Reviews of trips to Stone Town
354 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.
Dr & Mr G
Bangor
"Brilliant"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 24 Jun 2009 and 7 Jul 2009
"We had a fabulous time. The camps were both excellent and the safaris were the best part of the trip, but chilling out at Unguja Lodge was also great.
Zanzibar Coffee House was perfectly acceptable, but a bit of a step down in terms of quality/comfort after Unguja Lodge and Selous Impala Camp.
All the internal flights and connections worked out perfectly, making the travelling stress-free.
Suggestions for improvemwents:
Perhaps you should mention in the pre-trip letter that return BA flights can be confirmed , seats booked and boarding passes printed 24 hours in advance at internet cafes in Stone Town, (and presumably at camps with computer access and a printer if they're willing).
Also include water shoes in your list of what to pack, especially for Zanzibar." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Zanzibar Coffee House was perfectly acceptable, but a bit of a step down in terms of quality/comfort after Unguja Lodge and Selous Impala Camp.
All the internal flights and connections worked out perfectly, making the travelling stress-free.
Suggestions for improvemwents:
Perhaps you should mention in the pre-trip letter that return BA flights can be confirmed , seats booked and boarding passes printed 24 hours in advance at internet cafes in Stone Town, (and presumably at camps with computer access and a printer if they're willing).
Also include water shoes in your list of what to pack, especially for Zanzibar." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
A&M
London
"Best holiday ever"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 6 Jun 2009 and 18 Jun 2009
"As we said before, perfect!!
All the transports were perfectly organized. The 3 places we stayed at were as we expected them (or better) and the choice was made with the help of Ellie, who spent a long time talking to us, explaining every detail and giving her gentle suggestions. She was always ready to answer anything at any time of the day. Thanks a lot Ellie!!
The best part of our trip was the waling safari at Impala. The days on the beach were really relaxing. We were a bit disappointed by Stone Town, but this is due to our expectations rather than any problem. We were expecting something different. Maybe the problem was that nothing could compare with the safari for us.
We will keep this part short in order to avoid repeating what we said for the prvious parts.
Best holiday we ever had!! The problem is we already want to go back..." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
All the transports were perfectly organized. The 3 places we stayed at were as we expected them (or better) and the choice was made with the help of Ellie, who spent a long time talking to us, explaining every detail and giving her gentle suggestions. She was always ready to answer anything at any time of the day. Thanks a lot Ellie!!
The best part of our trip was the waling safari at Impala. The days on the beach were really relaxing. We were a bit disappointed by Stone Town, but this is due to our expectations rather than any problem. We were expecting something different. Maybe the problem was that nothing could compare with the safari for us.
We will keep this part short in order to avoid repeating what we said for the prvious parts.
Best holiday we ever had!! The problem is we already want to go back..." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr S-S
West London
"Fisherman"
I visited Zanzibar between 19 Feb 2009 and 4 Mar 2009
"The Fisherman drivers were professional, smartly dressed with an adequate level of English, and were good, safe drivers. The vehicles were clean and well-maintained. The drivers all arrived punctually at the agreed pick-up times.
I was disappointed that I had to initiate the arrangements for the transfers from all three hotels. Particularly at the ZCH, the receptionist spent an entire morning trying to contact the Fisherman office (on the two numbers provided by EA) to arrange my pick-up to the airport. Although the telephone numbers were ringing, noone was picking-up. In the end the receptionist called Mr Ali's emergency mobile. If pick-up times had been agreed between EA and Fisherman, I was unaware of them. I suggest transfer times are included in the itinerary letter you send to customers prior to departure to avoid any confusion." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
I was disappointed that I had to initiate the arrangements for the transfers from all three hotels. Particularly at the ZCH, the receptionist spent an entire morning trying to contact the Fisherman office (on the two numbers provided by EA) to arrange my pick-up to the airport. Although the telephone numbers were ringing, noone was picking-up. In the end the receptionist called Mr Ali's emergency mobile. If pick-up times had been agreed between EA and Fisherman, I was unaware of them. I suggest transfer times are included in the itinerary letter you send to customers prior to departure to avoid any confusion." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Poor
Mr & Mrs B
Petersfiel
"a fantastic trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 10 Feb 2009 and 4 Mar 2009
"thank you expert africa for a job very well done
Suggestions for improvement:
how can i it was perfect" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Suggestions for improvement:
how can i it was perfect" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Twickenham
"We really enjoyed the whole experience."
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 5 Feb 2009 and 15 Feb 2009
"The title says it all really, we had a really great time at both the camp and the beach lodge. Would we go there again? To Tanzania....possibly, to Zanzibar....probably not, but we're really pleased that we did what we did. At no point were we left waiting for someone to pick us up or for something to happen - all the transfers were seamless and a credit to the organising team back at base, so thankyou Ellie, for organising us so well!
We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa to any and everyone who wishes to travel to Africa and we look forward to dealing with you again.
Suggestions for improvement:
Absolutely none." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa to any and everyone who wishes to travel to Africa and we look forward to dealing with you again.
Suggestions for improvement:
Absolutely none." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Gloucs.
