The 10 best Villas in Tanzania, Tanzania

May 2, 2023 Diedre Savory

Discover the best Villas in Tanzania including Seasons Lodge Zanzibar, Qambani Luxury Resort, Kena Beach Hotel, Breeze Residence Apartments, Villa Serenity, Kili Villa, Matemwe Retreat, Asilia Africa, Baridi Villa, Kijani Beach Villas, Serenity on the Lake.
Things to do in Tanzania

1. Seasons Lodge Zanzibar

Pongwe Beach, Pongwe Tanzania
Excellent
79%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 282 reviews

Seasons Lodge Zanzibar

Book your Pongwe Hotels, Pongwe Zanzibar, Stone Town Zanzibar and Stone Town Zanzibar Hotel and enjoy a luxury holiday at affordable prices.

Charming Lodge on the Sea

Reviewed By ajpearse12

Well. Seasons Lodge is an absolutely charming little resort/lodge on the east coast of Zanzibar. It has a lush tropical look and a luxurious feel whilst still maintaining a modest vibe. It's a truly special place. The lodges each have a little private garden right over the beach/sea. All the outside areas are wonderfully planted and impeccably maintained by the groundskeepers. You see them out and about weeding or sweeping every day. Give them a big smile and a "Jambo Jambo" or "Mambo vipi"! They'll give you a massive smile in return. It's quite remote other than a few other local resorts that all have bars/restaurants you could walk to along the beach. For the main islands attractions (spice tours, stone town, Jozani forest etc) expect a drive of around an hour by taxi or hire car. It's such a nice place to spend time that it's a genuine dilemma whether to hang out there or go see the sights. We settled on a balance of the two but we were there for 14 days. If we were only staying 4-5 days or so we probably wouldn't have wanted to leave much. In hindsight we could have stayed somewhere less nice whilst we were seeing the rest of the island. The lodge is right on the beach and the beach is stunning. When the tides are big all the water disappears at low and you can walk out along the rock pools. The beach feels private but isn't so you will get the odd tout trying to sell you tours or souvenirs but they are all friendly and none too pushy. Wear water shoes if you're walking out as there are some spikey urchins around. Pack earplugs. If it's at all wavey at high tide the nice ocean sounds can be a touch loud so I needed plugs to sleep. The small pool is lovely and was never busy when we were there. The bar/restaurant area was a great place to hang out with a cold beer or a delicious cocktail whilst taking in the swaying palm trees. The rooms have a totally luxurious feel but aren't 5 star so dont expect perfection. We had a few minor maintenance issues but the staff are always quick to fix it (door handle fell off, flush broken etc) very minor things but don't expect western 5* type of standard because this is Zanzibar! Bear in mind the housekeepers come around twice a day (even if the sign says do not disturb). I assume they'd come back later if you asked but they're keen to sort the mosquito nets for you before dusk so we didn't mind this. Currently there is only one kayak available and if you take the bikes out be aware that they are "local" style and slightly ropey! I took one 14km round trip to the local village with an ATM and it did fine. The manager was away when we stayed so John took the reigns and did an incredible job taking care of us and made us feel like personal friends straight away. He handled anything that went wrong and arranged plenty of trips and taxis for us. Lovely guy and would make a great manager if he wanted one day. If you want an evening of incredible spoiling then book the private seafood feast and you won't regret it. Obsurd amount of incredible seafood and sides all privately served alongside sparkling white wine. All the staff are super friendly and get genuine enjoyment from helping you out. Very smiley. They love it if you try to talk to them in Swahili (or they found it amusing..) The food was all brilliant. The chef is a sweetheart. Chat to him and say how nice his food is if you get a chance. Some reviews sais the breakfasts weren't ideal but I loved them! Every day was a big buffet with a mix of continental and English. Always fresh fruit, juice, tea and coffee. Then spiced pancakes, eggs, sausages and usually other variety of sweet or savoury pastries. I loved it! The evening meals were always delicious and usually 4-5 different options which varied every night. I'd recommend the beef stir fry and any of the seafood meals particularly. Id advise taking plenty of cash if you're doing daytrips. There's a culture of tipping and not that many cash points lots of which charge you for withdrawals. Worth having mostly USD and then some TSH for tips/stalls. The staff can sort the trips and taxis for you. We did the main ones. Stone town tour, spice tour, prison island, Memba snorkeling, Jozani forest. All were well worth it. We used Hassan whenever we needed a taxi/ local guide to sort things for us. He used to work at Seasons Lodge and has fantastic English and is a great guy. He'll take good care you you. +255 777 505 052. The guide we used for Stone Town and Prison island was Munta. He's a lovely friendly young guy who also has impecible English and was very laid-back. Not at all pushy and genuinely lovely. ±255654331206. We hired a car for a couple of days to see some of the beaches to the south of the island. We went with Kibabu cars on recommendation and they were fantastic. Great communication on whatsapp and very punctual. (Important as we were returning the car to the airport so didn't want them to be late) I think a lot of hire companies are concerning relaxed with times. Kibabu were also very reasonable. Around 30usd per day for a rav4 the 15 to deliver car and 10 for a permit. If you hire a car expect to be stopped at the police checkpoints but just show your local permit and normal driving licence and they are friendly. Wholeheartedly recommend Seasons Lodge to anyone but would have had an even better time if I had known a few of the above tips.

