Reviews of holidays to East Coast Zanzibar

"Our holiday to Africa was a trip of a lifetime.

Seeing the animals up close was such a privilege and something we'll never forget. We were overwhelmed by the kindness of the people as well as their expertise. Relaxing on Zanzibar island was a perfect way to end the holiday.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

You could potentially make things in the brochure even clearer, such as what to do about tipping, what kind of luggage is acceptable." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"This was a trip we've been thinking about for 15 years, but when it finally came time to pull the trigger, I honestly didn't know where to start.

James was outstanding from the very beginning — helping me to shape the trip and offering some great suggestions on when and where to go. He was super patient with all my questions along the way, and we always felt like we were in the best hands." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"we had a fabulous return to Africa (our first visit for almost 40 years!). We were recommended to Expert Africa by friends living in Tanzania and were very impressed with the service provided. James provided us with a great deal of information and if he couldn't answer a question he said so!

We were disappointed in one lodge where we stayed but James had made clear to us before booking that he didn't have any personal knowledge of this lodge. For the lodges which were recommend by EA we found their descriptions to have been fair and reliable. EA arranged all our local connections - taxis and flights and all worked out very well without a hitch." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Everything worked smoothly" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday

"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