Reviews of trips to Stone Town
354 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.
"Wonderful Safari"
When we arrived in Tanzania, the drive from Kilimanjaro to our first village walk was about four hours, which was far too long after a night flight. It might have been better to fly to Arusha rather than Kilimanjaro.
It was just a short drive to Zanzibar airport where were it was the worst part of the holiday. The porters were only interested in grabbing your money. A major, major problem at the end of the holiday was to find that there was a departure tax of £80 to pay! We were not advised of this and had not budgeted for it at all. It was fortunate we had the money put by for our taxi fare from Heathrow to home which we used. That interfered with paying the taxi drive once we got home. Surely Expert Africa must know about this tax but there was no mention of it in any of the information we were given. It really spoilt the end of the holiday." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
"A truly memorable safari in Southern Tanzania"
"My Sep 2013 trip"
What a fab itinery! Thank you so much for your time and efforts in securing this for us. I appreciate we looked at many options but can tell you that we would not have changed any of the time or locations we have stayed in.
In fact we met a new rep from Audley Travel whilst in Beho Beho and she was so enthusiastic about our itinery I suspect this may be lifted for others booking Tanzania with Audley!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
"My Sep 2013 trip"
We hadn't realised quite how close we would get to the animals - 1 meter away from a lion was an unforgettable experience
The beach part of our holiday was extremely relaxing and enjoyable" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
"Holiday in Southern Tanzania"
"Trouble free trip to Tanzania"
Eco-Tours trips were excellent - Jambiani Village tour and Spice Tour." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zanzibar holiday
"My Sep 2013 trip"
For a month long holiday there was only one minor one hiccup so that's pretty good. The Wild Horizons road transport from Zambezi Sun to Livingstone Airport didn't turn up. They then didn't answer any of the contact numbers incl their emergency mobile so that is probably more of a concern. No problem we just got the hotel to order us a taxi. A Wild Horizons rep finally called the hotel & said their vehichle wouldn't start that morning & they had another vehicle on the way. We said that given the time we were now taking whatever turned up first (which was the taxi). To their credit Wild Horizans must have contacted the taxi driver and told him to return the fare to us.
Proably the only thing we would have changed on the holiday was to sway Tafika camp in Sth Luangwa NP for one that was on a perennial river with watersports such as canoeing (eg Lower Zambezi NP)
Maruska was extremely helpful with planning our trip and very responsive to our questions .. thanks Maruska
PS: We don't normally have our trips organised by a travel agent and only initially contacted Expert Afrika for the Busanga & Tafika bookings .. but then Maruska offered to book most of the other accn & transfers & that's what happened. Very unusual for us to have transfer cars waiting at an airport etc with our name on a card & we don't see much of an advantage over just getting a bus/taxi .. but i can see that some folks would love the certainty of transport waiting for them
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
"My Aug 2013 trip"
"Ruaha and Selous"
Overall an excellent trip though." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
"A truly memorable holiday"
And thanks to Liz for putting the itinerary together with us - we will be back." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
Where to stay in Stone Town
Our suggestions for places to stay in Stone Town
Zanzibar Coffee House
The Zanzibar Coffee House is a small quiet hotel tucked away in the back streets of Stone Town, with lovely, simple rooms.
Serena Inn
Now trumped by the nearby Park Hyatt, the Serena Inn, in its historic building, was formerly Stone Town's only international-style hotel.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
The Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a highly regarded boutique hotel with very personal service and just nine rooms, all of them Zanzibari in style.
Beyt al Salaam
The Beyt al Salaam is a pleasant, boutique hotel with only six rooms and atmospheric and stylish Zanzibari décor.
Dhow Palace Hotel
The Dhow Palace is a very good-value, mid-range hotel, full of Swahili character, and the pool makes it appealing to families.
Emerson Spice
Emerson Spice is a beautiful small hotel in the heart of Stone Town with individually designed rooms adorned with gorgeous fabrics.
Kholle House
Kholle House offers an atmospheric Stone Town stay in a historic building, and is very good value for money.
Jafferji House
Jafferji House is a converted old house that blends modern facilities with traditional style. The ten, unique rooms are show great attention to detail.
Swahili House
Swahili House is a traditionally styled boutique hotel furnished to a high standard with a convenient location in the centre of Stone Town.
Tembo Hotel
The Tembo Hotel is a good-value, family-friendly hotel right on the seafront in Stone Town, with 36 rooms and a good-sized swimming pool.
Emerson on Hurumzi
Emerson on Hurumzi was Stone Town's first boutique hotel, featuring antique furniture, unique, stylish rooms and a superb rooftop restaurant.
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Hotel is very convenient if you want to stay on the beach, but very close to Stone Town, or visit Chumbe Island.
Maru Maru Hotel
In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.
Kisiwa House
Kisiwa's central location in the heart of Stone Town's Shangani area makes it a great base to explore this fascinating town.
Seyyida Hotel
The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.
