Reviews

Average User Rating
5.0/5

Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 57
  • 4 star 2
  • 3 star 0
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0

Sort By: Date Most Helpful Rating 1-10 of 59 Reviews
Peter Vriethoff\Marlies Gollner   –  
Spain ES
Visited: September 2018 Reviewed: Oct 12, 2018

Email Peter Vriethoff\Marlies Gollner  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Absolutely fantastic experience,highly recommended
5/5

We booked a three week trip starting at the Victoria falls (2 days) ,Chobe in Botswana,flying from Kasane into the Okavango delta and driving through Namibia visiting Caprivi gamepark,lodges on the Okavango and Cuando riverside,Bushmanland,Damaraland,Etosha national Park,Grootberglodge,Swakopmund,Sossusvlei (Namib-Naukluft) and Windhoek.CrissCross provided a Guide-driver,an airconditioned 4x4,reserved all our accomodationes,and visits.
This experience totally exceeded our expectationes.During the safaris we saw the big five, sometimes hundreds of animals together, in Etosha fighting rhinoceros,a hippo in the garden of the Xakanaxa camp where we received the unexpected visit
of a waterbuffel during the night.In between this animal festival we visited the bushmenvillage,the Damara people and the
engravings in Twyfelfontein.We searched for hours in the desert for the desert-elephants and found them.We drove over the dunes near Swakopmund( hundred meters high) ,admired thousands of sea lions in Walvisbaai some of them jumped onto the boat
meanwhile we ate the marvelous oysters cultivated in the bay.What a beautiful coast,thousands of flamingos,pelicans,whales,
and schools of dolphins. CrissCross continued surprising us.On our way to Sossusvlei we slept in the desert under the starlit sky
and the accommodations had organized fantastic sunset parties.We climbed the dunes and enjoyed the valley of Sossusvlei.
We did not expect a lot of Windhoek ,but even here our guide surprised us with a great city trip (our regards to Maria) and
a lovely dinner at Joe’s Beerbar.
Thanks once again to CrissCross,it’s fantastic guides and organization.

Dr Aurelio Ruiz   –  
Puerto Rico PR
Visited: September 2016 Reviewed: Oct 15, 2016

Email Dr Aurelio Ruiz  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Safaries by differents ways, personalized tours and charming lodges
5/5

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

DTeoh   –  
Canada CA
Visited: November 2015 Reviewed: Feb 24, 2016

Email DTeoh  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

A review of the Lodges and Company
4/5

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.

Desislava Ivanova   –  
Bulgaria BG
Visited: November 2018 Reviewed: Nov 27, 2018

Email Desislava Ivanova  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Thank you, CrissCross
5/5

It was an unbelievable two-week journey. Accommodation, food and service were at a very high level. The tour operator's organization was perfect. I hope to return to this part of the world again and use their services.

Heather   –  
Australia AU
Visited: November 2016 Reviewed: Dec 12, 2016

Email Heather  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

An exciting and enlightening safari.
5/5

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.

Ryan Yuk   –  
United States US
Visited: November 2015 Reviewed: Dec 2, 2015

Email Ryan Yuk  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

What a gentleman! Best trip of my life.
5/5

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)!

Faysa Anthony   –  
France FR
Visited: October 2014 Reviewed: Nov 29, 2014

Email Faysa Anthony  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Land tour of Namibia
5/5

We were picked up at the airport by Thinus with a warm smile and welcome. The week we spent with him was interesting with beautiful scenery. He was very knowledgeable and a real gentleman. We stayed in good lodges in different locations. Sossusvlei was amazing with wonderful dunes and interesting landscapes. The accomodation was beautiful as was the choir in the lodge that sang for us. We stopped at a lagoon side view in Swakopmund for lunch as then saw the Pelicans. Damaraland was very different. Thinus our guide grew up there and had stories concerning his childhood. His courage impressed us in sharing these memories that are so intimate to him. The views at sunset were beautiful and the village we visited a fond memory that lives on. Etosha was much more a traditional saphari but the richness in animals was extraordinary. We saw herds of elephants, several lions, zebras amongst many other animals.
Namibia is a large country. The people are very friendly, the scenery due to the lack of water very different and well worth visiting. With Thinus one is in safe experienced hands. We would recommend him without any hesitation. At the end of our trip we had not just a tour guide but a new friend.

