Travel reviews by The Purple Rollers from UK
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
5
Excursions taken
0
Tanzania - our best trip to Africa so far
Zanzibar and 1 other country between 15 Oct 2007 and 2 Nov 2007
"The balance of the itinerary was superb. We have done a number of safari holidays before, but none have been to this standard of care and attention.
It was difficult to believe that the entire schedule, with all the internal transfers, could work. It did, so our thanks to all concerned.
The standard of accommodation and variety of locations combined to give a brilliant holiday and experience.
Initially, we found the brochure difficult to interpret. This was resolved by telephone discussions on our actual requirements, after which we found it a good point of reference.
Every single query was dealt with promptly and efficiently."
It was difficult to believe that the entire schedule, with all the internal transfers, could work. It did, so our thanks to all concerned.
The standard of accommodation and variety of locations combined to give a brilliant holiday and experience.
Initially, we found the brochure difficult to interpret. This was resolved by telephone discussions on our actual requirements, after which we found it a good point of reference.
Every single query was dealt with promptly and efficiently."
Beho Beho
"The Begho Beho five star hotel."
4 nights
Arrived
16 Oct 2007
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Mwagusi Safari Camp
"Mwagusi Camp and its elephants"
5 nights
Arrived
20 Oct 2007
"When we left Beho we were told that Mwagusi was 30 Kms from the airstrip over bad roads but this would be disguised by treating the four hour journey as a game drive complete with packed lunch. In practice it took about twenty minutes on good roads arriving in time for lunch. We were the victims of a wind-up. (This was typical of the atmosphere at Beho and added to the fun).
The camp is situated on a river bank. The river was dry whilst we were there but it must be a very special during the wet seasons. The dry river bed attracts wild elephants digging for water and they take no notice of the existence of the camp or indeed its inhabitants. We had them in many places: two next to our tent (within inches in fact) and in the camp. One almost joined us for afternoon tea.
Our guide, Daniel, had fantastic eyesight and this coupled with his knowledge meant that we had some spectacular sightings. The best of these was without doubt three cheetahs with a kill that, whilst we watched, were visited by two leopards.
The food was excellent as was the laundry service. Our only cause for concern was with the vehicles used for the game drives. These were badly in need of attention and maintenance. Twice we truly believed that we were about to be stranded. Once was a loose rear wheel hub, the other a non functioning starter motor."
The camp is situated on a river bank. The river was dry whilst we were there but it must be a very special during the wet seasons. The dry river bed attracts wild elephants digging for water and they take no notice of the existence of the camp or indeed its inhabitants. We had them in many places: two next to our tent (within inches in fact) and in the camp. One almost joined us for afternoon tea.
Our guide, Daniel, had fantastic eyesight and this coupled with his knowledge meant that we had some spectacular sightings. The best of these was without doubt three cheetahs with a kill that, whilst we watched, were visited by two leopards.
The food was excellent as was the laundry service. Our only cause for concern was with the vehicles used for the game drives. These were badly in need of attention and maintenance. Twice we truly believed that we were about to be stranded. Once was a loose rear wheel hub, the other a non functioning starter motor."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Feedback response
It is great to hear that our travellers’ experience of Mwagusi was so good. That said, we were naturally concerned about the comments on vehicles, so we contacted Chris Fox, the camp’s owner and manager.
He assured us that they take vehicle maintenance very seriously. The camp’s own garage is well-stocked with spare parts, and has several experienced mechanics who service all the vehicles regularly. If a problem did occur, a recovery vehicle with a mechanic would be dispatched immediately – although this situation is rare because of high levels of routine maintenance throughout the year.
In this particular case, the ‘loose hub’ was removed after this drive, and sent off to Dar es Salaam to be re-drilled.
Chris highlighted that diesel Land Cruisers can sound as if the starter-motor is playing up. The key is first clicked, but not fully turned as a period of heating is required before the car can start. Thus, in fact, this vehicle’s engine was in good order, even if it didn’t sound that way.
He assured us that they take vehicle maintenance very seriously. The camp’s own garage is well-stocked with spare parts, and has several experienced mechanics who service all the vehicles regularly. If a problem did occur, a recovery vehicle with a mechanic would be dispatched immediately – although this situation is rare because of high levels of routine maintenance throughout the year.
In this particular case, the ‘loose hub’ was removed after this drive, and sent off to Dar es Salaam to be re-drilled.
Chris highlighted that diesel Land Cruisers can sound as if the starter-motor is playing up. The key is first clicked, but not fully turned as a period of heating is required before the car can start. Thus, in fact, this vehicle’s engine was in good order, even if it didn’t sound that way.
Chumbe Island Lodge
"Chumbe Island experience"
3 nights
Arrived
25 Oct 2007
"Chumbe Island is different! Lovely setting, wonderful people, and overall a great pleasure. We learnt a great deal.
We discovered afterwards that we could have left baggage at the office Mbweni Ruins Beach Hotel. Had we known, we could easily have organised our bags to take enough for our stay, and this would have helped a great deal with transport to the island.
You mention the need to wade to the boat or shore. We hit a particularly low tide, so found ourselves very wet, thigh high in water, and walking for 300 yards or so through mud and coral. It can't be done in flimsy flip flops, or bare feet!
We truly enjoyed the visit."
We discovered afterwards that we could have left baggage at the office Mbweni Ruins Beach Hotel. Had we known, we could easily have organised our bags to take enough for our stay, and this would have helped a great deal with transport to the island.
You mention the need to wade to the boat or shore. We hit a particularly low tide, so found ourselves very wet, thigh high in water, and walking for 300 yards or so through mud and coral. It can't be done in flimsy flip flops, or bare feet!
We truly enjoyed the visit."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Fumba Beach Lodge
"Fumba Beach - the holiday!"
3 nights
Arrived
28 Oct 2007
"We felt we had earned a few days by the sea by this time - proof of how well the whole trip was planned for us.
Fumba Beach was ideal. Very comfortable, friendly people and staff, nicely situated.
We had the extra bonus of an upgrade to a suite."
Fumba Beach was ideal. Very comfortable, friendly people and staff, nicely situated.
We had the extra bonus of an upgrade to a suite."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Serena Inn
"Serena Inn, Stone Town"
2 nights
Arrived
31 Oct 2007
"Probably the best hotel in Stone Town, and well situated, but naturally it lacked the individuality of the other placed visited during the trip.
The Roof Top Dinner was a beautiful setting, as were the terrace bars and pool area."
The Roof Top Dinner was a beautiful setting, as were the terrace bars and pool area."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
The guides on the game drives were patient, knowledgeable and good company and the vehicles were even washed between drives!
We had a wonderful time that we will never forget."