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Stone Town
Stone Town
Stone Town
Stone Town
Stone Town
Stone Town
Stone Town
Stone Town
Stone Town

Stone Town was constructed during the 19th century...

...and hasn’t changed much since then.

You can enjoy beautiful views of the ocean...

...and discover what remained...

...from its rich history.

Stone Town is something of a labyrinth...

...with small alleys that offer places to shop and eat.

The atmosphere is unique and romantic...

...and you can watch some beautiful sunsets over the ocean.

Stone Town

Reviews of trips to Stone Town

354 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.

Showing 1-10 of 354
Duration
Arrival date
Caro
Bucks

"My Jul 2024 trip"

I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 31 Jul 2024 and 12 Aug 2024
"Overall this 'holiday of a lifetime' as we had been describing it to friends prior to going, turned out to be just that. It had so many 'best moments' and highlights, that we've totally lost count. Life doesn't really offer many surprises but stumbling across a leopard after a kill, a bull elephant eating breakfast, a herd of zebra and wildebeest on the move, or a reef shark going about its daily life really are thrilling sights never to be forgotten. It was a holiday of incredible contrasts. From safari, to a bustling city, to a castaway coral island and ending with such luxury. What a heavenly cocktail and all thanks to Maruska and Expert Africa who certainly live up to their name." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
The JS Family
Sweden

"Tanzania 2024 "

I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 30 Jul 2024 and 9 Aug 2024
"We had a very nice trip and the arrangements made by Expert Africa were an important part of this." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
RJK
Michigan

"My Jun 2024 trip"

I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 19 Jun 2024 and 11 Jul 2024
"We had a fantastic trip, and appreciated the time you took to make sure it would work for all of us, from ages 7 to 77!

The process of deciding upon itinerary (places, lodging, timing) involved very productive discussions to arrive at a great trip. The 15 days with Anaphi Anafi demonstrated that our desires were listened to, and we had a truly great and effective guide.

Thank you so much for everything.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No.

Any small matters that arose, the sorts of things that occur with any planned trip, were handled very quickly" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Jenny
Faversham

"My Jan 2024 trip"

I visited Tanzania and 2 other countries between 29 Jan 2024 and 13 Feb 2024
"Another great trip, thank you very much. I am mostly clear about what sort of trip I am after but find it very useful to be able to bounce ideas and get further information and guidance from Expert Africa.

I greatly appreciate the end to end service that Expert Africa provides, which takes away any little worries concerning travel arrangements.

The 'meet and greet' service and the use of a hotel room between flight connections is a particularly welcome feature." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Colorado

"My Sep 2023 trip"

I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 30 Sep 2023 and 13 Oct 2023
"Our trip was amazing and Jessica was there to answer any questions and help with any changes we requested.


Suggestions for improvement:

One thing we thought was we almost would have rather done beach then Safari as we were so tired on the Safari from traveling. But we didn’t want to miss anything. This is probably only an issue for people coming from the US though!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
GERRY COPSEY
Frome

"SARARI & ZANZIBAR 2023"

I visited Kenya and 1 other country between 5 Sep 2023 and 16 Sep 2023
"From the first conversation with Richard we thought the level of service from Expert Africa was outstanding. The attention to detail and the diligent way the many paperwork requirements were set out was faultless.

Every question was answered in depth and very helpfully and all the recommendations were accurate.

Having spent 30+ years in the travel industry it was a delight to travel with another company who understand and practice the highest levels of customer service that we always tried to do.

Well done one and all

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Really I don't. It seemed like we were travelling under the wing of a class outfit who did the ground work so well we didn't need much help overseas at all.

The icing on the cake was that we happened to be lucky enough to have the best guide at Little Governors. From talking to other guests who had minor frustrations with their guides, we soon realised that Tom was giving us a masterclass in how to be the perfect guide." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H.
Surrey

"Selous - Zanzibar July 2023 (family of 4)"

I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 25 Jul 2023 and 7 Aug 2023
"Thank you to Tam for arranging our booking!

We had the most amazing time and would not hesitate to use Expert Africa for our planning again. The (many) flight and taxi transfers all worked perfectly. It is great peace of mind having the transfers arranged by a professional team who know the respectable companies to use and means of booking...especially after meeting people who had booked their own flights from Zan - Dar es Salam but at the desk, they were told their tickets were not recognised and they had to charter their own flight to make their International flight!

It was our first safari and we had no idea what to expect in the quieter south Selous park but we saw more wildlife than we ever imagined (even on the day we arrived) and so few cars. It was perfect! The camp and every member of the Selous Impala team were just amazing." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
FR
Australia

"My May 2023 trip"

I visited Tanzania and 5 other countries between 28 May 2023 and 3 Jul 2023
"A few thoughts I had: I think it would be better to have a minimum of 3 nights at each camp or lodge as I found 2 nights was not enough especially as I lost a day due to a flight cancellation/postponement. If I'd had 3 nights at Plantation Lodge I could have still done the Ngorongoro crater safari. I know there are cost implications but in hindsight it is worth it for a better experience. And Plantation Lodge was my favourite accommodation and I only got one night there!

