Reviews of trips to Stone Town
354 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.
Lesser kudus
UK
"A honeymoon to remember"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 11 Aug 2008 and 26 Aug 2008
"We really feel we had the best honeymoon we could have done, and are so glad we chose Tanzania, and Expert Africa to help us achieve this. Ellie really listened to what kind of an experience we wanted, all her recommendations were true to what she'd said, and suited us in terms of what we'd asked for, and our budget.
Going on safari is expensive, and we were initially quite taken aback at how much it does cost - however we could both see where our money had gone in terms of accomodation, food, guiding and ambience of the places we stayed. I don't think you would get that at bigger camps or on a more budget trip, so we were glad we balanced the safari part with the beach part - it's good you can do this.
It was a great choice to visit both Selous and Ruaha as the terrain is very different, and so was the difference in how close you could get to the animals - the ones at Selous, especially zebra, were more skittish than at Ruaha due to it being a game reserve as opposed to a national park.
We would definitely use Expert Africa again - we're already dreaming about coming back during migration to the Lamai wedge! and have already recommended you to some of our friends wanting to go on safari.
Thanks for getting things right for us, we had a great time in a beautiful and friendly country.
Suggestions for improvements:
Nothing we can think of!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Going on safari is expensive, and we were initially quite taken aback at how much it does cost - however we could both see where our money had gone in terms of accomodation, food, guiding and ambience of the places we stayed. I don't think you would get that at bigger camps or on a more budget trip, so we were glad we balanced the safari part with the beach part - it's good you can do this.
It was a great choice to visit both Selous and Ruaha as the terrain is very different, and so was the difference in how close you could get to the animals - the ones at Selous, especially zebra, were more skittish than at Ruaha due to it being a game reserve as opposed to a national park.
We would definitely use Expert Africa again - we're already dreaming about coming back during migration to the Lamai wedge! and have already recommended you to some of our friends wanting to go on safari.
Thanks for getting things right for us, we had a great time in a beautiful and friendly country.
Suggestions for improvements:
Nothing we can think of!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Firefly
UK
"Our honeymoon"
I visited Zanzibar between 5 Aug 2008 and 17 Aug 2008
"What I've come to expect from Expert Africa - unbiased and extremely expert knowledge.
Very attentive, and good listeners - based on our interests we got exactyl what we needed. a couple of times they persuaded us to change our ealry thoughts on some places to stay - they proved to be spot on." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Very attentive, and good listeners - based on our interests we got exactyl what we needed. a couple of times they persuaded us to change our ealry thoughts on some places to stay - they proved to be spot on." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Dolphin
UK
"Selous and Zanzibar"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 2 Aug 2008 and 17 Aug 2008
"Good balance of safari and beach. Ras Kutani was stunning and safari was amazing and an adventure though not very relaxing."
Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
White Rhinos
NL
""
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 2 Aug 2008 and 17 Aug 2008
"We've had a memorable trip, next stop Nambia!!( when we save up!) Such a wonderful country, with it's greatest asset being the people, who were with out exception lovely.
In a way I think it's the small things you remeber most - Baby vervets raiding your room, breakfast at dawn at Mafia airport, the children we met during our visit to Chole, and the time spent wandering through the backstreets of Zanzibar." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
In a way I think it's the small things you remeber most - Baby vervets raiding your room, breakfast at dawn at Mafia airport, the children we met during our visit to Chole, and the time spent wandering through the backstreets of Zanzibar." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Good
Mr & Ms Lion cub
UK
"Our First Safari Experience"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 26 Jul 2008 and 8 Aug 2008
"As a whole, despite the negative aspects of the holiday, the overall feeling we have come back with really relates back to the Safari section of our holiday. In hindsight, I would have spent longer on Safari and just a few days in Zanzibar. We've realised that we're really not lying around and chilling type people. We like to be doing things and experiencing exciting adventures! It has been a dream of mine to go on Safari since I was a child and Selous Impala Camp enabled all my dreams to come true! It truly was a wonderful experience and one I will never forget. What I saw of Africa was exactly how I had always imagined it - wild and beautiful and the wildlife we experienced was incredible. It was inspired me to want to visit other African countries to experience different safaris and cultures now!
Zanzibar was nice but it really has not made a huge impression on me. It could be that we did not go to the right resort for us? I don't know. It could just be that the Safari experience was so amazing, Zanzibar was always going to have alot to live up to?" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Zanzibar was nice but it really has not made a huge impression on me. It could be that we did not go to the right resort for us? I don't know. It could just be that the Safari experience was so amazing, Zanzibar was always going to have alot to live up to?" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Family J
UK
"Our special family holiday"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 24 Jul 2008 and 3 Aug 2008
"I was very impressed with Expert Africa and would use the company again like a shot. We had an idea of what we wanted and they understood completely and tailor-made our holiday.
We had to change some arrangements and, far from it being an inconvenience to Expert Africa, they were cheerful about it and even enthusiastic, which I thought was very good indeed.
All the transfers, documentation and arrangements went like clockwork. And the website is great.
Suggestions for improvement:
No, just keep up the good work." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zanzibar holiday
We had to change some arrangements and, far from it being an inconvenience to Expert Africa, they were cheerful about it and even enthusiastic, which I thought was very good indeed.
All the transfers, documentation and arrangements went like clockwork. And the website is great.
Suggestions for improvement:
No, just keep up the good work." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
The Flying Fish
UK
"Selous, Fumba and Stone Town"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 21 Jul 2008 and 3 Aug 2008
"Well done Expert Africa! Ellie was really well informed and helped us throughout.
Everything was organised perfectly and both Ellie and Claire were well informed about the Impala Camp, Fumba and Zanzibar Coffee House. I think it really helped that they had actually been there (saw Claire in the Impala visitors' book!!)
