Customer Reviews

"We had a magical, romantic getaway -no cellphone for a week. beautiful blue warm beaches to swim in - Zanzibar should be on everyone's bucket list"

Lynda S., January 2013 · Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Club

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"We had a wonderful time in Zanzibar. Most amazing beaches, fabulous fresh fish and a great resort. Thanks for your assistance with the arrangements. It all went very smoothly. We will be sure to use you again and refer our friends. The F. family"

Felicity F., January 2013 · Riu Hotel La Gemma D'ell Est

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"Thank you Exotic Vacations. We had a fantastic holiday and all arrangements went smoothly. At Nungwi, Zanzibar, we felt as though we were living inside a screen saver. Situated on the north of the island with the best beaches and powder soft sand, lies the hotel Langi Langi. We were very happy here and stayed in sea facing suites - which is worth the extra cost. The view is stunning. The sea is calm and so warm and perfect in every way you can imagine. You can sit on your balcony and just contemplate the shades of blue. The rooms are clean and pleasantly furnished. You may find woodworm from the beams in the ceiling - but you have a net over the bed so they should not bother you. If you live in Africa this is not likely to concern you. We took malaria meds, but did not see one mosquito. Apparently Zanzibar is no longer a high risk area. We found the food at Langi Langi ok. Too spicy actually. But this is generally the same wherever you eat. It is after all the spice island. Sele - the Rasta chef and co-owner at Langi Langi is an amusing character and eager to please. But the portions at Langi Langi are small in general. My husband ordered prawns one night and got 2 (yes two) prawns. I would recommend staying on bed and breakfast rate only as there are lots of little restaurants along the beach to eat at that are cheaper and just as good. We found Cholo's on the beach next door has fanatastic italian cuisine, and has a choice of items that are not so spicy. If you are into snorkelling - take a trip to Mnemba. We negotiated our own private dhow so that we could make our own decision as to when to leave etc. We were lucky to swim with dolphins too off the beach from the hotel. An unbelievable experience. We had our own dhow again and were able to spend as much time as we wanted with the dolphins. Be careful on the beaches though. If you leave your personal effects for just a minute they are likely to be stolen by one of the beachboys or children on the beach. My son had his t-shirt and sunglasses stolen from under his nose on the beach while playing soccer with the locals. The beachboys are really bothersome. You cannot go and sit on the beach without being hounded. Langi Langi is one of the few hotels that have a deck overlooking the beach and where you can lounge without being bothered but still enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. Alcohol (spirits) is fairly expensive. Take some duty free spirits in with you if you drink gin or whisky etc. A local beer (Kilamanjaro) costs 3500 Zanzi schilling - which is about 2.5 dollars or R22 rand. A bottle of wine costs avg 26000 Zanzi schilling which is about 17 USD or R140. The only negatives we had was the flight delays. Expect delays from Precision airways - they are always delayed. 3 hours out of Zanzibar. We only just made our connecting flight and our luggage was left in Nairobi and we only got it 2 days later. Kenya was also 3 hours late departing out of Johannesburg. And they do not tell you what is going on. If we knew there was a delay out of OR Tambo we could have enjoyed some duty free time. But .... not a word .... so everybody sits (on the floor) at the gate waiting. A word of advice - pack a costume and sarong and perhaps a toothbrush in your hand luggage in case your luggage goes missing. In general - a perfect place to visit at least once in your life time."

Louise H., January 2013 · Langi Langi Beach Bungalows

Our service: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"Hi Lisa, Ons het 'n ongelooflike lekker vakansie by Le Victoria geniet. Alles was perfek gereel en die diens by die hotel was awesome! Baie dankie vir alles. Groete. Shirley K."

Shirley K., January 2013 · Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"We had an awesome time. The reort can definately be classed as 5 star, staff and service was excellent. I would go back again but not over December (too hot) perhaps August?"

Coleen J., January 2013 · Neptune Pwani Beach

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Salome, I do not know how to thank you for recommending Zanzibar and Sea Cliff to us! We had the most amazing time ever and it is going to be extremely hard to top this holiday! The staff at Sea Cliff were amazing, so friendly and nothing was too much trouble for them. The resort was stunning and the view from the Jetty was breathtakingly beautiful. I will load some photos a bit later, I think I must have taken more than 2000 photo’s! I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help with all the arrangements, your quick feedback and responses on all the hundreds of mails from us with all our questions, the advice, the sorting out of our flights when 1Time decided to stop flying etc.! It has just been an absolute amazing, smooth, problem free - experience! We will definitely go back to Zanzibar! Asante Sane! The T. Family"

Elmarie T., January 2013 · Sea Cliff Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Lisa Happy new year. We had a fabulous time, everything was just great!!!! Thank you."

