The staff was just fantastic - the host was an ex-safari guide who spoke very fluent English and was very helpful. The room was clean and comfortable, bed supplied with mosquito nets, shower room had soaps and the room was clean and had coffee and tea and a water kettle. The reception desk had cold drinks for sale for a quite reasonable price and there was always room to sit around a big table in the sheltered breakfast corner which was supplied with the TV and working Wi-Fi. Two friendly rabbits were jumping around in the yard and every evening the host made a live fire to sit around. The rooms were equipped with instructions and materials to get safely around in Arusha and the owner can easily help you to organize or get any sightseeing trips or excursions in Arusha or any other reachable locations cheaper than alternatives in internet. For us he organized a trip to Materuni waterfalls and hot springs and we were very satisfied.

The property location is very far from the city center and extremely hard to find without local help - and even our safari guide had first time a serious trouble to reach it and had to call repeatedly to the owner for instructions. So if you want to stay at Home Villa and still locate around in Arusha then you really need a local taxi to get to the town (that costed 7 USD for one way). The nearest mosque is not very far away so you will hear the morning prayer 0515 but it is still reasonably quiet to sleep. The owner despite his all other good characteristics is not a very good cook so you may prefer a lunch and dinner somewhere else.

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

We liked everything about the place.

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

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

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

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

We received a very warm welcome. The landlord is more than friendly and helped us with every need. His Home Villa has a nice campfire in the evening, perfect for relaxing after a day of safari. The rooms were clean, everything worked as it should be. I highly recommend this Home Villa as you will certainly feel at Home.

Free ginger Tea in the evenings & Home gym

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.

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

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.

The Home villa is truly an awesome place and we could recommend it more. The house is surrounded by a lot of plants and you can enjoy the garden with a lot a seating areas, there is even a bonfire in the evening! The rooms are large, tastefully decorated and very clean. Breakfast consists of fresh fruits, pancakes, toast, fresh vegetables, eggs and several other things. Hillary, the host is exceptionally nice and very helpful in organizing (day) trips (for every budget), transport and restaurant recommendations. When I fell sick during our stay, he and his cook Eliza went out of their way to provide me with everything I could possibly need to get better!

The neighborhood was nice and a real authentic experience. The bathroom was tidy.

A lot was promised online, which was simply not true (the room was very small, had no bathtub, there was not a single safety box on the whole property, the bar was just a construction site). The beds led to serious backaches after the second night, which was one of the various reasons to leave earlier. There was only wifi on our first 2 days - then it never reappeared. There was no power for long periods of time each day. The included breakfast is not good if you take it early. If taken later, you have to be quick, as the hosts eat themselves in the guest eating area too. The dinner ist way too expensive for the little amount of food you get. Unfortunately, there are no other food options in the area. On top of that, we turned ill during our stay at Home Villa. When informing the host on that, he was insisting to receive all the remaining money instantly and knocked on our door for several times to get paid although we were unable to pay at that moment. We would have wished to get help. When we asked to leave earlier, the host said he could not change our booking and made us pay for all nights till the end of our original booking. Just a few hours after leaving, the host was offering the room online again although we were still paying for it.

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.

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.

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

nothing

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

Everything was perfect.

The host was exceptional in every regard

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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I liked the quietness and the area overall this is a local area away from thing's so it was nice for me the food was excellent great creative chef and great hospitality.

My stay at SemaTena 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 hope on a Dalla Dalla, a Boda Boda or a Bajaj (Tuc Tuc) but taxi is easiest and safe and you're there in no time. I can absolutely recommend the SemaTena Arusha Hostel

Fantastic place to relax !!Our plan was to stay therefor one night and at the end we stayed there !

Nothing

hostel is perfect for relaxing & also for home office work. The only sounds in the environment are plenty of birds species and children playing traditional games & toys. Also i have to say the location (Dampo) is very safe such a good opportunity to experience the local dynamic, i have been in many hostels in Arusha city but they are unsafe by night or in middle of the chaos while a tourist means money most of times. Hilary has been really kindly he has built a really great option for travelers who are looking for a real Arusha experience and relaxing since there are no tourism around so i definitely gonna back after a trip !

i like everything, is perfect and new so everything works also they have plenty of chargers sockets thanks Hilary you were so kindly and a really great entrepreneur !

The house is bright new with quality items. The owner and staff are really wonderful. The owner is always present and was a former guide. Moreover he is really active and help you more than expected in every aspect you need.