’s greatly preferred for you to be dressed in soft colours that blend somewhat into your bush surroundings. This doesn’t mean you have to be kitted in the latest safari khaki to the point of resembling the last great white hunter – think beige, olive, and light blue rather than hot pink, bright orange, or black/navy blue.

Many safari lodges offer complimentary laundry services, so you can pack even lighter. 👕🌞❄️

Baggage Arrangements:

Sometimes, extra baggage is unavoidable. If you expect to travel with oversized or overweight luggage, let us know well in advance so we can smooth things out with the airline. 🛫📦

Do you have more questions about packing light? Feel free to reach out. 🌟

✨ NAMIBIA DOES IT AGAIN ✨After some time on safari in Botswana, Christine (Theja) and Priyanie asked us to arrange their...
26/07/2024

✨ NAMIBIA DOES IT AGAIN ✨

After some time on safari in Botswana, Christine (Theja) and Priyanie asked us to arrange their journey in Namibia. The resulting 9-day journey with our local guide extraordinaire, Elvis, took these two close friends and intrepid travellers to Namibia’s famed desert sands, desolate Atlantic coast, and wildlife-filled Etosha National Park. 🌍✨

In Priyanie’s own words:

“Thank you for organizing the tour of Namibia. It was my first time and I was in awe. There was so much to take in: the geography, climate, wildlife, food, and its people, and Elvis just made it happen on the ground. I think I can write volumes of my experiences; such a beautiful country, and its people, a visit is a must again. It is a journey never to be forgotten and a return to capture its splendor as the seasons change is a must. Theja and I still talk of the beautiful time we spent.

We must commend your company for the meticulous planning and sound advice we received; that’s Kate and you. The detailed travel notes and booking of our flights across the regional destinations worked so well for us. It was a hassle-free journey, well-executed, and value for money; we will not hesitate to tell our friends so. Many gold stars for all your efforts and thank you! An amazing inspiring journey!” 🌟🌟🌟

As always, we are humbled by the kind and generous thanks offered by our travellers. The pleasure really is all ours! Thank you, Priyanie and Christine. 💛

📸 Images with thanks to Priyanie Amerasinghe.

🌍✨

Today, in South Africa, we celebrate one of our most loved icons, President Nelson Mandela. His legacy is honoured each ...
18/07/2024

Today, in South Africa, we celebrate one of our most loved icons, President Nelson Mandela. His legacy is honoured each year on this day. Nelson Mandela, also fondly known as ‘Madiba’, has become a global symbol of peace, justice, and equality. His vision for a united and democratic South Africa has inspired the globe.

How do South Africans celebrate Nelson Mandela Day? Mandela Day encourages everyone to take action and inspire change.

Here are a few ways South Africans celebrate:

1. Volunteer time: South Africans are encouraged to spend 67 minutes (one for each year Mandela fought for social justice) helping a cause they care about. ⏳❤️

2. Support local communities: Donate to charities or support local businesses and artisans. 🛍️🤝

3. Educate: Learn about Mandela’s life and legacy, and share his story to inspire others. 📚✨

4. Environmental causes: Participate in clean-up drives or plant trees to promote sustainability. 🌳🌍

Want to learn more about Madiba and his legacy?

On your next adventure to South Africa, include an extra day in Johannesburg and visit the iconic Apartheid Museum for a fascinating audio-visual experience depicting South Africa’s “long walk to freedom” (the title of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography) from apartheid. You can also explore the famous, sprawling township of Soweto where you visit Nelson Mandela’s former home (the Mandela Museum), the Hector Pieterson memorial, and nearby Vilakazi Street (famous for being the location of two Nobel Peace laureates – Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu), as well as ‘Millionaires Row’ and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (one of the world’s largest with almost 3000 beds).

Join us in celebrating this day by making a difference in your community. 🌟

🍇🦁 A safari is usually synonymous with wildlife and the Big Five, but Warwick Wine Estate has redefined the safari exper...
12/07/2024

🍇🦁 A safari is usually synonymous with wildlife and the Big Five, but Warwick Wine Estate has redefined the safari experience in a unique and delightful way.

