Andre
CrissCross Namibia Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2003)
- Member Of:
- NTB & TASA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $450 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CN
Email James Wu | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful trip with a five-star guide
We three families from China experienced a memorable 10-day trip during Aug 8-17 with Thinus. This is our first time to Africa, so we did a lot of prep work by dozens of emails with Helena of Crisscross to confirm all details of the trip, she is a kindly Madam with quick response, never minding of any trouble we caused.
The whole trip is organized perfect by Thinus, our guide and driver, from the moment of picking up at airport to the departure. As a son of Damaraland farmer who once named Twyfelfontein, he is affectionate to the land and very knowledgeable about the history, nature of Namibia, as well as wildlife. As a pre-employee of the government organization, he is familiar with local society, economy, culture, we really learned lots of knowledge from him while enjoying the stunning landscape and diverse scenery. If not limited by our poor oral English, we must have a more deeply communication with him and learn more.
Our trip had a compact itinerary and almost each day had a long driving, from one place to another, Thinus spared no effort to ensure us safe and comfort, he always asked whether what we see meet our expectation and tried his best to find more animals in Etosha, to make us more time shopping in Swakopmund.
In a word, Thinus is such a kind, attentive, friendly gentleman that we can’t imagine if we could have a wonderful trip without him. He and his Crisscross are really the best.
US
Email Ryan Yuk | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What a gentleman! Best trip of my life.
My dad and I just completed a 10 day trip across Namibia with Thinus. We had an absolutely amazing time exploring Namibia with Thinus. CrissCross was very responsive from the beginning when I contacted bunch of Namibian tour operators to put my itinerary together. Thinus works on the itinerary/pricing himself so he knows all the places of interest and he has stayed at the lodges he recommends. I'm not that picky when it comes to hotels and food but I liked every spot he picked for us. He is a Namibia native (with a very cool family history) and was very knowledgeable about every region we visited. It was also a special treat to visit his childhood village in Damaraland. I really hope to return to Namibia at some point and explore the rest of Namibia I did not get to see this time with Thinus. I highly highly recommend Thinus if you are looking for a guide who is courteous, punctual, not annoying, funny (understated sense of humor), a great driver, and all around will ensure a fantastic time in Namibia for you. I have no complaints about my trip. It was the best trip experience I've had in my life so far (and I've been to over 50 countries, so not saying it lightly). Thanks so much Thinus (and Helene)!
CA
Email DTeoh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A review of the Lodges and Company
My husband and I went on a 21d overland Safari with Crisscross. We were accompanied by Thinus himself. Rather than going into details about where to go, I would like to review CrissCross as well as some of the lodges we stayed at rather than Namibia itself which is a must do location for Safari.
Communication with this company and their response time is superb, especially when you consider that when Thinus is on the road, wifi is sketchy and that he may be limited in how often he could see to business. I found this company to be highly responsive and excellent in providing several options and listing suggestions. I am an avid researcher and all their suggestions were what we were looking for after. Kudos to the support staff as well as the organization that they maintain. Please understand that in Namibia, as well developed in infrastructure for an African nation it is, there are still small barriers that would make it difficult towards organization but this company overcomes this well.
A criticism I would have of the company is that during the organization part there isn't a clear idea of the amount of driving and time required in a vehicle. Distances that are covered at highway speed in developed nations take much, much longer. As such, much of my distress during our safari was the amount of time spent cooped up in a vehicle. I would have appreciated knowing in advance the approximate time it would take to journey from one destination to another. I find being stationary in a car exhausting (more so than a very active day) so would have really appreciated either a few extra days to recoup. The car is a comfortable 4x4 and was very reliable for our long journey. However, now knowing the distances that need to be covered and the very straight, unfortunately repetitious scenery (not many villages or natural sights) I think I would have changed my safari and included some flights instead.
The Lodges presented as choice were amazing. Paying more to stay at certain locations are definitely recommended. In my opinion places to "splash out" include (in order of importance): 1. Mowani camp in Dmamaraland (this is a must! I would never think of staying anywhere else and when I sleep I wish to dream of the scenery here), 2. the Premier Waterhole room in Okaukejo (too bad there wasn't room service! food here was terrible but the Waterhole is superb!), 3. Hoodia Lodge in Sossusliev (unless staying in the park which is also a nice option).
Other highly recommended lodges or trips for interest and for uniqueness: 1. Senyati (very hot rooms but a real introduction to Elephant herd behavior...did you know they line up for water? so polite); 2. Ndhovu (Hippos outside your tent...need I say more? Yes because they have a resident Hippo named Chomp who is adorable); 3. Tenting in the Okavango.
CrissCross managed to find us an outfitter (maun_backpackers.com) that did camping in the Okavango Delta (Botswana side). This was by far my favourite part of this entire safari. We're talking about real camping here, not a lodge and I loved it. I would highly recommend this over any other tour if you love to camp. Elephants, hyenas, the possibility of wild dogs, tracking a black rhino, swimming in the Okavango... all experiences that I wouldn't have thought possible unless you camp.
