Travel reviews by Mrs V & Mr H from Greece
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
4
Excursions taken
0
Life changing. Planning our next trip already
Tanzania and 1 other country between 9 Jan 2014 and 23 Jan 2014
"This was our first time to Africa. We were overwhelmed by the vastness of the country, its rich culture wildlife and complexities of its people and history. More of an experience than a holiday, we would probably concentrate on 2 destinations next time as we felt rather tired with all the flights.
One thing is for sure, once you have been Africa stays with you, and you will quite possible never look at the world the same way again!"
One thing is for sure, once you have been Africa stays with you, and you will quite possible never look at the world the same way again!"
Beho Beho
"Luxury in the Wilderness"
3 nights
Arrived
10 Jan 2014
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Pole Pole
"Great location, a little tired"
4 nights
Arrived
13 Jan 2014
"We were a little disappointed by Mafia and Pole Pole. feel that maybe new management is struggling, and also that the place needs some TLC to bring it up to scratch.
The excursions were very good, our guide Sadike was excellent and very friendly. Generally felt that staff were very shy at communicating, and that the island was very overrated. The enclosure of the Marine park and daily entrance fee made it feel like an us and them situation."
The excursions were very good, our guide Sadike was excellent and very friendly. Generally felt that staff were very shy at communicating, and that the island was very overrated. The enclosure of the Marine park and daily entrance fee made it feel like an us and them situation."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Average
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Feedback response
Expert Africa forwarded these travellers' feedback to Pole Pole, who thanked them for their feedback.
They are sorry to hear that these travellers felt that the management was struggling. The new manager has been in place for three months, and has received only positive feedback up to this point. Any management change here is done under close supervision and regular monitoring. No maintenance issue was reported during these travellers' stay and so without further clarification as to what the issues were here, it is difficult to comment further on this.
Pole Pole assures us that the vast majority of their feedback tells them that their staff is friendly and helpful. Sometimes the discrete Swahili way, which many find charming, may come across as shy.
Mafia Marine Park is not fenced or distinctively separated from the rest of the island. Pole Pole considers it a privilege to be inside the protected Marine Park, which makes Mafia a great diving destination.
Pole Pole are sorry that they didn't meet these travellers' expectations, and are never happy that clients go away less than satisfied, no matter the reason why.
They are sorry to hear that these travellers felt that the management was struggling. The new manager has been in place for three months, and has received only positive feedback up to this point. Any management change here is done under close supervision and regular monitoring. No maintenance issue was reported during these travellers' stay and so without further clarification as to what the issues were here, it is difficult to comment further on this.
Pole Pole assures us that the vast majority of their feedback tells them that their staff is friendly and helpful. Sometimes the discrete Swahili way, which many find charming, may come across as shy.
Mafia Marine Park is not fenced or distinctively separated from the rest of the island. Pole Pole considers it a privilege to be inside the protected Marine Park, which makes Mafia a great diving destination.
Pole Pole are sorry that they didn't meet these travellers' expectations, and are never happy that clients go away less than satisfied, no matter the reason why.
Unguja Lodge
"Beautiful bright well cared for and relaxing"
5 nights
Arrived
17 Jan 2014
"We wished we had stayed here longer, and come straight from Safari without going to Mafia. Very relaxing and lovely friendly staff. enjoyed the wildlife especially the colombos and blue monkeys sharing our place with us. Watch out in the morning! they steal your tea and biscuits!
Owners very hands on and activities organised from Dive Centre very varied, if not a little pricey. Enjoyed learning to dive with Nick and snorkelling over coral reefs"
Owners very hands on and activities organised from Dive Centre very varied, if not a little pricey. Enjoyed learning to dive with Nick and snorkelling over coral reefs"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Jafferji House
"Myserious and Eastern in heart of Stone Town"
1 night
Arrived
22 Jan 2014
"We only stayed here for one night but were pleased with location and the staff. We were upgraded to superior room on arrival.
Rooms are very dark and have a strange smell in bathrooms, but very atmospheric. You are right in the thick of the back streets, and it can feel slightly alien and unnerving after safety of the Lodge experience. Recommend getting a guide and staying for more than one night if you want to truly experience what this place has to offer.
Visiting Livingstones (the old British Consulate) for sundown and watching locals somersault on beach to backdrop of the sunset was spectacular."
Rooms are very dark and have a strange smell in bathrooms, but very atmospheric. You are right in the thick of the back streets, and it can feel slightly alien and unnerving after safety of the Lodge experience. Recommend getting a guide and staying for more than one night if you want to truly experience what this place has to offer.
Visiting Livingstones (the old British Consulate) for sundown and watching locals somersault on beach to backdrop of the sunset was spectacular."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Wonderful service from Staff and Guides excellent. We will be back, and will spread the word. Worth the price tag as this is one true 'Out of Africa' experience with a touch of colonial style and individual flare.
Thankyou Werner, Rika, Walter, Karin, Salum, Saningo and all. Asante Sana"