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.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A delightful holiday in Uganda
We arranged a tailor made trip for the two of us with an emphasis on birds and wildlife in general. We travelled in a Toyota Land Cruiser [very comfortable] with a driver/guide and a separate bird guide on an 18 day trip visiting various national parks and reserves.
With just one exception all the accommodation was excellent; some lodges and some guesthouses/community camps etc. It proved to be a very good itinerary with a variety of habitats. Some of the roads are appalling but our driver was very experienced.
Bird-wise the trip exceeded expectations; superb views of shoebill on the first day, followed by 420+ more species. Our bird guide was very good in forests where we needed most help and we often had the help of a local bird guide as well .
Any problems we encountered were dealt with quickly and efficiently by Lydia who runs the company; she was in regular contact with our driver . We have never experienced such personal service in this respect. The guest house and lodge owned and run by Nkuringo were exceptionally good with friendly helpful staff.
Overall this was a very good trip which will live in our memories; thank you to all concerned!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Splendid safari with gorgeous animals, great guide but mediocre lodging
We just returned from a 7-day safari with Absolute Holiday and Safaris limited to Masai Mara, Nakuru and Amboseli. . They are a resource sharing group with Big Time safaris. We were quite happy with their service. They picked us up at the airport, transferred us to Sarova Stanley and we began our safari the next day with 4 others. Our contact person, David, was quite cordial and helpful. The highlight of our safari was Patrick, our safari driver and guide. We had requested for Patrick based on testimonials on the Internet and were truly pleased. He is a warm, nice person with a solid knowledge of the animals and the savannah. I remark on his ability because he was able to spot and land us as virgin spectators into various animal adventures. That was remarkable. Altogether it was an excellent trip. We chose the budget option to experience the savannah closer. However, in hindsight, I will opt for a bit less modest accommodations next time. Our camps and tents were too primitive with loads of plumbing issues and some dreadful-looking insects as natural lodgers. We plan to opt for a less-primitive lodging experience next time.
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good, responsive team
Service: Happy with this aspect. Responded to our requests positively
Communications: Should have been better. We were given wrong estimates of travel time between parks
Living up to expectations: The hotel in Nairobi was surely not Luxury category while the tour was supposed to be one.
Safari experience: very good.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful safari day in Nairobi National Park
I had the oppotunity to go and enjoy the Nairobi National Park with this company. I had a wonderful day. Peter, knew very well the park so we had the best view of the animals.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful, fun experience!
We booked a 5 day Kenya safari via Wildebeest, and had a wonderful experience! Noah was very professional, was patient with our many questions, and provided the best price among all operators we've reached out to. Esty, our tour guide, was always on time, friendly, and very knowledgeable of the animals and parks. The jeep was in good shape, and had no issues during the tour. The only hiccup was at the hike of Mount Longonot. The hike (including going around the carter) took us 6 hours, and due to the lack of preparation we had no food, very little water, and when we got back to the car there were no lunch boxes either. It would have been a more enjoyable hike if we were better prepared.
Overall, we loved our vacation, took many many pics, and really enjoyed our time. Thank you Noah and Esty!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was a great experience and Iwould recommend it to my friends with pleasure.
Everything was great.
We managed to see 3 out of 5, but it was a great fun and excellent time all in all.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience
We did 5 days safari tour (hell's gate, lake nakuru, masai mara) We had a super great experience with this compagny. Hotels and camps were very good and clean. The food is ok. We were disappointed because there are no flamingos at lake Nakuru. But it's not the fault of the compagny. We would not go if we had known before. We recommend this compagny. Patrick is a good driver and a good guide.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My Experience with Porge Square Luxury
Being served by Porge Square Luxury Safari Ltd is a ultimate experience I have ever seen.Their Tour guide are very chaming and very supportive. Serengeti National Park is beatiful place to be on earth
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good Company to deal with .
We were a group of 4 people and out of which 3 of us were on photography trip. The team of David an Fadhili from the company were very good and very understanding . We had a great time through their guidance . We will for sure visit TZ through them again . If you are looking to see the wild side of TZ then Kilislope is a company which can always be considered for sure . We wish them all the very best and looking forward to coming back again and again .....:)