CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Dream Come True
It has always been a dream of mine to go on safari in Africa. This was my first trip, it was literally a dream come true ! My guide was Gabriel, he has so much knowledge about the animals and takes extra care not to disrupt them, which I really liked. He goes above and beyond to make sure his guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves. The accommodations, staff and food were A++++. I would not hesitate to recommend Maasai Magic Safaris to anyone interested in going !! :) :)
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome experience
I had a time of my life at Queen Elizabeth park. The tour guide was so knowledgable they gave us all the information needed. The hospitality of their staff is super. Great experience. And the prices were right.
CA
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.
IN
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very prompt replies to all my queries and very good arrangements for our safari from the word GO
Communication by email with Helder was excellent from day one - more than 60 emails wee exchanged. We were received well by Patricia at Nairobi airport even disregarding the delayed and late arrival of our flight. Wajee mara camp was ideal - tented rooms in a jungle. Alex, our guide-cum-driver was excellent in his knowledge of the animals and the birds. He seemed to know where the animals were and within a few hours we had spotted the Big Five. A pride of lions taking positions for a kill, cheetahs at close quarters, rhino, hippos, giraffes and beautiful birds were the highlights. Within a day and half of safari we had completed our list of animals we wanted to see and saw many more too. A great safari - our childhood dreams were made to come true. All our needs were fulfilled in the package even including drinking water during the safari. I would recommend this operator to all my friends
Hassle free service
The Zim Aquatic Union hired 4 buses for a tournament. I had a transport manager on standby in case of problems and his services were never required due to the fact that the drivers were always where they should be when they should be. Would highly recommend Nyati.
MY
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Experience - excellent service , knowledgeable guide and attention to details
I corresponded extensively with Liza Yamazaki of Hazina Afika over internet when planning for our first safari for 12 of us . We decided on 7 day private safari tour in Central Serengati and Ngorongoro Conservation area . Liza was very professional and excellent in all aspect - prompt with answer to all our queries , very informative on safari matters, honest and upfront on fees. The tour more than lived up to our expectations .
We are all "Wow!" by this safari . We enjoyed our "game hunting" everyday in our 4- wheel drive. We were lucky to see thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving in unison in many areas - some stretching right up to the horizon in flat plains . Another unforgettable sight was a pride of lioness and cubs (more than 10) feeding on a carcass of a zebra . Then we saw the majestic lion king walking slowly down the slope to feast on the zebra while the lioness and cubs were playing or sleeping nearby . They are oblivious to the vehicles nearby just a few feet away. We saw vultures hanging around the area waiting for their turn . The next morning we passed by the area and observed the vultures fighting over the remnants of the carcass. It is nature at its best .
There were so many animals including elephants , leopard , cheetahs, herds of gazelle, impalas, monkeys, hordes of hippopotamus in the water .dik dik , foxes , buffaloes , rhinoceros in the distance etc
There are also so many types of birds.
In addition to animals and birds , the scenery of endless plains ,beautiful flat top acacia trees, bushes, streams and water was really very beautiful and refreshing . It was a 360 panorama of the horizon as you turn yourself round .
All in all , it is hard to put in words for the 7 day wonderful safari . You have to experience it yourself .
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best holiday ever!
We arranged a 20 day self drive holiday in Namibia and Botswana with Cardboard Box Travel Shop. Everything was super and we recommend highly. When we return we will use them again.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The perfect experience
We can't say anything negative about this journey, it was perfect from the beginning to the end. The Lodges were beautiful and every single one had something special. ( Lunch at the border of the Nile, wonderful Wildlife etc.) Our expectations were high but the journey was even better, specially because of our guide Farouk who could read every wish we had and tried his best to never say no to any special ideas we had.
We are very thankful!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Got everything we hoped for
All aspects of the four days were great. We were concerned about the 5-6 hour drive from JNB. They stopped 2-3 times at major service stations with name brand eating facilities. Guides were tops and very accommodating. Saw all big 5 many times and leopards all 3 tour days. Costs were very reasonable and Hippo Hollow hotel was excellence. Highly recommend. Paul & Lynn from Seattle.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Weekend in the Serengeti
We were 4 volunteers going to the Serengeti. We all had a great experience. Ernest is the best driver I have been been on a safari with, especially with the roads that were difficult to drive on because of the rain.
The weather wasn't ideal as it was raining a lot and the grass was high, but Ernest managed to make us see everything. The food and the car were very good. We all had a good time. He managed to find other people to go on the trip with us and reduce the price. Very professional and well-organized. Recommended.