Aya Sophia Villa Garden Hotel

My experience at this premises was terrible. The locations you will find is impossible to get to, you will need a safari jeep and it’s also badly sign posted. In terms of the staff they really do try and give a good service but the lack of English is a little hard to communicate with them. The food was average just mostly deep fried, breakfast service wasn’t pleasant at all. In terms of the animals on the park it’s very sad to see the way they are cared for, I would of never booked this place if I seen it was listed as a zoo, there is a poorly giraffe there which is locked alone in a area with no trees or natural resources which is heartbreaking to witness. Overall I feel we was scammed for the price paid to stay and experience this.

The place of our dreams. Welcoming atmosphere, the room is fantastic, the bathroom is speechless. Great food, we had breakfast with fresh fruit, eggs, toast and dinner with typical food. Outdoor swimming pools, spa is also available, men and women saunas. Many spots to take beautiful pictures. Ocean view from the top and the surprise is the area where you can see giraffes, zebras, antilopes, birds. I recommend you to see the sunrise in the morning. One of the best and beautiful hotel I have never seen in my life

I went to Aya Sophia when the hotel first opened and I have just stayed there again. By far the best family hotel in Dar es Salaam. The food was ok the first time we stayed but a few days ago it was fantastic, fresh quality produce available when ever one of my four kids got hungry. Interacting with staff was fun, everyone was so friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. Located on one of the cleanest untouched beaches in Tanzania. The animals speak for them selves, just mind blowing. Beach tick, animals tick, pools tick, food tick, staff tick, green garden tick, safety tick, Aya Sophia TICK Thanks to all the staff

Review: Overall, my experience at this place had its ups and downs. Here's a breakdown: Pros: - The accommodation was pleasant, with amenities like a sauna, pool, and even a small zoo and beach area. - The gym, while not extensive, was sufficient for a basic workout. - The staff were generally friendly, although language barriers were evident, except with supervisors. - The food was decent, although nothing exceptional stood out. Cons: - Unfortunately, the zoo's location right at the front of the beach, separated by a fence, was disappointing. This placement not only obstructed the animals' views but also blocked beachgoers from seeing them. It would have made more sense to place the zoo at the back. - The lack of a bar or alcohol service was surprising and felt somewhat exclusionary, considering not all guests may share the same cultural or religious preferences. - The abundance of grass on the property led to frequent noise from lawnmowers throughout the day, disrupting the peace and quiet. - Entertainment options were lacking, making the atmosphere feel dull and uninviting. Guests seeking lively activities may need to create their own fun. - Access to the hotel was hindered by water flooding directly outside the entrance, with no suitable vehicle provided to navigate through it. Guests should ensure their transportation can handle such conditions, preferably a 4x4. In conclusion, while there were some positive aspects to the experience, the negatives, such as the zoo placement and lack of entertainment, detracted from the overall enjoyment. I feel the for the price of 250 usd per night the value is poor. You are paying for the private villa.