About Us

Whenever Andries Blaauw visited his new neighbors, Ella would inform him that David was at the spring, and Andries would always find David on his knees digging. When Andries would ask David about his health, David would reply that he was well but that he doubted the spring would make it to October when the first rains would arrive. As a result, Andries began referring to David as David Twyfelfontein, meaning David ‘Doubtful Spring.’ When the Land Board finally granted David Levin a grass license, and he had to register a name for the land, the name Andries used for David stuck, and the land became known as Twyfelfontein.

In 1948 David struck water on the farm and was able to increase his flock, but in the late 1950s the family was forced to trek to surrounding areas to graze the animals when the land was depleted. Twyfelfontein and Farm Blaauwport came to an end in the 1960s when the Odendaal Commission investigated creating a homeland for the Damara people in the Kaokoveld. David Levin, Andries Blaauw and the other farmers in the area were required to sell their land for this purpose. To this day, the land south of the Aba-Huab River is still known as Twyfelfontein.

While Thinus spent his childhood and early teen years at Farm Blaauwpoort in Damaraland, he would eventually play a significant role in the South West African transitional government before Namibia’s independence in 1990. He served as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Water Affairs, and Fisheries. Thinus’ deep love for Namibia and his ability to connect with people of all ethnicities and ages inspired his desire to share his roots with others. This led him to start Crisscross Namibia Safaris. Thinus created an opportunity for guests to experience the incredible cultural diversity, wildlife, and history that the beautiful country he grew up in had to offer. Thinus continued to share his love of country and its people with guests from all over the world until his passing in March of 2023. His legacy in Crisscross Namibia Safaris is carried on today by his son, Andre Blaauw, who was also born and raised in Namibia and maintains strong bonds with the local Damara community. Like his father, he is committed to showcasing the real essence of the remarkable nation from where he and his forefathers originated. Andre has extensive background in the tourism industry with more than 20 years of experience creating unforgettable experiences that go beyond being just a guest. His aim is to make every visitor feel like a part of Crisscross’ extended family.