Zanzibar: reviews from our travellers

"It was a wonderful holiday.

We were very happy with all the places we went to and felt that Expertafrica had found places that really suited us. Everything worked like clockwork until the last flight home. We would (and did) recommend your company to other people and if we do another trip to Africa would certainly consult you.

Suggestions for improvement:

Can't think of any!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"all went smoothly.

The first day was quite long and it appears that Asilia forgot to provide us with a lunchbox and so the camp had to make us a late lunch when we arrived" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"An enjoyable and interesting holiday.

A special mention for the efficiency of our driver in Zanzibar with Eco Tourism

Suggestions for improvements:

Very happy with your services. Unfortunately Matamwe let you down." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We had a fabulous holiday and absolutley adored Rwanda. Chimpanzee trecking was very hard work but we did it. Saw lots of Golden Monkeys in the gorgeous Bamboo forest and about 14 Gorillas in the Virungas - one chased us - wanted to play apparently - but I certainly led the advance of the retreat! Of course Virunga Lodge was our heaven.

Excellent guide in Rwanda

Patrick was helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Everything one could ask for.

The cancelled flights and lost luggage were most annoying but we got over that and the agents got our luggage to us after 2 days so not too bad in the end. Shooting Star found us bits to get by on including a size 12 bikini for my size 16 body ! not pretty sight but did allow me to swim.

All your agenbts were completely efficient

Thought Stone Town was the dirtiest place we had ever visited and one night was definately enough. It does not in anyway compare with Marrakesh. There was more litter and dirt in one square foot of Stone town than in the whole of Rwanda. And where was hell - being inside the old underground slave cell - totally atmospheric and hauntingly awful.

Suggestions for improvement:

No you seem to have it spot on - maybe a secreatary to help fill in this form!!

Thank you for a wonderful holiday" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday

"On the whole this was an awesome and eyeopening trip. It was an experience not to be missed.

like all holidays there were elements that we might have done differently had we known then what we know now.. . we did try to read up as much as possible beforehand and read between the lines as well. and of course everybody's expectations are so different. I would have loved to have stayed in lots more places on the safari and experience all the different styles and types of lodges, and scenery.

overall it was a great holiday." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We had a great trip. Everything worked very smoothly.

Four days at each Safari lodge was probably about right (although we were sorry to leave on both occasions) Fundu was lovely, and a day in Stone Town was a great way to bring the trip to a close.

What pulled it all together so well were the people who looked after us. The European managers seemed to be doing a great job and the Tanzanian staff - chefs, waiters, guides, escorts - were without exception attentive, charming and ever willing to do anything to make our holiday more enjoyable.

Suggestions for improvement:

None. We think you guys do a pretty good job" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Tanzania safari

"It was a varied and interesting trip that we throughly enjoyed. The level of detailed planning from expert Africa was one of the keys to the success of this trip. They really did construct the holiday very much with our needs in mind. Also the quality of their ground arrangements meant that any small glitches never became a problem.

Suggestions for improvement:

We thought everything was well handled and the key was the level of local knowledge by the staff at Expert Africa. This I believe is very important." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Overall we had a fantastic trip. It was everything I was hoping for and more. To see the animals living freely in their natural habitat was simply wonderful. Lake Manze was a great camp and perfect if you want to experience just a taste of a safari. We stayed for 4 days which was actually plenty of time to see all the animals and go on all the different drives.

We were glad we could recover at Mchanga Beach lodge though because being on safari can be quite tiring. It was nice to just sleep, eat and relax for a few days before heading home.

I only have one criticism of Lake Manze. When we arrived at 6.30am we had just flown overnight from London to Dar El Salaam. We didn't really sleep on the plane so were very tired when we finally reached Selous National park at 10 am. Instead of being taken directly to the camp we were told we had to wait until 12 noon to also collect another couple. They therefore took us (and another couple who were with us) on a short game drive before we drove back to the airstrip to wait for the other couple. In that time they could easily have taken us back to camp but obviously decided not to (probably to save petrol?)

By 12 noon we were all starving and then it was another hour to Lake Manze. By the time we arrived at Lake Manze I was far too hot and we were both really burnt. (We both had to stay totally covered up for the whole time we were at camp.) I also ended up feeling quite ill and had to lie down for the rest of the afternoon. I missed out on the late afternoon champagne reception at the Lake and also went to bed early that night which was New Year's Eve. Now I am not totally blaming this incident for the fact I felt so ill in the afternoon. However on top of the lack of sleep and the fact I had a cold, I do feel that waiting around so long before getting back to camp was the "last straw." In the future I really think they should get the guests back to the camp as soon as possible so they can rest and freshen up.

In terms of using Expert Africa - I found them to be excellent. It never occurred to me to arrange such a trip over the internet and the phone but it wasn't a problem at all. I think the website is superb and the independent reviews really give you a good idea of which trips to do and where to stay to suit your budget. I made a number of calls to the team and Ellie answered all my questions thoroughly. It was also really nice to chat through my trip with her when we got back. It was clear she is committed to making sure my feedback is relayed back so that future experiences can be even better.

I did a lot of research when looking into this trip and I can assure you that in my experience Expert Africa offered us the best trip at the best price compared to many other companies." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"Relaxation as desired!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Overall we enjoyed our time very much. All our transfers were excellent. All praise to Juma who was our principal driver. He was very reliable, helpfull and pleasant.

Suggestions for improvement:

We can't think of any." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday