Reviews of trips to Stone Town
354 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.
Mr & Mrs H
Bedford
"A truly unforgettable start to married life!"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 20 Sep 2011 and 2 Oct 2011
"From start to finish, we could never of imagined our trip would haver been this good.
Planning our trip was a joy. We felt as though we were given all the information we could of needed. We were never pushed towards any particular lodge or hotel and were given the time to make our own decisions without being bombarded with emails or phone calls.
Our trip was extremely organised. We were never left waiting or confused. The ground agents were again brilliant. Eco & Culture are a great company. Our tranfers were always on time and their staff were all very knowledgeable. We also booked a couple of trips directly with them which were again very well organised.
We felt every lodge or hotel we stayed at were perfect for us." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Planning our trip was a joy. We felt as though we were given all the information we could of needed. We were never pushed towards any particular lodge or hotel and were given the time to make our own decisions without being bombarded with emails or phone calls.
Our trip was extremely organised. We were never left waiting or confused. The ground agents were again brilliant. Eco & Culture are a great company. Our tranfers were always on time and their staff were all very knowledgeable. We also booked a couple of trips directly with them which were again very well organised.
We felt every lodge or hotel we stayed at were perfect for us." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Newcastle
"A wonderful trip - we will recommend you!"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 17 Sep 2011 and 30 Sep 2011
"We had a wonderful holiday - I think that the reason it worked so well was that Ellie had listened so carefully to what we wanted from the trip including our likes and dislikes, and had put together something that she thought would work - and it did. For example, she knew that we preferred open vehicles where possible; that we wanted a certain level of comfort; that there were certain animals and terrain that we wanted to see; that we would not be happy with very strong-viewed camp managers who dominated conversation - and so she put together a really well-balanced itinerary for us.
We will certainly recommend you to anyone planning a similar trip. Thank you!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
We will certainly recommend you to anyone planning a similar trip. Thank you!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
Cobham
"overall comments including Fishermans Tours"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 13 Sep 2011 and 27 Sep 2011
"We were pleased we took the advice of Expert Africa to visit the much less busy game reserves in Southern Tanzania - perfect for us having previously had uncrowded game viewing experiences in S. Africa.
We had very good game viewing, with excellent guides, in both Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. The landscapes and vegetation were quite different leading to varied experiences - in Selous it was great to see the crocs, hippos and huge variety of birds round the lake as well as the animals in the bush, whilst in Ruaha we saw larger herds of buffalo and elephants seeking water.
All in all we had a great holiday." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
We had very good game viewing, with excellent guides, in both Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. The landscapes and vegetation were quite different leading to varied experiences - in Selous it was great to see the crocs, hippos and huge variety of birds round the lake as well as the animals in the bush, whilst in Ruaha we saw larger herds of buffalo and elephants seeking water.
All in all we had a great holiday." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr H & Ms K
UK
"WE WILL NEVER FORGET IT"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 9 Sep 2011 and 18 Sep 2011
"IF YOU CAN THEN DO
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
yes. Dont oversell the potential problems and need for megga insurance....
Africa is welcoming, everybody we met was. Reading the site you may scare people away.
The BA Flight back from Dar was dire. They served snacks when we were really hungry. Up since 03.15a and
not fed till we got back to Heathrow." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 3 on a Tanzania safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
yes. Dont oversell the potential problems and need for megga insurance....
Africa is welcoming, everybody we met was. Reading the site you may scare people away.
The BA Flight back from Dar was dire. They served snacks when we were really hungry. Up since 03.15a and
not fed till we got back to Heathrow." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 3 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
Aberdeen
"A great trip overall"
I visited Rwanda and 3 other countries between 9 Sep 2011 and 27 Sep 2011
"We had expected an itinerary which we only got from our guide on arrival in Ruanda.
We found we had a very long and bumpy trip from Kigali to Nyungwe and from Nyungwe to Kibuye. These were unexpected and not pleasant.
We wondered why we had 4 nights in mountain view lodge rather than 3 nights and last night in Kigali> Most others seemed to do this.
THE PERSON WHO MADE OUR TRIP SPECIAL WAS OUR DRIVER IN RWANDA, AIMABLE. He broke our long journey to Nyungwe with a stop at the National museum. He made our last day in Rwanda special as he suggested we left very early so we could spend time at the Genocide museum before we caught our flight to Zanzibar. He shared his own experiences of the politics of Rwanda and the Genocide. He really looked after us
Overall the trip was great we enjoyed all the primates, Rwanda. Zanzibar and Mafia" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 10 on a Rwanda safari
We found we had a very long and bumpy trip from Kigali to Nyungwe and from Nyungwe to Kibuye. These were unexpected and not pleasant.
We wondered why we had 4 nights in mountain view lodge rather than 3 nights and last night in Kigali> Most others seemed to do this.
