Reviews of holidays to Mafia Island

"The trip was good and well organised. Unfortunately we were both `under the weather ` slightly due to a cough bug so probably didnt enjoy it as much as we should but that is life!!

It was certainly lovely seeing all the animals in the wild and appreciating how everything is inter related in the survival there.

Suggestions for improvement:

Perhaps a smaller hotel which is more personal in Dar would be nice especially after the good service we received at the camps etc." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"A thoroughly magical experience - the best holiday we have ever had. We fell in love with Africa and the African people that we met.

Suggestions for improvement:

None. Anyone we met who had dealt with Expert Africa (in particular Claire) was delighted with the whole experience." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"I had researched quite carefully what I wanted from this holiday, but even so this trip did exceed and surpass expectations.

We were very happy with everything, and on reflection wouldn't have changed anything. We spent some time discussing the options with Ellie before we made a final decision on our itinerary, and felt that the eventual overall balance of the different lodges, camps and locations chosen worked very well for us, providing an excellent overview for a first African safari and visit to Tanzania.

I am very glad that we made the decision to opt for a private safari, especially when we saw how crowded some safari vehicles were, as we really appreciated having our own space and being able to stop as and when we wanted. Albert was a very knowledgeable guide, and an excellent and careful driver - put to the test on the day it rained so heavily and we had to ford a suddenly much swollen stream in flood which had risen rapidly, to get back to camp.

We very much enjoyed going our own way by day, but meeting up with other guests for sociable evenings back in the camps and lodges. I would certainly go for this style of holiday if we decide to take another African trip in the future.

Suggestions for improvement:

No, very pleased with it." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari

"We look back on our holiday as a wonderful memory. It was certainly all we had hoped it would be, and felt that our wishes had been well understood and catered for.

Suggestions for improvement:

The only thing that springs to mind is to stress to clients the importance of having proper reef shoes for this kind of holiday. One doesn't appreciate how sticky the sea bottom is at low tide, and many people only have flip flops, which are disastrous.

Thank you for organising such a stress-free and enjoyable holiday!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"The safari part of our trip was excellent. Pole Pole was a little disappointing - quality and too long at the resort. Expert Africa should not use Beyt al Chai until it is refurbished.

We are very impressed with Exprt Africa itself. All staff very helpful and concerned that we have an enjoyable holiday (which we did).

Information provided pre deprture very comprehensive and helpful. Terrific web-site which was one of the factors that convinced us to use EA. We really felt they knew what they were talking about." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"All travel arrangements worked perfectly and were on time.A really great holiday." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari

"We wanted the holiday of a lifetime to celebrate our silver wedding and all of our hopes were exceeded. this was our first holiday in Africa but probably won't be our last.

Safari was outstanding at Sand Rivers - you really felt that you were the only people there at times.

Mafia is almost undeveloped and gives a very authenic view of the area and its people." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"Yet another fabulous trip organised by Expert Africa." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari

"We've had a memorable trip, next stop Nambia!!( when we save up!) Such a wonderful country, with it's greatest asset being the people, who were with out exception lovely.

In a way I think it's the small things you remeber most - Baby vervets raiding your room, breakfast at dawn at Mafia airport, the children we met during our visit to Chole, and the time spent wandering through the backstreets of Zanzibar." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"Having waited for our son to be 12 so that we could take him on safari, when it actually came to it I was worried it would not live up to my expectations and that I might resent the huge amount of money we spent. Happily it did and I don't.

We had a fantastic two weeks, the two lodges (Manze and Impala in Tanzania) contrasted in style, terrain and game viewing. I was really pleased that the Selous Reserve offered the choice of game drives, boat trips and walking safaris and feel we would have been a bit jaded had there not been that variety.

Tanzania is a good to choice if you want a bit of beach time and I was especially please that we elected to go to Mafia rather than Zanzibar. A lot of other travellers went on to Zanzibar, but on Mafia the ex pats from Dar es Salaam rated our choice the better one.

I was really impressed with how everything went without any hitches. I'm sure this is no small part down to the background work and research done at EA. When time is limited you don't want to put up with the things that are usually part and parcel of travel in developing countries and that was what I was hoping to avoid by booking through a specialist agent. The time spend finding out our requirements and expectations meant that it was no accident taht everything went so well.

Your expert advice was worth every penny." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari