Reviews of holidays to East Coast Zanzibar
203 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include East Coast Zanzibar.
Miss P-A
China
"Perfect Honeymoon!"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 20 Jul 2008 and 3 Aug 2008
"Our overall experience was what we dreamed of. Africa is a unique untouched beauty. We would definitely recommend this trip to our friends excluding the Beyt al Chai experience. In the end we did accepted this as an adventure at Zanzibar island, but it wasn't a pleasant thing to happen since it was our honeymoon, if it was in other trip we wouldn't have been so disappointed.
The game drives were great, even with the fact of missing the migration at the Serengeti. The CC Africa lodges are amazing, the staff is very friendly. Everything is great there! It's a worthwhile experience. No one should miss it!
The Matemwe Retreat is all fantastic..and as we said before our butler was tireless!
This trip was everything that we expected. We are very looking forward to go back to Africa very soon." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
The game drives were great, even with the fact of missing the migration at the Serengeti. The CC Africa lodges are amazing, the staff is very friendly. Everything is great there! It's a worthwhile experience. No one should miss it!
The Matemwe Retreat is all fantastic..and as we said before our butler was tireless!
This trip was everything that we expected. We are very looking forward to go back to Africa very soon." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr M & Mrs C
UK
"How many holidays of a lifetime can i have?"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 17 Jul 2008 and 1 Aug 2008
"Nothing much to add to all the comments here. We all enjoyed the holiday throughout. Such a range of experiences!
I think overall the standard of accommodation at Selous and Pongwe was 'under=-sold' and the quality of the food was higher than we expected.
Only thing we didn't think was worth it was trip to Prison Island, which we organised ourself- but it was quite an overcast and choppy day so we ducked out of the snorkelling which might have added to it.
Also I think the advice against taking travellers cheques should be rather more strongly stated; although we were able to cash them directly for dollars in Stonetown we did have to do a bit of shopping around and quite a high commission rate. I'm not sure we would have any success with sterling.
Suggestions for improvement:
Nothing to add to the various comments above. We will certainly speak positively of Expert Africa and recommend to anyone looking for a similar experience." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
I think overall the standard of accommodation at Selous and Pongwe was 'under=-sold' and the quality of the food was higher than we expected.
Only thing we didn't think was worth it was trip to Prison Island, which we organised ourself- but it was quite an overcast and choppy day so we ducked out of the snorkelling which might have added to it.
Also I think the advice against taking travellers cheques should be rather more strongly stated; although we were able to cash them directly for dollars in Stonetown we did have to do a bit of shopping around and quite a high commission rate. I'm not sure we would have any success with sterling.
Suggestions for improvement:
Nothing to add to the various comments above. We will certainly speak positively of Expert Africa and recommend to anyone looking for a similar experience." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Family G
Oxordshire
"A fantastic holiday"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 14 Jul 2008 and 29 Jul 2008
"We couldn't have asked for a better holiday - both on safari and in Zanzibar.
Suggestions for improvement:
If only Expert Africa dealt with the rest of the world!
It was a pleasure to deal with Eleanor and her knowledge of all aspects of our holiday was spot on. Every single transfer went to plan, all on time, and the accommodation at all the venues was exactly as she had described it to me.
It was Eleanor's suggestion for us to spend 3 days in Ruaha and we wouldn't have missed it for anything.
Thank you." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Suggestions for improvement:
If only Expert Africa dealt with the rest of the world!
It was a pleasure to deal with Eleanor and her knowledge of all aspects of our holiday was spot on. Every single transfer went to plan, all on time, and the accommodation at all the venues was exactly as she had described it to me.
It was Eleanor's suggestion for us to spend 3 days in Ruaha and we wouldn't have missed it for anything.
Thank you." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr T & Mr L
Amsterdam
"Great Visit"
I visited Tanzania and 2 other countries between 4 Jul 2008 and 20 Jul 2008
"Expert Africa live up to their name :)"
Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Seven larks
Vermont
"Expert Africa is first rate!"
I visited Zanzibar between 28 Jun 2008 and 7 Jul 2008
"Our trip was nearly flawless! It was great to have a vacation where all the details were arranged for us and all transports occurred on schedule.
Claire Scott was extremely patient, accepting changes to the duration of our trip and answering all questions without a hint of annoyance. We were totally delighted with the choice of hotels and her very good advice." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
Claire Scott was extremely patient, accepting changes to the duration of our trip and answering all questions without a hint of annoyance. We were totally delighted with the choice of hotels and her very good advice." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Crested francolin
UK
"Our honeymoon overall"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 21 Jan 2008 and 5 Feb 2008
"We had the most relaxing and enjoyable holiday of our lives, a truly magical experience we'll be telling our grandchildren about!
Huge thanks to Chris at Expert Africa for his great advice, and to Ann Lederman for her help and efficiency in booking the trip. I will be recommending Expert Africa!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zanzibar holiday
Huge thanks to Chris at Expert Africa for his great advice, and to Ann Lederman for her help and efficiency in booking the trip. I will be recommending Expert Africa!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr J
Hants
"Our magical trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 14 Jan 2008 and 25 Jan 2008
"Totally amazing. Thanks Claire for the great advice for our safari - the only disappointment (which at the time was quite considerable) was our stay at Matemwe.
