Reviews of trips to Stone Town
354 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.
"Fantastic Tanzania"
We are quite widely travelled and rarely return to the same place but we would certainly return to Tanzania and Zanzibar with Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Everything went so smoothly I really can't add anything at all." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
"Well planned section of our overall holiday"
They performed all this perfectly, except perhaps the last occasion when the planned car was a little late because all the petrol stations were closed by power cuts, so quite understandable. Replacement vehicle arrived very promptly.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No further comments.
We had heard of Expert Africa from someone who had been to Namibia with you, and you obviously knew the area very well; we did not seek any other quotations. In the event it was, for us, a good decision not ot try and squeeze in a short game park visit." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
"Overall a great holiday"
Help/advice given by Claire beforehand was also excellent and the detail on the website very accurate.
Fishermans Tours were always on time and the vehicles in good condition but we felt that they drove too fast most of the time.
We used Eco + Culture for 2 tours whilst in Zanzibar- both were very good. Guide was fantastic." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
"Expert Africa Trip Planning"
We felt that Ellie had gone out of her way to make sure that the holiday was as good as it could be. When we were planning the itinerary she could provide good insights into the each of the places we were thinking of going to and appeared to know them well.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
If you had been able to handle purchase of the British Airways tickets using part air-miles then we would have preferred to book these through Expert Africa.
Otherwise, it was hard to improve upon!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"Sand Rivers / Pongwe holiday"
"Everything we had hoped for and more"
Suggestions for mprovements:
You probably need to put more emphasis on the point you made about ensuring that US Dollars are post 2001. I ordered mine from my bank via the internet, and although I specified that they nwere needed for Tanzania i was give two $50 Dollar bills which were not accepted. I am taking up the matter with my bank's foreign exchange department. They should know better." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"Trip to the Spice Island"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Truly cannot think of anything that Expert Africa could have done to improve the service and advice provided." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zanzibar holiday
"whole trip feedback"
Very well organised trip and good advice about where to stay and length of time etc.
Would like to note that our transfer from zanzibar airport to shooting star never arrived, so we waited a while, and then had to take a taxi to the eco and culture tours office in stonetown, they check and stated they has us down to be picked up a month later, and didnt really appear very apologetic. We also then had to continue in the taxi ( with no air conditioning) - wasnt sure why they could not have taken us from there. Howevere they did turn up promptly for our other transfers. This was the only thing that went wromg, and meant we arrived at the back about 2 hours after we would have got there." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"Tanazian Adventure"
The rest of the trip schedule was perfect - Arusha, Mahale & then Selous.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
"Lake Manze and Zanzibar honeymoon"
We enjoyed our holiday and everything ran very smoothly. The connections were excellent.
We chose Expert Africa because Eleanor was so positive and helpful and gave us a really good idea of what our holiday would be like.
Suggestions for improvement:
Remember to mention whether departure taxes are included.
We weren't sure and so held on to USD$30 each in case but discoved these were already included.
Another idea would be to ask the local agents to be more proactive in selling excursions or trips. Not to force these on people, but if there had been a "price list" we would have been interested but instead we were put off by the driver trying to get us a good deal." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
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.
