Reviews of trips to Stone Town
358 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Stone Town.
Miss TL
SW London
"My Oct 2016 trip"
I visited Zanzibar between 12 Oct 2016 and 24 Oct 2016
"I thoughly enjoyed my trip and would go back to Zanzibar and both hotels again. The trip lived up to my expectations and I found Zanzibar to be a very warm and a welcoming place to be. I just hope that there is not too much large hotel development allowed as this would, in my opinion, spoil the fabric of what is Zanzibar today.
Both the hotels were excellent and very good value for money. The staff were very friendly and helpful and both Russell and Heidi need to be commended on the staff and the service provided.
The guide who was booked for me by Expert Travel to do the walking tour of stone Town was very good, knowledgable and gave a good insight into Zanziabr and it's history.
The taxi driver was the same one who picked up form the airport, drove me to Emerson Spice and to Pongwe Beach and to the airport again. It was lovely it was the same gentleman who was very friendly and keen to show me the island and culture.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I found Expert Africa to be excellent at what they do. I was provided with all the information I could want and nothing was too much trouble.
My questions were answered in a timely manner and I liked and found the guide book and folder that was provided for holding tickets etc to be very useful.
I would definitely use Expert Africa again and would recommend you as a tour company to other people.
I am thinking of going to Namibia next year and will definitely be in contact with you if I decide to go." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday
Both the hotels were excellent and very good value for money. The staff were very friendly and helpful and both Russell and Heidi need to be commended on the staff and the service provided.
The guide who was booked for me by Expert Travel to do the walking tour of stone Town was very good, knowledgable and gave a good insight into Zanziabr and it's history.
The taxi driver was the same one who picked up form the airport, drove me to Emerson Spice and to Pongwe Beach and to the airport again. It was lovely it was the same gentleman who was very friendly and keen to show me the island and culture.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I found Expert Africa to be excellent at what they do. I was provided with all the information I could want and nothing was too much trouble.
My questions were answered in a timely manner and I liked and found the guide book and folder that was provided for holding tickets etc to be very useful.
I would definitely use Expert Africa again and would recommend you as a tour company to other people.
I am thinking of going to Namibia next year and will definitely be in contact with you if I decide to go." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Teddington
"A wonderful safari and an excellent holiday"
I visited Tanzania and 2 other countries between 6 Oct 2016 and 23 Oct 2016
"Our trip was truly wonderful. We had an amazing safari in Botswana a few years ago, but this beat it, both in terms of the range of game we saw and the quality of the accommodation.
Everything went like clockwork, it was very relaxing but also an intense safari experience.
Our final week on the Zanzibar beach at Pongwe Beach Hotel was the ultimate in exotic pampered chilling out - very informal and laid back with just the right mix of excellent service, great food, and wow location.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As everything worked so well, and the advice we were given was so good, I can't think of anything to improve it - just keep it up!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Everything went like clockwork, it was very relaxing but also an intense safari experience.
Our final week on the Zanzibar beach at Pongwe Beach Hotel was the ultimate in exotic pampered chilling out - very informal and laid back with just the right mix of excellent service, great food, and wow location.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As everything worked so well, and the advice we were given was so good, I can't think of anything to improve it - just keep it up!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr/Ms S
Seattle, WA
"Our Zanzibar Trip - September 2016"
I visited Zanzibar between 25 Sep 2016 and 1 Oct 2016
"On the whole, our visit to Zanzibar was delightful and the holiday arrangements made for us by Expert Africa were very satisfactory. We applaud James Denny for his assistance and responsiveness throughout our planning process and trip. We cannot say enough good things about Matemwe Lodge -- it is a fabulous retreat. Our initial disappointment with our room at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel was quickly addressed with a move to a better room. Our thanks to James and the Expert Africa staff for their assistance."
Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
The HBs
London
"Tanzania trip September 2016"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 14 Sep 2016 and 26 Sep 2016
"A very well thought out trip for which we received excellent advice from Expert Africa (James Denny). In particular, the order of visiting the camps was perfect in that, had we visited Mwagusi first the sheer volume of game in Ruaha may have led us to be a little disappointed in Selous. That said, our guide at Impala Camp was truly outstanding in that we saw more than others staying at the same time due to his patience and desire that we understood the animal behaviour. By spending time observing the animals with him, we saw the full story of a lion kill from them first being alerted to a wounded wildebeest to the kill itself and the subsequent family hierarchy in action for the "feast". Often we were the only observers of significant wildlife events which made it very special.
In addition the choice of camps suited us much better than, for example, the Serengeti. We wanted quiet and remote and that is exactly what we got, combined with plenty of wildlife action. A nice bonus is that both camps were better than we had expected, from facilities to food to service.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Our whole experience with Expert Africa has been excellent.
Nothing springs to mind as needing improvement which tells you a lot about the service you have provided to us." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
In addition the choice of camps suited us much better than, for example, the Serengeti. We wanted quiet and remote and that is exactly what we got, combined with plenty of wildlife action. A nice bonus is that both camps were better than we had expected, from facilities to food to service.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Our whole experience with Expert Africa has been excellent.