We really feel that it is not an overreaction to say to you NOT to recommend Matermwe Bungalows until the new management have found their feet and sorted a few of the issues out (staff, stocks of drink etc). - otherwise it will only resort in more dissatisfied customers and the place getting a bad name.
Great brochure and website. Claire was most helpful. Fantastic advise given regarding the Selous Impala camp - it way exceeded our expectations, so much so that my parents and relations may be considering going out to that very camp in the autumn this year!
We were unfortunate with our stay at Matemwe Bungalows - presumably you didn't know of any plans for a change of management when we booked last November ??
Thanks though - on the whole a totally fab holiday" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
We really feel that it is not an overreaction to say to you NOT to recommend Matermwe Bungalows until the new management have found their feet and sorted a few of the issues out (staff, stocks of drink etc). - otherwise it will only resort in more dissatisfied customers and the place getting a bad name.
Great brochure and website. Claire was most helpful. Fantastic advise given regarding the Selous Impala camp - it way exceeded our expectations, so much so that my parents and relations may be considering going out to that very camp in the autumn this year!
We were unfortunate with our stay at Matemwe Bungalows - presumably you didn't know of any plans for a change of management when we booked last November ??
Thanks though - on the whole a totally fab holiday" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr Buzzard
Darlington
"Feedback on trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 5 Nov 2007 and 18 Nov 2007
"We are very inexperienced and somewhat timid travellers and were quite nervous about many aspects of visiting Africa. However I was impressed by the detailed information which we received beforehand and any minor concerns we had were addressed by Expert Africa staff.
The trip also went flawlessly, much to our relief.
I noted that other visitors that we met on our travels spoke well of Expert Africa." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
The trip also went flawlessly, much to our relief.
I noted that other visitors that we met on our travels spoke well of Expert Africa." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The Y family
Surrey
"Overall review"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 20 Oct 2007 and 2 Nov 2007
"The trip as a whole was fantastic. Saw some great game and had a great experience.
I would however miss out on the beach experience if I did the trip again." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
I would however miss out on the beach experience if I did the trip again." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The Kestrels
New York
""
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 2 Oct 2007 and 18 Oct 2007
"The trip as a whole was amazing. It was extremely well coordinated and other than not having the ticket back to Dar from Zanzibar, it really could not have gone any more smoothly. Our driver Ayub for the first half of the trip from Sokwe was fantastic. Please make sure he hears that.
The only other thing I would have done differently (though we really liked Gibbs) was stayed within the different parks more. It's really a different feeling when you are in the park, every moment of the day, sleeping and eating, and it's also a much easier day. You can start your game drives earlier (close to dawn) and stay out later (close to sunset). This really makes a difference as that's when the animals may be most active and there is less driving to and from the park each day. Also, you can sleep later in the morning, etc.
This was something we weren't aware of when planning our trip and would have been good to know." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
The only other thing I would have done differently (though we really liked Gibbs) was stayed within the different parks more. It's really a different feeling when you are in the park, every moment of the day, sleeping and eating, and it's also a much easier day. You can start your game drives earlier (close to dawn) and stay out later (close to sunset). This really makes a difference as that's when the animals may be most active and there is less driving to and from the park each day. Also, you can sleep later in the morning, etc.
This was something we weren't aware of when planning our trip and would have been good to know." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
203
reviews of East Coast Zanzibar by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in East Coast Zanzibar
Our suggestions for beach lodges in East Coast Zanzibar
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Pongwe Beach Hotel is comfortable, good-value, family-friendly beach lodge, with a lovely pool, secluded beach and good food.
Matemwe Lodge
Matemwe Lodge is one of our favourite beach lodges. With only 12 cottages right on the edge of the old coral cliff, it is personal and relaxing.
Shooting Star Lodge
Shooting Star Lodge has a friendly atmosphere and a beautiful infinity pool, sitting above a stunning stretch of beach on Zanzibar's east coast.
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba is a private island resort with 11 chalets, fringed by some of the best coral reefs in the Zanzibar area.
Matemwe Retreat
Matemwe Retreat is one of the most exclusive lodges on Zanzibar, with four split-level villas each with their own veranda, sun terrace, plunge pool.
Sunshine Marine Lodge
Sunshine Marine (sister of Sunshine Hotel) is located in a secluded part of the east coast, with a first-rate, in-house dive centre.
Zoi Hotel
Located right on the beach, with bright rooms and a colourful garden, the Zoi Boutique Hotel has a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Zanzibar Pearl
Formally known as Matemwe Beach Village, Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel is one of the newest properties on the island
Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar is a very large resort hotel on Zanzibar’s east coast and is well equipped for business and leisure trips.
Tulia Zanzibar
Tulia Zanzibar Beach Resort is a 16-room boutique beach hotel that opened in 2016 on Zanzibar's east coast.
