Reviews of holidays to East Coast Zanzibar

"The trip was put together perfectly and at each juncture, the part awaiting us was exactly what we needed/ wanted to compliment the last and maintain variety. We were so impressed with the quality of the &Beyond destinations in particular- they really are a cut above- so slick. But saying that, Beho Beho was such an incredible experience, the whole Selous felt manicured it was all so perfect. Ellie has just been amazing throughout and the guidance in putting together such a trip of a lifetime was invaluable. We're not sure that we will ever top this trip. But then again, that's the sign of the most perfect honeymoon..." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Parts of our trip were really amazing but other aspects were so disappointing, so it's difficult to give an overall level of satisfaction really. In our view this was partly down to advice from Expert Africa and partly down to failings of Sunshine Marine Lodge (i.e. the food).

The connections etc. were all very smooth - the drivers were always waiting for us and there was never a need to follow anything up, so the trip had clearly been very well planned out and was very easy for us, which was great.

The upgrade for the last few nights at Sunshine Marine Lodge made a lot of difference, as it afforded some privacy, so we're pleased that it could be put in place." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"An excellent holiday. We knew what to expect having been to both destinations once before.

Kwihala once again was fantastic. Pongwe was better than our first visit. Will be very happy to do both again. I definitely prefer a longer stay at a camp rather than a more typical few days at several camps." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall the trip was great.

Some gliches. Lots of traffic from Zanzibar because of arriving evening last day of Ramadan. Luggage broken into and things stolen from luggage at Nairobi airport. No museum visit at Olduvai gorge and no lunch provided last day of safai as outlined in itinerary. Lots of flight delays. Last Masai village visit we felt extorted for the suggested donation of $200.

However, this was the best trip we have ever taken and we travel extensively. Thanks again to the staff of expert Africa for matching us up once again with a like minded couple whose company we enjoyed and for providing a TRIP WHOSE WONDERFUL MEMORIES WILL LAST ALL OUR LIVES. We hope to do a 3rd trip with your company." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip was fantastic and a trip of a lifetime. We will have so many memories of the wildlife and Tanzania. Many thanks to Ellie for arranging the trip and giving guidance and recommendations as to the Camps and itinerary.

We should also like to recommend our guide Albert who we had for 8 days, who was very personable and extremely knowledgeable and made the trip so enjoyable.

We were probably slightly disappointed with Zanzibar as a place to visit and if we were arranging the trip again might go for the mainland coast or go for one of the other islands." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"Until our flights home, we had a magnificent holiday and would recommend all the places. We have one minor and one major complaint about the trip ( I should however say at this stage that Ellie was hugely helpful from the beginning to the actual holiday.

Minor:- having spent £15k on the holiday, I felt that,unlike other travel agents we have dealt with, the lack of a personal call on our return and the failure to send us this form until I requested it was not very good PR for Expert Africa.

Major:- on our return, our flight itinerary expected us to sit for five hours at Dar airport ( outside on the roadside on uncomfortable chairs) while we waited for our connecting flight with Kenya Airways to Nairobi. As we were flying business class from Nairobi to London, why were we not on the earlier Kenyan Airways flight so that we could at least wait in a comfortable lounge?

For some reason I had a fever with temperature of 103 and insisted on taking the earlier flight ( they nearly would not let me fly and wanted me to go to the hospital to see a doctor) Because we were flying economy, we had to pay 130 dollars to change flights. On this flight were many of the guests we had met during our holiday that were also on the London BA flight.

As your client it is not up to us to check all the flight times as we have already made it clear that we would want all the most sensible connections. Also,the earlier flights were not new as one guest we had spoken to had booked a long time ago like us and because BA cancelled their Wednesday flights out to a nairobi just before we were going, necessitating a change in flights all round, you could have rechecked then. We do expect to hear from you on this matter as it is not satisfactory and left a bitter taste after such a wonderful holiday up until then." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"Out of this world! We will definitely be contacting James again in the near future, funds permitting!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall, our trip was a brilliant experience - getting to see amazing wildlife so close was a truly remarkable experience and one that will never be forgotten.

The highlight was really the private tour through the Central Serengeti were you really do get to see a wider range of landscapes and wildlife - the guide (Elisa Ngonya) and camp (Kati Kati) just acted to amplify this experience.

Our private guide, Elisa Ngonya, was amazing - he was entertaining, knowledgeable and will to tailor each day we spent with him to meet our needs - this included drive over 350km to find Cheetah! He made a massive difference to the experience we had on safari by through the detailed knowledge and understanding he had of the different areas we travelled to. There is no question that without him we would have seen a lot less during our time in the north.

The camps in the south (Lake Manze and Mdonya) were much quieter in terms of jeeps / visitors but still offered great animal viewing as well as different activities (e.g. boat safari / hot springs). The atmosphere in these locations was also more of the old fashioned camps - eating we all the guests, sharing Jeeps which was a nice change from the north.

Pongew was just very peaceful and relaxing and a great way to end our trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The only changes to the whole trip that I might have made looking back at it was to maybe to have one less day in either Mdonya or Manze and add that to Zanizbar but that is a very minor change!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari

"An amazing trip that couldn't/wouldn't have happened without Liz and James at Expert Africa. He captured exactly what we wanted to do and made that possible in this trip. Fantastic people that we met whilst out there and definitely want to return!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Perhaps relook at Tembo hotel as I don't think it matched the quality that you seem to offer!

Give James Denny a pay rise!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Very well thought out trip with a great balance of beach and safari. Having two days on the beach first is definitely recommended to relax after the wedding / flight.

For safari would definitely recommend Beho Beho - Selous is a great options as we saw lots of game but without the crowds (some days we didnt see another jeep at all).

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not sure if its possible, but think about using another carrier than Costal Air.

Thank you for organising such an amazing honeymoon for us." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday