Jamie-Natalie Cross
Jamie is a cross-country specialist with solid knowledge of high-end, sub-Saharan Africa. She has spent a decade working in travel, feeling especially at home in South Africa, where she has family.
Jamie’s recent travel experience
Jamie’s most recent trip was planning and hosting a family during their travels to South Africa. This was an epic three-week voyage, starting at the elegant Oyster Box in Durban, exploring a conservation and re-wilding initiative in Zululand, tracking wild dog in the Kalahari Reserve, and learning from and observing anti-poaching units in Great Kruger.
Jamie’s most memorable experience
“There are so many highlights to choose from! I turned 30 at Vumbura Plains in Botswana, I’ve flown over Kenya’s Lewa Conservancy in a bi-plane, and I’ve canoed down the Zambezi River amongst crocodiles, elephant, and hippo. However, the experience that moved me the most was in Namibia, at the Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve located above the NamibRand. Staying at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and exploring the cosmos with the resident astronomer was not only phenomenal and humbling, but I often think back to the feeling of our insignificance here on Earth.”
Jamie’s Bio
Jamie grew up just outside the lovely town of Rye, East Sussex, in a busy household alongside her two siblings, South African father, Irish mother, and grandparents. Growing up in a sports-mad household, Jamie reached county level in both swimming and gymnastics. She also shared a love for rugby and Formula 1 with her father, with loyalties sometimes divided between South Africa and Ireland.
Jamie’s love of literature and travel led her to study literature and linguistics at university, which was followed by pursuing a master’s in journalism. Having travelled extensively with her family for her father’s business, she also spent eight months in Venice teaching English as a foreign language. Though her career began in publishing, working for the likes of Penguin Random House and WME, a conversation with a friend in early 2016 sparked a change in course. A role had opened at an African travel and conservation specialist in Brighton, and that was all it took – she traded her London commute for a permanent move to the seaside.
With a decade of industry experience, spanning Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and regular family visits to South Africa, Jamie joins Yellow Zebra for a fresh challenge, applying her expertise in conservation and communication. Now living once again in the East Sussex countryside, she spends her spare time singing with a local choir.
Expert Destinations
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Botswana
From dusty salt pans to delta floods, Botswana is a celebration of pristine African wilderness.
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Kenya
The original birthplace of safari, where world-class wildlife experiences and beautiful beaches meet.
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Namibia
Towering dunes, rugged coastlines, and breathtaking night skies. Namibia’s scenery is unlike anywhere else in Africa.
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South Africa
Big Five safaris, lively cities, and dramatic coastlines. South Africa delivers exciting contrasts and variety.
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Tanzania
A classic safari destination home to big game, epic wildlife events, and iconic national parks.
Jamie’s Top Lodges
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Greystoke Mahale
From £1,639 – £1,781 ppGreystoke Mahale is owned and operated by Nomad Tanzania. It’s sister camp to Nomad’s Chada Katavi – and we reckon a trip involving both camps is one of the best safaris we sell, certainly very adventurous and possibly life changing too! Greystoke receives…
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Selinda Explorers Camp
From £1,133 – £1,602 ppSelinda Explorers Camp is a wonderful expedition-style camp with an enchanting location on the banks of the Selinda Spillway as it flows into the Linyanti river. Small, intimate, and exclusive, this is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a combination of…
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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
From £954 – £1,602 ppSossusvlei Desert Lodge is owned and run by &Beyond, a company that operates a range of luxurious properties across Safari Africa, among other destinations. In Namibia alone, the &Beyond portfolio encompasses not only Sossusvlei but also the Skeleton Coast,…
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Lewa Wilderness Lodge
Enquire for pricing Contact Us for pricing detailsHome of the Craig family, who established Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lewa Wilderness Lodge is a comfortable, family-friendly lodge surrounded by lawned gardens and the beautiful scenery of the Eastern Marania Valley. A main draw is the scope of activities for…