Nestled in the scenic Cape Winelands of South Africa, Warwick Wine Estate introduces the ‘Big 5 Wine Safari’. This inventive wine-to-vine experience is crafted as a game drive, featuring an open-sided 4x4 vehicle that takes you through a picturesque journey across Warwick’s vineyards. 🚙🌄

Here, you can draw fascinating comparisons between Africa’s renowned Big Five animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo) and the estate’s five principal grape varieties. 🐘🍷

At the peak of the estate, indulge in a glass or two of Warwick’s award-winning wines while soaking in the expansive views of the vine-studded landscape. 🏞️🍇

For connoisseurs of fine food and wine, this safari promises to be an unforgettable addition to your travel bucket list. 🌟📝

09/07/2024

🌍✨ Discover the Kalahari, one of Africa’s most untouched landscapes. Stretching across three countries and encompassing an impressive 930,000 km², this ‘desert’ is unlike any other. Despite what is said, the Kalahari actually isn’t a desert per se. In fact it’s a vast ancient sand sheet now largely covered in bushes, trees and grasses. Fortunately all this sand has always seemed of little use so most of the Kalahari remains arid and untouched, as it has been for about 65 million years. Perhaps here more than anywhere else on their journey, travellers are struck by the feeling that they are light years away from modern life.

🦁🌾 In the heart of this vast wilderness lies the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), the ultimate in remote safari destinations. There have always been small groups of Bushmen living in the reserve, but it’s only quite recently that it has become more accessible (in the north) to the public. Even now, this region is seen by only a relative handful of intrepid visitors each year.

This region offers a stark contrast to the more frequented Okavango-Chobe areas, with an ecosystem that supports unique wildlife seldom seen elsewhere in Botswana. From the elusive brown hyena and aardwolf to the iconic black-maned Kalahari lions, the diversity is astounding.

🐦🦊 The Kalahari is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 200 species. Whether you’re exploring one of the permanent camps within the reserve or venturing into adjoining private reserves, each experience offers a unique window into the natural ebb and flow of life here. The best time to witness this magnificent spectacle is during the wet season from December to April, when wildlife congregations are at their peak.

💫 Experiencing the Kalahari means engaging with a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years, offering a sense of solitude and connection to the earth that is both rare and revitalising.

🌍 Kate and Chris from Australia recently visited Southern Africa on a 21-day Compass Odyssey safari and along with frien...
04/07/2024

🌍 Kate and Chris from Australia recently visited Southern Africa on a 21-day Compass Odyssey safari and along with friend, Wendy their travels included six days of horse riding in Botswana's Okavango Delta wilderness as well as a morning ride alongside the Zambezi River.

Read more about their experience below.

"We've just returned from the most fantastic holiday; thank you, Compass Odyssey! 😍All of the places we stayed were amazing, and the guides were very knowledgeable and thoughtful.

Your trip planning was faultless. Everything was scheduled so well that we didn't once feel in a hurry to get somewhere or with too much time on our hands.

Each place we went to, we thought, "This is the best yet." That's saying something on a three-week journey!

But if we had to choose, we'd say riding horses on the Okavango Delta was the highlight. What a way to celebrate a milestone birthday."

✨Thank you for the wonderful review, Kate. We are so delighted that we could help put together this journey for you!

📸Here are a few of Kate’s beautiful images taken during her Okavango Delta horse safari.

🦏🌿 Looking for a unique and meaningful adventure for your next trip to Africa? Consider the Rhino Walking Safari at Mosi...
02/07/2024

🦏🌿 Looking for a unique and meaningful adventure for your next trip to Africa? Consider the Rhino Walking Safari at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia. It’s an exceptional way to connect with nature and witness conservation in action.

Given the rate of rhino poaching that continues unabated in Africa (2-3 rhinos per day on average), this is one of the most poignant and rewarding activities you could undertake during your safari.

❓Did you know? Zambia once boasted a thriving population of white rhinos. However, by 2010, only one resilient bull named Fwanya (“rascal” in the local language) remained. In response, the African Wildlife Foundation and the Zambia Wildlife Authority successfully resettled four white rhinos from South Africa to the protected expanses of Mosi-oa-Tunya, a park nestled by the Zambezi River and just a short distance from Livingstone. 🌍

Today, thanks to rigorous round-the-clock patrolling and health monitoring, the park is home to a growing population of 12 rhinos. The rangers who watch over these rhinos day and night have become more like family to them, some dedicating over two decades to their protection. 🛡️

During the walking safari, travellers get an up-close experience with these majestic animals. Over approximately two hours, you’ll immerse yourself in the rhino’s natural habitat, learning about their behaviour, local flora and fauna, and the art of tracking wildlife, all while accompanied by knowledgeable guides. 🌾

Your participation in this safari directly supports the conservation efforts within the park. Initiatives like these are vital in combating poaching and ensuring that rhinos continue to thrive in their natural habitat.

