Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs M from Belfast

"We were really happy with our stay at Lake Manze and felt it was the highlight of our honeymoon. We were safari first-timers and would definitely recommend this place to others.

In hindsight a 3-night stay would probably be perfect here but to achieve that we'd have had to cut back on other parts of our trip to stay in budget, and 2 nights was very definitely worth it: we saw lions on five occasions, and even a hyena, along with countless giraffes, hippos and other animals. We really liked the 'no fences' style of the place, and it was amazing having elephants in front of our tent two days running (a bit scary too, but the Masai security were looking out for us).

Every member of the staff team came across as being totally professional, and gave excellent service without ever being pushy or smarmy. Our main guide and driver (Roger and Ally) were a great team (Roger very informative, Ally an excellent driver across difficult terrain) and seemed to have eyes like hawks! Sara the manager was very helpful in suggesting what trips were best use of our limited time.

The food was very decent - veggies and vegans will be well catered for, although hardcore carnivores will be a bit disappointed and a bit more choice might be better. Initially we weren't too sure about the communal dining but it probably improved our overall experience. We were impressed that the bar was very reasonably priced - out here it would be easy for them to overcharge if they wanted to, but it increased our confidence in the place that they didn't.

The tent was great - I was a bit concerned about the open bathroom as my wife doesn't like insects, but apart from the odd encounter it wasn't too bad and it was fun seeing elephants and baboons out the back. The lack of electricity was no problem at all as there were sufficient light sources in the tent and cameras could be charged at the bar, and sitting for a drink in the lamplight was quite romantic."

"The beach certainly is absolutely wonderful here - beautiful and quiet. Food ranged from 'pretty good' to 'excellent', although the lack of choice was a bit annoying at times (in fairness the staff were very helpful if you wanted something different). A fish lover's paradise, not so good if you aren't. Dinner on the beach was very romantic, and the cocktails were excellent.

Staff and management were very helpful. Nice touches included a flask of coffee being left outside the room in the morning, and fruit being brought around in the afternoon (and also the bushbaby outside our room, though of course that wasn't down to the staff!). The pool is very nice. I think this place is great for honeymooners, but wouldn't be good for families. Five nights here were perfect, but we wouldn't have wanted to stay much longer as it is very quiet.

The advertised excursions mostly seemed very expensive (in fairness snorkelling, which we didn't end up doing, seemed reasonable). We were hoping for a massage but were told that their usual masseuse's certificate had lapsed so the only option would have been a spa that was more expensive than we would have paid in the UK, not including the overpriced taxi ride: we declined. I also think some entertainment (e.g. live music) in the evenings wouldn't hurt.

On the whole though we were very happy with this place and it definitely is a great honeymoon resort."

"Zanzibar Coffee House is in the heart of what my wife and I came to call 'the labyrinth': it is very hard to find your way to and from, which can be scary, particularly at night (we ended up having to ask at other hotels for directions/a guide). I think if you were based here for a week you would get your bearings, but for a 2 night stay it isn't great. ZCH staff weren't very helpful with directions.

Nice touches were a honeymoon cake on our arrival (delicious, we felt bad that we couldn't eat it all) and a self-service fridge full of beer and soft drinks (great after that stressful and hot trip back through the alleys!). The room (Macchiato) was a bit pokey but was very clean (no insects, first place in Tanzania we could say that). There is a safe, but you need to bring your own padlock (which we had).

Breakfast on the roof was nice (excellent bread) but could have been more varied. It didn't seem to make sense that smoking wasn't allowed on the roof when it was in the coffee house downstairs. Staff did a decent job re helping us with our bags and cleaning the room, but weren't overly friendly. We were particularly unimpressed at being questioned over how much beer we had taken from the fridge when we had paid for this each morning - it didn't take long to convince her of our honesty but it left a nasty taste and staff should really have been communicating better with each other.

ZCH is definitely a good coffee place - the best I'd drunk all holiday - but more of a guest house than a hotel. We have no regrets about staying here but don't think it is a good place for honeymooners - somewhere out of the labyrinth (probably near the seafront) would be better, if probably more expensive."