Reviews of trips to Stone Town

"Full marks again to Expert Africa, with whom we've travelled many times. We wanted to visit a less travelled part of Africa and the Selous fulfilled all our hopes. Our four accommodation locations were all satisfyingly different. What more can one say?

Sorry Angela is no longer with EA to receive our thanks for her wise and helpful advice." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall experience was excellent with the exception of the Zanzibar Coffee House and the Fishermen tour organization.

The tour mostlly functioned as a taxi-they were on time and pleasant but not helpful." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"We had the most wonderful trip and saw so much more than we ever expected. We particularly enjoyed living in the tented accommodation being surrounded by nature and learning so much about the wildlife. This was largely due to the skill of the guides, notably Silvanus who drove us around and acted as our guide for several days in different locations of Tarangire, Lake Manyara and The Ngorongoro crater. His knowledge was amazing and his patience with two novices was truly boundless.

We like to mention how impressed we were with the safari outfit used by Expert Africa and would highly recommend this company to anyone. Their operations were run smoothly and efficiently with a constant desire to improve their services and environmentally friendly camps even further. Their training policy and opportunity for further development seemed to be very much appreciated by their employees. All their staff were happy and proud working for them which we felt speaks for itself.

The balloon trip over the Serengeti at dawn was an unforgettable experience, which we would highly recommend. The pilot was very experienced and his expert handling of the balloon allowed us to fly extremely low. Gliding across the Mara River and seeing the sun rising over this amazing landscape was truly magical.

Zanzibar offered a completely different type of holiday. We were especially interested in the history and culture of the island. The 'Princess Salme' tour was particularly fascinating and took in several different experiences: a very informative visit around the Mtoni Palace given by the project manager of the restoration project, followed by a Dhow trip, a coffee ceremony as well as a fascinating spice tour led by a guide with real knowledge of the subject and finally a delicious meal provided by the plantation owner. We would highly recommend it as it is designed for very small groups and provides a real insight into what made the island what it is.

A special mention should also go to Nick at Unguja Lodge who is a very competent and professional diving instructor who enabled me to fulfil my long held wish to complete my diving certificate.

Expert Arfrica did deliver exactly what we had asked for in our original brief and more. They enabled us to choose companies and lodges, etc which benefit their local communities and this had been one of our priorities. It also allowed us to see some very well run local projects during our travels which are all equally worth while supporting in the future.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

A suggestion might be that while on safari, to consider having a day in camp to digest what had been experienced. This could take the form of a walk with guides followed later by an evening drive. Having some time to just sit in front of our tent for a few hours and to watch the wildlife from there or reading a book was rather enjoyable especially after several days of non stop action. We think people should be made aware of this option." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Out of this world! We will definitely be contacting James again in the near future, funds permitting!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"See the short title. It was different, the places were great, and we were so well looked after.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really at this time. Thanks James." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"The service and advice given by Ellie at Expert Africa has been superb, far above our expectations. This meant we had the trip of a lifetime, a honeymoon to remember.

We had thought that doing one safari would be enough - we were wrong!! We now have to start saving for our next one!!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"An amazing trip that couldn't/wouldn't have happened without Liz and James at Expert Africa. He captured exactly what we wanted to do and made that possible in this trip. Fantastic people that we met whilst out there and definitely want to return!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Perhaps relook at Tembo hotel as I don't think it matched the quality that you seem to offer!

Give James Denny a pay rise!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"From the moment of my first contact with Expert Africa (late one night - and I got straight through to Maruska in the New Zealand office!) I had nothing but praise for the friendly professionalism that guided us through the planning of our special family holiday to Tanzania. Expert Africa had been recommended to us by friends who had been on several safaris (the first ones with other companies) and we were delighted with the service provided. Having established the hopes of our group for the trip, Maruska helped me through planning the details with clear explanations about the pros and cons of any choices and the range of options available. Maruska's responsiveness as I articulated various preferences of the group was marvellous and the recommendation, quite late on, of spending our last 3 nights on Chumbe Island was inspired.

The actual trip went like clockwork. Every detail had been planned for and was delivered brilliantly All the fights and transfers worked smoothly and everywhere we went we were expected and welcomed. All the accommodation was just right - and just as we expected. Above all, we had the most brilliant driver/guide on our week-long safari. We were delighted to be with Asilia, a well regarded Tanzanian company with excellent credentials and our assigned guide, Stanford, was absolutely fantastic. He was calm, considerate, efficient and good humoured, but beyond that he was incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, flexible and humourous. And he worked so hard! He undertook the duties of driving, guiding, communicating in excellent English and responding to any requests with a calm composure that ensured we had the most wonderful experience. We would like to put on record our enormous gratitude for this - and to thank Expert Africa and Asilia for assigning him to us!

The safari was very special and we loved the camps. I worried a few times before we left the UK whether 7 days on safari might seem like too much of a good thing but I needn't have worried. Stanford's skill enabled us to learn more and more about animal behaviour as the week went by and we were as interested on the morning of day 8, en route to the airstrip and our flight to Zanzibar, as were were on day 1 when, after a night flight, we set off at lunchtime for Arusha National Park. Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti built brilliantly on this start

Finishing our holiday in Zanzibar was also wonderful. The tropical beaches were gorgeous and the relaxed vibe was enjoyed by all 7 of us. And the final three days on Chumbe - absolutely magical! The entire trip surpassed our (always high!) expectations and it will remain a very special experience for our family. We just wished we could have spent more time everywhere!

Thank you Expert Africa, with special thanks to Maruska - and to Liz who picked up a few queries right at the end. We have already recommended you to friends and hope one day to travel through Africa under your expert guidance again." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Very well thought out trip with a great balance of beach and safari. Having two days on the beach first is definitely recommended to relax after the wedding / flight.

For safari would definitely recommend Beho Beho - Selous is a great options as we saw lots of game but without the crowds (some days we didnt see another jeep at all).

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not sure if its possible, but think about using another carrier than Costal Air.

Thank you for organising such an amazing honeymoon for us." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Given this type of holiday is nothing like our usual family holiday I think perhaps we needed more advice and more of a steer than was realised or acknowledged.

In particular, I think I was looking for something quite luxurious when spending £4k on a 10 day break. Luckily Fumba Beach Lodge met our expectations." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday