Reviews of trips to Stone Town
357 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.
Dr E & Ms W
UK
"Amazing Homeymoon"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 24 Aug 2009 and 8 Sep 2009
"This trip couldn't have gone any better, from start to finish. Both the camps were really amazing (guides, location everything), we loved every moment and really want to go back in the near future.
Zanzibar was a wonderful end to the honeymoon staying at a few different places was nice, the trips organised through the hotels were very expensive so I would in future organise them through fishermans tours before we go (in the end we organised a tour through fishermans whilst we were at the ponge)
The logistics of being picked up and dropped off at where we were suposed to be was near perfect, the only slight worry we had was on the last day when we were being taken to the airport when we didnt know when we were supposed to be picked up but after asking a few people how long it would take to get to the airport for the early morning flight we had a rough idea.
Overall Would recommend expert Africa to anyone, they gave us a perfect homeymoon
Suggestions for improvements:
Nothing. It was perfect thankyou" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Zanzibar was a wonderful end to the honeymoon staying at a few different places was nice, the trips organised through the hotels were very expensive so I would in future organise them through fishermans tours before we go (in the end we organised a tour through fishermans whilst we were at the ponge)
The logistics of being picked up and dropped off at where we were suposed to be was near perfect, the only slight worry we had was on the last day when we were being taken to the airport when we didnt know when we were supposed to be picked up but after asking a few people how long it would take to get to the airport for the early morning flight we had a rough idea.
Overall Would recommend expert Africa to anyone, they gave us a perfect homeymoon
Suggestions for improvements:
Nothing. It was perfect thankyou" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
Manchester
"Great Honeymoon in Selous and Zanzibar"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 10 Aug 2009 and 25 Aug 2009
"Amazing. Selous Impala was defo the highlight, just wish we could have stayed longer.
Suggestions for improvements:
No, just to say thanks for sorting everything out the trip was ace. I know it probably doesn't sound like it but the points raised were just the not so good bits we thought you'd like to know so the issues can be adressed.
Keep doing what your doing and we'll defo use you again just need to start saving." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
Suggestions for improvements:
No, just to say thanks for sorting everything out the trip was ace. I know it probably doesn't sound like it but the points raised were just the not so good bits we thought you'd like to know so the issues can be adressed.
Keep doing what your doing and we'll defo use you again just need to start saving." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Oxford
"Overall impression of our trip"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 10 Aug 2009 and 23 Aug 2009
"We really loved our trip. I think we were both surprised particularly as to how much we thoroughly enjoyed the safari part of the trip, even though we thought we'd be really tired after our wedding.
The advice we received before we booked was so helpful as we really had no idea what we wanted to do and speaking to someone who had visited all the places and could answer even the smallest queries was really helpful and helped us to make a really good choice of trip. And it also meant that when we arrived, everything was as we expected and there were no nasty surprises!! The website was really helpful - we found all the reviews from people who had recently travelled to the places was really helpful as well to help us make our decision, and the descriptions about each place were very thorough.
It was the first time we had used a travel agent to book an entire trip and it was so good - everything worked so well. All the details we received before we travelled was very helpful and thorough and made it easy for us to check that everything was booked as we had discussed. During our trip all our transfers were there to pick us up on time and all the hotels expected us when we arrived - it was all very efficient.
Suggestions for improvements:
I don't think I can think of anything you could do better!
Thank you for helping us organise a wonderful honeymoon!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
The advice we received before we booked was so helpful as we really had no idea what we wanted to do and speaking to someone who had visited all the places and could answer even the smallest queries was really helpful and helped us to make a really good choice of trip. And it also meant that when we arrived, everything was as we expected and there were no nasty surprises!! The website was really helpful - we found all the reviews from people who had recently travelled to the places was really helpful as well to help us make our decision, and the descriptions about each place were very thorough.
It was the first time we had used a travel agent to book an entire trip and it was so good - everything worked so well. All the details we received before we travelled was very helpful and thorough and made it easy for us to check that everything was booked as we had discussed. During our trip all our transfers were there to pick us up on time and all the hotels expected us when we arrived - it was all very efficient.
Suggestions for improvements:
I don't think I can think of anything you could do better!
Thank you for helping us organise a wonderful honeymoon!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms S & Mr A
New York
""
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 27 Jul 2009 and 6 Aug 2009
"I was hesitant to use a touring company for our holiday - we'd always done the booking ourselves and I wasn't sure how much value they'd really be able to add. As soon as we started working with EA we knew we'd made the right decision - and one we were in Tanzania we were REALLY happy we'd used them - our transfers were seamless and the places they recommended were all superb. We'd definitely use EA to book our next African holiday."
Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
C family
Shrewsbury
"Fascinating friendly Rwanda - sunny Zanziba"
I visited Rwanda and 3 other countries between 23 Jul 2009 and 13 Aug 2009
"Rwanda was brilliant - fascinating, scrupulously clean, would recommend the country to anyone who is bitten by the Africa bug. Communication was in a mixture of English, Swahili and French. It was good to start our trip with a visit to the Kigali genocide memorial. Our driver/guide Jackson was fantastic - and added hugely to our experience of Rwanda, even though he was an Arsenal supporter!
