Nothing, everything was perfect

Comfortable, good staffs

Stayed in May 2024

The WiFi connection was on and off however we were so engrossed in all we were doing that we didn’t even realize that we weren’t on our phones as much as we usually are. If you don’t have company and aren’t a local, consider getting a local simcard so you can use that when the internet at the accommodation is acting up.

When people talk about hidden gems, this should be at the top of their lists. It’s nested away in a beautifully quiet and serene environment. It gives you a different experience from your usual town life because it’s in the outskirts and the drive there feels like a journey to a rural location. The outside is relatively unassuming and you wouldn’t think that much is going on behind the red gate. But it opens up to a lovely little cozy place. The place looks exactly like the photos do and there’s just a sense of serenity that you can’t beat. The swings along the bar add a nice boho touch and you can sit and sip all night long enjoying banter around a cute little bonfire. When I say that the property looks exactly like it does on the photos, I mean it. The rooms are exactly as they appear and are clean and well maintained. The staff are a lovely lot, they’re so helpful and at no point will you feel like you’re being a nuisance and asking for too much. They’re always eager to help. Shout out to Hillary for being such a great host and even picking us up when we got lost on our way to the location, Neema for ensuring we were always well fed and Osman for the conversations and teaching us how to play a new game. We truly felt at home. We even managed to sneak in a random unplanned trip and the management ensured that we got there safely and had a great time. We even managed to get a brief lesson on the history of Arusha and get a better understanding of how the town came to be. It was a lovely experience but the best part was that we met equally lovely people who were also visiting at the same time as us and we had a great bonding experience. We left with not only great memories but great friendships that had been formed as well.

Stayed in April 2024

Hillary, Neema and Osman are perfect hosts.

Stayed in March 2024

Every thing was good

It was amazing experience to be accommodated by home villa, I liked almost everything. I like the cleanness environment, design of the property and the humbles of staffs. My family was very happy to spend time there.

Stayed in January 2024

..bad roads :D (but its Africa)

If you re a fan of posh hotel in town center with expesive restaurant in it - dont bother. But if you like to stay on the edge of the town, see how real Tanzanian village people live. Stay in well equiped room with private toilet and shower, not expensive little bar, owner and staff always there to help you with transport, tours, evening stories about Tanzania and any info you would need - YOU MUST STAY HERE :) Kettle in the room if needed. Private toilets and shower. Separate hot water tank in the room. Dinner on request if running late from tours etc. All the info about tours/ transfers (contact owner Hillary, he will tell you everything before hand). Fire just outside the bar once it gets dark if you like. Secured site. Solar panel electricity for the lights etc in case if there is a power cut. Asante sana Hillary. Dream big ! ..Good luck :)

Stayed in August 2023

A bit far from town but therefore quiet

We loved the friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We picked and ate fresh passionfruits from the trees and Hillary and Michael were wonderful hosts. They organised transportation for us at anytime (even during the night for airport pick-up) and made lovely fresh breakfasts each morning. To end the day we stayed around the fireplace! We would definitely come back again!

Stayed in March 2023

A really special place to stay. Hillary and Michael made me feel so welcome. They gave me a tour of the village, let me use the kitchen, and we cooked together one night. And they taught me how to make ugali. They built the place themselves and it's amazing what they've done. The rooms feel really luxurious and there's loads of places to hang out outside. We had a fire every night and sat out under the stars. The location of the place is in a village on the outskirts of arusha so it gives you a real unique experience of village life. You can take the micro bus to town for 500 shillings and it's wonderful coming back because it's such a relaxing, homely feel. The best part about the place are the people who really make an effort to make you feel at home. I booked for 2 nights but stayed for 3 and by the end we felt like old friends.

Stayed in March 2023

We liked everything about the place.

The reception was great. The place was clean and quiet and best for a getaway. The food was also awesome.

Stayed in October 2022

Great host , Hillary was very friendly ,my son enjoyed playing outside ,my son has special diet and I was allowed to cook for him, it felt like home

Stayed in October 2022

The location seemed bit further out but transport was easily accessible to the town.

The Hospitality was excellent as well as the need to satisfy the guests. Was treated as family and left feeling as part of.

