www.tanzania-adventure.com/chole-mjini-mafia-lodge.htm

amazing exotic snorkel with whale sharks my fav.

Mozambique not worth it too far not unique snorkel beach

Tanzania has great options

for beach... TripAdvisor will have reviews/all best options

Have fun,

Where will you be going on safari? Zanzibar is part of Tanzania in East Africa, while Mozambique is more of a southern Africa destination.

Thank you. We are going to Tanzania for Safari. Chole Mijini seems really interesting except that it doesn't have a beach. Does anyone know about the Diamonds star of the east?

Star of the East is horribly expensive... 540 Euros a night for your own villa and butler... really?! If you just want a comfortable place with great food and a lovely beach, check out Pongwe Beach Lodge. I think they have one of the most beautiful beaches on Zanzibar. Their rates are about $200 to $240 for two people, half board. One thing they don't have, however, is air conditioning, but you do get a nice sea breeze. I've also stayed at Shooting Star Lodge, which has AC, but don't like their beach as much. They are on a cliff above the beach, with lots of steps to get down there.

If you're already in Tanzania for safari, doesn't make sense to go to Mozambique. Zanzibar is a short 1/hr flight with some lovely resorts and beaches.

Not familiar with Star of the East, but Barazza is probably as expensive and if that is the price your wish to pay... go for it. However, it is a rather large resort (compared to others half the size, but not in sense of Las Vegas' 5000/rooms), though does get great reviews.

Barazza is one of the 3 "sister" properties, along with Breezes and the luxe Palms (in same range as Barazza, but smaller with only 6 private a/c villas).

Pongwe Beach is a great choice at good price, but often difficult to get space, depending on when visiting and lead time you've had to book.

But there are so many other choices on this island, as Kilindi (only ceiling fans, though there was some mention they might be installing a/c... but might still not be needed). Maybe consider Matemwe Retreat, with a/c... only 3 large villas.

There's Ras Kutani, not on ZNZ itself, but south of DAR thus on the mainland... remote and very romantic, but only ceiling fans, no a/c.

But do check out the many options on Zanzibar, some being very small with less than 10/cottages/villas. There should be something to suit your wishes and budget.

Thank you everyone.

What about Ras Nungwi?

Also recs for luxury camps in Serengeti in Tanzania that would be good for a child?