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Let’s begin with the few positive aspects:
The hotel is situated in a beautiful natural setting, offering scenic views of the Indian Ocean.
There are two swimming pools available, as well as a sauna and gym (both of which close at 9 PM).
Guests are transported to their rooms by golf carts upon arrival, and a welcome drink is provided.
The hotel was nearly empty during my stay — I only came across two other families — which may appeal to those seeking solitude, though it also means limited social interaction or atmosphere.
Now, moving on to the numerous drawbacks:
The receptionist and restaurant staff were noticeably unfriendly and unaccommodating.
Contrary to what was advertised, there was no bathtub in my room or in any of the rooms, which was disappointing. I had hoped for a relaxing bath, but even that wouldn’t have been possible, as the hot water supply only lasted five minutes — despite me being the first person to use the shower.
The Wi-Fi was practically unusable. My room was approximately 50 meters from the router, and the limited bandwidth appeared to be monopolized by hotel staff.
The dining experience was extremely underwhelming. One evening, I ordered chicken lasagna, which, while decent in taste, was served in an unreasonably small portion for a price of 40,000 TZS. I had to order an additional dish just to feel satisfied. Breakfast, on the other hand, was plentiful but of very poor quality — with the exception of the fruit plate. The muffins were dry, the omelette lacked flavor, the sausages were questionable in content, and the jam was excessively sweet. The pita bread with salted butter was the only redeeming element, though there was no option for unsalted butter.
The nightly rate is significantly overpriced for the level of service and quality offered.
The hotel is home to various exotic animals including peacocks, lions, giraffes, and zebras, but they are kept in enclosures far too small for their well-being. Even more troubling, guests must pay an additional 25,000 TZS to view them, which seems unjustifiable under the circumstances.
There is no lifeguard supervision at the pool, so swimming is at your own risk.
Bicycles are available for use, but most are poorly maintained and some lack functioning brakes, posing a safety hazard — especially for children.
I discovered two pieces of rusty metal wire lying in the grass, so caution is advised when walking around the premises.
Aside from the gym, the only on-site amenity is a spa, which was non-functional during my stay. I had to request that reception arrange repairs.
Accessing the hotel involves traveling down a rough, 4-kilometer muddy road — a journey that felt more like riding a camel than driving.
Late check-out is discouraged by a steep penalty of €20 per hour.
In conclusion, I cannot recommend this hotel. The overall experience and quality do not align with the price point. I strongly advise...
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An Unforgettable Escape at Aya Sophia Tanzania Dar es salaam… I would say from experience , The Luxury Meets Nature.
A date to be remembered 25.1.25 , I stayed at Aya Sophia was an absolute dream. From the moment we arrived, greeted with refreshing cold towels and welcome drinks, peacock and birds walking around you , we knew we were in for something special. This resort is a haven for everyone, especially families with children. The bicycle riding was a just stunning with both adults and kids, and the overall experience was simply fabulous.
Aya Sophia is more than excellent in every aspect of service. The staff's dedication is truly remarkable and memorable , from the food service and room service to the warm and energetic staffs of every team member. Dinner was a highlight, and we were thrilled that the kitchen graciously extended service until midnight, even though it officially closes at 10 pm.
Beyond the delicious food, the staff truly made our stay exceptional. Imani Ally Ramadhani, our golf cart driver, was incredibly polite and knowledgeable, providing insightful information about the property and its fascinating animal residents. I am into hospitality service was curious about the team's high level of motivation, and they shared that their supportive manager, Mr. Harish, fosters a positive and caring work environment where everyone feels valued.
Mr. Harish's passion for his work is evident. He created a magical experience for our one-year-old, making us feel like we had our own private zoo. The tigers and lions were incredibly well-trained, allowing our little one to safely touch their skin – a truly unforgettable moment. Steven and Kassiano, the dedicated tiger and lion caretakers, provided a world-class experience that I doubt we could find anywhere else in the world. Their expertise and passion for the animals shone through, making our interaction truly special. If you're a nature lover, Aya Sophia is an absolute must-visit.
Aya Sophia offers the best service I've experienced in all of Dar es Salaam. I want to especially commend Issac, our waiter, who went above and beyond to ensure our baby's food was prepared quickly and perfectly. Suleiman, at reception, was also incredibly helpful and polite, always ready to assist with any request, no matter the time.
Aya Sophia isn't just a resort; it's an extraordinary experience that combines luxury, nature, and exceptional service. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable getaway. We can't wait to return!
A big Thankyou to Mr Harish & The team...
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This hotel is amazing for sure as I'm a traveler I've been to many 5 star hotels and this is for sure one of the best I've been in. The amazing nature,animals,beach and staff I liked it all and for sure I will come back. The animals were very cute and friendly you can go inside see them and pet them for free only if you want to feed them it's 25,000. Teh Beach was very beautiful and clean and you can also enjoy a horse ride if you like for extra charge. The rooms were big and nice with an amazing view. The food was very very good I booked half board so I ate breakfast and dinner and because there weren't many people at dinner we could choose whatever we want from the menu which was nice. All the portions were big and tasty. All the staff were very very nice from the managers to the dining room staff and chef, the cleaning ladies and especially kasie the animals caretaker. The only thing I have to say is the 1 who welcomed us and the reception at the first day and made the check in was very not professional I guess he is a new worker he didn't give me any information I had to ask about everything the hours of breakfast and dinner and all the other information which you are supposed to give. Although it's very far to reach its worth it only if you are not planning to go out of the hotel. The hot water lasted only for a few minutes and I see it's a repeated complaint so it's really important to fix it. I was very very surprised to know that you are charged for the coffee at breakfast which I never heard of such a thing anywhere in the world coffee is always free at breakfast and doesn't matter which kind. And the most important thing for me which I already had a conversation with the manager about it and he was happy to listen and learned the tigers and lions must have bigger cages and games and activities this is very crucial for them. I can't wait to come...
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