Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs G from W Sussex
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
2
Excursions taken
0
Well planned section of our overall holiday
Zanzibar between 11 Dec 2009 and 17 Dec 2009
"This week fitted in very well indeed with our overall plan (which was centred on visit, largely arranged by ourselves, to family in Rwanda after leaving Zanzibar). Eco & Culture Tours service was confined to moving us between airport, Serena and Mbweni.
They performed all this perfectly, except perhaps the last occasion when the planned car was a little late because all the petrol stations were closed by power cuts, so quite understandable. Replacement vehicle arrived very promptly.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No further comments.
We had heard of Expert Africa from someone who had been to Namibia with you, and you obviously knew the area very well; we did not seek any other quotations. In the event it was, for us, a good decision not ot try and squeeze in a short game park visit."
They performed all this perfectly, except perhaps the last occasion when the planned car was a little late because all the petrol stations were closed by power cuts, so quite understandable. Replacement vehicle arrived very promptly.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No further comments.
We had heard of Expert Africa from someone who had been to Namibia with you, and you obviously knew the area very well; we did not seek any other quotations. In the event it was, for us, a good decision not ot try and squeeze in a short game park visit."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Serena Inn
"Just what we needed after a long journey"
4 nights
Arrived
11 Dec 2009
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Chumbe Island Lodge
"A very special visit"
2 nights
Arrived
15 Dec 2009
"Just what we expected from the Expert Africa book. A stunning position, environmental construction of the buildings very interesting. Cabin had all the facilities and comfort which we wanted, hot shower etc and perfectly adequate lighting (why were you worried about us getting up from a floor-level bed?!).
Snorkelling very well conducted, and stunning coral (perhaps the fish were less colourful than in some other places). Excellent swimming beach in front of the cabins.
Interesting walks with rangers, tidal area and forest.
Staff very friendly and efficient. Good food - outstanding given the environment. School party visited on our second day - very welcome and no intrusion on our programme or facilities
Small point for your planning. The island is fairly flexible about running boat trips to and from Mbweni Beach, e.g. for day visitors, so there is no need to restrict planning to the 0930/1000 timing. Actually no problem for us as it was pleasant to return to the Serena for a day visit, collect baggage etc.
The long walk across the foreshore at each end (it was low tide) was a bit of a surprise!. Absolutely no problem, although perhaps some new overshoes (which they provide) would help.
Two nights (one full day) just about right, we thought"
Snorkelling very well conducted, and stunning coral (perhaps the fish were less colourful than in some other places). Excellent swimming beach in front of the cabins.
Interesting walks with rangers, tidal area and forest.
Staff very friendly and efficient. Good food - outstanding given the environment. School party visited on our second day - very welcome and no intrusion on our programme or facilities
Small point for your planning. The island is fairly flexible about running boat trips to and from Mbweni Beach, e.g. for day visitors, so there is no need to restrict planning to the 0930/1000 timing. Actually no problem for us as it was pleasant to return to the Serena for a day visit, collect baggage etc.
The long walk across the foreshore at each end (it was low tide) was a bit of a surprise!. Absolutely no problem, although perhaps some new overshoes (which they provide) would help.
Two nights (one full day) just about right, we thought"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Good food, excellent on Terrace restaurant, worth reserving table there to get sea front table
Serena generators worked perfectly to provide all services day and night. (Stone Town and all Zanzibar suffering from major power shortages)
Hotel organised one "spice tour" for us which was just what we wanted.
Hotel was not full, perhaps recession in Europe? Plenty of room at pool and all facilities.
We actually returned as scheduled from Chumbe and found it very convenient to have all-day use of a room (paid separately) before catching late afternoon flight"