Nothing springs to mind as needing improvement which tells you a lot about the service you have provided to us." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The H family
Fulham
"Family trip"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 11 Sep 2016 and 20 Sep 2016
"The trip exceeded our expectations, not often you can say that..
All the places we stayed we would recommend. A great combination of safari and relaxing by the beach." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
All the places we stayed we would recommend. A great combination of safari and relaxing by the beach." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr M
USA
"Zanzibar Sept 10-14"
I visited Zanzibar between 10 Sep 2016 and 14 Sep 2016
"Thanks for organizing this for us. My only concern was double booking of the Stonetown Tour guides."
Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs E
Surrey
"Great time in Tanzania"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 2 Sep 2016 and 13 Sep 2016
"We had a wonderful holiday, with lots of variety. Both camps we stayed in were excellent and offered different game viewing experiences.
Stone Town provided a completely different 'town' experience, while Chumbe was the perfect place for relaxation. Staff everywhere we stayed were first-class.
All our connections worked perfectly. Many thanks to Liz for organising everything so competently." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Stone Town provided a completely different 'town' experience, while Chumbe was the perfect place for relaxation. Staff everywhere we stayed were first-class.
All our connections worked perfectly. Many thanks to Liz for organising everything so competently." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms M
Canada
"Incredibly satisfied with Expert Africa"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 6 Jun 2016 and 22 Jun 2016
"My trip was incredible. If I had to do it all over again, I would not change a thing. If I ever get a chance to go to Africa again ( I really hope to!) I will absolutely use Expert Africa and Elizabeth Chapman to help me with my planning and booking again!
I am 110% satisfied and will recommend you in Canada!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
I am 110% satisfied and will recommend you in Canada!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr M & Ms O
UK
"My Jan 2016 trip"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 12 Jan 2016 and 27 Jan 2016
"Great Trip as stated above.
The interesting one is the comparison between Saruni and Elephant.
We gather most people spend 3 days in Samburu and then move on to the Mara.
Somewhere we find a little busy while Samburu remains relatively quiet.
Most game drives centre around the river on your doorstep at Elephant a good hours drive from Saruni
but for us Saruni had the best location but only just!
These two camps compliment each other perfectly, the big bonus because Saruni is in a concession area it affords night drives something you cannot do at Elephant.
This opens up a whole new amazing nocturnal experience and for me filming a pair of stunning Aardwolf for the second year running was special.
So there you go the choice is yours! Some say the wildlife is better in the Mara and of course there is an element of luck
But we saw Lion everyday inc a mating,Leopards every day,Cheetah and the 5 unique animals that live there (google it!)
Sadly missed the Wild Dogs but only by a few days! And we love this park!
Cheers" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
The interesting one is the comparison between Saruni and Elephant.
We gather most people spend 3 days in Samburu and then move on to the Mara.
Somewhere we find a little busy while Samburu remains relatively quiet.
Most game drives centre around the river on your doorstep at Elephant a good hours drive from Saruni
but for us Saruni had the best location but only just!
These two camps compliment each other perfectly, the big bonus because Saruni is in a concession area it affords night drives something you cannot do at Elephant.
This opens up a whole new amazing nocturnal experience and for me filming a pair of stunning Aardwolf for the second year running was special.
So there you go the choice is yours! Some say the wildlife is better in the Mara and of course there is an element of luck
But we saw Lion everyday inc a mating,Leopards every day,Cheetah and the 5 unique animals that live there (google it!)
Sadly missed the Wild Dogs but only by a few days! And we love this park!
Cheers" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs A
Surrey
"Tanzania safari during the 'short rains'"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 26 Nov 2015 and 10 Dec 2015
"We had a great time overall, but as always in Africa, plans do not always go directly as you intended, so it is important to remain travel wise.
The safari section of our trip was quite tiring, with early morning game drives and moving camp every couple of days, although this is exactly what we had expected, so were prepared. This was the first time that we had visited Africa during a rainy season, so expected a different experience to our previous trips. It was lovely to save the best safari camp to last and then to relax in Zanzibar for a 3 nights - even though the heat and humidity hit us hard.
It was very helpful to have the experience and suggestions from Expert Africa to help us plan the trip as their knowledge of the individual camps and hotels is extensive.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
This was our seventh trip to Africa booked through Expert Africa, which precisely sums up our view of their expertise.
Looking forward to number eight!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
The safari section of our trip was quite tiring, with early morning game drives and moving camp every couple of days, although this is exactly what we had expected, so were prepared. This was the first time that we had visited Africa during a rainy season, so expected a different experience to our previous trips. It was lovely to save the best safari camp to last and then to relax in Zanzibar for a 3 nights - even though the heat and humidity hit us hard.
It was very helpful to have the experience and suggestions from Expert Africa to help us plan the trip as their knowledge of the individual camps and hotels is extensive.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
This was our seventh trip to Africa booked through Expert Africa, which precisely sums up our view of their expertise.
Looking forward to number eight!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
358
reviews of Stone Town by travellers since August 2007
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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.