I would also prefer to stay in camps that are not too long a drive from the airstrips. I found more than one hour quite difficult as you just want to get there and it can also be a long drive back to camp after a safari. I would consider this if I was doing another trip.

Needless to say I preferred the luxury camps in Botswana which had a pool and included drinks and laundry, although I realise they cost more, and I did enjoy the other camps which felt closer to the wildlife etc. as a contrast. Paying for drinks and laundry was not expensive so that did not put me off.

The support and help from my Expert Africa agents with the few challenges I encountered was wonderful and
I can't speak highly enough of the quality of your company. Of course I don't know how you compare with others but having met agents from other companies and having feedback from other guests at the camps I felt very glad that I had chosen EA.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Perhaps to warn travellers about the potential for things to go wrong such as flight cancellations and injuries and talk through what to do in these situations. i know this in included in your written material but it is a lot to take in especially when having to get visas and vaccinations in preparation for the trip. I had read the information but still felt stressed when things happened. However your responses were so helpful and reassuring which helped me to calm down. Big thank you to Chris in this regard - I could only nominate one agent above but it is the sign of a good manager/owner to be prepared to step in out of hours to help a client." Read full review: 36 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ann
Pontesford

"My Jan 2023 trip"

I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 11 Jan 2023 and 27 Jan 2023
"The whole experience was great. We had a brilliant time. Everything worked just as Expert Africa had planned so we didn't have to worry about a thing.

Safaris were great - the camps recommended above excellent. Everyone in both camps were determined to provide us with the best experience possible. Having discussed with Lyndsey the various areas in Tanzania we could have chosen for our safaris, we were pleased we chose the Selous and Ruaha - two very different areas though the wildlife was much the same on the whole. But we appreciated the different landscapes, the views, the lush vegetation and the amazing accommodation.

Stone Town - was good for two nights, not sure we'd have wanted any longer in retrospect, so again good advice from Expert Africa. And we couldn't fault White Sands!

All in all - an amazing holiday. Thank you!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs ST
Cambridge

"Our Jan 2023 trip"

I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 9 Jan 2023 and 20 Jan 2023
"Everything went according to plan which was an achievement in itself!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Showing 1-10 of 354
98%
354 reviews of Stone Town by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
338
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Where to stay in Stone Town

Our suggestions for places to stay in Stone Town


Zanzibar Coffee House

Zanzibar Coffee House

The Zanzibar Coffee House is a small quiet hotel tucked away in the back streets of Stone Town, with lovely, simple rooms.


84% (65 reviews)
Serena Inn

Serena Inn

Now trumped by the nearby Park Hyatt, the Serena Inn, in its historic building, was formerly Stone Town's only international-style hotel.


91% (63 reviews)
Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Zanzibar Palace Hotel

The Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a highly regarded boutique hotel with very personal service and just nine rooms, all of them Zanzibari in style.


89% (51 reviews)
Beyt al Salaam

Beyt al Salaam

The Beyt al Salaam is a pleasant, boutique hotel with only six rooms and atmospheric and stylish Zanzibari décor.


82% (44 reviews)
Dhow Palace Hotel

Dhow Palace Hotel

The Dhow Palace is a very good-value, mid-range hotel, full of Swahili character, and the pool makes it appealing to families.


79% (40 reviews)
Emerson Spice

Emerson Spice

Emerson Spice is a beautiful small hotel in the heart of Stone Town with individually designed rooms adorned with gorgeous fabrics.


91% (26 reviews)
Kholle House

Kholle House

Kholle House offers an atmospheric Stone Town stay in a historic building, and is very good value for money.


82% (19 reviews)
Jafferji House

Jafferji House

Jafferji House is a converted old house that blends modern facilities with traditional style. The ten, unique rooms are show great attention to detail.


81% (19 reviews)
Swahili House

Swahili House

Swahili House is a traditionally styled boutique hotel furnished to a high standard with a convenient location in the centre of Stone Town.


82% (11 reviews)
Tembo Hotel

Tembo Hotel

The Tembo Hotel is a good-value, family-friendly hotel right on the seafront in Stone Town, with 36 rooms and a good-sized swimming pool.


63% (8 reviews)
Emerson on Hurumzi

Emerson on Hurumzi

Emerson on Hurumzi was Stone Town's first boutique hotel, featuring antique furniture, unique, stylish rooms and a superb rooftop restaurant.


80% (7 reviews)
Mbweni Ruins Hotel

Mbweni Ruins Hotel

Mbweni Ruins Hotel is very convenient if you want to stay on the beach, but very close to Stone Town, or visit Chumbe Island.


92% (5 reviews)
Park Hyatt

Park Hyatt

The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.


100% (2 reviews)
Maru Maru Hotel

Maru Maru Hotel

In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.


80% (2 reviews)
The Seyyida Hotel

Seyyida Hotel

The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.


No reviews yet
Kisiwa House

Kisiwa House

Kisiwa's central location in the heart of Stone Town's Shangani area makes it a great base to explore this fascinating town.


No reviews yet

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