Reviews of holidays to Mafia Island

"All lovely bar pole pole beech - see comments. Should we use expert africa again we do need to get the beech/relax part sorted as this has been a problem three times now and, as I said, I had mentioned how important this would be to us given Zanzibar and mozambique." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday which generally met or exceeded our expectations. There were no hitches in any of the arrangements made by Expert Africa." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 19 on a Tanzania safari

"Our trip exceeded all our expectations. We booked our flights (Emirates from London Gatwick to Dubai to Dar), spent one night at the Southern Sun in Dar, 3 nights at Lake Manze in the Selous and 4 nights at Mdonya in Ruaha before 5 nights at Butiama Beach in Mafia.

We very much valued the advice we were given by Expert Africa and we were certainly better prepared than most other travellers we met. All recommendations and comments given about hotels, lodges, flights were borne out by what we saw.

When we return to Africa, we will certainly plan to use Expert Africa again." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari

"would definitely recommend this trip to anyone thinking of a safari.

Angela very helpful with good suggestions about where to go - which camp etc so we got the most out of our first safari." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"The experience was great. We loved the safaris and being in the parks. We also loved Mafia, very peaceful." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a great trip, but there were a few things that could have made it even better.

The cancellation of the British Air flights to Dar turned out to be a bigger headache than we anticipated. Kenya Air service was not very good and the extra stop and layover time in Nairobi was frustrating. If others are going to Dar I'd suggest looking into other options.

We chose to be driven to Selous rather than fly. But that took 2 long days (7 hours in the car each day). When we arrived in Selous others told us that they often drove to Dar on a different road in about 6 hours. We would have missed Mikumi NP, but there really wasn't enough to see there to justify the longer drive.

We were really disappointed in Jongomero, although others there were very pleased with it. The upscale facilities, pool, etc. were enough to satisfy others (many who seem to be booked into a Siwandu/Jongomero/Ras Kutani trip), most who seemed to be on their first safari. We selected Jongomero because of the great guiding on walks that was supposed to be there. But that guide (Molly) had left. Game there was very skittish and vehicle-shy. After a fantastic 3 days at Kwihala, Jongomero was a real letdown. We took a chance on the place, knowing that Molly had left after we booked it. That turned out to be a mistake.

But on a positive note, our 3 days at Kwihala and 4 days at Chole Mjini were absolutely spectacular and the memories from there are what will stay with us from this trip." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"Excellent despite BA disappointment.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Look at your Hotel choices in Stone Town." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"Fabulous trip. Well planned. It all worked. Each part was memorable.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep up the good work.

Our second trip with Expert Africa and really good again. Well done." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"A superb safari which expert africa helped put together at short notice with several changes (Thankyou Angela), which enabled us to return to Tanzania with some intrepidation (could it still be as good ?). It was even better and whilst there are some issues in the modern world of conservation, we were thrilled with our experiences and the enthruing discussions around the fireplace in the evenings.

The most lions we have seen in 20 years of visiting Africa and these parks are a great place to see them.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep doing what you do" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"A lovely trip and very well organised by Expert Africa." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari