Travel reviews by Dr H from Dublin
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
5
Excursions taken
0
Holiday of a Lifetime
Zanzibar and 1 other country between 4 Aug 2007 and 21 Aug 2007
Expert Africa's advice was terrific, always professional and always timely in their responses.
One negative - the recommendation of $10 per person per day as a tip is, we feel, over generous. We are always happy to voluntarily reward good service, but there seems to be an excessive tendency of expectation by most staff, in all accommodations and places, which is to-say-the-least off-putting. To facilitate this 'expectation culture' is counter-productive."
Feedback response
We're delighted that this trip went so well - but on the traveller's last point ... it’s perhaps best here for us to try and clarify our suggestions for tipping. It's a tricky topic, and advice that's right for one place, can easily be worng for the next.
However. we’re completely agreed that the 'expectation culture' for tipping is a bad thing – and hence Expert Africa always suggests that tips are given as a lump-sum, at the very end of your stay at a place – as a final parting gift to all the staff. We never advocate tipping as you go along, and couldn’t agree more about this causing problems and being counter-productive.
As a guide to levels, we suggest that our travellers budget on ‘about USD5-10 per guest per day’ at a safari lodge or camp’.
By this, we’re thinking of lodges or camps where you’re enjoying full safari activities every day – and then USD10 is split between all the guides at the camp, on safari, and their back-of-house camp teams also.
We believe that in most safari areas this is a good level of tip. It’s appropriate for travellers who have had a really great time with great service. We’d never suggest the giving of this if things aren’t up to standard, or service hasn’t been particularly good.
Gibb's Farm
"In the coffee plantation"
Suyan Camp, Tanzania (this camp has since closed)
"Great Time in Serengetti"
The tents, the location of the tents within the park, the ambiance, the chance to meet other people, the night fire and drinks - all this was great. And especially the surprise Sundowner Event with drink and ambiance with fresh wild flowers.
We also thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the Masai village - a real cultural experience. We deeply appreciated our guide's insistence that as visitors to this camp, we should not be pestered with the sale of beaded objects."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Unguja Lodge
"Beach time in Zanzibar"
The pool area was always well maintained and spotless.
Our hosts were friendly and helpful, and created a nice ambiance to the resort.
While the food was good, it was not as good as either Gibbs Farm or Suyan - but maybe we were already spoiled by the unexpectedly high quality food in Tanzania.
Its worth noting that Unguja is fairly isolated from other main centres, and the cost of taxi travel is high. Having said that we enjoyed it thoroughly."
Chumbe Island Lodge
"Eco-tourism"
Food was fabulous, and staff were extremely helpful, informative, and pleasant to deal with you. The views from the various vantage points, incl. the dining area, were fantastic.
The snorkling was great and the coral reef was spectacular in colour, vibrancy and fish life.
Three nights would be the maximum time to stay, because its a virgin forest island with very llimited walking access. In fact, the walking tours could be extended."
Serena Inn
"Luxury in Stone Town"
The pool area, the restaurant, the evening musical entertainment and the views all created a wonderful conclusion to our holiday.
Two nights was adequate, because Stone Town is sadly not very interesting and lacks municipal services (street cleaning). The tours of the town and the spice garden are over-rated. The sale of the spices of the farm are vastly over-priced compared with shops in Stone Town."
The food was excellent and flavoursome. The staff were friendly and helpful.
A great start to a great holiday."