Aya Sophia Villa Garden Hotel

1. They do not provide a baby cot, but when you ask Reservstions before booking, they confirm it. 2. You have to pay $75 if you want an extra mattress. 2. they do not give you extra blankets and pillows if you have not taken an extra mattress 3. they will remove the half board and full board packages when they wish. We paid for the package but were told not available. So either have their buffet which was only Indian food or Ala carte, which took 90+ minutes to come. 4. they say 25k to feed the giraffes but then charge you double because they mistakenly gave you extra nibbles for them 5. the GM is too buzy to come speak to you because he is on his “break” which was 6 hours. 6. the AGM is so rude. When asked how can they charge for a mattress for an infant. He says that they have to pay for the food of the lions and tigers and hence. What a douchebag. 7. they do not have a menu for infants, so when you ask them to boil a potato and rice, with no salt, they charge you for an entire dish (40k). 8. some of the bicycle tires did not have air. Because it’s a Saturday, they couldn’t send them for refilling. 9. they only had Coke Zero in the fridge (as complimentary). When asked to change to another soda, they couldn’t because they ran out and as it was the weekend, they didn’t have transport to go buy. 10. no amenities in the bathroom. 11. you dirty your towel, they don’t change it till the next day when housekeeping comes through. 12. check out is at 11:00am. If you are 10-15 mins late. You pay $20. And this keeps adding per hour. 13. the chef can make a dish as per your requirements. But because they don’t have prices mentioned, the prices are as per their choices. In short, basic amenities which are provided for free, were charged. Even after paying $310 for a basic room. And the AGM had the audacity to say that they have to pay for food for the lions and tigers so they have to charge us. Definitely not worth the hype created!!! Worth it if you’re coming for the day to see the animals. But to stay overnight. Hell no!!

Honestly, it feels like the staff is treating me like an animal. First of all they are unpleasant, the food came in a very small portion that wouldn't even be enough for a child and while I was eating around 7 member of the staff were looking at me making me feel uneasy😑

The property is great with animals to interact with. The rooms are very spacious and with all modern amenities. There are rooms with private pool also. They have 2 tigers and 2 Lions with whom one can play and click pictures with in presence of handlers. They also have giraffes, Ostrich, Elands, Gazelle and Zebras as well who can be fed with nominal charges. The property also have beach access as well. The food is good with a variety of options. The swimming pool is clean and large to enjoy.

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.

I booked the place on short notice and Sue was extremely helpful. Transport using golf carts is efficient. The rooms are tastefully decorated, the sea view offers more privacy . The animals are fascinating,petting tigers was the highlight of my trip. Cons :The check out process is disorganized. No receipt offered . The buffet breakfast is not diverse. The place needs more water /beach activities.

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