Reviews of holidays to South-west Zanzibar
152 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include South-west Zanzibar.
Dr H
Dublin
"Holiday of a Lifetime"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 4 Aug 2007 and 21 Aug 2007
"We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, and it lived up to all our expectations. This was some feat considering that we were a family of four - with 2 mature daughter - each of whom had different interests and needs. All these were satisfied by the holidays, which included different types of accommodation and experiences.
Expert Africa's advice was terrific, always professional and always timely in their responses.
One negative - the recommendation of $10 per person per day as a tip is, we feel, over generous. We are always happy to voluntarily reward good service, but there seems to be an excessive tendency of expectation by most staff, in all accommodations and places, which is to-say-the-least off-putting. To facilitate this 'expectation culture' is counter-productive." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday
Expert Africa's advice was terrific, always professional and always timely in their responses.
One negative - the recommendation of $10 per person per day as a tip is, we feel, over generous. We are always happy to voluntarily reward good service, but there seems to be an excessive tendency of expectation by most staff, in all accommodations and places, which is to-say-the-least off-putting. To facilitate this 'expectation culture' is counter-productive." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr S
Bedford
"Hope only one of many holidays of a lifetime"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 29 Jul 2007 and 11 Aug 2007
"Brilliant.
Only one problem. We did not book a trip to Jozani Forest but it was recommended to us whlst on safari. We realised we would pass it on route to Unguija so asked the driver if we could stop and visit it. He agreed but said it was normally US$60 per person but for us only US$30 each. We disagreed and said we would sort it out with his head office. He took 12,000 shillings each for the entrance fee each which we later saw should have been only 10,000 each.
When we arrived at Unguija he again asked us for the US$60 witnessed by the owner Ralf. Again we declined and but asked him to get his head office to contact us when back at the Serena. The same drive collected us for Unguija and again asked for the money. We have never been asked by Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents themselves. US$60 for waiting for 90 minutes seemed wrong and we suspected he was asking for money for himself.
The driver [Ed: from Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents] who took us to the airport on our last day could not have been more helpful with expediting us through checkin, passport controt etc.
I am a little concerned ther may be one rottern apple in Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
Only one problem. We did not book a trip to Jozani Forest but it was recommended to us whlst on safari. We realised we would pass it on route to Unguija so asked the driver if we could stop and visit it. He agreed but said it was normally US$60 per person but for us only US$30 each. We disagreed and said we would sort it out with his head office. He took 12,000 shillings each for the entrance fee each which we later saw should have been only 10,000 each.
When we arrived at Unguija he again asked us for the US$60 witnessed by the owner Ralf. Again we declined and but asked him to get his head office to contact us when back at the Serena. The same drive collected us for Unguija and again asked for the money. We have never been asked by Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents themselves. US$60 for waiting for 90 minutes seemed wrong and we suspected he was asking for money for himself.
The driver [Ed: from Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents] who took us to the airport on our last day could not have been more helpful with expediting us through checkin, passport controt etc.
I am a little concerned ther may be one rottern apple in Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
152
reviews of South-west Zanzibar by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in South-west Zanzibar
Our suggestions for beach lodges in South-west Zanzibar
Unguja Lodge
Unguja is a small, rustic lodge in southern Zanzibar standing on a quiet beach, with some of the most spacious rooms we have seen on Zanzibar.
Chumbe Island Lodge
Situated on the tiny Chumbe Island, this lodge is an award-winning example of eco-tourism, with excellent snorkelling.
Fumba Beach Lodge
Fumba Beach Lodge is stylishly put together, with spacious, luxurious rooms, comfortable communal areas and a fantastic infinity pool.
The Residence
The Residence is a very large resort hotel in south-west Zanzibar. Each villa has its own 8-metre lap pool.
