Zanzibar: reviews from our travellers

"All aspects of our trip to Tanzania ran smoothly as per the arrangements made by Expert Africa. My wife has mobility and dietary requirements which were managed satisfactorily.

The roads in Dar are not adequate to manage the volume of traffic so journeys take much longer than might be indicated by the distance. The airport is poor but a new one has been built and will hopefully be opening soon.

We have done a lot of safaris and prefer places that are more remote and uncrowded but with good facilities. Selous was a good choice in this regard. We did get to see wildlife but obviously not the volumes of the Serengeti etc." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"We loved the trip and could not believe how close we were able to get to lions etc. Guides and drivers were excellent at both Reserves.

Reserves were relatively quiet so they were no queues of vehicles waiting to see specific animals.

Accommodation at both Reserves was as expected with a good bed, hot water and a toilet. Zanzibar as a place was a disappointment." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"The majestic landscapes. The rich culture. The contagious joy from locals. Africa is magical! It gets down in your soul and you fall in love. Tanzania was perfect and having the opportunity to do both a safari in the Serengeti and a beach holiday in Zanzibar was a spectacular way to see this glorious country. We felt safe and welcomed everywhere we went. We can’t wait to return for another African adventure.

Expert Africa is a great company to work with and our agent Maruska did a fantastic job arranging our trip! The safari camp and hotels she chose for us were a perfect match for our taste and personalities. Everything was arranged including all shuttles. We had no worries (acuna matata). Maruska even had an anniversary surprise set up at all hotels for us. We will definitely be using Expert Africa on our next trip. Thanks Maruska!!! We absolutely loved everything!!!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday

"I have had the most wonderful holiday.

Everything was seamless with the arrangements and accommodation. The staff at the hotels and lodges were friendly and made me feel welcome and as if nothing was too much trouble.

The trip itinerary was informative and everything worked to plan.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No....I have been impressed with the way the holiday was planned and with the seamless way it all fitted together while away. The connections were all on time. I always felt that everything was taken care of...and each step of the holiday fitted into place without any stress......just what a holiday should be.

Thank you Expert Africa." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"My daughter and I absolutely loved our safari and bush experiences. The bush camp staff were exceptionally committed, knowledgeable, and hospitable.

Unfortunately, we were terribly disappointed with the last part of the trip in Zanzibar." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"This was a wonderful trip and our first experience of a safari holiday. It exceeded all our expectations.

We didn't have to worry about any of the arrangements and were met when we were supposed to be met and given clear instructions of timings to be collected. The safari camps were different in their own way but were both most satisfactory. The free laundry service was an added bonus and our rooms (tents) were kept spotlessly clean and tidy. At Impala Camp we had our own Masai man to escort us to and from our tents in case there were any visiting animals. He was always there and yet was unobtrusive.

The only concern was the tipping system, particularly in Mwagusi Camp. Here it appears the staff were only given their tips once a year, including the guides. We would have preferred to tip the guides separately as we did in Impala. We were put in a difficult position and this needs to be sorted.

It is essential to have cash! Neither camp had the facility to pay by card. We also needed to pay by cash at the hotel in Dar es Salam because their internet was down.

Pongwe Beach Hotel was almost the icing on the cake." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"A wonderful trip which is going to be difficult to follow.

The logistics worked out exactly right, and thank you Claire for the little extras that appeared at several of the stops to recognise our anniversary." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We got the balance of Safari (3 days) and Lazing (6 days) just right and all the properties we stayed at great and as expected.

My reservations about Tanzanian safari are the volume of vehicles around the sighting of a leopard and the crossing; it resembles a traffic jam and the authorities need to place restrictions on the lodges/parks as it did affect the experience.

I would have second thoughts about returning to Tanzania having seen this congestion which I haven't encountered before." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday

"An excellent first trip to Africa and on safari. It exceeded our expectations and was hugely enjoyable.


Suggestions to help us improve

Thank you so much. You were recommended to us and we would recommend you to others." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"We loved our holiday.

The safari was simply amazing and we loved our trip to a Zanzibar.

Everything was organised perfectly. We couldn’t recommend it more highly." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zanzibar holiday