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Traveller reviews

Travel reviews by Mr S from Bedford

Review Distribution

Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Terrible

Total number of trips

1

Countries visited

2

Lodges stayed in

3

Excursions taken

1

Hope only one of many holidays of a lifetime

Zanzibar and 1 other country between 29 Jul 2007 and 11 Aug 2007

Trip rating: Excellent
"Brilliant.

Only one problem. We did not book a trip to Jozani Forest but it was recommended to us whlst on safari. We realised we would pass it on route to Unguija so asked the driver if we could stop and visit it. He agreed but said it was normally US$60 per person but for us only US$30 each. We disagreed and said we would sort it out with his head office. He took 12,000 shillings each for the entrance fee each which we later saw should have been only 10,000 each.

When we arrived at Unguija he again asked us for the US$60 witnessed by the owner Ralf. Again we declined and but asked him to get his head office to contact us when back at the Serena. The same drive collected us for Unguija and again asked for the money. We have never been asked by Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents themselves. US$60 for waiting for 90 minutes seemed wrong and we suspected he was asking for money for himself.

The driver [Ed: from Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents] who took us to the airport on our last day could not have been more helpful with expediting us through checkin, passport controt etc.

I am a little concerned ther may be one rottern apple in Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents."

Feedback response

We're delighted that the trip was such a success - and particularly by such great reports of Lake Manze Camp and Unguja Resort. Both of these are brand new and just starting up. Having visited them, we're really quite excited about their quality and remarkable value for money!

That said, we're also very concerned by this report of one errant individual working for our colleagues on Zanzibar. Expert Africa takes this kind of thing very seriously indeed, and we are working with the management of our agent's in Zanzibar to try and make sure that this kind of thing is stopped swiftly, and never happens again.

Meanwhile - as a precaution - we'd recommend that our travellers book all local excursions either with us before they leave, or directly with our agent's office in Zanzibar if they are in-country. This should help to discourage individuals from offering poor advice, dubious ‘deals’, or any more unacceptable practices.


Serena Inn

Serena Inn

"Great, airy cool interiors, fantastic views"

2 nights Arrived 29 Jul 2007
"Ideally situated in Stone Town. Highlights were the views of passing dhows and sunsets from all rooms; wonderful, varied buffet breakfast, local as well as international food, sparkling wine - sitting right above the shoreline.

Can not think of a better way to start the day!

Don't miss the oppotunity to go out to their private beach (free transport) with its own secluded dining areas nestled into the trees looking down on the beach. Locally caught fish grilled to perfection."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Lake Manze Adventure Camp

Lake Manze Adventure Camp

"fantastic safari experience, 4x4, boat, walks"

4 nights Arrived 31 Jul 2007
"Brilliant location with view over the lake. Exciting having elephants walking through the camp and up to your tent. We loved the variation of boat, walking and land rover safari.

The drivers & guides appeared to be as excited as us in going off the tracks to find game such as mating lions. At no time did we feel we were on a tourist trip but rather on shared adventures.

Your website mentions electricity in the tents; there is none, hurricane lamps only. There is a totla of 5 hours electicity in the main office a day for charging camera batteries etc. Some people can also get mobile phone access."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Unguja Lodge

Unguja Lodge

"Run by wonderful couple, wonderful accomodati"

4 nights Arrived 4 Aug 2007
"Attention to detail from the moment you step inside a unique environment, from the owners personal welcome at the bar, local soaps & shampoos, kangas & kikoys provided to encourage joining Zanzibar.

We felt more like friends than guests. It apeared to be well away from the main tourist routes meaning that the unmissable guide tour to the local schools and village will never be forgotten."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Image alt

"A bit touristy"

8 Aug 2007 • All-day excursion

A bit touristy
Good

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