2. Qambani Luxury Resort

Zanzibar Michamvi, Michamvi 4146 Tanzania
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 98 reviews

Qambani Luxury Resort

Qambani is set on the tip of a secluded peninsula, with a seasonal beach, on Zanzibar’s eastern shores. For a tropical island, Zanzibar is very accessible, and from Europe, you wont have to deal with jet-lag, as there’s only 2/3 hours time difference . A direct eight-hour night flight delivers you direct from Europe to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Then there’s a 15-minute flight to Zanzibar. From the airport, the drive to Qambani is an hour and a half, across the island. Qambani’s generous proportions provide seven bedroom villas, living spaces, two pools and lush tropical garden, a promise of complete relaxation and indulgence. A fusion of ancient Swahili crafts – perfected in the palaces of the sultans along the East African shores – and modern coastal design, it gives shady sanctuary, while turning the inside out, so every space takes great gulps of the sea and the balmy tropical air.

Simply stunning! A must stay…

Reviewed By Meriem M

A wonderful secluded hotel that used to be a home to a rich European family, comprised of 8 individual spacious villas and tasteful decorated with antique and modern pieces of both African flair and European touches. It is a true gem and the service is customized to your every need at the 5 star standard that you would expect! They take care of everything and submit your menus to you ahead of time to make sure it fits your dietary restrictions and preferences and that you are eating to your liking - all served by a professional chef and served in an idyllic setting. The staff and the hotel concept is very discreet, you have their contact and you communicate via messages, Priscilla was literally at my finger tips. Maite was very welcoming and managed to organize everything for me so my stay is as smooth as possible and it was!

3. Kena Beach Hotel

Matemwe 73108 Tanzania
Excellent
64%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 471 reviews

Kena Beach Hotel

Kena Beach Hotel is the ultimate barefoot paradise; sitting on the east coastof the laid-back tropical island of Zanzibarin East Africa. Here you will find the answers you have always been looking for. Whether you are in need of reconnecting with your significant other and children on a fun-filled Zanzibar Family Holiday or simply resting your head against the heartbeat of your new lover, Kena Beach Hotel can offer you everything and more!

Wonderful beach-front hotel!

Reviewed By Timo20

We loved out stay at Kena Beach Hotel: the hotel is beautiful, well appointed, and very comfortable. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The rooms are bright and airy, spacious, and each have a private outdoor seating area. We had half-board (breakfast + dinner), but ended up eating almost all of our lunches there because the price was reasonable, food delicious, and the menu always changing. We took advantage of the free bikes (adult + kid sizes) to bike on the beach, the reef walk at low tide, and playing in the waves at high tide.

4. Breeze Residence Apartments

Kiwengwa, Cairo Village Cairo Village, Kiwengwa 25135 Tanzania
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 117 reviews

Breeze Residence Apartments

Fully furnished apartments with daily cleaning service and breakfast, located in Zanzibar, in Kiwengwa in the area called Cairo. Suitable for couples, families, groups. All apartments in the residence are pool front. Available to guests Fitness Area, private beach and equipped with sunbeds (150 meters from the residence) An ideal oasis for your African holidays, a perfect mix of hotel comforts and home privacy.

Perfect holiday

Reviewed By Rianne Z

I have a great time with my son in an amazing styled appartement. The service of the manager was excellent (Solomon), the other people in the residence lovely and the masai security friendly and helpfull. Try out the italian restaurant in la Pili. I absolutely recommend this place!! many thanks Rianne

5. Villa Serenity

Paje Village South East Coast of Zanzibar, Paje 4098 Tanzania
Excellent
82%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Villa Serenity

A luxury beachfront resort located in Paje in eastern Zanzibar. Each four-bedroom private villa fuses striking North African architecture with traditional Zanzibari design sensibilities, promising the utmost in comfort, privacy and comfort. The two-story villas each showcase an exotic blend of Moorish and Maghrebi-Andalusian-style features, from stunning cusped arches, private pool on each villa.

Serene Place

Reviewed By Kelvin K

Just like the name the property is calm, well maintained and very private with loving and professional staff we were attended mostly by Baraka. Mr. Lawrence the GM, we consider him to be the best host as he made our stay safe and peaceful as he help us throughout the stay. He made us calm as he constantly checked on us before saying good night. A sure place to visit again with family.

6. Kili Villa

Dolly Estate 21, Usa River, Usa River, Arusha Tanzania
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 76 reviews

Kili Villa

Kili Villa is located on a private wildlife estate and offers a relaxing start or end to a safari in Tanzania. Kili Villa is perfect for short or long stay and can be taken on exclusive basis if traveling with friends and family. Located just outside Arusha, which is the gateway to some of Tanzania’s best national parks; Kili Villas also boast access to Tanzania’s only championship golf course. Each villa has four en suite bedrooms, open fireplaces, complimentary Wi-Fi and private chefs to produce everything from delicious breakfasts to refreshing lunches, afternoon teas and sundowner cocktails to be enjoyed around the swimming pool. Dinners on the veranda are delightful using only the freshest of produce.

