Travel reviews by The Weaver birds from UK
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
3
Excursions taken
0
Holiday of a lifetime
Zanzibar and 1 other country between 30 Aug 2008 and 12 Sep 2008
"This was planned as the family`s special holiday of a lifetime. We are a family of 5 - our `children` are now 20, and twins of 18 yrs.
Without exception, everyday was enjoyable and exciting. We saw and experienced something new everyday and learned a lot from the trip. We would have stayed on if we could.
The highlights - elephants in the tented camp; sunsets over the lake; swimming with dolphins off Zanzibar. Fantastic.
Suggestions for improvement:
It would have been useful to know how much cash we would need for the trip - given that we were far from banks most of the time.. However, it was easier to use credit cards than we were led to believe. Would also advise clients to arrive in Tanzania with small denominations of cash for tipping porters etc. - whether dollars,pounds or euros, or shillings on arrival."
Without exception, everyday was enjoyable and exciting. We saw and experienced something new everyday and learned a lot from the trip. We would have stayed on if we could.
The highlights - elephants in the tented camp; sunsets over the lake; swimming with dolphins off Zanzibar. Fantastic.
Suggestions for improvement:
It would have been useful to know how much cash we would need for the trip - given that we were far from banks most of the time.. However, it was easier to use credit cards than we were led to believe. Would also advise clients to arrive in Tanzania with small denominations of cash for tipping porters etc. - whether dollars,pounds or euros, or shillings on arrival."
Feedback response
Having sent us their feedback, this traveller later kindly commented:
" I feel our hurriedly completed questionnaire may not have transmitted our utter enthusiasm for this holiday. You matched our needs (whether we knew them or not!) perfectly. A real feat for a mixed age group as we were. Thank you again to you and the team. "
Lake Manze Adventure Camp
"Wild life at close quarters."
4 nights
Arrived
31 Aug 2008
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Pongwe Beach Hotel
"Island beach paradise"
6 nights
Arrived
4 Sep 2008
"Beautiful location. Marvellous welcome from Heidi and Sandy at reception, who gave full explanation of how things worked. This fulfilled ones expectation of what a `tropical beach` location would be -tall palms, white sand, clear sea, coral reef.....and more. Really friendly team, who thought of ones every need- from early morning tea delivered to every room to snacks on the beach.
The `family bungalow` given to us was particularly well located at one edge of the cove on the headland - with personal steps to the beach. We were in heaven. Brilliant holiday.
Would also like to commend Fishermans Tours who transferred us between airport and hotels. Always on time. We also booked a couple of excursions through them which both times exceeded expectations. Particular thanks to Ali Salim who came to call on us at Pongwe."
The `family bungalow` given to us was particularly well located at one edge of the cove on the headland - with personal steps to the beach. We were in heaven. Brilliant holiday.
Would also like to commend Fishermans Tours who transferred us between airport and hotels. Always on time. We also booked a couple of excursions through them which both times exceeded expectations. Particular thanks to Ali Salim who came to call on us at Pongwe."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Dhow Palace Hotel
"Character hotel in central Stonetown."
2 nights
Arrived
10 Sep 2008
"As described, this hotel is clean and well-located. The architecture and interior was full of character and like a step back in time.
Unfortunately staff were a little bit unhelpful and not particularly polite. Maybe we had been spoiled by our previous hotels. Nonetheless, we really enjoyed our experience in Stonetown - a complete contrast to the safari and Pongwe beach and for the first time, we were mixing with locals in a real environment.
ps the swimming pool is a real bonus at the end of a hot days sightseeing!"
Unfortunately staff were a little bit unhelpful and not particularly polite. Maybe we had been spoiled by our previous hotels. Nonetheless, we really enjoyed our experience in Stonetown - a complete contrast to the safari and Pongwe beach and for the first time, we were mixing with locals in a real environment.
ps the swimming pool is a real bonus at the end of a hot days sightseeing!"
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Poor
The whole team at Manze is very accommodating to meet ones needs and the stay can be as relaxed or as action packed as one liked. We were able to choose from a menu ranging from full day safari, or half day safaris per day, and even the `veranda safari` was thrilling - especially when the elephant came to call for lunch one metre from the tent.
The whole experience is very sociable as you share meal times and game drives with other guests. Whether a family of 5 like ourselves, or an individual traveller - all comers are made to feel welcome and comfortable. The accommodation is clean and comfortable, and we enjoyed the tent without electric light - although a torch is provided, would recommend clients bring a back-up! Also enjoyed the star lit showers.
Special thanks to managers Paulo and Daia for being so thorough and attentive."