CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Namibia experience for the whole family - Guided by a true insider
We had overall a wonderful experience - as first comers to the country traveling with a 10 year old daughter we were a bit anxious but found traveling and arrangements were a breeze from start to end.
We picked Criss Cross from Safari booking based on mixture of reviews, proposed itinerary and feedback received by mail (we contacted 3-4 operators).
Communication was fast and efficient - downpayment via credit card not a problem and further payments via money order.
Two weeks prior to the trip we clarified last details about pick up (and got very patient answers to our probably very naive questions)
Thinus (owner and manager of Cross Cross who was our guide for the trip) picked us up at the airport in Windhoek and brought us to the hotel for the first night.
We had booked a proposed 12 day guided tour (our family only) itinerary through Namibia only and then adjusted that with 2 additional days (which fit our flight schedule). Planning and proposals was very convenient. Cross cross asked us about our preferences regarding what we would like to see, accommodation style etc and made proposals based on that. We got a detailed travel plan with daily schedule and links to the respective lodges.
Traveling was done in a comfortable car (4 people traveling including Thinus who was driving us).
The most amazing thing was the many stories and backgrounds he could share about his country, it’s people and it’s flora and fauna.
There was a lot of traveling involved (more than 4000km (!)) but with a talking guidebook next to us it never got boring - we felt like traveling with a friend that knows every corner and every stone in his country.
Namibia is a fantastic country to travel for families. It offers all the adventures of genuine safari experience while being safe and comfortable to travel. It is incredibly faceted. We saw all the “Big 5” animals (on our first day), the fantastic wildlife in Etosha (though it is VERY dry this year), dramatic landscapes (Waterberg, damaraland, soussevlei, fish river canyon) different types of desert (incl kalahari) and coast aren (Swakopmund where we did an amazing Boat/Dune Combo Tour).
As they say - once you have Namibian dust on your shoes (and you will have lots of dust if traveling during winter as it is one of the driest countries in the world) you will always return... we are already planning our next trip to the region ....
Heartfelt thanks again to Criss Cross team and especially to Thinus for making this the best vacation ever !
Any questions please feel free to contact under [email protected]
BR,
Peter
US
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the greatest experience with the greatest tour guide we could ask for.
The safari tour absolutely surpassed my expectations, our tour guide was heavily experienced and extremely smart. His spotting and very polite ways of finding the animals was amazing to watch. His morale compass when it came to being near and being graceful while following them or deciding not to was an amazing thing to find in the man.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Serengeti National Park by Premlata Shah
Saw migration which was superb. Saw a lot of wildlife but the lions, lionesses, leopards, cheetahs were hardly any, more should be introduced since it is a huge national park.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Premlata Shah
hardly any game except baboons and some birds. Did not see a single tree lion for which the park is famous for. Very disappointed.
MX
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Serengeti National Park by Carmen Morelos
Serengueti for me , has been the best ever , i see many cats , amazing!!!
MX
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Carmen Morelos
Ngorongoro is speciall , it worth !!!
Is like an animal paradise
MX
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Carmen Morelos
Lake Manyara is beautiful , but i see more monkeys , than any other anímals.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Greater Kruger by Karl Scholl
Could not get off the road but still lots of wildlife.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Hotels and luxurious camps were excellent but not happy with the guide provided by Savannah Explorer
We booked our safari with Savannah Explorers whose service was excellent when booking etc. The land cruiser provided could be improved. We saw a lot of wildlife except including gazelles, antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes but the lions, lionesses, leopards, cheetahs were extremely rare. The best wildlife was in North Serengeti and Central Serengeti. Not much wildlife Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara was a waste of time - did not sea any tree lions. We stayed in Wellcome lodges and camps which were excellent, top class. The food was great when in the lodges and camps but unfortunately got fed of up picnic lunches, so carry your own foodstuff as well, as there is very limited stuff they can offer for picnic lunch boxes. Make sure when you book, you mention to the company to give you a knowledgeable guide who is familiar with the surroundings, knowledgeable of the wildlife, and all the roads in the park as unfortunately our guard was not up the standard and hence were disappointed somewhat regarding e service we got from him. Overall we were happy with the company but there is room for improvement in certain areas. I am happy to recommend this company provided an excellent guide/driver is provided. Make sure you have a good camera with excellent zoom to take good pictures.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Majestic animals so close you can almost touch them
Tanzania is a beautiful country filled with very kind, welcoming people. I always felt safe. The wildlife was stunning - lots and lots of lions. Cheetahs, the wilder beast migration and more. We saw the big 5 in 1 day. Loved it!
