Reviews of holidays to South-west Zanzibar

"Expert Africa got it right every time.

We did everything in the right order and their advice really made a big difference. It was worthwhile using Expert Africa, Other independent travellers did not always seem to get the same quality of experience that we got.

The entire trip was the best we've ever had and we are quite used to travelling in the developing world." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"What I've come to expect from Expert Africa - unbiased and extremely expert knowledge.

Very attentive, and good listeners - based on our interests we got exactyl what we needed. a couple of times they persuaded us to change our ealry thoughts on some places to stay - they proved to be spot on." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday

"An excelent trip.

Suggestions for improvement:

I found Expert Africa's assistance really useful in planning the trip." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"I was very impressed with Expert Africa and would use the company again like a shot. We had an idea of what we wanted and they understood completely and tailor-made our holiday.

We had to change some arrangements and, far from it being an inconvenience to Expert Africa, they were cheerful about it and even enthusiastic, which I thought was very good indeed.

All the transfers, documentation and arrangements went like clockwork. And the website is great.

Suggestions for improvement:

No, just keep up the good work." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Well done Expert Africa! Ellie was really well informed and helped us throughout.

Everything was organised perfectly and both Ellie and Claire were well informed about the Impala Camp, Fumba and Zanzibar Coffee House. I think it really helped that they had actually been there (saw Claire in the Impala visitors' book!!)

A great service. You were recommended to us by friends and we wouldn't hesittate to do the same should any of our friends be thinking about travelling to Africa.

The guide book was a good read too....

Suggestions for improvement:

Not really! A very presonal, well informed and very efficient service. Not much to improve on here...

Perhaps could have mentioned that buying a visa on arrival in Tanzania for $50 was an option? Wouldn't have really affected us but might be worht mentioning if anybody forgets before going." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"The trip was unforgettable. We felt our itinerary was perfect with just the right amount of time in each place. We were overwhelmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people wherever we went which added enormously to the enjoyment of our time in Tanzania. It is certainly a country I would like yo go back to.

We felt Claire/Expert Africa did a fantastic job sorting our holiday and preparing us for the trip. We were really impressed with how smoothly it went considering how much we moved about." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"One of our most memorable overall Africa experiences. Partly because of the variety of camps, scenery and activities, partly because of the fact we visited in the early part of the wet season, implying green landscapes with fat and happy animals. This can make for very photogenic stuff, with animals pictured amongst fields of flowers and greenery, rather than dust, and I took some of my best ever pictures on this trip. Bird variety and sightings are also fabulous at this time of year.

The downside of the wet season is that things can become a bit more chaotic, with roads becoming impassable and airstrips being temporarily unusable. As such, not quite as "stress-free" as safaris can be at other times of the year, but very much recommended as an experience if all you've done before is the dry season (which was the case for us). Oh, there's one other downside too - more insects!

The balance of the trip was excellent in terms of safari/beach/city, with the Zanzibar accommodation being perfectly chosen to suit our particular preferences - thank you Ellie. Logistics were flawless throughout. Overall, very pleased indeed, and starting to think about our next trip already." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a great time. Some of our preceding comments are critical but these are finer details; the overall holiday was marvellous.

We do want to point out that February in Dar, Selous, Ruaha and Mahale is wet season. It did rain a lot and made roads in the Selous very difficult. Overall we got to see lots of game and other wildlife but it was not always easy. We would love to do this again in the dry season to see the difference.

Our itinerary involved several domestic flight connections and transfers but all worked perfectly. Curiously the only place where we had to hand over a voucher was the Holiday Inn in Dar.

It would be good if camps could provide more information and maps on their situation and ecology. It seems odd to come all this way to places specialising in the natural environment and find so little background material." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari

"The islands of Zanzibar and Mafia are beautiful and intriguing, however they do not even compare to the wonders that you will find when you actually get into the sea. The Snorkeling here is some of the best I have ever seen and I got to swim with Dolphins too.

The local people are very pleasant, respectful and elegant.

I very much enjoyed their hospitality I felt very safe, well looked after and had a few magical days that I will always treasure." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"We had the most relaxing and enjoyable holiday of our lives, a truly magical experience we'll be telling our grandchildren about!

Huge thanks to Chris at Expert Africa for his great advice, and to Ann Lederman for her help and efficiency in booking the trip. I will be recommending Expert Africa!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zanzibar holiday