gpotvin

We (couple 60 & 63) will be in Tanzania for 4+ weeks, three weeks with an NGO near Iringa and 6 days on a safari in the Serengeti/Norongoro/Lake Manyara area. We will have four days on Zanzibar before we go home on February 2 and are trying to come up with a plan for that time. We want to spend a day or two in Stonetown and the rest on a beach somewhere. We would appreciate a mid-range suggestion ($100 +/-) for lodging in Stonetown. We have read reviews about many of the beach areas but are having a problem differentiating. We will want to mainly do R&R, but would like to be able to swim and lounge. Nothing special needed. Thanks.

BillonSafari

Dear Gpotvin: We stayed at Emerson & Green in Stonetown which had lots of charm and a great view from its roof top restaurant, I understand that it has changed hands and you'd want more current information before booking a room.

I am a bit puzzled as to why you're traveling to the Serengeti/Norongoro/Lake Manyara for a safari rather than to Ruaha and/or Selous since once you are in Iringa you are within driving distance of Ruaha.

Have a great trip. Bill

sandi

February is "summer" in East Africa, and while Selous or Ruaha as suggest above would be closest, it is also even hotter than in the north due to so much brush... that "close" feeling of not being able to breathe.

It is somewhat more comfortable in the northern circuit, besides this is the perfect place to connect with the "calving" of the wildeies in the Ndutu/Southeast Serengeti area.

As to Zanzibar, this too will be hot and because it is tropical, very humid. While most all properties have ceiling fans, many prefer air conditioning when visiting the coastal areas and which prices will be higher than $100/person (let alone for 2). But, there are plenty properties (those with names as cottages or bungalows) that should meet your low budget. Bear in mind this is also a peak travel period for Europeans.

As to 236 Hurumzi (formerly Emerson & Green) is in Stone Town and rather expensive. They do have a/c, but no pool and not close to any beach for R&R.

Check out this site: www.encounterzanzibar.com/index.htm for a list of numerous hotels/resorts/cottages/bungalows on the island. Check for those on the north, northeast or southeast.

gpotvin

BillonSafari: Thanks. After doing a lot of research, it appears that the northern circuit is best during January and February, so thus the choice.

The price I quoted was for Stonetown. We realize we will spend quite a bit more at a beach area. Sorry for the confusion.

ShayTay

Tembo House in Stone Town in on the water and close to most areas you might want to visit. For the beach, I like Pongwe Beach Resort, which is reasonably priced. No air conditioning, though, just ceiling fans. If AC is needed, you might consider Shooting Star further up the coast. Both should be affordable, although Pongwe's beach is nicer.

Malpa

Hi,

We recently stayed at the Clove Hotel in Stone Town.

It was reasonably priced, central and small.

krissya72

Last August we stayed for three nights at Langi Langi in Nungwi, Zanzibar. Right on the ocean with incredible views. The staff were amazing and took care of us! It is right next to the best beach bar in the world Cholos - which you have to check out. In Stonetown, we stayed at the Tembo House - very good location, clean, and you can walk to all the shops. While in Stonetown - head to Livingstone's Restaurant / bar on the beach and watch the incredible sunsets. Also in Stonetown go to the outdoor food market (the name is escaping me right now). Kebobs of any type of meat/seafood you want and you must try the Zanzibar pizzas. Enjoy!

lilla

We stayed at Tembo House in Stonetown in late March. It was convenient to most of the town, and we enjoyed our meals there.

live42day

We also stayed at Tembo house and like the location and the hotel was clean and good resteraunt