However were we to go again, we would adjust some of the timings. The routine seems to be to go and see primates early in the morning, which leaves the rest of the to explore, and so in many ways we would have been better doing 2 (rather than 3) nights in Nungwe, only one night in Moriah Hill, and possibly add one night (or more) in Gisenyi. (It would have been great to go over the border into Goma.) Volcanoes NP was good, though again one night less would have been fine and we would still have time for three primate expeditions. (We were rather extravagant and saw two diffierent goriila groups, which was great but very expensive!) We were also quite sad a not staying in Kigali again.
We had one medical emergency - our daughter got huge boils on her back, luckily on the night before we were due to return to Kigali, so the following morning we drove to a private hospital in Kigali for treatment. This was relatively efficient - after we had paid some money - but did mean that she missed out on swimming in Zanzibar.
Dar was a lovely surprise for one night - we wished we had stayed an additional night here. Zanzibar was as expected, though Stone Town was more chaotic and smellier than I remember (from 35 and 7 years ago).
The whole trip was very expensive - which of course we knew about beforehand! - but tips etc menat that we spent another 500 US dollars per person duing the three weeks, without being extravagant. For example, tipping of guides was $10 per person per excursion, and sometimes we chose to give trackers etc. tips. This is not a complaint, just for information." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 6 on a Rwanda safari
However were we to go again, we would adjust some of the timings. The routine seems to be to go and see primates early in the morning, which leaves the rest of the to explore, and so in many ways we would have been better doing 2 (rather than 3) nights in Nungwe, only one night in Moriah Hill, and possibly add one night (or more) in Gisenyi. (It would have been great to go over the border into Goma.) Volcanoes NP was good, though again one night less would have been fine and we would still have time for three primate expeditions. (We were rather extravagant and saw two diffierent goriila groups, which was great but very expensive!) We were also quite sad a not staying in Kigali again.
We had one medical emergency - our daughter got huge boils on her back, luckily on the night before we were due to return to Kigali, so the following morning we drove to a private hospital in Kigali for treatment. This was relatively efficient - after we had paid some money - but did mean that she missed out on swimming in Zanzibar.
Dar was a lovely surprise for one night - we wished we had stayed an additional night here. Zanzibar was as expected, though Stone Town was more chaotic and smellier than I remember (from 35 and 7 years ago).
The whole trip was very expensive - which of course we knew about beforehand! - but tips etc menat that we spent another 500 US dollars per person duing the three weeks, without being extravagant. For example, tipping of guides was $10 per person per excursion, and sometimes we chose to give trackers etc. tips. This is not a complaint, just for information." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 6 on a Rwanda safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Honeymooners
Scotland
"Perfect African Honeymoon"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 22 Jul 2009 and 6 Aug 2009
"We had an amazing honeymoon. Can't fault the whole experience from start to finish. Expert Africa gave us loads of advice and made sure that the sort of accommodation recommended, exactly suited what had been requested.
We have already recommended you to friends and family.
Suggestions for improvements:
None" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
We have already recommended you to friends and family.
Suggestions for improvements:
None" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr H & Ms H
Toronto
"Great African Adventure"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 19 Jul 2009 and 31 Jul 2009
"Many thanks to Claire for her expert advice and service. Our trip was excellent and executed seemlessly.
I would not hesitate to recommend expert africa to friends and family and will use the company again in the future.
Thanks" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
I would not hesitate to recommend expert africa to friends and family and will use the company again in the future.
Thanks" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Maningtree
"Out of Africa Back to Manningtree"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 18 Jul 2009 and 26 Jul 2009
"Wonderful and glad we booked at short notice on the basis of the short S Times note.
Tanzania comes across with great credit - a very friendly country with helpful people.A water/land safari was a real plus and exceeded expectations.
Suggestions for improvements:
You compare well with other companies that we have used elsewhere in the world and we will use you as the reference base for any future trips to Africa. Mateo (manager at Selous) spoke highly of EA and mentioned that you visited the region to check on the details rather than took stuff off web sites." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
Tanzania comes across with great credit - a very friendly country with helpful people.A water/land safari was a real plus and exceeded expectations.
Suggestions for improvements:
You compare well with other companies that we have used elsewhere in the world and we will use you as the reference base for any future trips to Africa. Mateo (manager at Selous) spoke highly of EA and mentioned that you visited the region to check on the details rather than took stuff off web sites." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
M family
Hampshire
"Fantastic holiday"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 18 Jul 2009 and 2 Aug 2009
"Fantastic holiday, and very well organised. Everywhere we went we were met by people who were expecting us and knew where we should be! This obviously meant we could relax and enjoy the experience. Everyone was very friendly and helpful
I think we were well advised and the combination of lodges worked very well. The animals we saw at both exceeded my expectations, and we weren't surrounded by lots of humans! Often we could have been the only people for miles (and probably were).
Suggestions for improvements:
can't think of anything." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
I think we were well advised and the combination of lodges worked very well. The animals we saw at both exceeded my expectations, and we weren't surrounded by lots of humans! Often we could have been the only people for miles (and probably were).
Suggestions for improvements:
can't think of anything." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr K & Ms D
NL
"Great and memarable trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 9 Jul 2009 and 21 Jul 2009
"We were both very happy with the trip, all the arrangements went smoothly. I am vary satisfied with Expert Africa and will be recommending it. Your service, as compared to the general standard here in Holland is outstanding."
Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
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.