Sibongile S., January 2013 · Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"We had the best time ever at Diamonds Le Gemma Dell'Est - right from the first minute we were picked up at the airport! Our reception at the hotel was short and painless and the staff made us feel welcome immediately. This is a very big hotel but facilities are so many that you never feel crowded by the other guests. The staff (and people of Zanzibar in general) were very friendly and helpful and added a lot to us having a really great time there. We stayed in a Deluxe room - it was avarage but had a aircon and everything else we needed. The food was superb with big a variety for everyone's tastebuds - we stayed there 10 days and they did not repeat the dishes (although we were hoping they would repeat some of it!) Unlike all the other beaches we saw, the beach at our hotel was private with hardly any locals trying to sell you some stuff - thank goodness. We felt safe and spoiled during our entire stay. Be prepared for the sun and humidity - it is very hot there! Try to fly directly to Zanzibar (airport small and hot but people are great) and do not go via Dares Salaam (airport small and hot and people are rude and ineffecient) Hakuna Matata Zanzibar!!"

Leon J., January 2013 · Riu Hotel La Gemma D'ell Est

Our service: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5)

"We had an awesome time at Sea Cliff in celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary - the resort is just beautiful and management & staff made our stay as pleasurable as possible. We will recommend this resort to anyone traveling to Zanzibar - the views, amenities and facilities are stunning. Asante sana Exotic vacations team (Salome & Lisa) for all your efforts in making this dream vacation a reality (in spite of the 1Time fiasco!)"

Bronwyn J., December 2012 · Sea Cliff Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"We just wanted to express our sincere gratitude to you and the Exotic Vacation Team. We have recently returned from our holiday in Zanzibar at Sandies Neptune and all I can say is ‘WOW!!! This has to be one of the most stunning places I have ever been to and I can’t believe the resort is not graded “5 stars” From the moment we landed in Dar Es Salaam we were welcomed by locals, drivers and staff, with not one remotely unhappy face. The staff at Neptune were brilliant, with everybody from the gardeners to Management, so pleasant and helpful. The accommodation was fantastic and the resort as a whole absolutely phenomenal. The gardens are beautiful and very well kept and the pools / bar areas etc, really like something out of a magazine. If you’re looking for a relaxing; beach holiday, this is a must, we were waited on hand, foot and finger! The food, which was buffet style, was diverse and plentiful, with something for everybody. Snacks at pool bars were also brilliant and the “all inclusive’’ package was definitely the way to go (even the house wine is South African – lovely). Yes, the chaps on the beach are a bit pushy, but once you make it clear that you’re not interested, they do leave you alone and we bought some beautiful sarongs, plaques etc from them. My husband and I traveled with our children – 16 & 20 years old, and went on the Safari Blue trip out to the Islands – brilliant again, with snorkeling; swimming and the most beautiful scenery, not to mention the lunch of seafood, and all so fresh!! Due to the heat, we decided against visiting Stone Town, but other guests who went said it was very interesting. The only negative we can identify was the actual travel in that we had to stop at Dar Es Salaam and then catch a flight to Zanzibar, this made for a very long day, with quite lengthy waits in between. It is very hot and humid there and the airport facilities are perhaps a little bit lacking, but still not bad enough to put us off going again  In conclusion, we had a wonderful time and the holiday was worth every penny – would definitely do it again."

Lisa H., December 2012 · Neptune Pwani Beach

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"The trip was wonderful. We all had a lot of fun. The resort is really fantastic and all the personnel so friendly and helpful. I have to admit I loved the toy-room the most because it kept my boys really busy specially when it rained. Even the trip back worked out well. I am attaching a photo of all of us. Thanks again for all your advice and assistance."

Heidi L., December 2012 · Sea Cliff Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"The stay at Sea Cliff Resort & Spa was heaven. Every one from the adults to the kids had fun. We all relaxed and with the wonderful playroom for the kids on hand, this mother even had a nap or two... The only weird thing (on the inclusive packets) was that you had to pay for milk but alcohol was free... :-) Non the less it was an experience that I can recommend for any family. The accommodation is wonderful and the personnel is very friendly and helpful. Thanks so much"

Heidi L., December 2012 · Sea Cliff Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Dear Zita. Thank you, and a very big thank you to you for recommending the Royal Zanzibar. I must admit, if you had not recommended Royal Zanzibar, we would not have gone there. Nungwi beach, where Royal Zanzibar is located, is by far the best beach we have been too. Yes, we have been to Mauritius, Bali, and Thailand. All the staff at the hotel outdid themselves in trying to please us. The food even for a vegetarian like myself was absolutely divine. There was always, a great selection for me to choose from. Furthermore, there was always an endless supply of Freshly baked pizzas. Being Indians, we always like our food spicy, so on request, we always got some Swahili chillies to spike our food. The selection of teas was also really good, as was the selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The one comment by a previous traveler on the website, that convinced me to go with Royal Zanzibar, was that the spaces were so big, that the pools were always empty. I must say, that we really liked the idea of large spaces, and even though the hotel was filled to capacity over the weekend, people were not on top of each other, and yes, since there were so many pools, all the pools felt empty at all times. The animation team also did a great job in presenting shows, organizing walks, stretching, aqua gym, and volley ball. Overall, it was a great place to unwind and relax. Cherry on the top was the beautiful sunset everyday. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the sun setting daily on the beach. It was always spectacular. The only downside to this whole trip was the journey there and back. I truly cursed 1time for letting us down, and causing us so much of travel time, as we were really robbed off on 2 whole days at this beautiful paradise. Anyways, thank again for your recommendation. We have convinced all our families to go there for their vacation. With regards Veena"