Wonderful First Nights in Tanzania

Reviewed By 299inez

Kili Villa was awesome from before the trip started all the way through our stay... Speaking with the owner (Willem) before the trip to arrange a birthday surprise for one in the group, Willem and his Villa manager Stephano were exceptionally helpful and accommodating... Our waitress Jenifer ensured we hadthe most amazing first two nights in Tanzania on our way through the safari areas towards the Serengeti... The rooms were spacious, clean and very comfortable, especially the bed that was by far the best during the whole trip... Breakfasts on the veranda were a great way to start each day with the family and our last evening meal and Birthday cake surprise was truly awesome... We felt like guests in the house of good friends... Thank you Kili Villa, Willem, Stephano and Jennifer for a great start to our Safari Holiday...

7. Matemwe Retreat, Asilia Africa

Matemwe Beach, Matemwe Tanzania
Excellent
86%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 231 reviews

Matemwe Retreat, Asilia Africa

The four elegant villas that make up the Retreat are set high in the palm trees with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. With its secluded location and dedicated private butler, the Retreat is considered one of the most exclusive choices of accommodation on Zanzibar Island. If you are looking for pure escapism, these villas – which combine the spirit of Zanzibar with the highest standards of comfort – were designed for you

Wonderful, thank you

Reviewed By alisonjane_11

What a fabulous place to relax and do very little if you choose to. After touring and safari for 9 nights, we were ready to chill and what a wonderful place to do that. We did have plans to go around the island and visit places, however, we realised we didn't want more time in a car and less time in our beautiful villa. The space and views are just lovely. As our the grounds of the lodge which you walk through to the beach. Having a butler taking care of you is very special, so we felt very priviliged. Razel the hotel manager was brilliant checking in on us and making sure we were being well looked after. We stayed 6 nights and apart from walks along the beach and some activities we did very little but relax and enjoy. We enjoyed our reef walk and snorkle trip with Ibrahim, he pointed out fish we would never have seen. Swimming in the sea is limited to high tide (every 12 hours) but we swam in the sea at least once every day. This seems to be the case in most places in Zanzibar. The sand was like powder, so soft and the sea so blue, beautiful. If swimming in the sea is important to you, check the tide schedule and water heights, higher near the full moon. We had been concerned 6 nights would be too much as we are active people, but no, we could have stayed longer and we were sad to leave. Well done Razel your staff are a credit to you, we are already wondering when we can come back.

8. Baridi Villa

Kiwengwa Tanzania
Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Baridi Villa

Located in Kiwengwa in the Zanzibar region, Baridi villa features accommodation with free WiFi. There is also a kitchen in some of the units equipped with a microwave and fridge. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the villa. Kichwele Forest Reserve is 24 km from Baridi villa. Couples particularly like the location

Wonderful place

Reviewed By K9823ZXmicha_w

Very nice and well-equipped rooms with air conditioning. Very close to the beach in Kiwengwa. Delicious breakfast included in the price of the stay, and most importantly a very quiet place, ideal if you are looking for peace. The host and ladies taking care of the villa are very nice and always helpful. Mr. Ally will always arrange everything, car, trip. I would highly recommend

9. Kijani Beach Villas

Bwejuu Beach, Bwejuu Tanzania
Excellent
91%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 11 reviews

Kijani Beach Villas

A piece of heaven on earth!

Reviewed By C7222SDrs

Absolutely wonderful place to stay at! We stayed with two couples in one house. The beds are amazing (big and comfy!) and the shower is great too. The view over the ocean from your own balcony is breathtaking, the little private pool makes it even more perfect. On the resort there are 4 villa's and a big restaurant. The food is delicious and the staff amazingly friendly. The pool is big and has enough space for little kids but for grown ups as well and there are plenty of beds around the pool and on the area to relax in the shade, while watching the people walk by on the beach and the tides coming in and out. You're directly on the beach, so you can make nice beach walks too. Last thing to mention: the owners were very friendly and checked in on us a lot. They strife to be eco-friendly wherever possible, which is something other resorts can still learn from. Can't wait to return to this beautiful place!

10. Serenity on the Lake

Chamugasa Parish Way, Kalamera Tanzania
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 129 reviews

Serenity on the Lake

Located 20 km outside Western Corridor Serengeti National Park on shores of Lake Victoria. The resort boasts a vacation destination for families, retreats, weddings, and romantic getaways. And with its lush gardens and stunning view, Serenity on the Lake provides a perfect backdrop to the blue waters of the lake. Serenity on the Lake is a great location to start or end a safari and the resort is approximately 20 km from the western side of the Serengeti National Park - the Ndabaka Gate.

Honeymooning in TZ

Reviewed By Sajpal

Serenity on the Lake was a very very beautiful place to have a lovely break.. We had the best time with the best host… Very very hospitable.. felt like home.. didn’t expect me to leave my heart there.. Wish I can go back very soon…

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