Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs F from Manchester

"This was our first safari and we were very glad to have chosen Manze. It far surpassed our expectations. We were picked up from the local airstrip (literally just a grass landing strip) and immediately our safari began. Within 5 minutes, we had seen impalas, zebras and giraffes. The jeeps were very comfortable even though there are no roads and the terrain is very bumpy. We particularly liked that they were open-air (with a canopy for shade).

We had a very warm welcome from Paolo and Daja, the managers who throughout the stay made sure that we were happy. They greet every jeep that returns to chat to guests and ask for feedback. Even though they probably hear the same story from everyone, they always seem interested in what you are saying.

We were escorted to out tent by a masai and found the tent to be very spacious, immaculately clean and well appointed. They are well spaced for privacy and uninterrupted views of the surroundings. The en suite bathroom was actually very good and is the only toilet where you could get a sun tan!

In the tent there is a small rail for clothes, a lockable trunk, a table with candles, a torch, fly spray (which we didn't use once), drinking water and a whistle (in case of emergency). The bed was very comfortable. There is no electricity but once you get used to that, it really isn't a problem. There is a socket at the bar which can be used to charge batteries, mobile phones etc (we even had mobile phone coverage). Before night falls, they light lanterns and leave one outside your tent and one in the bathroom.

The communal area consists of a large thatched reception lounge and dining area where guests meet to discuss their sightings that day. Food was good considering the location. My wife is vegetarian and they catered well for that. Dinner is served under the stars at a large shared table and it is not unusual to see elephants walking past. They have a range of drinks and the bar was well stocked. Prices were very reasonable ($2 for a coke). They also provide a laundry service which was very efficient and cheap.

We did a variety of safaris, including a full day trip, a walking safari and boat trips on the lake and river. The guides are very knowledgeable, friendly and possess amazing eyesight. They are also incredibly patient while guests take thousands of pictures of things they no doubt see every day! Victor, our main guide, was a superstar! We were told that we would have to work a bit harder to see the animals in the Selous but there were animals everywhere- we even managed to see wild dogs, mating lions, charging hippos and jackals, as well as the usual safari animals.

Both of us feel that we have been very spoilt on this first trip and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend both the Selous and Lake Manze Camp."

"Very pleasant stay. Ideal base to explore the wonderful Stonetown. Excellent breakfast. Very well appointed rooms."

"We spent 6 wonderful nights at Echo Beach and found it to be amazing. First off, the setting is unbelievable- we have traveled the world and we think that this is the best beach that we have ever seen. The sand is white, the water is turquoise and the beach is lined with palm trees - the best thing is that apart from a few local fishermen, the beach is deserted.

Andrew and Sue, the owners have done a wonderful job in creating this haven of tranquility. Nothing was too much for them- when we enquired about purchasing some Tanzanian jam that we had tried on safari (safari mix), the promtly went out and bought us some and refused to take any money for it. When we asked, at the last minute, about having dinner on the beach, they actually built us a cabana! They lent us a hairdryer, an adapter and even some jelly shoes for walking out to the reef.

The food is very good and they have an excellent selection of drinks (reasonably priced). My wife is a vegetarian and she felt very well looked after. You can eat in the restaurant, on the beach or on your own veranda. The staff are very friendly and gave us exceptional customer service. They even do your laundry free of charge!

The villa was beautiful, spotlessly clean with a huge bathroom and walk in shower which would have accomodated an entire rugby team! We particularly liked the huge, private veranda as well as the comfortable four poster bed.

My wife had a massage in the spa and declared it to be the best massage she has ever had. I did an introduction to scuba diving which was excellent and we hear they are in the process of setting up a dive shop on site. They can also arrange various excursions and transfers.

Everyone we met on safari and in Stonetown had heard of Echo Beach - it obviously has an excellent reputation. We were very sorry to have to leave and will definitely return."