Jan and Becky   –  
United States US
Visited: July 2014 Reviewed: Aug 17, 2014

65+ years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Tailor Made Safari
5/5

After we thoroughly compared several different agencies, we choose CrissCross Safari Travel Agency. We planned our trip a year in advance and were most impressed with the attention CrissCross employees took to tailor make our trip itinerary reflect our wishes and budget. They really listened, made great suggestions, and quickly responded to us.
Our trip to Victoria Falls, Botswana and Namibia was even better than we anticipated. Our main goals of this trip were to observe the wildlife and scenery, have an opportunity to visit various cultural groups, and see the petroglyphs in Namibia. We had a great time doing all of these activities plus we had opportunities to meet many interesting people along the way. Our trip was well paced and our accommodations, both tented camps and hotels were wonderful.
Our guide, Thinus Blaauw, the owner of CrissCross, shared his knowledge, great stories, and fun personality each day of our trip. He is also an excellent and safe driver. We are very happy that we chose CrissCross, and definitely recommend them.

Agata, Tom with Kasia & Gregory   –  
Ethiopia ET
Visited: January 2013 Reviewed: Feb 1, 2013

35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Excellent quality for a reasonable price + family friendly!
5/5

My family (2 adults + 2 kids age 7 and 9) went on a two-week desert-safari in Namibia with CrissCross Namibia in Jan 2013, with a stop-over in Livingstone to see Vic Falls. We have been planning to go on a trip like this for a while and since we live in Ethiopia and had already done safaris in Tanzania and South Africa we wanted to focus exclusively on deserts in Namibia. We searched the web for tour operators that would provide us with the best fit and the best deal. By far, out of close to 10 companies we contacted, the most responsive and accommodating was Thinus, the owners of CrissCross. Not only was he listening to what we wanted (!), but he also gave us very good ideas where to go and stay (so that it was good quality but not overpriced), was flexible (and there were many changes in flight schedules), accommodating (we changed the order of activities many times on the road depending on the weather and kids’ wellbeing) and never “pushy”. Therefore we went with him, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The trip was what we have expected and much more. We would not change a single thing about it if we were to do it again (well maybe just add a few more days if we could :) It was perfect - the places to visit, lodges, hiking trails, the pace, activities, etc. Staring with Sosussvlei gave us all, urban creatures, an unforgettable feel of the desert starting early in the morning (at 5:30am!!!), in the middle of the day when the sand must be about 50C to sundown at the dunes. Few days in Swakopmund filled with activities in the morning (e.g., quad biking, sandboarding, catamaran, 4x4 desert tour, living desert tour) and lazying around the beach in the afternoons were great. Cross Cape Lodge is a beautiful place and I wish we could stay there longer. Finally Damaraland with so many places to hike, explore, learn was a real treat for avid hikers like us. Having said all this, I do want to emphasize that without Thinus the trip would not have been the same – his knowledge of the country, sense of humor, kindness - were essential ingredients to make our trip unforgettable. I would recommend CrissCross to anybody who wants excellent quality for a reasonable price. Thank you very much Thinus!

Traveller at Heart   –  
Poland PL
Visited: July 2022 Reviewed: Aug 6, 2022

Email Traveller at Heart

Proffesional service, friendly and experienced guides, flexibility and decent portfolio
5/5

We got professional service from Criss Cross, stuff remained flexible, ready to adjust our trip as per our needs.

We decided to go for self-designed tour through Namibia - we chose the path, Criss Cross helped us with planning the best itinerary for the time we had, booking accommodation on the way, and provided professional guides. Guides were highly experienced and very friendly. Lodges chosen for the trip were good.

Criss Cross has big portfolio of tours: self-driving (they will help you with setting up itinerary, car and lodges booking (in high season you have to do it well in advance, if you've never been to Namibia it's better to check what car is suitable for the path you chose)), guided tours tailored for the customer (you choose the path, duration, and if you want to go for a 3 or 5 star trip), pre-defined tours to choose from the list.

I have already some plans for next trips in Namibia and neighbouring countries, next time I will also reach out to Criss Cross, because we had good experience and I have a feeling that I may rely on their advice.

Average User Rating
5.0/5
Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 57
  • 4 star 2
  • 3 star 0
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0
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