Veena D., December 2012 · The Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Heidi, Baie dankie vir al die reelings ons het dit werklik verskriklik geniet. Ek sal julle beslis weer gebruik. Groete,"

Juanita J., November 2012 · Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Cian/Heidi, Thanks a lot for the lovely holiday we enjoyed it to the fullest with out any issues. Thanks for making our holiday a lovely one you are a star. Regards Gugu"

Gugulethu M., November 2012 · Club Med Kani

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Zita Thank you for arranging our Mauritius trip, it was very nice and we enjoyed it thoroughly. We used Faizal for our catamaran trip and you were right he was actually half the price of the tour operators. He deserves the recommendation and any business that might generate. Will definitely recommend others to also make use of you. Thanx Regards Rudi"

Rudi P., November 2012 · Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Salome, Ons het die vlug gehaal en 'n heerlike vakansie gehad!! Oral waar ek kom hoor mense van ons vakansie en antwoord gewoonlik dat hulle nog altyd Zanzibar toe wil gaan - hierop antwoord ek altyd dat hulle van julle diens gebruik moet maak aangesien dit so persoonlik is ook dat hulle by Sea Cliff moet gaan bly. Dit was absoluut wonderlik!! Ons is net baie bly ons het nie 'n week later gtrou nie, want dan sou ons dalk gestrand gewees het met 1time se finansiele krisis! ...nie dat ek sou omgee nie. Dit was eerlikwaar so gerustellend om te weet ons kan jou kontak as iets sou skeef loop. Dus wil ek net vir jou baie dankie sê vir die puik diens wat ons ontvang het. Ons sal julle verseker weer kontak vir ons volgende vakansie! Vriendelike groete, Dirk en Annette"

Annette E., November 2012 · Sea Cliff Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Zanzibar was really an awesome island beach holiday! I highly recommend doing the private tours to Stone Town, the Spice tour and the Blue Safari or Dolphin Tours. We had a lovely stay at Sandies Mapenzi Beach Club and with such friendly staff our holiday was made even more special. I would highly recommend the full board package then you don't need to worry about a thing. Thanks Salome at Exotic Vacations for your excellent assistance!"

Chanel K., November 2012 · Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Club

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi A big thank you to Exotic Vacations for everything!!! We had the honeymoon of our lives and the service was excellent from the transport companies that were arranged by Exotic Vacations! The hotels were amazing and we were treated like royalty!! A special thanks to Zita at Exotic Vacations for her excellent and professional service in assisting us with whatever we needed! We will definately use Exotic Vacations again!"

Dean M., October 2012 · Neptune Pwani Beach

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"We had such an amazing week at Shandrani with my family and parents. I would highly recommend the resort."

Craig F., October 2012 · Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Heidi en Salome Baie dankie vir 'n heerlike vakansie. Baie dankie ook vir die uitstekende reelings wat julle getref het van besprekings van sitplekke tot die toere wat deur julle mense in Zanzibar vir ons gereel is. Dis 'n plesier om met julle besigheid te doen. La Gemma is fantasties, kos uitstekend, en die "all inclusive" pakket het weereens bewys dis die moeite werd, behalwe dat ek nou 3kg swaarder is! Weereens baie dankie vir julle moeite en uitstekende diens! Baie dankie julle! Ronel H."

Ronel H., October 2012 · Riu Hotel La Gemma D'ell Est

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Heidi en Salome Baie dankie vir 'n heerlike vakansie. Baie dankie ook vir die uitstekende reelings wat julle getref het van besprekings van sitplekke tot die toere wat deur julle mense in Zanzibar vir ons gereel is. Dis 'n plesier om met julle besigheid te doen. La Gemma is fantasties, kos uitstekend, en die "all inclusive" pakket het weereens bewys dis die moeite werd, behalwe dat ek nou 3kg swaarder is! Weereens baie dankie vir julle moeite en uitstekende diens! Baie dankie julle! Ronel H."

Ronel H., October 2012 · Riu Hotel La Gemma D'ell Est

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Salome I would like to thank you for a fabulous vacation my wife and I had recently. I will certainly consider Exotic Vacations for future holidays. We went on a spice tour; Stone town and took a ferry to Dar Es Salaam for a day’s visit, what an experience that was. We had a good time at the Sandies Mapenzi, thanks to the staff and the chef. Kind regards, Karabo & Inno"

Karabo M., October 2012 · Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Club

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Salome I would like to thank you for a fabulous vacation my wife and I had recently. I will certainly consider Exotic Vacations for future holidays. We went on a spice tour; Stone town and took a ferry to Dar Es Salam for a day’s visit, what an experience that was. We had a good time at the Sandies Mapenzi, thanks to the staff and the chef. Kind regards, Karabo & Inno"

Karabo M., October 2012 · Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Club

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)