Finally, I would like to recommend Thinus as a guide. He is an excellent source of information for history as well as provides a unique view and opinion on the Apartheid movement that I had not considered before. I did initially have an issue with Thinus smoking while we were on game drives, but after letting him know of this, he desisted. It would have been nice if he opted first not to smoke around us nonsmokers rather than needing me to bring this to his attention. In addition, please be aware that your guide is with you the entire time, even for meals. If you're looking for a romantic holiday or special time with your significant other to reconnect, you may want to tell your guide. We asked to have several dinners by ourselves just to give us time to spend together as a couple. A suggestion I have for the company is to clarify expectations with your guests regarding smoking and meals at the start of the tour. It would have made some uncomfortable situations less of an issue.
The strengths of this company lies in its organization as well as ability to provide guests with a variety of tour options at various price points. I would recommend CrissCross Namibia.
Email Elize | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Way beyond our expectations
My husband and I just completed a safari trip with CrissCross accompanied by Thinus.
This was the experience of a lifetime! We loved sleeping over at the beautiful Erindi game reserve where one of the waterholes is located in front of the neat chalets and the activity of the wild animals were breath taking and endless.
Namibia offers so much more than wildlife, we also visited Swakopmund, the most beautiful seaside resort with its German origins in its European – style colonial architecture, this is a must visit ! It is amazing to see how the ocean and desert stretch along side by side.
Swakopmund also offers lots of activities to explore and several excellent restaurants surrounded by the beautiful scenery.
We highly recommended Thinus at CrissCross for a pleasant, safe trip with a professional and experienced guide. Thank you again Thinus and Helené.
Email Beverley | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful overview of this beautiful and varied country
We knew very little of Namibia, but knew we wanted to see wildlife, indigenous culture and landscapes. We were not disappointed - in fact we were overwhelmed! The accommodation and transport were both very comfortable and the guide organised a perfect trip for us. He was very knowledgeable and personable and gave us an insight into the country which added to our enjoyment of it. Highly recommended.
PR
Email Dr Aurelio Ruiz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safaries by differents ways, personalized tours and charming lodges
Thinus, the owner, was in charge of all details to fullffill all the expectations.
Etocha National Park is a must.
Dont forget the Dunes Jeep Adventure in Swakopmund
All accomodations were differents but with a special flavor of Africa.
All included dinners were spectaculars, again , with african touch: sprinbuk, orix, kudu, elant and ostrich fillet in gourmet cousine
Email Heather | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An exciting and enlightening safari.
My friend and I recently enjoyed a 19 day tour with Thinus across Namibia and Botswana to Victoria Falls.
In that time we traveled through diverse landscapes, saw a vast array of wildlife, engaged in a variety of activities and learned a great deal about this part of the world. We experienced a range of comfortable accommodation including hotels, lodges and tented camps - all possessing great character.
Highlights of the tour included the dramatic sand dunes at Sossusvlei, the charming Swakopmund (the sand dune 'buggy ride' is highly recommended), the accessibility of the wildlife at Etosha National Park, and the delightful Camp Xakanaxa in the Okavango Delta.
Thinus was gentlemanly, helpful and above all, very knowledgeable about the countries we visited. We thank him for looking after us so well.
US
Email Mary Beth & Dan Webster | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wow what a great trip!
We would greatly recommend this company to others. Thinus was very knowledgeable, resourceful and accommodating. His good humor and personal story were also a plus. His choice of lodges and itinerary maximized our group comfort and ability to experience the flora and fauna of Namibia,Botswana and Vic falls.
DE
Email Therese and Michael | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thanks for a life-changing trip!
We have just completed a fantastic 18-day trip with Thinus that has left us with a lasting impression of the diversity and natural beauty of the Namibian landscape. We spent time in the cities of Windhoek and Swakopmund, saw amazing wildlife and visited the Living Museums of the Bushmen, the Himba and the Damara People. We saw ancient rock engravings and paintings, the Skeleton Coast, the Erongo Mountains, the Namib Desert and the dunes at Soussusvlei. It was a life-changing trip. As a guide Thinus is knowledgeable, experienced, professional and accommodating. We are convinced that he knows every dirt road in the country. His stories about growing up in Damaraland as well as his observations of Namibia’s growth and development helped us have a better understanding of the country. The lodges that he chose for us were comfortable and atmospheric and throughout the trip we felt looked after and safe. During the planning stages of the trip, Thinus and his team were responsive and helpful. We would recommend CrissCross Safaris to anyone interested in experiencing the richness of Namibia. Thanks, Thinus, for an amazing trip!
US
Email Allison | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Introduction to Namibia
First time visit to Namibia in May 2017 and loved every minute of it. Saw so many wonders, got a true sense of the many different areas of the country, and, thanks to Thinus, learned about the history and culture as well as the wildlife. I also really appreciated his flexibility in making adjustments based on what our group really wanted to see and do. A trip of a lifetime.