Zanzibar: reviews from our travellers

"The main purpose of the trip was the safari in the Selous and this was brilliant, the rest of the trip was for relaxation and exploring and we certainly got that. It was a good holiday." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"This trip was very expensive, and therefore not one that we would undertake on a regular basis.

We went to Tanzania to see the wildebeest crossing and to see game. We certainly achieved this and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We had not intended such a long beach stay and would still have preferred an extended safari to the time spent on Mnemba - however we did benefit from a special offer on our stay there.

We really appreciated the fact that we had sole use of a vehicle and guide on all trips apart from the visit to Ngorongoro crater. It enabled us to see more of what we wished, spend all day game viewing if we wished and all the guides were good.

We enjoyed the & Beyond experience and the luxury they provided but would not rush to back to either place - Ngorongoro because the game viewing is necessarily limited and very crowded with other visitors, although the accomodation is wonderful. We felt Mnemba was overpriced because we were not participating in the free diving (which is obviously one of the main assets) and no other replacement such as spa treatments (which were expensive though good) were offered. We enjoyed the snorkelling but not the rough car trip or the mosquito problem.

Both Oliver's and Sayari camps were very good. We liked the accomodation in both. We were sad that, because more camps have been built, our experience in Northern Serengeti was so busy with other vehicles, whereas it is a definite plus from this point of view that Oliver's camp is in the south of the park.

The transfers were managed well on the whole (barring the 2 transfers mentioned) with no difficulty finding our onward journey

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The ratings choice on your form did create difficulty in that there was nothing between Good and Excellent.

Also it does not allow for distinguishing between rating for different flights with the same company" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Fantastic. It far exceeded our expectations (was our first time in Africa).

We found all the dawn starts and long days a bit tiring, but well worth it. The amount of wildlife and how close we saw it was amazing.
I was impressed with the amount of help and knowledgable suggestions we had from Eleanor in putting together the trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"A great holiday, well organised, we were met at every point, our driver/guide in Rwanda, Sam was very good. The holiday met our requirements and are looking forward to next year.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Please really emphasis the damp and coldness of the mountains when going to Rwanda to see the gorillas, it is not so much as to what to wear when climbing but how to keep warm in the rooms as everything feels damp, also take a torch as the rooms can get dark as the generators are only on for certain times, can make reading difficult." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"Generally happy with the whole trip, except for Swahili House

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I do not have any suggestions at present" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"I had an excellent solo trip. I never felt unsafe and Expert Africa someghow managed to make the transfers go as smoothly as if the trip were in Switzerland!. The logistics were elegantly handled.

I stayed in some wonderful resorts (I especially loved Pole Pole on Mafia Island and Chumbe Island). It was clear that Liz listened to me carefully about what I was looking for in Zanzibar and what I enjoyed.

In Stonetown I stayed at the Zanzibar Coffee House, which was perfect for me." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Our trip was excellent, wouldn't change anything, and we had three very different experiences: safari in the Selous, beach paradise at Pongwe and urban madness (and excellent food!) in Stonetown.

Our arrival in Zanzibar was slightly alarming as we were hustled by bag carriers at the airport but that was as bad as it got. Our impression of Jozani forest was that it was a bit of a tourist trap but I don't regret booking it. I wouldn't rave about Eco+Culture as much as some other reviewers but their drivers were reasonably punctual and one was quite informative.

This was certainly the 'trip of a lifetime' and we have some great photos. I booked this as a surprise for my wife and she was very happy she let me do so!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"This is the second time we have travelled with Expert Africa (and our third time with Sunvil) and I wouldn't hesitate to use your services again. From start to finish Liz could not have been more helpful and knowledgeable – particularly as I had in mind a fairly complicated itinerary built round a special wedding anniversary and including a surprise bush camp night.

Everything went smoothly from start to finish; the accommodation recommendations were spot on; the advice was first class; and all my questions and concerns were answered very promptly. I have recommended Expert Africa to several friends and colleagues, and passed a couple of your cards to fellow travellers along the way!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Just one thing: more specific advice on tipping at each place would be helpful, although I realise this is a difficult proposition. We were given a benchmark of $10 per person per day on safari, but when we were at Beho Beho $5–$10 was suggested as appropriate for the lodge staff, but guides were also to be tipped $10 per person per drive/walk. We had already put our tip in the general tips box only to discover that this was for house staff only and that we should tip the guides personally. It was all rather awkward.

We also did not know how much was appropriate as a tip for Thadeo, our 'butler' at Matemwe Retreat, so we just had to guess." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"Fantastic trip, would recommend Tanzania very highly.

Very well organised, very happy to travel with Expert Africa in the future." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari

"Even though it was our fourth trip to Africa and on safari we really did have an excellent time. Everything was well organised and all went very smoothly.

We had a personal driver and guide for our week on safari which is to be highly recommended although pricey. The vehicle and facilities were very good, Alfred our guide is the best. His english is superb, driving very good, knowledge and experience extensive, ability to locate animals amazing and he has a great sense of humour.

In comparison to other African countries we've visited the facilities for tourists are well organised. We didn't need a bush toilet once in the whole trip! This does mean that in the popular destinations especially the Ngorongoro Crater there were far to many tourists for our liking but in hindsight we wouln't change anything as you really do need to see it to experience it!

My only plea to other travellers is to be sensitive to the local people and cultute. We were incredibly disappointed at some of the things we saw, cigarette butts being dropped in the parks, scimpy clothing in Stone Town and during Ramaden too and generally poor attitides!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Be more specific about flight details (Coastal airways) if possible" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari