Monday 22 February 2010

Electricity Update

Today was supposed to be the day mains electricity was restored to Zanzibar, unfortunately this has now been postponed until the 28th Feb. We will of course keep you updated.

Did you know?

The baobab tree lives for thousands of years, longer by far than any other plants and creatures in Africa. Not only is it able to survive and flourish in the harshest conditions, it also provides valuable resources for those who live within its sphere.

Thursday 18 February 2010

Client Feedback

Hi Ed, as promised I thought I would let you know what our thoughts of our holiday were.

Firstly the Z Hotel, we really liked the hotel and the location. The room was fantastic - we reckoned the best there, better than the Z suite as it had a sun terrace whereas the Z suite didn't appear to have any space to sunbath on - it all appreared to be covered by the roofing. We also thought it was better than the ocean view cottages - although they now have a big screen which shields them from view from the restaurant.

The food was fabulous but to be fair we only ate at the hotel 2 nights of the 10 we went outside to the local places the other nights. We ate at the 2 seafood BBQ nights at the hotel and the food was really really good freshly cooked in front of you. I am not a buffet fan as you know but they served it to us on the first week for my birthday so we went back on the second week as it was so nice.

My only criticism would be the service from the staff - one or two were good but we thought that some of them were lethargic and even lazy. For example when around the poolside they wouldn't come and ask if you wanted a drink you had to go to the bar and they also sat and watched you struggle to move sunbeds and put up umbrellas. I would have to say there were one or two who did help but most were happy to hide behind the bar and text on their mobile phones. I think Keith the owner should make a trip to Unguja Lodge!!

Talking of which what a fantastic place this was!! We absolutely loved it there. The place was beautiful, the staff out of this world and the owners were so wonderful and attentive. You are right in saying that the beach here is not anywhere near as good as Nungwi but that didn't seem to matter. We wished we had spent all 13 nights here we loved it so much. The villas are great and the location is fab but what really makes it are the owners and the staff - we felt really spoilt. They even set up a candlelit meal on the beach with a cake for my birthday which was a complete suprise and was so wonderful it made me cry!! Elies also made me a birthday card that was on the bed when we arrived!!

We saw monkeys roaming around the grounds - it really is a special place. We can't wait to go back hopefully next year. I am not one for returning to places but we just loved it so much here that we will definately return.

It is hard to comment on the Zanzibar Palace hotel as we arrived at midday and left at 6am the next monring. We had a great room and loved the outdoor bathroom and outside sun deck. We didn't like Stone Town - it was a dump!!!! I think next time I will stay at the beautiful Unguja Lodge and get up at 3am!!!!

Hope some of this helps!!!

You said that because of the change from the Dolphin View that we would get a $160 refund - will this be paid back onto the credit card I paid with?

Thanks for all your help in sorting out our holiday we really did have a great time. We thought the Z Hotel was fantastic until we went to Unguja Lodge - your girlfriend was right!!!

Kind regards and thanks Debbie.

Power Update

The government of Zanzibar has announced that the extended power blackout the island has generally been faced with since December last year, will come to an end once repair works are completed by the end of this week.

What's more, in an effort to avert a similar crisis in future, the government plans to have a new power cable with a capacity of 100MW to replace the existing older one by 2012. Meanwhile, back-up generators, which have already been purchased in Norway, are anticipated to be on the island within the next 4 to 5 weeks.

Source: Serena Hotels

Tuesday 16 February 2010

Client Feedback

just wanted to say thank you!!

fab recommendation, place and people totally wonderful, travel plans so well sorted and had a really great time. |Just, dare I say it..... too hot, almost pleased to be chucking a jumper on today!!

will shout your and their praises to everyone

thaks again xx

Sam

Monday 15 February 2010

Client Feedback

Hi Susie,

I just wanted to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to you for all your help in arranging our recent holiday to Tanzania and Zanzibar. We had the most amazing time and saw the most amazing things. All your suggestions worked out perfectly and the bookings and transfers were all according to plan.

I’m still on a holiday high and it wouldn’t have been quite the same without your knowledge and expertise. So thank you once again. It was a holiday of a lifetime and I’ll be forever grateful.

Kind regards

Jo

Diving & Snorkeling Report from Zanzibar Watersports

December saw amazingly flat waters, brilliant snorkeling and superb diving. There was huge excitement when mantas were spotted at one of our deep dive sites in the Pemba channel – Leven Banks - and the fishermen have been spotting more and more hammerheads in that area whilst fishing!

A busy time of year for everyone, we have taken record numbers of people to Mnemba Marine Conservation Area for the best diving and snorkeling Zanzibar has to offer.

We've been keeping a tally and are pleased to announce that pods of dolphins are spotted on 9 out of 10 of our recent trips to Mnemba Atoll and there's often a chance to swim with them if they're in the mood!

Tuesday 9 February 2010

Baraza - Overview

Baraza has magically captured the very essence of the mystique and exoticism of Zanzibar. From the spectacular entrance, which features a series of Swahili arches which, in repetition, frame the spectacular natural beauty of this magical location, through to the restaurants and bars which showcase Cement Barazas replete with silk cushions and candlelit lanterns, through to the villas where every detail has been considered. Hand carvings adorn the cement walls, Antique Zanzibar doors frame spaces and buildings flow in all shades of cream and caramel accented with twinkling hand carved brass lanterns, ceramic pots, Zanzibari antiques and brushed mosaic stone floors.

Each private, luxury villa is an expression of Swahili design and features sumptuous King Beds, with its own separate living room, outdoor terrace which is framed by arches, luxury bathrooms, a private plunge pool and its own Sultans Lounge.

Combine this with spectacular gardens, Zanzibari hospitality, a world class spa featuring its own lap pool, a kitchen showcasing the seafood, spices and abundance of fruits and vegetables that the island has to offer and this is the ideal location to experience the heady and hypnotic magic of Zanzibar while enjoying the luxuries of premier world class hotel services and facilities.

The Palms - Overview

The Palms was selected by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the Top 30 island beaches in the world-and recommended as the place to stay. Couple this with an exclusive 3 page article in the prestigious American Town and Country magazine, articles in Woman magazine, Elle, Architectural Digest, Cosmopolitan and the vote of confidence from BBC Holiday Show which chose The Palms and Zanzibar as the #1 island destination of the world. The Palms continues to make its name as the premier boutique beach accommodation in Zanzibar.

Breezes Beach Club - Overview

Breezes Beach Club retains its place as Zanzibar's favourite resort. With its signature design, flair and hospitality it continues to set standards on the island of Zanzibar. It was featured as one of the 30 destinations in Conde Nast Traveller's Top 30 island beaches of the world. The renovation of all the guest room bathrooms has completed the final renovation phase. In addition to this we are delighted to announce the opening of our Hair salon which offers styling, head massage and hair treatments.

Thursday 4 February 2010

Client Feedback

Good afternoon Ed,

Just a quick note to thank you very much for a wonderful break in Zanzibar - we loved Breezes and thoroughly enjoyed our relaxing break!

Sam and I are hoping to do a yearly escape from the cold weather so please feel free to send me any special offers!

Best

Tess

Wednesday 3 February 2010

Karafuu Update

We are pleased to inform you that we have decided to upgrade and renovate some of the facilities at Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort, Zanzibar.

As a result, we will have to close for approximately 2 weeks from April 28th 2010 to May 9th 2010 inclusive.

We will be undertaking some refurbishments and standard maintenance as well, so as to enhance the service and product that we are offering our clients.

Client Feedback

Hi Nick,

I hope you are well?

I would just like to thank you for organizing our honeymoon for us, Zanzibar is a fantastic place. We loved every minute of our time there. Sad to be back home now.
But you made our honeymoon perfect and made Fran a very happy wife.

Thank you for everything

Cheers

Matt

Tuesday 2 February 2010

Migration Update from LLA

Unusually, the heavy rains continued in Northern Tanzania for the best part of January, with conditions very similar to those during the rains of 98/99. Basically we had el NiƱo number ‘dos’, making the operation of safaris in the parks very ‘adventurous’ to say the least! However, this obviously did not put off any of the animals who were basking in the lush pastures and made for some great animal viewing for our clients. The migration for the whole of January was in full swing around the Ndutu area, with the plains just covered with black dots. The cats were out in full force trying to get the catch of the day! We are looking forward to February which is traditionally the start of the calving season and we are certain that all the clients are going to have some great experiences…..we just hope that Ndutu dries out a bit and we don’t have to have mud baths!

Diving & Snorkeling Report from Zanzibar Watersports

December saw amazingly flat waters, brilliant snorkeling and superb diving. There was huge excitement when mantas were spotted at one of our deep dive sites in the Pemba channel – Leven Banks - and the fishermen have been spotting more and more hammerheads in that area whilst fishing!

A busy time of year for everyone, we have taken record numbers of people to Mnemba Marine Conservation Area for the best diving and snorkeling Zanzibar has to offer.

We've been keeping a tally and are pleased to announce that pods of dolphins are spotted on 9 out of 10 of our recent trips to Mnemba Atoll and there's often a chance to swim with them if they're in the mood!

Unguja Lodge Update

We thought they were only to be found on Chumbe Island and Kwale Island but...we found a COCONUT CRAB close to villa 7 in our own lodge.

The sea is absolutely beautiful these months. With the wind coming from the North, Menai Bay is shielded. This means flat seas, very clear water of a stunning colour and with nice temperature. Yesterday around 17.00 pm with high tide, we found all our guests swimming in the sea. Lovely!

Unguja Lodge manages well with the Zanzibar electricity problem. So far guests have noticed hardly anything. We run our big gemerator during the day from 07.00-23.00h and only switch if off from 11.00-12.00 and from 16.00-18.00h. At these times most guests are out (on the beach) or at the pool. During the night (23.00-07.00h) we run a smaller generator so our guests can use light and fans in the villas.

Monday 1 February 2010

Sauti za Busara Music Festival – Zanzibar

The seventh edition of the Sauti za Busara music festival will take place in Zanzibar, 11-16 February 2010.

Power Update

There has been no mainline power on the island and unfortunately, per a recent Zanzibar Government announcement, it is not expected to be restored until 22 February.

According to the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators. Operators and visitors to Zanzibar that the island is well equipped to deal with this temporary situation as power outages are commonplace and generator backup is provided in all hotels and resorts. Therefore all services including tourism, communication and transportation continue to function with no significant or noticeable disruption.

Zanzibar Runway Closed

Zanzibar's runway will be closed for upgrades every Tuesday in March and first 2 in April 2010.