Reviews of trips to Stone Town
357 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.
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
Mr & Mrs M
Belfast
"A lovely honeymoon"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 24 Aug 2011 and 5 Sep 2011
"Our trip was excellent, wouldn't change anything, and we had three very different experiences: safari in the Selous, beach paradise at Pongwe and urban madness (and excellent food!) in Stonetown.
Our arrival in Zanzibar was slightly alarming as we were hustled by bag carriers at the airport but that was as bad as it got. Our impression of Jozani forest was that it was a bit of a tourist trap but I don't regret booking it. I wouldn't rave about Eco+Culture as much as some other reviewers but their drivers were reasonably punctual and one was quite informative.
This was certainly the 'trip of a lifetime' and we have some great photos. I booked this as a surprise for my wife and she was very happy she let me do so!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Our arrival in Zanzibar was slightly alarming as we were hustled by bag carriers at the airport but that was as bad as it got. Our impression of Jozani forest was that it was a bit of a tourist trap but I don't regret booking it. I wouldn't rave about Eco+Culture as much as some other reviewers but their drivers were reasonably punctual and one was quite informative.
This was certainly the 'trip of a lifetime' and we have some great photos. I booked this as a surprise for my wife and she was very happy she let me do so!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
Birghton
"Another fabulous holiday with Expert Africa"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 20 Aug 2011 and 2 Sep 2011
"This is the second time we have travelled with Expert Africa (and our third time with Sunvil) and I wouldn't hesitate to use your services again. From start to finish Liz could not have been more helpful and knowledgeable – particularly as I had in mind a fairly complicated itinerary built round a special wedding anniversary and including a surprise bush camp night.
Everything went smoothly from start to finish; the accommodation recommendations were spot on; the advice was first class; and all my questions and concerns were answered very promptly. I have recommended Expert Africa to several friends and colleagues, and passed a couple of your cards to fellow travellers along the way!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just one thing: more specific advice on tipping at each place would be helpful, although I realise this is a difficult proposition. We were given a benchmark of $10 per person per day on safari, but when we were at Beho Beho $5–$10 was suggested as appropriate for the lodge staff, but guides were also to be tipped $10 per person per drive/walk. We had already put our tip in the general tips box only to discover that this was for house staff only and that we should tip the guides personally. It was all rather awkward.
We also did not know how much was appropriate as a tip for Thadeo, our 'butler' at Matemwe Retreat, so we just had to guess." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Everything went smoothly from start to finish; the accommodation recommendations were spot on; the advice was first class; and all my questions and concerns were answered very promptly. I have recommended Expert Africa to several friends and colleagues, and passed a couple of your cards to fellow travellers along the way!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just one thing: more specific advice on tipping at each place would be helpful, although I realise this is a difficult proposition. We were given a benchmark of $10 per person per day on safari, but when we were at Beho Beho $5–$10 was suggested as appropriate for the lodge staff, but guides were also to be tipped $10 per person per drive/walk. We had already put our tip in the general tips box only to discover that this was for house staff only and that we should tip the guides personally. It was all rather awkward.
We also did not know how much was appropriate as a tip for Thadeo, our 'butler' at Matemwe Retreat, so we just had to guess." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs K & family
London
"The holiday of a lifetime"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 11 Aug 2011 and 24 Aug 2011
"This was a holiday that pleased the whole family. Our teenagers were enthralled. They loved the adventure and learning all the information about the animals and plant-life. We saw many more animals and birds that we had thought possible in that short time and we were looked after perfectly. I don't think I've been on a holiday where the staff are so keen to see you enjoying their country.
Relaxing by Zanzibar's beautiful beaches was the perfect rest after the busyness of the safari.
Many thanks for organizing such a wonderful trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps describing the location of each camp a little more fully. But, that said, we were thoroughly satisfies with the service you gave." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Relaxing by Zanzibar's beautiful beaches was the perfect rest after the busyness of the safari.
Many thanks for organizing such a wonderful trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps describing the location of each camp a little more fully. But, that said, we were thoroughly satisfies with the service you gave." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Bicester
"Amazing experience"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 11 Aug 2011 and 26 Aug 2011
"Even though it was our fourth trip to Africa and on safari we really did have an excellent time. Everything was well organised and all went very smoothly.
We had a personal driver and guide for our week on safari which is to be highly recommended although pricey. The vehicle and facilities were very good, Alfred our guide is the best. His english is superb, driving very good, knowledge and experience extensive, ability to locate animals amazing and he has a great sense of humour.
In comparison to other African countries we've visited the facilities for tourists are well organised. We didn't need a bush toilet once in the whole trip! This does mean that in the popular destinations especially the Ngorongoro Crater there were far to many tourists for our liking but in hindsight we wouln't change anything as you really do need to see it to experience it!
My only plea to other travellers is to be sensitive to the local people and cultute. We were incredibly disappointed at some of the things we saw, cigarette butts being dropped in the parks, scimpy clothing in Stone Town and during Ramaden too and generally poor attitides!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Be more specific about flight details (Coastal airways) if possible" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
We had a personal driver and guide for our week on safari which is to be highly recommended although pricey. The vehicle and facilities were very good, Alfred our guide is the best. His english is superb, driving very good, knowledge and experience extensive, ability to locate animals amazing and he has a great sense of humour.
In comparison to other African countries we've visited the facilities for tourists are well organised. We didn't need a bush toilet once in the whole trip! This does mean that in the popular destinations especially the Ngorongoro Crater there were far to many tourists for our liking but in hindsight we wouln't change anything as you really do need to see it to experience it!
My only plea to other travellers is to be sensitive to the local people and cultute. We were incredibly disappointed at some of the things we saw, cigarette butts being dropped in the parks, scimpy clothing in Stone Town and during Ramaden too and generally poor attitides!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Be more specific about flight details (Coastal airways) if possible" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr R & Miss B
London
"jambo"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 9 Aug 2011 and 20 Aug 2011
"We loved it. I can't imagine a better place to have spent our honeymoon.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
no, we had fantastic service." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
no, we had fantastic service." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr McD
Bournemouth
"Perfect - simply perfect!"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 3 Aug 2011 and 14 Aug 2011
"Everything was perfectly organised - All of the connections went well - Each hotel was wonderful
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs P
Germany
"Tanzania southern circuit"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 28 Jul 2011 and 14 Aug 2011
"Great trip - went perfectly to plan (apart from trying to enter Ruha on August 1st - I will provide separate commentary about this).
Accomodation and transfers could not be faulted. Staff throughout very very good, and invariably excellent. We felt each of the lodges went out of their to make a stay special.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It seems worth keepng an eye on the Authorities in Tanzania. Politically there are issues and undercurrents that, on this occasion, broke the surface.
Just as an aside: having gone to trouble of getting Visas in advance, immigration managed to to process none Visa holders more quickly that us: management of arrivals hall was rather desperate." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
Accomodation and transfers could not be faulted. Staff throughout very very good, and invariably excellent. We felt each of the lodges went out of their to make a stay special.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It seems worth keepng an eye on the Authorities in Tanzania. Politically there are issues and undercurrents that, on this occasion, broke the surface.
Just as an aside: having gone to trouble of getting Visas in advance, immigration managed to to process none Visa holders more quickly that us: management of arrivals hall was rather desperate." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
357
reviews of Stone Town by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Inspire meWhere 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.
