Zanzibar: reviews from our travellers

"We had a great time overall, but as always in Africa, plans do not always go directly as you intended, so it is important to remain travel wise.

The safari section of our trip was quite tiring, with early morning game drives and moving camp every couple of days, although this is exactly what we had expected, so were prepared. This was the first time that we had visited Africa during a rainy season, so expected a different experience to our previous trips. It was lovely to save the best safari camp to last and then to relax in Zanzibar for a 3 nights - even though the heat and humidity hit us hard.

It was very helpful to have the experience and suggestions from Expert Africa to help us plan the trip as their knowledge of the individual camps and hotels is extensive.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

This was our seventh trip to Africa booked through Expert Africa, which precisely sums up our view of their expertise.

Looking forward to number eight!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"Our trip to Beho Beho in the Selous was fantastic. It might have just been the time of year we travelled, but I don't think I would recommend this as a first safari destination as the game viewing was not as prolific as, say, the Serengheti. We were very pleased that we spent a whole week at this Lodge, not just for the wonderful atmosphere, company and food, but because the first few days we didn't see too much. In a sense this is wrong as there is so much to see, but it was more in the way of landscape and bird life which was truly lovely.

However, towards the end of the stay we saw an enormous amount - it was as though the larger animals had all been off on their own safaris and came back on the same day! So we were driving areas we had visited before and rather than deserted they were heavily populated.

The guiding was superlative and we liked the system the Lodge had of rotating the guides so you went out with each guide and benefitted from the particular enthusiasms and expertise of each.

Kilindi was a lovely chill out place with friendly staff and delicious food - even lots of choice every day for a vegetarian. We had a fabulous time and I would jump at the chance to do it all again and stay at these venues.

Yes, one of our bags arrived two days after us - but people were helpful and this really did not have any negative impact on our trip - in fact, it demonstrated just how much trouble people will go to (Trisha & Heribert at Beho Beho) to ensure you are sorted and inconvenienced to the smallest possible degree." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Wonderful and unforgettable trip. We did so much but also had a chance to relax.

The only slight hitch was the elections which took place on 25 October, causing some disruption in Zanzibar. We had to alter our days for visiting Stonetown and doing our boat cruise. While that wasn't a big deal, I think had there been more violence following the results being announced, we could have had problems getting home. As it was we heard reports of tear gas and demonstrations on 27 October but they did not affect us.

Expert Africa should have let us know in advance that the elections were taking place - date, possible repercussions etc - we may have then decided to do Zanzibar first followed by Selous." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Our trip went quite smoothly.

All arrangements were correct and we experienced no problems with accommodations or transfers." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Thank you Expert Africa for making this trip (to celebrate my 60th) so memorable.

We have had the most wonderful time. Too many highlights to mention.
Fishermans tours are also very reliable, always on time.
It has been worth every penny." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a really great and relaxing holiday.

All the hotels and actives were well chosen for us. All our transfers worked very well.

Needed some advice from James about how much cash to take-and got it just right-thank you.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

May be worth adding in the information booklet that only need to pay departure tax for international flights from Zanzibar - but not from Dar
Can't think of anything else" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We are well travelled and enjoy staying in quality accommodation. We have been on two safaris in the past but this is the first time we have booked through Expert Africa. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend this company to friends and family. We had a fantastic holiday thanks to the advice given to us by Claire who put together a first class itinerary.

We were not aware of the strong tipping culture in Tanzania and would have appreciated this being pointed out to us.

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It seems Expert Africa are worthy of their name!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Wonderful, over too soon,

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Perfect as it is." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"Our trip was simply amazing, eye-opening, educational, diverse, fun and everything you would expect from visiting one of the most culture-rich countries in the world! A trip we will simply never forget.

It's going to be hard finding holidays to beat this one!

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Everything was so professional and informative and exceeded expectations. Worth every penny spent.

Thank you to James for being so down to earth and helpful in his approach" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip of a lifetime Fantastic

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No keep it up you are the best" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari