Reviews of trips to Stone Town
358 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.
"Fantatstic"
Would be hard to follow that experience and beat it and so our beach expereinces were good, but not really comparable
Zanzibar has to compete hard with safari due to the nature of what is available on each type of holiday. Beho Beho being amaziny, beaches being great, but not comparable.
Also the "Safari Blue" in Zanzibar is a bit of a let down, 200/300 people all crammed onto one sand island was a bit of a shock" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
"Holiday of a Lifetime"
Expert Africa's advice was terrific, always professional and always timely in their responses.
One negative - the recommendation of $10 per person per day as a tip is, we feel, over generous. We are always happy to voluntarily reward good service, but there seems to be an excessive tendency of expectation by most staff, in all accommodations and places, which is to-say-the-least off-putting. To facilitate this 'expectation culture' is counter-productive." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday
"Wildlife and relaxation"
All the arrangements worked perfectly and the people of the country as well as those working for the tour companies and hotels were kind, helpful and very friendly." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
"We all loved it and can't wait to get back"
Anna Devereux is the best travel agent I have ever dealt with. I am quite demanding/ pernickety but she was always more than glad to answer any query with alarming efficiency. As I told her - sometimes it seemed she was working for us and noone else. Her recommendations were spot on. Anna was also willing to get involved when issues came up during the holiday (Zambian airways flight overbooking/ disasterours last-minute trip to Ngorongoro (not booked through Expert)). Real value-added travel agency." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
"Amazing"
"Hope only one of many holidays of a lifetime"
Only one problem. We did not book a trip to Jozani Forest but it was recommended to us whlst on safari. We realised we would pass it on route to Unguija so asked the driver if we could stop and visit it. He agreed but said it was normally US$60 per person but for us only US$30 each. We disagreed and said we would sort it out with his head office. He took 12,000 shillings each for the entrance fee each which we later saw should have been only 10,000 each.
When we arrived at Unguija he again asked us for the US$60 witnessed by the owner Ralf. Again we declined and but asked him to get his head office to contact us when back at the Serena. The same drive collected us for Unguija and again asked for the money. We have never been asked by Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents themselves. US$60 for waiting for 90 minutes seemed wrong and we suspected he was asking for money for himself.
The driver [Ed: from Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents] who took us to the airport on our last day could not have been more helpful with expediting us through checkin, passport controt etc.
I am a little concerned ther may be one rottern apple in Expert Africa's Zanzibar agents." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday
""
Quilalea is a very distinct experience and well worth the money.
For Mozambique it would have been good to have had a variety of places to choose from to visit, eg Ilha de Mozambique.
Maputo was very interesting and underrated." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Mozambique holiday
"Safari & beach combo"
In the Stone Town make sure you visit Archipelago at lunchtime and Livingstone Beach in the evening.
Coastal Aviation helpfully held the Dar - Selous flight to wait for the delayed BA" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
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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.
