Tanzania Safari and Beach at Zanzibar

Tanzania Safari and Beach at Zanzibar Multi Centre Holiday - Safari in Tanzania plus a relaxing stay at the La Gemma Dell ’Est luxury resort on the best beach in Zanzibar – Full Board on the safari and All Inclusive at the beach.   Hi Simon We just wanted to thank you for the amazing safari you organised in Tanzania and week on the beach in Zanzibar. The Safari tour taking in national parks at Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongor crater and the Serengeti was impeccably well organised, we were well looked after at all times and importantly felt safe and secure with our own personal safari tour guide. The various accommodations all surpassed our expectations but the farmhouse at Ngorongoro crater was especially well appointed and comfortable - we could have spent a week there relaxing!  The tented camps were also extremely comfortable and the food provided throughout was fantastic. The people in Tanzania are extremely friendly and happy to help make your stay comfortable.  The tour does cover a large area - some 2500km in a week - driving transfer times between locations are accurate and not to be underestimated. Take American dollars in small denominations which the majority of outlets and tour operators accept.  Tipping is customary, again in small dollar denominations for good service but more for your tour guide. You can haggle in most gift shops and expect to pay roughly half of what the seller starts out at! Prices in dollars are roughly what you would expect to pay in pounds in the UK - its not as cheap as you might imagine - a beer is 4 to 5 dollars, a soft drink 1.5 - 2 dollars. The Diamonds hotel in Zanzibar was really of a high quality, our room was spacious, well-appointed and cleaned daily with lovely touches from the housekeeper.  Most rooms look down towards the sea (don't choose a garden room as they are at the front of the resort overlooking tennis courts). There is a section of private beach for guests to enjoy with loungers and access to a public beach and the sea, though numerous 'sellers' patrol the public beach area hoping to sell you the most random of items. Security guards posted on the beach do a good job of stopping these sellers pestering guests; while not aggressive, they can be persistent! The water is warm, safe and not tidal like other parts of the island.  The bar on the pier over the water is stunning for taking in the sunset with a drink and the restaurant offers a range of different foods which are of a high quality. Themes differ throughout the week and we were surprised at just how good the food was.  The drinks included were also of a high quality, South African wine, local beers and of course, branded soft drinks. The hotel accepts dollars but appear to prefer Euros.  The spa and gift shop are nice but on the expensive side.  Trips can be organised to various parts of the island though the journey into Stonetown takes a good hour as does the airport transfer so we would suggest filling a day with 2 half day trips. Once again, thanks for another stunning holiday! Chris & Mel. Photo: Bars – Daimonds La Gemma Dell ‘Est (hotel) - 49