Reviews of trips to Stone Town
351 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.
"A first visit to Africa"
Just a couple of points. We did not realise how tiring the safari travel would be between camps especially to Tarangire and we feel that visitors should be strongly advised to stay there for 3 nights. Also on returning from Tarangire to go to Zanzibar we flew from Manyara to Arusha, with hindsight we feel it would have been better to have travelled by road to Arusha.
Finally, Fishermans tours were also excellent. We booked a tour to a spice farm and also atour around Stone town. Our Guide around Stone Town, Kassim, was excellent. Informative and helpful and of the same high standard of guides that we had received all the trip
Suggestions for improvement:
Could you please provide a map of area that we are to visit ?
This has been for us an excellent experience. A trip of a lifetime. Thank you all." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"Selous, Ruaha and Zanzibar - magical!"
Beautiful and contrasting places to stay with universally friendly staff and amazing wildlife encounters that I'm sure we will still be talking about in many years to come!
Extremely efficient organisation meant all we had to do was enjoy! Thinking of our next trip already!
Thank you.
Suggestions for improvement:
I really can't think of any!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
"Two very satisfied customers"
"Fantastic"
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
"Holiday of a lifetime"
Without exception, everyday was enjoyable and exciting. We saw and experienced something new everyday and learned a lot from the trip. We would have stayed on if we could.
The highlights - elephants in the tented camp; sunsets over the lake; swimming with dolphins off Zanzibar. Fantastic.
Suggestions for improvement:
It would have been useful to know how much cash we would need for the trip - given that we were far from banks most of the time.. However, it was easier to use credit cards than we were led to believe. Would also advise clients to arrive in Tanzania with small denominations of cash for tipping porters etc. - whether dollars,pounds or euros, or shillings on arrival." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
"An amazing honeymoon in Tanzania!"
"Fantastic Holiday in Tanzania"
We will use Expert Africa again." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"A honeymoon to remember"
Going on safari is expensive, and we were initially quite taken aback at how much it does cost - however we could both see where our money had gone in terms of accomodation, food, guiding and ambience of the places we stayed. I don't think you would get that at bigger camps or on a more budget trip, so we were glad we balanced the safari part with the beach part - it's good you can do this.
It was a great choice to visit both Selous and Ruaha as the terrain is very different, and so was the difference in how close you could get to the animals - the ones at Selous, especially zebra, were more skittish than at Ruaha due to it being a game reserve as opposed to a national park.
We would definitely use Expert Africa again - we're already dreaming about coming back during migration to the Lamai wedge! and have already recommended you to some of our friends wanting to go on safari.
Thanks for getting things right for us, we had a great time in a beautiful and friendly country.
Suggestions for improvements:
Nothing we can think of!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
"Our honeymoon"
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
"Selous and Zanzibar"
Where to stay in Stone Town
Our suggestions for places to stay in Stone Town
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.
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.
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.
Beyt al Salaam
The Beyt al Salaam is a pleasant, boutique hotel with only six rooms and atmospheric and stylish Zanzibari décor.
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.
Emerson Spice
Emerson Spice is a beautiful small hotel in the heart of Stone Town with individually designed rooms adorned with gorgeous fabrics.
Kholle House
Kholle House offers an atmospheric Stone Town stay in a historic building, and is very good value for money.
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.
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.
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.
Emerson on Hurumzi
Emerson on Hurumzi was Stone Town's first boutique hotel, featuring antique furniture, unique, stylish rooms and a superb rooftop restaurant.
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.
Maru Maru Hotel
In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.
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.
Seyyida Hotel
The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.