📸 Images with thanks to Compass Odyssey travellers:

1 - Erin and James Flowers
2 - Steve and Lauren Wilson
3 - Sarah Arnoff
4 - Frederic and Julie Guiral
5 - Joe Cox

🌍 Steve and Janet recently embarked on a 5-day Compass Odyssey safari through the Zambezi-Chobe region of Zimbabwe and B...
28/06/2024

🌍 Steve and Janet recently embarked on a 5-day Compass Odyssey safari through the Zambezi-Chobe region of Zimbabwe and Botswana, before visiting their son and his family in Cape Town. Their adventure included a 3-day cruise along the Namibian side of the Chobe River, and we were delighted to coordinate the logistics for their various land and water border crossings.

⭐ Here’s a snippet from their review on Safaribookings:

“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.”

Thank you, Steve and Janet, for this wonderful review, and for sharing these stunning images with us.

📸 Courtesy of Steve and Janet:

1 - Victoria Falls
2 - Breakfast view at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
3 - Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
4 - Elephants in Chobe National Park
5 - Lions in Chobe National Park

🌍✈️ Travel Tip Tuesday: How to navigate travel insurance with ease. When planning your next adventure, securing travel i...
25/06/2024

🌍✈️ Travel Tip Tuesday: How to navigate travel insurance with ease.

When planning your next adventure, securing travel insurance should be at the top of your list. It’s crucial for protecting against unexpected events, from medical emergencies to trip cancellations.

👉 Here are five key tips to ensure you’re thoroughly covered:

🕒 Timing is important: Purchase your travel insurance when you book your trip. Buying early allows you to opt for extras like ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage, available only shortly after your initial booking.

🗣️ Full disclosure: Always declare all pre-existing conditions to your insurer. Failing to do so could lead to denied claims. If you’re unsure what qualifies, better to ask and confirm.

🌐 Geographical coverage: Make sure your insurer knows about every country you’ll visit, even if it’s just for a layover. Insurance risk profiles vary by country, ensuring you’re covered everywhere.

❓ Cancellation cover clarification: Understand what your cancellation cover includes and what it excludes. Typically covered are unforeseen events like natural disasters or illness, but not pre-known issues.

🔄 Adjust as you go: If you extend your trip, extend your coverage. Make sure to update your policy before it expires to avoid any gaps in coverage.

🔍 Bonus Tip: Certain destinations, like the Serengeti and the Okavango Delta, legally require specific emergency medical evacuation coverage. Always check the legal requirements for your destination to stay safe and compliant.

🌴✨ Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry! Think of travel insurance as your safety net - quietly working in the background while you soak in the sunsets and enjoy your adventures. Remember, we’re here to clear up any confusions and get you ready to explore worry-free.

🌿 At Compass Odyssey, we’re incredibly proud of the strong relationships we’ve built with our guides and drivers, each o...
23/06/2024

🌿 At Compass Odyssey, we’re incredibly proud of the strong relationships we’ve built with our guides and drivers, each of whom wears the Compass Odyssey badge with pride. Today, we want to highlight Garth, one of our exceptional local guides in Cape Town.

Garth and all our guides are freelancers, but we ensure they receive above-average remuneration for their invaluable skills and are paid on time. Every member of our team holds the necessary industry qualifications and the required vehicle/driving permits, which guarantees not only a safe journey but also an insightful and enriching travel experience.

Whether guiding you through the bustling streets of Cape Town or unveiling hidden local treasures, Garth’s expertise and warm personality makes every visit memorable.

🇿🇦Join him on your next adventure in Cape Town and discover the city through the eyes of someone who truly loves and knows it.

⭐Have you toured Cape Town with Garth before?

📸 Image of Garth with Compass Odyssey traveller, Chris with thanks to Kate Fenner.

📸 Image of Garth with the Pikle family and Lion’s Head in the background.

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Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
Hoedspruit
1380

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