A great service. You were recommended to us by friends and we wouldn't hesittate to do the same should any of our friends be thinking about travelling to Africa.
The guide book was a good read too....
Suggestions for improvement:
Not really! A very presonal, well informed and very efficient service. Not much to improve on here...
Perhaps could have mentioned that buying a visa on arrival in Tanzania for $50 was an option? Wouldn't have really affected us but might be worht mentioning if anybody forgets before going." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Everything was organised perfectly and both Ellie and Claire were well informed about the Impala Camp, Fumba and Zanzibar Coffee House. I think it really helped that they had actually been there (saw Claire in the Impala visitors' book!!)
A great service. You were recommended to us by friends and we wouldn't hesittate to do the same should any of our friends be thinking about travelling to Africa.
The guide book was a good read too....
Suggestions for improvement:
Not really! A very presonal, well informed and very efficient service. Not much to improve on here...
Perhaps could have mentioned that buying a visa on arrival in Tanzania for $50 was an option? Wouldn't have really affected us but might be worht mentioning if anybody forgets before going." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
The Kites
Palo Alto
"Honeymoon in Zanzibar"
I visited Zanzibar between 20 Jul 2008 and 25 Jul 2008
"We had a fabulous experience where the goal was to relax and take in the scenery on the island of Zanzibar. We greatly appreciate the fantastic expertise of Chris McIntyre and Ann Lederman, without whom this trip would not have been possible. The entire trip was planned on short notice, and was complicated by our own unreachability while traveling during the planning process. Also making things difficult were several itinerary changes that were unexpected but necessary.
We felt to be in great hands with the team at Expert Africa, and Ann in particular made a potentially difficult trip easy with her speed and incredible resourcefulness. In one instance, she was able to orchestrate hand delivery of an airline ticket to me in Arusha, Tanzania, when e-ticketing was unavailable and I was in-transit through Africa. Though I am an American, living in San Francisco, and Expert Africa is a tour operator based in the U.K., I always felt your services were instantly accessible, to a greater extent than even locally based tour operators in Africa.
We will always be grateful for your fantastic work in putting together our honeymoon, and if we ever have the wonderful opportunity of another vacation in Africa, we would use your services in a heartbeat.
Thanks again;
Suggestions for improvement:
We felt we received exceptional service, and have no suggestions for improvement." Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 1 on a Zanzibar holiday
We felt to be in great hands with the team at Expert Africa, and Ann in particular made a potentially difficult trip easy with her speed and incredible resourcefulness. In one instance, she was able to orchestrate hand delivery of an airline ticket to me in Arusha, Tanzania, when e-ticketing was unavailable and I was in-transit through Africa. Though I am an American, living in San Francisco, and Expert Africa is a tour operator based in the U.K., I always felt your services were instantly accessible, to a greater extent than even locally based tour operators in Africa.
We will always be grateful for your fantastic work in putting together our honeymoon, and if we ever have the wonderful opportunity of another vacation in Africa, we would use your services in a heartbeat.
Thanks again;
Suggestions for improvement:
We felt we received exceptional service, and have no suggestions for improvement." Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 1 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Miss P-A
China
"Perfect Honeymoon!"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 20 Jul 2008 and 3 Aug 2008
"Our overall experience was what we dreamed of. Africa is a unique untouched beauty. We would definitely recommend this trip to our friends excluding the Beyt al Chai experience. In the end we did accepted this as an adventure at Zanzibar island, but it wasn't a pleasant thing to happen since it was our honeymoon, if it was in other trip we wouldn't have been so disappointed.
The game drives were great, even with the fact of missing the migration at the Serengeti. The CC Africa lodges are amazing, the staff is very friendly. Everything is great there! It's a worthwhile experience. No one should miss it!
The Matemwe Retreat is all fantastic..and as we said before our butler was tireless!
This trip was everything that we expected. We are very looking forward to go back to Africa very soon." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
The game drives were great, even with the fact of missing the migration at the Serengeti. The CC Africa lodges are amazing, the staff is very friendly. Everything is great there! It's a worthwhile experience. No one should miss it!
The Matemwe Retreat is all fantastic..and as we said before our butler was tireless!
This trip was everything that we expected. We are very looking forward to go back to Africa very soon." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr M & Mrs C
UK
"How many holidays of a lifetime can i have?"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 17 Jul 2008 and 1 Aug 2008
"Nothing much to add to all the comments here. We all enjoyed the holiday throughout. Such a range of experiences!
I think overall the standard of accommodation at Selous and Pongwe was 'under=-sold' and the quality of the food was higher than we expected.
Only thing we didn't think was worth it was trip to Prison Island, which we organised ourself- but it was quite an overcast and choppy day so we ducked out of the snorkelling which might have added to it.
Also I think the advice against taking travellers cheques should be rather more strongly stated; although we were able to cash them directly for dollars in Stonetown we did have to do a bit of shopping around and quite a high commission rate. I'm not sure we would have any success with sterling.
Suggestions for improvement:
Nothing to add to the various comments above. We will certainly speak positively of Expert Africa and recommend to anyone looking for a similar experience." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
I think overall the standard of accommodation at Selous and Pongwe was 'under=-sold' and the quality of the food was higher than we expected.
Only thing we didn't think was worth it was trip to Prison Island, which we organised ourself- but it was quite an overcast and choppy day so we ducked out of the snorkelling which might have added to it.
Also I think the advice against taking travellers cheques should be rather more strongly stated; although we were able to cash them directly for dollars in Stonetown we did have to do a bit of shopping around and quite a high commission rate. I'm not sure we would have any success with sterling.
Suggestions for improvement:
Nothing to add to the various comments above. We will certainly speak positively of Expert Africa and recommend to anyone looking for a similar experience." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 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.