"A wonderful holiday"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 31 Jan 2009 and 13 Feb 2009
"It was a wonderful holiday.
We were very happy with all the places we went to and felt that Expertafrica had found places that really suited us. Everything worked like clockwork until the last flight home. We would (and did) recommend your company to other people and if we do another trip to Africa would certainly consult you.
Suggestions for improvement:
Can't think of any!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
We were very happy with all the places we went to and felt that Expertafrica had found places that really suited us. Everything worked like clockwork until the last flight home. We would (and did) recommend your company to other people and if we do another trip to Africa would certainly consult you.
Suggestions for improvement:
Can't think of any!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr P
Cap Ferrat
"Would recommend Zanzibar as a great holiday"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 29 Jan 2009 and 22 Feb 2009
"An enjoyable and interesting holiday.
A special mention for the efficiency of our driver in Zanzibar with Eco Tourism
Suggestions for improvements:
Very happy with your services. Unfortunately Matamwe let you down." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zanzibar holiday
A special mention for the efficiency of our driver in Zanzibar with Eco Tourism
Suggestions for improvements:
Very happy with your services. Unfortunately Matamwe let you down." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Good
Mr & Mrs R
Yeovil
"We've been to Heaven and seen Hell"
I visited Zanzibar and 3 other countries between 25 Jan 2009 and 8 Feb 2009
"We had a fabulous holiday and absolutley adored Rwanda. Chimpanzee trecking was very hard work but we did it. Saw lots of Golden Monkeys in the gorgeous Bamboo forest and about 14 Gorillas in the Virungas - one chased us - wanted to play apparently - but I certainly led the advance of the retreat! Of course Virunga Lodge was our heaven.
Excellent guide in Rwanda
Patrick was helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Everything one could ask for.
The cancelled flights and lost luggage were most annoying but we got over that and the agents got our luggage to us after 2 days so not too bad in the end. Shooting Star found us bits to get by on including a size 12 bikini for my size 16 body ! not pretty sight but did allow me to swim.
All your agenbts were completely efficient
Thought Stone Town was the dirtiest place we had ever visited and one night was definately enough. It does not in anyway compare with Marrakesh. There was more litter and dirt in one square foot of Stone town than in the whole of Rwanda. And where was hell - being inside the old underground slave cell - totally atmospheric and hauntingly awful.
Suggestions for improvement:
No you seem to have it spot on - maybe a secreatary to help fill in this form!!
Thank you for a wonderful holiday" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
Excellent guide in Rwanda
Patrick was helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Everything one could ask for.
The cancelled flights and lost luggage were most annoying but we got over that and the agents got our luggage to us after 2 days so not too bad in the end. Shooting Star found us bits to get by on including a size 12 bikini for my size 16 body ! not pretty sight but did allow me to swim.
All your agenbts were completely efficient
Thought Stone Town was the dirtiest place we had ever visited and one night was definately enough. It does not in anyway compare with Marrakesh. There was more litter and dirt in one square foot of Stone town than in the whole of Rwanda. And where was hell - being inside the old underground slave cell - totally atmospheric and hauntingly awful.
Suggestions for improvement:
No you seem to have it spot on - maybe a secreatary to help fill in this form!!
Thank you for a wonderful holiday" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
Edgeware
"AMAZING ANIMAL ADVENTURE AND EXOTIC ZANIBAR"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 22 Jan 2009 and 8 Feb 2009
"On the whole this was an awesome and eyeopening trip. It was an experience not to be missed.
like all holidays there were elements that we might have done differently had we known then what we know now.. . we did try to read up as much as possible beforehand and read between the lines as well. and of course everybody's expectations are so different. I would have loved to have stayed in lots more places on the safari and experience all the different styles and types of lodges, and scenery.
overall it was a great holiday." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
like all holidays there were elements that we might have done differently had we known then what we know now.. . we did try to read up as much as possible beforehand and read between the lines as well. and of course everybody's expectations are so different. I would have loved to have stayed in lots more places on the safari and experience all the different styles and types of lodges, and scenery.
overall it was a great holiday." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs L of
Oxford
"Overall impressions"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 20 Jan 2009 and 8 Feb 2009
"We had a great trip. Everything worked very smoothly.
Four days at each Safari lodge was probably about right (although we were sorry to leave on both occasions) Fundu was lovely, and a day in Stone Town was a great way to bring the trip to a close.
What pulled it all together so well were the people who looked after us. The European managers seemed to be doing a great job and the Tanzanian staff - chefs, waiters, guides, escorts - were without exception attentive, charming and ever willing to do anything to make our holiday more enjoyable.
Suggestions for improvement:
None. We think you guys do a pretty good job" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Tanzania safari
Four days at each Safari lodge was probably about right (although we were sorry to leave on both occasions) Fundu was lovely, and a day in Stone Town was a great way to bring the trip to a close.
What pulled it all together so well were the people who looked after us. The European managers seemed to be doing a great job and the Tanzanian staff - chefs, waiters, guides, escorts - were without exception attentive, charming and ever willing to do anything to make our holiday more enjoyable.
Suggestions for improvement:
None. We think you guys do a pretty good job" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Tanzania safari
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.