Stayed in September 2022

We loved our stay at home Villa. <3 Initially we had booked it only for the night before our safari. But we were so thrilled with the hospitality, cleanliness and kind nature of the team that we booked this accommodation again after our safari. Hillary and his team are such kind people who immediately include you in everything. On our arrival we were hungry and Elisa whipped up a great dinner in no time, which we enjoyed together. We had great conversations over a campfire, very tasty breakfasts, got to use the creative outdoor gym, very clean rooms... what else do you need??? We will definitely return one day in order to see how this Business flourished. All the best for u and your team, Hillary. <3

Stayed in September 2022

Free ginger Tea in the evenings & Home gym

Stayed in September 2022

My stay at Home Villa was simply perfect. The rooms are beautiful, clean and comfortable, the garden is spacious and lovely maintained, Hillary is an excellent host and his staff is very nice and super helpful. They can organize every possible tour or transport but also leave you in peace if you just need to relax. And if you need to go to town just hop on a Dalla Dalla, a Boda Boda or a Bajaj (Tuc Tuc) and you're there in no time. I can absolutely recommend the Home Villa.

Stayed in September 2022

Location is a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of outside with an amazing garden and firepit. The room was a great size with warm water in the shower. The breakfast was AMAZING! They also kept our bags during the safari we went on and helped arrange all our transport

Stayed in September 2022

I and my wife spent just one night at Home Villa but we were absolutely impressed by the personal approach and warm welcome delivered to us by the host. He was extremely kind, helped us with sorting out our travel logistics, pointed us to a great place nearby where we had dinner and went the extra mile so that we feel great. The villa itself was extremely stylish and cozy - amazing value for money.

Stayed in September 2022

The location is tricky too find and a bit far from the city center (8 km). However, for travelers who like to escape the busy town it is perfect. In this location the local Tanzanian life takes place.

The owner Hillary and the housekeeper Elisa made us feel at home. Simply said: Great hosts! The room was big with a super comfy bed and one of the best bathrooms we had in Tanzania. Also, breakfast was awesome with fresh juice, bread, egg and fruits. We can highly recommend this place.

Stayed in July 2022

nothing

It was fantastic! We enjoyed a lot. The host can’t be better. Best hotel in Tanzania!!!

Stayed in June 2022

Everything was perfect.

Very clean and modern accomodation, with a very kind owner.

Stayed in April 2022

The host was exceptional in every regard

Stayed in March 2022

Fantastic! New hostel at quite place, 15 minutes from downtown. Very good food and fantastic staff. Very friendly and helpful. Hostel owner can provide, all tours, which you want. We came for 2 nights, but stay more longer.

Stayed in March 2022

We had a very good time at SemaTena. Hillary made sure everything was great for us and helped us sort out everything for our trip. We also went to the springs with him. It's a great place to stay, all the facilities are new and everything is very affordable. I would definitely recommend staying here! And you can support this starting place more by taking tours with Hillary too

Stayed in February 2022

Sometime the electricity would go out which sometimes affected the internet, but overall, it's was a great place to stay when you are visiting Arusha.

I love the host. He really makes you feel at home. The facility looks brand new and is always kept clean. The young lady that works for him is very nice and is a good cook. I enjoyed the sound of the birds with the quiet feeling, away from the city. If you are looking for peace of mind that will take you away from the city, this is a great place. You really get to experience local living when you book with this hostel.

Stayed in November 2021

N/A

The owner Hillary is exceptionally nice and helped me with literally everything like booking rides or finding places to visit. He even brought me to the bus station so that I wouldn't get in any trouble or take a wrong bus even though he had a lot to do. Even if you don't have any plan to do in Arusha yet, he will help you decide what to do with his knowledge and experience of safari and Arusha as an ex-tour guide but never try to convince you to take his tour unlike many tour guides try. The chef Eva is also very kind and cooks good foods. Beds, bathrooms and common room are comfortable and kept clean. If you are looking for a peace of mind, I'd recommend this hostel as their hospitality is truly exceptional.

Stayed in January 2022

thank you hilary for the warm welcome! great stay - super comfortable room with new fourniture and amazing bathroom! shari g dinner with hilary was super nice! highly recommend

Stayed in January 2022