Travel reviews by J & M Family from UK

"Difficult to comment in detail as we were only in the hotel for about 9 hours as an overnight stop.

However the staff were very welcoming with a cold drink, and friendly throughout our visit. The room was comfortable(the bathroom miniature products were very nice).Had a view over Botanical Garden. Breakfast was an interesting & very varied buffet with sweet and savoury options(eggs cooked to order), well presented.

Didn't get an opportunity to use the pool or dining room.

A long way from the airport so had a very early start to get back for our flight-but needed a lot of time due to crazy traffic. Didn't see any hotels any nearer the airport though. Fascinating, "no rules"driving!"

"We loved Lake Manze camp! As previously described it is "rustic" but better for it.

The staff were very welcoming. Shaun and Milli, the hosts,made us feel very much at home. The camp staff and guides were always very friendly and enthusiastic.

The tents are lit by candles and kerosene lamps at night, and the en-suite shower and toilet are lit by moonlight. Bed comfortable. Solar powered fan very useful. Various rustling noises outside the tent at night due to passing wildlife.

Meals are shared at large tables which are very sociable. Dinner was served at a long candle lit table on the sand outside the central tent, watched by a genet in a tree. Masai with torches kept an eye out for anything less friendly( and escorted us to and from the tents for safety).

Having breakfast with giraffe, elephants, impala and baboon wandering by was magical. Lagos-the camp elephant -came by daily to see what was happening

We had the same guide-Joseph-for our driving and walking safaris. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the animals,birds and plants we saw. We also did a boat safari and got pretty close to hippos and crocodiles. The variety and colours of the birdlife is stunning

Shaun and Milli very kindly made a fuss of us for our wedding anniversary-which we hadn't expected at all-Asante Sana!"

"Beautiful location above the white beach and azure sea. Had a beach front cottage- lovely- four poster bed, strewn with flowers, billowing mosquito nets.

Staff very friendly and welcoming, going out of their way to make you welcome. Special mentions to Grace and Harrieth who were especially lovely. Went for wedding anniversary and were treated to candlelight dinner on the beach - very special!

Has some confusion over a snorkelling trip and a packed lunch not ready on time.

Huge variation between high and low tide which meant that the beach was not accessible at high tide due to huge waves. The hotel has it's own raised beach with sun loungers, as well as a pool.

Definitely worth walking through Nungwi village away from the beach to be reminded that you are in third world Africa away from the bubble of the resort. Bustling dala dala stop and food stalls. Spice tour fascinating-even though they make you wear a floral hat at the end!

Internet access only in bar/restaurant area-stops you from checking emails all the time-a good thing.

Definitely recommend this hotel"

"Beautiful hotel - a real oasis in bustling Stone Town.

Gorgeous decor in rich colours. A really atmospheric building. Easy walking distance to sea front and Darajani market. Went early morning to fish market to see catches being landed from dhows. Had sunset cruise trip in hotel's own dhow. We came for a wedding anniversary and the hotel unexpectedly upgraded us to a suite, ( with open air double shower!), presented us with a heart shaped brownie cake- and treated us to a 20 min massage each at the lovely Amani rooftop spa.

Staff super friendly and helpful.

Dinner in rooftop restaurant was very good - new chef from South Africa. Extra unexpected mini courses and a good merlot. Huge portions!

Wifi variable"