Zanzibar: reviews from our travellers

"A thoroughly enjoyable trip wich on the whole was well organised.

The transfers between camps were efficient and well timed with the exception of the transfer from Muchenje to Linyanti. We had to be out of our room by 10am and then wait around until 12.30 to drive for our flight. That left us a little short of time on arrival at Linyanti an earlier flight would have been better." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"We are very inexperienced and somewhat timid travellers and were quite nervous about many aspects of visiting Africa. However I was impressed by the detailed information which we received beforehand and any minor concerns we had were addressed by Expert Africa staff.

The trip also went flawlessly, much to our relief.

I noted that other visitors that we met on our travels spoke well of Expert Africa." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip as a whole was fantastic. Saw some great game and had a great experience.

I would however miss out on the beach experience if I did the trip again." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"The balance of the itinerary was superb. We have done a number of safari holidays before, but none have been to this standard of care and attention.

It was difficult to believe that the entire schedule, with all the internal transfers, could work. It did, so our thanks to all concerned.

The standard of accommodation and variety of locations combined to give a brilliant holiday and experience.

Initially, we found the brochure difficult to interpret. This was resolved by telephone discussions on our actual requirements, after which we found it a good point of reference.

Every single query was dealt with promptly and efficiently." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"An absolutely brilliant trip, everything and more than I could have hoped for.

Expert Africa's Anna Devereux Baker was exceptionally helpful when flight times changed, the Post Office went on strike and I needed a flight upgrade arranged due to back problems." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"The trip as a whole was amazing. It was extremely well coordinated and other than not having the ticket back to Dar from Zanzibar, it really could not have gone any more smoothly. Our driver Ayub for the first half of the trip from Sokwe was fantastic. Please make sure he hears that.

The only other thing I would have done differently (though we really liked Gibbs) was stayed within the different parks more. It's really a different feeling when you are in the park, every moment of the day, sleeping and eating, and it's also a much easier day. You can start your game drives earlier (close to dawn) and stay out later (close to sunset). This really makes a difference as that's when the animals may be most active and there is less driving to and from the park each day. Also, you can sleep later in the morning, etc.

This was something we weren't aware of when planning our trip and would have been good to know." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We had excellent experiences with gorilla tracking in Rwanda, game viewing in the Serengeti and enjoying the sun on Zanzibar. We would recommend all of these experiences to friends.

While we would recommed going to the Selous, we can not recommend the Lake Manze Camp. This camp was not a good match for us. However, the Lake Manze Camp was the only camp in Selous that had availability on our preferred days. We knew that there were risks with going to this camp as it was so new (in that there may be some procedures that may need to be worked out). We did not expect the full Italian experience. We were expecting that there would be an African experience.

We already talking about our next trip to Africa. We know that we will go again.

When we do, we plan on contacting Expert Africa.

Feel free to include us on the mailing list for your 2008 brochure. Thank you!!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Fantastic as usual!! We had absolutely wonderful safari experiences - perhaps the beach side was a little tame after that (we are not that good at relaxing).

We have used your expertise for 4 holidays on the trot - and expect to do so in the future. Clearly we are very happy with your service - you provide us with the expertise and very clear information we need. There have been no nasty surprises on any of the holidays because everything has been so thoroughly explained before we go.

On previous trips we have had to contact you whilst on holiday - what a service you provide - everything sorted out efficiently and immediately leaving no hassle for us. We feel absolute confidence in Expert Africa - so we cannot think of anything to improve on what you already do so well!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a great holiday, with the combination of action packed safari followed by complete relaxation on the beach working well.

This is our second trip with Expert Africa and both times I have been impressed with the level of personal knowledge and expertise of the advisors as well as their honesty. I have found this a huge help when making decisions about where bto stay and also I have been well prepared for each of the venues. Many thanks.

Suggestions to help us improve: The only comment i have is the reference in your note to the recommended use of travellers cheques for making payment in Tanzania/Zanzibar. Our experience was that most of the hotels/restaurants would not accept them due to the time taken for banks to transfer the money to them. It would be useful to adjust this information in your notes." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We enjoyed the trip.

Unfortunately wild dog were not seen at either park, but they appear to have been seen very rarely.

Forgot to say at Impala the laundry was part of the service. Had to pay for it at Mdonya.

Also the camp company are currently absorbing the increases in the park fees for Selous & Ruaha" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari