Reviews of Southern Sun
Wildlife sightings and reviews
179 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Southern Sun and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Mr S
Hong Kong
"Southern Sun Dar review"
1 night Arrived 6 Aug 2013
"I had thought the Southern Sun was "the best place to stay" in Dar -- turns out there is a Hyatt or Kempinsky that is 5 star -- had I known, I would gladly have paid more to stay there. That said, Southern Sun was fine -- bar was friendly and well stocked, the staff polite and attentive and the chicken makhani in the restaurant terrific. Water pressure in shower was strong and bed was comfortable. All in all, good.
However, Kearsleys ground transport were awful, useless and incompetent. They were NOT outside arrivals when I emerged from the terminal at Dar. Repeat: were NOT. The contact number provided just beeped. I was not happy -- as taxi hustlers realized my ride wasn't there, I was literally surrounded. I decided to wait a little longer outside -- and, sure enough, 30 minutes later, the driver showed up -- there was NO apology for being late. The driver had NO idea about my flight time the next morning to Siwandu. He asked ME. I told him 0830 -- then he asked what time I wanted to get picked up. Obviously not knowing Dar, I asked him for his suggestion -- he said 0700. The next morning I was WOKEN UP at 0600 by the front desk saying my driver was here to take me to the airport! I responded saying see him lobby 0700. At 0700 in the lobby he was nowhere to be found. I walked outside to the parking lot looking for a car and waiting driver -- found him: ASLEEP. When he dropped me off at the domestic terminal I expected some hand holding, some guidance: NOTHING. I got out and he drove away. At that point, I was seriously thinking: IS THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE IN TANZANIA WITH THESE EXPERT AFRICA PEOPLE GOING TO BE LIKE THIS???" See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania
However, Kearsleys ground transport were awful, useless and incompetent. They were NOT outside arrivals when I emerged from the terminal at Dar. Repeat: were NOT. The contact number provided just beeped. I was not happy -- as taxi hustlers realized my ride wasn't there, I was literally surrounded. I decided to wait a little longer outside -- and, sure enough, 30 minutes later, the driver showed up -- there was NO apology for being late. The driver had NO idea about my flight time the next morning to Siwandu. He asked ME. I told him 0830 -- then he asked what time I wanted to get picked up. Obviously not knowing Dar, I asked him for his suggestion -- he said 0700. The next morning I was WOKEN UP at 0600 by the front desk saying my driver was here to take me to the airport! I responded saying see him lobby 0700. At 0700 in the lobby he was nowhere to be found. I walked outside to the parking lot looking for a car and waiting driver -- found him: ASLEEP. When he dropped me off at the domestic terminal I expected some hand holding, some guidance: NOTHING. I got out and he drove away. At that point, I was seriously thinking: IS THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE IN TANZANIA WITH THESE EXPERT AFRICA PEOPLE GOING TO BE LIKE THIS???" See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Feedback Response
We were sorry to hear of the difficulties this traveller experienced in Dar es Salaam. We take issues like this very seriously - and have followed up with the company we use for transfers. They were incredibly apologetic about the issues this traveller faced and as a result have changed their transfer supervisor - they have assured us that issues like this will not happen again. We're sorry that this traveller had this experience on his first day.
"Innovation Manager"
Mr & Mrs D
France
"Southern Sun Dar: Good hotel"
1 night Arrived 9 Feb 2013
"Comfortable rooms, food OK. Nothing special to say, as we only stayed one night between two flights."
See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Richard/Mary
England
"An airport stop"
1 night Arrived 21 Jan 2013
"An airport hotel. Welcome good.
Restaurant. Overcharged on service and then said they could not refuended. Had to call Hotel Manager to to sort it out.
Breakfast from 4.30 meant that we could have something to eat before we left at 6.00 for the airport." See all these reviews: 18n in Tanzania
Restaurant. Overcharged on service and then said they could not refuended. Had to call Hotel Manager to to sort it out.
Breakfast from 4.30 meant that we could have something to eat before we left at 6.00 for the airport." See all these reviews: 18n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Average
Mrs B & Mrs W
Oxford
"Adequate normal dull but just fine"
1 night Arrived 7 Jan 2013
"You can only have an average experience inan average place but that's what we expected and paid for so it was just fine"
See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Average
Service:
Average
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Average
Family T
London
"Very comfortable stay in Southern Sun"
1 night Arrived 5 Jan 2013
"Nice business style hotel, comfortable room, helpful staff."
See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs W-J
UK
"Southern Sun Dar review"
1 night Arrived 5 Jan 2013
"It is a shame there are no good hotels closer to the airport. However once we fought our way through the traffic to reach it the Holiday Inn was excellent for an overnight stop.
Room was spacious and comfortable, shower excellent, food very good (and reasonably priced) and staff friendly and helpful. Very helpful to have the transfer company in the hotel to arrange pick up for the next morning.
Would not hesitate to stay here again." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Room was spacious and comfortable, shower excellent, food very good (and reasonably priced) and staff friendly and helpful. Very helpful to have the transfer company in the hotel to arrange pick up for the next morning.
Would not hesitate to stay here again." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Average
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
The S family
Lewes
"Southern Sun Dar review"
1 night Arrived 27 Dec 2012
"We arrived in Dar domestic airport at rush hour after a delay in our flights from Zanzibar. A 20 min journey into the city took over an hour and half. If there is a suitable hotel nearer the airport which avoids the Mandela/Nyrere road junction it should be considered for transit passengers.
The actual hotel was fine. But for some reason they initially insisted that there were no inter connecting rooms and we could not be put in rooms next to one another. But after several minutes the manager overhead my protests and sorted it out." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
The actual hotel was fine. But for some reason they initially insisted that there were no inter connecting rooms and we could not be put in rooms next to one another. But after several minutes the manager overhead my protests and sorted it out." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
The K family
USA
"Dar Southern Sun"
1 night Arrived 1 Dec 2012
"This was our first exposure to Tanzania after 2.5 days travelling. The staff was friendly, the driver was knowledgeble. The rooms were well put together and dinner was very good. We had a very relaxing time after travelling so long.
The check-in and check-out procedures were smooth." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
The check-in and check-out procedures were smooth." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Mr & Mrs K
Wiltshire
"Superb Prawn Curry"
1 night Arrived 29 Nov 2012
"A good secure end to the trip which allowed us to unwind over a lovely meak before the early morning checkout and we got to breakfast at 5am expecting little but were met with a full buffet and eggs cooked to order."
See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Lisvane
"Good for a overnight stop."
1 night Arrived 25 Oct 2012
"Good for a overnight stop prior to flying home"
See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
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Other lodges in Dar es Salaam
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Serena Hotel Dar
The Serena Hotel in Dar in Das es Salaam is one of the city's reliable fixtures - part of a well managed group.
Oyster Bay
North of downtown Dar es Salaam, the Oyster Bay feels like an exclusive hideaway, with its contemporary design.
The Slipway
The Slipway Hotel in Dar es Salaam is located on the waterfront in a small complex with restaurants and shops.
Hyatt Regency Hotel
The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dar es Salaam is situated in the centre of Dar and has the facilities you would expect of a high-quality international hotel
Sea Cliff Hotel
The Sea Cliff Hotel is a smart international hotel in Dar, offering comfortable accommodation and fine views across the Indian Ocean.
Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam
A typical Four Points by Sheraton hotel, this city hotel provides comfort and style in central Dar es Salaam, offering the perks and familiarity of the Marriott brand.
Johari Rotana
The Johari Rotana is a smart, international hotel in a fantastic location in Dar es Salaam overlooking the harbour.
