Reviews of holidays to East Coast Zanzibar
207 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include East Coast Zanzibar.
Mrs P.S.
Baldock
"Dream first safari"
I visited Tanzania and 2 other countries between 13 Sep 2018 and 28 Sep 2018
"It was amazing. I am glad that we had 3 nights in both camps in Serengeti. Camps were great fun and driving in open sided vehicles a definite bonus. 4 in a jeep seemed an ideal number.
We saw more animals than we could have hoped for, including 2 leopards up trees. We were disappointed not to have tour of slave museum which had been main reason for going to Stonetown.
Matemwe Lodge at the end was perfect although it was only about half full so would have been even better with a few more guests around in the evening. I could have done with 5 days there!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
We saw more animals than we could have hoped for, including 2 leopards up trees. We were disappointed not to have tour of slave museum which had been main reason for going to Stonetown.
Matemwe Lodge at the end was perfect although it was only about half full so would have been even better with a few more guests around in the evening. I could have done with 5 days there!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
R & J
Richmond Hill
"Our September 2018 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 9 Sep 2018 and 23 Sep 2018
"This was a trip of a lifetime and we had an outstanding time. The number of different animals on safari was incredible and the differences between Ruaha and Selous made the trip complete. Great camps, great service, great food and great activities. Who could ask for anything more? Memories to last a lifetime."
Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr M
Sao Paulo
"My Aug 2018 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 26 Aug 2018 and 6 Sep 2018
"perfect holiday. very good organization and structure from the places we stayed"
Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs S
Leatherhead
"First Family Trip to Africa"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 18 Aug 2018 and 1 Sep 2018
"This was our first 'adventurous' trip with the children and it felt well organised, safe and most importantly, left us with incredible memories. Everything Richard organised; airport pick-ups, transfers etc all worked like clockwork. We were well looked after.
I cannot recommend Kicheche Mara and Pongwe Beach enough - we were so sad to leave! This has been our best family holiday to date - I'm not sure how we can top it!
Thank you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps warn travellers about Nairobi airport!
We were inundated with mosquitos there (had packed repellent) and both my husband and daughter got food poisoning from the food court!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
I cannot recommend Kicheche Mara and Pongwe Beach enough - we were so sad to leave! This has been our best family holiday to date - I'm not sure how we can top it!
Thank you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps warn travellers about Nairobi airport!
We were inundated with mosquitos there (had packed repellent) and both my husband and daughter got food poisoning from the food court!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr Peter P
USA
"My Aug 2018 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 3 Aug 2018 and 19 Aug 2018
"Overall a fantastic trip.
Too short in retrospect.
Albert Lucas the guide was fantastic." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Too short in retrospect.
Albert Lucas the guide was fantastic." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Al & Jules
Australia
"Aussie impressions of Selous/Ruaha -June '18"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 21 Jun 2018 and 2 Jul 2018
"We love wildlife safaris, and this Selous/Ruaha venture was no exception in most aspects.
The overall efforts from Lyndsey at Expert Africa meant that the whole itinerary unfolded as planned - no hitches. She provided all of the necessary information from London to us in Oz. for me to feel confident of the outcome.
Our experiences in both Selous and Ruaha were what we had hoped for in respect to the vast wilderness feel to both regions, the variety of vegetation and topography, as well as the absence of hordes of other safari vehicles. We were a little disappointed that due to several factors ( maybe vegetation cover/animal numbers of some species) we didn't locate wild dog, cheetah or leopard in either location. We've never based our trips on seeing particular wildlife because often it's more luck than anything, and no one factor can change this.
The camps chosen were equal to anything we had previously encountered, and would recommend both Impala and Mwagusi.
Overall a great trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
The overall efforts from Lyndsey at Expert Africa meant that the whole itinerary unfolded as planned - no hitches. She provided all of the necessary information from London to us in Oz. for me to feel confident of the outcome.
Our experiences in both Selous and Ruaha were what we had hoped for in respect to the vast wilderness feel to both regions, the variety of vegetation and topography, as well as the absence of hordes of other safari vehicles. We were a little disappointed that due to several factors ( maybe vegetation cover/animal numbers of some species) we didn't locate wild dog, cheetah or leopard in either location. We've never based our trips on seeing particular wildlife because often it's more luck than anything, and no one factor can change this.
The camps chosen were equal to anything we had previously encountered, and would recommend both Impala and Mwagusi.
Overall a great trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs D
Sydney
"My Jun 2018 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 1 Jun 2018 and 17 Jun 2018
"We had a fabulous honeymoon and really appreciated Claire's expertise.
We have already recommended Expert Africa to 3 people since returning home. Thank you!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
We have already recommended Expert Africa to 3 people since returning home. Thank you!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dad
UK
"Our Trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 10 Feb 2018 and 25 Feb 2018
"I was able to research our trip with the help of your excellent website and conversations with Lyndsey and book a holiday which exceeded my expectations. I was keen to avoid crowds at safari camps and therefore avoided the Serengeti and crater and choose Ruaha and Selous. Both were fabulous and we enjoyed visiting at this time of year when the areas were so green and lush. Ruaha with its baobab trees was particularly beautiful. We also enjoyed the contrast of Selous with the river and lakes and the option of boat safaris to see crocodiles and hippos.
I was pleased to have had 2 nights in Stone Town. What a fascinating town. We booked a historic tour for 8.30am before it became too hot and found our guide well informed. The last 3 nights at Mtembwe Lodge were wonderful. The place was paradise and we really didnt want to leave. All in all a super holiday.
The only plan I would have changed would have been to have stayed 3 nights at Ras Kutani instead of 2 nights, as the journey seemed too long from Dar es Salaam for just what ended up to be one whole day there as we only arrived at 6pm and had to leave at 7.30am. The hotel was good but we couldn't really appreciate it in the time allowed." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
I was pleased to have had 2 nights in Stone Town. What a fascinating town. We booked a historic tour for 8.30am before it became too hot and found our guide well informed. The last 3 nights at Mtembwe Lodge were wonderful. The place was paradise and we really didnt want to leave. All in all a super holiday.
The only plan I would have changed would have been to have stayed 3 nights at Ras Kutani instead of 2 nights, as the journey seemed too long from Dar es Salaam for just what ended up to be one whole day there as we only arrived at 6pm and had to leave at 7.30am. The hotel was good but we couldn't really appreciate it in the time allowed." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms M
CambridgeHeath
"Fantastic experience."
I visited Tanzania and 2 other countries between 24 Jan 2018 and 17 Feb 2018
"We loved every minute of our trip. A new day a new adventure. Superb accommodation, safaris, food and wines.
Loved Africa." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Loved Africa." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs H
Bristol
"Great Trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 2 Dec 2017 and 11 Dec 2017
"Another great trip to Tanzania. This was our 6th trip to Tanzania and as always we loved it. Accomodation, transport, food, game viewing and beach were all excellent. Can't wait to return."
Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
207
reviews of East Coast Zanzibar by travellers since August 2007
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Inspire meWhere 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.
