Reviews of holidays to South-west Zanzibar

"We had the most wonderful trip and saw so much more than we ever expected. We particularly enjoyed living in the tented accommodation being surrounded by nature and learning so much about the wildlife. This was largely due to the skill of the guides, notably Silvanus who drove us around and acted as our guide for several days in different locations of Tarangire, Lake Manyara and The Ngorongoro crater. His knowledge was amazing and his patience with two novices was truly boundless.

We like to mention how impressed we were with the safari outfit used by Expert Africa and would highly recommend this company to anyone. Their operations were run smoothly and efficiently with a constant desire to improve their services and environmentally friendly camps even further. Their training policy and opportunity for further development seemed to be very much appreciated by their employees. All their staff were happy and proud working for them which we felt speaks for itself.

The balloon trip over the Serengeti at dawn was an unforgettable experience, which we would highly recommend. The pilot was very experienced and his expert handling of the balloon allowed us to fly extremely low. Gliding across the Mara River and seeing the sun rising over this amazing landscape was truly magical.

Zanzibar offered a completely different type of holiday. We were especially interested in the history and culture of the island. The 'Princess Salme' tour was particularly fascinating and took in several different experiences: a very informative visit around the Mtoni Palace given by the project manager of the restoration project, followed by a Dhow trip, a coffee ceremony as well as a fascinating spice tour led by a guide with real knowledge of the subject and finally a delicious meal provided by the plantation owner. We would highly recommend it as it is designed for very small groups and provides a real insight into what made the island what it is.

A special mention should also go to Nick at Unguja Lodge who is a very competent and professional diving instructor who enabled me to fulfil my long held wish to complete my diving certificate.

Expert Arfrica did deliver exactly what we had asked for in our original brief and more. They enabled us to choose companies and lodges, etc which benefit their local communities and this had been one of our priorities. It also allowed us to see some very well run local projects during our travels which are all equally worth while supporting in the future.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

A suggestion might be that while on safari, to consider having a day in camp to digest what had been experienced. This could take the form of a walk with guides followed later by an evening drive. Having some time to just sit in front of our tent for a few hours and to watch the wildlife from there or reading a book was rather enjoyable especially after several days of non stop action. We think people should be made aware of this option." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"We have done so many safaris we have lost count and we thought this trip would just be a fill in. Far from it! There was a lovely balance between the Selous and Ruaha camps and the variety of game was superb.

The variety of activities was less than we hoped as there are no park rangers in the camps (Apart from Kitchaka) to act as guards for walks and no night drives. However in all the camps we had a very personal service and guides who were with you throughout your stay. That and excellent beach relax are two advantages over Zambia.

Thank you James for your excellent choice of camps and for such a smooth running trip. Our appetite is still not satiated, Zambia still has that edge for us and we hope return in the not too distant future." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"From the moment of my first contact with Expert Africa (late one night - and I got straight through to Maruska in the New Zealand office!) I had nothing but praise for the friendly professionalism that guided us through the planning of our special family holiday to Tanzania. Expert Africa had been recommended to us by friends who had been on several safaris (the first ones with other companies) and we were delighted with the service provided. Having established the hopes of our group for the trip, Maruska helped me through planning the details with clear explanations about the pros and cons of any choices and the range of options available. Maruska's responsiveness as I articulated various preferences of the group was marvellous and the recommendation, quite late on, of spending our last 3 nights on Chumbe Island was inspired.

The actual trip went like clockwork. Every detail had been planned for and was delivered brilliantly All the fights and transfers worked smoothly and everywhere we went we were expected and welcomed. All the accommodation was just right - and just as we expected. Above all, we had the most brilliant driver/guide on our week-long safari. We were delighted to be with Asilia, a well regarded Tanzanian company with excellent credentials and our assigned guide, Stanford, was absolutely fantastic. He was calm, considerate, efficient and good humoured, but beyond that he was incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, flexible and humourous. And he worked so hard! He undertook the duties of driving, guiding, communicating in excellent English and responding to any requests with a calm composure that ensured we had the most wonderful experience. We would like to put on record our enormous gratitude for this - and to thank Expert Africa and Asilia for assigning him to us!

The safari was very special and we loved the camps. I worried a few times before we left the UK whether 7 days on safari might seem like too much of a good thing but I needn't have worried. Stanford's skill enabled us to learn more and more about animal behaviour as the week went by and we were as interested on the morning of day 8, en route to the airstrip and our flight to Zanzibar, as were were on day 1 when, after a night flight, we set off at lunchtime for Arusha National Park. Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti built brilliantly on this start

Finishing our holiday in Zanzibar was also wonderful. The tropical beaches were gorgeous and the relaxed vibe was enjoyed by all 7 of us. And the final three days on Chumbe - absolutely magical! The entire trip surpassed our (always high!) expectations and it will remain a very special experience for our family. We just wished we could have spent more time everywhere!

Thank you Expert Africa, with special thanks to Maruska - and to Liz who picked up a few queries right at the end. We have already recommended you to friends and hope one day to travel through Africa under your expert guidance again." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Couldn't fault anything.

The reason I have used Expert Africa before and will continue to do so in future is because the staff properly listen to requests , are very knowledgeable and therefore give good suggestions and advice. Very efficient too." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 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

"Very enjoyable and memorable.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, just keep up the very good work you do." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Given this type of holiday is nothing like our usual family holiday I think perhaps we needed more advice and more of a steer than was realised or acknowledged.

In particular, I think I was looking for something quite luxurious when spending £4k on a 10 day break. Luckily Fumba Beach Lodge met our expectations." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday

"I think the ecstatic would be a better description. You didn't ask about the safari. Our tour guide, Ayoub, was fantastic. I had my 86yr old mother with me and he treated her like gold. She was "Beebee" the whole trip and he stopped and got her a stool when he saw that getting out of the jeep was hard for her. I'm pretty sure he had bought new picnic seats and table for us as he was taking the wrapping off of the . He was so knowledgeable and had eagle eyes. He made the trip, I can't say enough good about him. Going with a 15 yr old and and 86 yr old I was a bit concerned but he put us all at ease and was so very ,very nice.

Also Maruska did a great job, we heard of guides who were in the central area worried about finding animals as they were all near us!! thank you for putting us down into the south we saw all the big 5 plus a cheetah, lepoard, lion hunt,elephants fighting, new born wildebeests and huge troops of baboons. Thank you for considering our jet lag and suggesting Arusha Nat pk it was a perfect introduction.

It was to be the trip of a lifetime for my mom and it lived up to its billing and then some. She will never forget it. Thank you.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, You did a fantastic job. I have recommended you to my cousin who is planning a trip." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari

"This was our first time to Africa. We were overwhelmed by the vastness of the country, its rich culture wildlife and complexities of its people and history. More of an experience than a holiday, we would probably concentrate on 2 destinations next time as we felt rather tired with all the flights.

One thing is for sure, once you have been Africa stays with you, and you will quite possible never look at the world the same way again!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"We were in the right place at the wrong time of year, therefore, much of the game had moved away so game viewing was much more difficult with long periods of donating blood to the tsetse flies and not a lot in return." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari