Travel reviews by Dr B & family from Norwich
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
4
Excursions taken
0
Overall trip
Zanzibar and 1 other country between 5 Aug 2010 and 21 Aug 2010
"This is the first time I have ever arranged a trip using an agency. Although I have worked regularly in Tanzania over the last decade, I was not confident I knew enough about the holiday side and would be able to arrange the necessary transfers.
I was recommended the Bradt guide to Tanzania and noted that Chris acknowldeged his involvement with Expert Africa and sort of liked that. So got in touch and was very ably advised by Liz Wollen. I was late in doing the bookings but she guided me very competently through the available choices and I cannot fault her recommendations. I
n the event, on several of the bookings, she was able to get us better deals than we thought was possible at the outset. When she left on an assignment to Africa, Ellie seamlessly took over the arrangements. It was a pleasure working with the team and everything, without exception, went as planned.
Not a whinge but a suggestion. The pickup times on the transfers by road were not specified and it wasn't always easy to find a contact at the transfer company who was fully up to speed. Everyone now has mobiles in Africa - when I visit farmers in remote parts, I make the arrangements by mobile - so why not recommend that your clients buy a local sim card and send the details to you. You can then advise hotels, transfer companies etc so they can text collection times and other last minute info as needed.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It may be me being thick but I lost a couple of versions of this form as I was completing it. You guys are doing a great job."
I was recommended the Bradt guide to Tanzania and noted that Chris acknowldeged his involvement with Expert Africa and sort of liked that. So got in touch and was very ably advised by Liz Wollen. I was late in doing the bookings but she guided me very competently through the available choices and I cannot fault her recommendations. I
n the event, on several of the bookings, she was able to get us better deals than we thought was possible at the outset. When she left on an assignment to Africa, Ellie seamlessly took over the arrangements. It was a pleasure working with the team and everything, without exception, went as planned.
Not a whinge but a suggestion. The pickup times on the transfers by road were not specified and it wasn't always easy to find a contact at the transfer company who was fully up to speed. Everyone now has mobiles in Africa - when I visit farmers in remote parts, I make the arrangements by mobile - so why not recommend that your clients buy a local sim card and send the details to you. You can then advise hotels, transfer companies etc so they can text collection times and other last minute info as needed.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It may be me being thick but I lost a couple of versions of this form as I was completing it. You guys are doing a great job."
New Africa Hotel (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Blackie visit to New Africa"
4 nights
Arrived
5 Aug 2010
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Poor
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Average
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Amani Beach
"Amani Beach review"
5 nights
Arrived
9 Aug 2010
"The management of this hotel are really trying to improve it. The hotel consists of around 10 seaview villas of dreadful interior design but very comfortable. There is an excellent swimming pool and lots of beach to explore. We were lucky enough to see baby turtles hatching one our first day.
The transfer from Dar was in a very comfortable vehicle and ran to time. The management are very helpuful. We wanted to visit a friend nearby and they provided a vehicle and driver (for free we learned on check out).
The food is very good but there is no choice - although they do prepare for individual dietary requirements if you let them know. There is a plan to introduce a menu with choices (perhaps 2-3) in the near future and a snack menu. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are available mid morning and mid afternoon.
Power comes from a generator and is off most of the day. Internet access is possible but only from the office which is tedious. There is no charge.
They will arrange visits to other sites on request but we did not make use of this. We used our time just to walk, swim, and do some writing and reading. Familes with children might find the facilities a little limiting but this is a priority area they are looking at."
The transfer from Dar was in a very comfortable vehicle and ran to time. The management are very helpuful. We wanted to visit a friend nearby and they provided a vehicle and driver (for free we learned on check out).
The food is very good but there is no choice - although they do prepare for individual dietary requirements if you let them know. There is a plan to introduce a menu with choices (perhaps 2-3) in the near future and a snack menu. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are available mid morning and mid afternoon.
Power comes from a generator and is off most of the day. Internet access is possible but only from the office which is tedious. There is no charge.
They will arrange visits to other sites on request but we did not make use of this. We used our time just to walk, swim, and do some writing and reading. Familes with children might find the facilities a little limiting but this is a priority area they are looking at."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Excellent
Activities
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Average
Zanzibar Coffee House
"Zanzibar Coffee House review"
2 nights
Arrived
14 Aug 2010
"The location is right in the heart of Stonetown. It is a very simple, well appointed guest house with a vibrant coffee shop on the ground floor. Lots of people had their laptops and internet access is good and free to residents.
The rooms are well appointed and very comfortable. You only get breakfast but that is on the roof top which is fun and you are able to mix (or not, as you prefer) with other guests then.
It is quiet, and you are woken to the smell of fresh baking every morning. The staff are lovely and very helpful."
The rooms are well appointed and very comfortable. You only get breakfast but that is on the roof top which is fun and you are able to mix (or not, as you prefer) with other guests then.
It is quiet, and you are woken to the smell of fresh baking every morning. The staff are lovely and very helpful."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Average
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Average
Unguja Lodge
"Unguja Lodge review"
4 nights
Arrived
16 Aug 2010
"This was the highlight of our trip. The hotel is beautifully designed with around 10 private lodges. We (thanks to some smart footwork by Expert Africa) had a sea view. The lodges are spacious, very comfortable, and comfortable. There is free internet but you need to be in the main building (where you have meals and drinks) to access it. The food is very good with a decent choice at every meal. There is power throughout the day.
Lots to do - walking, snorkelling, diving. There are plenty of books to help you identify birds and other creatures. We did the snorkelling which was amongst the best we have done anywhere - but better on the second trip where we elected for the Robinson Crusoe trip which took us out to a reef on a nearby island. We saw dolphins and sailfish on the way out.
The second trip is more pricey and includes lunch on a sandbank. My choice would have been to skip the lunch and just spend more time snorkelling. You don't need your own equipment - they supply everything and it is good stuff. The masks don't leak and the flippers are comfortable (but choose a size larger than your shoe size or you may find them a little tight).
Food is good and there is a modest choice each meal. One of the key features is that everyone working there seems to enjoy their job. They are pleasant, helpful, but also just seem happy.That is nice.
Leaving Zanzibar is tedious - take lots of small notes with you as EVERYONE wants a tip."
Lots to do - walking, snorkelling, diving. There are plenty of books to help you identify birds and other creatures. We did the snorkelling which was amongst the best we have done anywhere - but better on the second trip where we elected for the Robinson Crusoe trip which took us out to a reef on a nearby island. We saw dolphins and sailfish on the way out.
The second trip is more pricey and includes lunch on a sandbank. My choice would have been to skip the lunch and just spend more time snorkelling. You don't need your own equipment - they supply everything and it is good stuff. The masks don't leak and the flippers are comfortable (but choose a size larger than your shoe size or you may find them a little tight).
Food is good and there is a modest choice each meal. One of the key features is that everyone working there seems to enjoy their job. They are pleasant, helpful, but also just seem happy.That is nice.
Leaving Zanzibar is tedious - take lots of small notes with you as EVERYONE wants a tip."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
It would be good to sugest to New Africa that they had 'no smoking' rooms. Ours had been used by a heavy smoker and was a bit rough to start. But with leaving the window open lots, we cleared most of it.
There is good internet but expensive - $10 for 24 hours, $4 for 1 hour"