Business ProfileforOdysseys Unlimited, Inc.

My first tour with Odysseys Unlimited was 11/2022. The tour itself was a safari and everything was really good except for hundreds of bugs (really) in our tent in ******. I sent Odyssey pictures and they offered me a $150 discount for my next trip with them. On the first trip in 2022, I gave the guide a $150 tip. He was highly professional and although friendly he did not make friends with the guests. There was no drama and he did not engage in or listen to gossip. The service was excellent and he treated everyone equally.The second tour in 2023, the same one as in 2022, was not good and I will never travel with Odyssey again. They gave me flights beginning on 11/4 from ****** and arriving on 11/6 in ******. 36 hours in airports and planes, 21 hours flying and a ***************************************************************** **** *****. No separate gate room for my flight and people laying all over the floor in a common area, no orderly boarding. I am 77 years old and I could barely walk when I finally arrived in Joberg. I called before leaving the USA and they refused to change my flight and I had already paid The 2nd trip guide was very gossipy and badmouthed people behind their back I was told. He planned to abandon the group in ******, a foreign airport where most didn't speak English, so he could go home a day early. However, after I told everyone, he decided he better stay because the other guests got upset.This guide then helped everyone but me check in and I had to stand in line and arrange my own wheel chair while he went to lunch in the airport. He was completely and totally unprofessional and I dont think he understands, and neither does Odyssey, what it means to be professional.I didn't give him a tip at all and the 6 other old ladies on the tour each gave him only a $25 tip. Karma is a bi*ch.I have been traveling for over 50 years and taken over 100 trips. I have only complained 3 times and 2 were about Odysseys Unlimited.

We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our Africas Wildlife tour when you first took it back in 2022, though regret that you had a difficult experience during your most recent trip.

We would again like to extend our sincere apologies for any dissatisfaction caused by the included flight arrangements.  As we discussed with you, we work with tour operator tickets that allow us to provide excellent value to our guests.  However, these contracts do come with restrictions regarding the flights that we are able to book.  We always do our best to obtain the most direct routing with sufficient connection times within the limitations of these contracts; the availability of certain routings ultimately varies between airlines.

Flight arrangements are sent to guests approximately two and a half months prior to departure.  These arrangements are, however, preliminary.  If guests are unhappy with their flight schedule, we can explore other options.  That said, we confirmed that your preliminary airline was emailed to you in August, but we did not hear from you until a month and a half later; by that time, we were no longer able to make changes within our airline contracts.   Additionally, we do offer a land only option for our tours, knowing that guests may prefer to make their own air arrangements.  We do highly recommend this option for guests who wish to have any aspect of the flights guaranteed or have flight itineraries released in advance of our schedule with the airlines. 

In regard to your comments regarding your tour director, please be assured that, in the past, his performance has been superior; otherwise, we would not have entrusted your group to him.  That said, one of our senior staff has addressed your concerns with him to ensure that guests receive the highest level of care throughout the duration of their tour.  I would be remiss if I did not note though, that your tour director did remain with the group for the scheduled tour; it is customary to part ways at the ************** before the return flight home.  Individual flight arrangements vary, and the tour director remained, as planned, to bid all guests farewell.  However, certainly you should always feel cared for and have everything you need prior to departure.  

Thank you for all of your feedback.  We regret that you did not have a more positive experience.