THE PERSON WHO MADE OUR TRIP SPECIAL WAS OUR DRIVER IN RWANDA, AIMABLE. He broke our long journey to Nyungwe with a stop at the National museum. He made our last day in Rwanda special as he suggested we left very early so we could spend time at the Genocide museum before we caught our flight to Zanzibar. He shared his own experiences of the politics of Rwanda and the Genocide. He really looked after us
Overall the trip was great we enjoyed all the primates, Rwanda. Zanzibar and Mafia" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 10 on a Rwanda safari
Overall trip
Average
Ms M
North London
"A memorable stay"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 6 Sep 2011 and 16 Sep 2011
"The main purpose of the trip was the safari in the Selous and this was brilliant, the rest of the trip was for relaxation and exploring and we certainly got that. It was a good holiday."
Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs J
Ashbourne
"Holiday of a Life-time!"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 3 Sep 2011 and 14 Sep 2011
"Fantastic. It far exceeded our expectations (was our first time in Africa).
We found all the dawn starts and long days a bit tiring, but well worth it. The amount of wildlife and how close we saw it was amazing.
I was impressed with the amount of help and knowledgable suggestions we had from Eleanor in putting together the trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
We found all the dawn starts and long days a bit tiring, but well worth it. The amount of wildlife and how close we saw it was amazing.
I was impressed with the amount of help and knowledgable suggestions we had from Eleanor in putting together the trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
Bristol
"A successful trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 3 Sep 2011 and 18 Sep 2011
"This trip was very expensive, and therefore not one that we would undertake on a regular basis.
We went to Tanzania to see the wildebeest crossing and to see game. We certainly achieved this and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We had not intended such a long beach stay and would still have preferred an extended safari to the time spent on Mnemba - however we did benefit from a special offer on our stay there.
We really appreciated the fact that we had sole use of a vehicle and guide on all trips apart from the visit to Ngorongoro crater. It enabled us to see more of what we wished, spend all day game viewing if we wished and all the guides were good.
We enjoyed the & Beyond experience and the luxury they provided but would not rush to back to either place - Ngorongoro because the game viewing is necessarily limited and very crowded with other visitors, although the accomodation is wonderful. We felt Mnemba was overpriced because we were not participating in the free diving (which is obviously one of the main assets) and no other replacement such as spa treatments (which were expensive though good) were offered. We enjoyed the snorkelling but not the rough car trip or the mosquito problem.
Both Oliver's and Sayari camps were very good. We liked the accomodation in both. We were sad that, because more camps have been built, our experience in Northern Serengeti was so busy with other vehicles, whereas it is a definite plus from this point of view that Oliver's camp is in the south of the park.
The transfers were managed well on the whole (barring the 2 transfers mentioned) with no difficulty finding our onward journey
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The ratings choice on your form did create difficulty in that there was nothing between Good and Excellent.
Also it does not allow for distinguishing between rating for different flights with the same company" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
We went to Tanzania to see the wildebeest crossing and to see game. We certainly achieved this and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We had not intended such a long beach stay and would still have preferred an extended safari to the time spent on Mnemba - however we did benefit from a special offer on our stay there.
We really appreciated the fact that we had sole use of a vehicle and guide on all trips apart from the visit to Ngorongoro crater. It enabled us to see more of what we wished, spend all day game viewing if we wished and all the guides were good.
We enjoyed the & Beyond experience and the luxury they provided but would not rush to back to either place - Ngorongoro because the game viewing is necessarily limited and very crowded with other visitors, although the accomodation is wonderful. We felt Mnemba was overpriced because we were not participating in the free diving (which is obviously one of the main assets) and no other replacement such as spa treatments (which were expensive though good) were offered. We enjoyed the snorkelling but not the rough car trip or the mosquito problem.
Both Oliver's and Sayari camps were very good. We liked the accomodation in both. We were sad that, because more camps have been built, our experience in Northern Serengeti was so busy with other vehicles, whereas it is a definite plus from this point of view that Oliver's camp is in the south of the park.
The transfers were managed well on the whole (barring the 2 transfers mentioned) with no difficulty finding our onward journey
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The ratings choice on your form did create difficulty in that there was nothing between Good and Excellent.
Also it does not allow for distinguishing between rating for different flights with the same company" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Good
Ms L & Mr DB
Oxshott
"Rwanda and Tanzania"
I visited Zanzibar and 2 other countries between 1 Sep 2011 and 20 Sep 2011
"Generally happy with the whole trip, except for Swahili House
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I do not have any suggestions at present" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I do not have any suggestions at present" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Good
Ms B
Barbican
"I had a great time"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 30 Aug 2011 and 14 Sep 2011
"I had an excellent solo trip. I never felt unsafe and Expert Africa someghow managed to make the transfers go as smoothly as if the trip were in Switzerland!. The logistics were elegantly handled.
I stayed in some wonderful resorts (I especially loved Pole Pole on Mafia Island and Chumbe Island). It was clear that Liz listened to me carefully about what I was looking for in Zanzibar and what I enjoyed.
In Stonetown I stayed at the Zanzibar Coffee House, which was perfect for me." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zanzibar holiday
I stayed in some wonderful resorts (I especially loved Pole Pole on Mafia Island and Chumbe Island). It was clear that Liz listened to me carefully about what I was looking for in Zanzibar and what I enjoyed.
In Stonetown I stayed at the Zanzibar Coffee House, which was perfect for me." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
354
reviews of Stone Town by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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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.
