Some info has been automatically translated. Show original language

Cottage vacation rentals in East Africa

Find and book unique cottages on Airbnb

Top-rated cottage rentals in East Africa

Guests agree: these cottages are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

1 of 1 pages1 / 1
Top guest favorite
A spacious bedroom features a four-poster bed draped in sheer white fabric, providing an airy feel. The room includes wooden accents, a cozy area rug with colorful patterns, and bedside tables with lamps. Natural light enters through large windows with a view of the outdoors.
Cottage in Nairobi

Bush Willow - dappled light in a hidden glade.

Idyllic bedsit, en-suite bathroom built around an indigenous African Bushwillow tree (Combretum Molle). Complete with chattering hoopoes, killer fire for Nairobi nights, wifi, electric fence, backup inverter & generator, two verandas, drinkable borehole water, mature garden & trees. 5min walk from the Kitengela Glass studio, the iconic Kenyan recycled glassblowers famed for their vibrant chunky artistic glass pieces. On the outskirts of Nairobi, 50min from Karen & 70min from Nairobi center.

LocationValueAccess

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 183 reviews
Top guest favorite
Cottage in Watamu

Sanjarah Cottage Delightful Private Pool

Sanjarah Cottage is a delight. It is a wonderfully designed space set in a lush garden, with two en-suite double bedrooms, a gorgeous swimming pool and a long veranda with dreamy day beds. The open plan living room and very well equipped kitchen, offers a great place to chill and the cottage is fully staffed. Itโ€™s an easy 15 min walk to the beach and a few minutes to the creek. Watamu truly is a paradise with one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. We look forward to welcoming you soon ๐Ÿ˜Š

FamilyLocationSleep quality

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews
Guest favorite
The exterior of the house is shown, framed by lush vegetation and a winding path leading to the entrance. A mix of trees and shrubs is visible, while the backdrop features a clear blue sky with scattered clouds. The house displays a rustic design with a metal roof.
Cottage

Your Romantic, Pet friendly, Private getaway

Olurur House is a cozy romantic getaway with amazing views of the Great Rift Valley on Champagne Ridge. The house is fully equipped with fridge, gas two piece cooker and all utensils. The kitchen has views overlooking the valley. There is a fire place in the living room which also has sprawling views. The upstairs is the master bedroom with a double bed and its own private deck. Connected to the bedroom is the bathroom with an instant gas hot water shower and flushing toilet. Its pet friendly.

ValueLocationCleanliness

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 230 reviews
Guest favorite
An inviting lounge area features cozy seating with colorful striped cushions on wooden frames. Large windows allow natural light to fill the space, accented by the warmth of wooden flooring. Decorative plants and vibrant flowers add a touch of nature to the serene ambiance.
Cottage in Timau

Cottage with tennis facing Mt Kenya & Ngare Ndare

The cottage is situated on a farm in Laikipia, 32km from Nanyuki. It is near Borana and Ngare Ndare with stunning panoramic views of Mt. Kenya. It has large terraces providing comfy outdoor lounge areas. The farm is rich in bird species. Perfect getaway to relax in a beautiful landscape with a wild feel. It is a sustainable home designed to minimize your footprint on the environment with solar panels and rain water collection. Our cottage won the 2023 Airbnb Africa Award for Sustainability.

FamilyValueBathroom

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 157 reviews
Top guest favorite
Cottage in Arusha

Get Close to Nature - Bushbaby Cottage

A gorgeous 2 bedroom self contained garden cottage located in the corner of our 28 acre property situated in a Golf and Wildlife gated estate. 30 min from Kilimanjaro Airport & 45 from Arusha Town. Stunning, peaceful & secure location from which to unwind. Walk amongst wildlife & natural fauna, incredible birdlife as well as resident bushbabies which come for feeding each evening, watch polo or play a round of golf. Spectacular views of both Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru from the property.

LocationValueComfort

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 261 reviews
Top guest favorite
An inviting view from inside The Cave showcases a spacious bed with dark bedding. Beyond, a wooden deck features comfortable safari-style chairs, set against a backdrop of the lush Great Rift Valley. Natural light filters through the open doorway, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.
Cottage in Kiserian

The Cave on Champagne Ridge, Romantic, Views

The Cave at The Castle on Champagne Ridge is a comfortable cottage only 1 hour from Karen. Nestled against natural rock with floor to ceiling windows it offers stunning infinity views across the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Magadi and Tanzania. The Cave offers the ultimate feel in warmth and coziness, the perfect place to spend quality time with your loved one or as a solo traveler or creative writer looking for a safe retreat. The Cave is another marvel at The Castle on Champagne Ridge.

ValueLocationCondition

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 328 reviews
Top guest favorite
Cottage in Kibuye

Explorers Paradise at Lake Kivu, Kibuye

The cottage is recently renovated and provides 2 lovely bedrooms and a modern bathroom with bathtub and shower cabin. A glass front sliding door gives direct access from the sitting room to a spacy veranda with a beautiful view over the lake, islands and peninsula. The kitchen building next door faces the lake and is fully equipped. Breakfast, lunch or dinner can be taken on another veranda next to the kitchen. It has the most stunning view over the lake and some of its beautiful islands.

ValueFamilyParking

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 258 reviews
Top guest favorite
An outdoor bath is positioned among natural landscaping, featuring rocky formations and native plants. Rolling hills are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. A wooden deck is adjacent to the bath, creating a serene space for relaxation.
Cottage in Dwaleni

The Pod House: An oasis of peace and green

Modern and beautiful โ€œpod houseโ€, located on top of a hill with gorgeous landscapes and breathtaking views. The open plan living area, the lovely veranda for sundowners and the charming outside bath, makes this minimalistic space ideal for a solo retreat or a romantic getaway. Perfect for spending time away in an oasis of peace and greenery. Located in Nokwane/Dwaleni, 10 minutes from Matsapha, 15 minutes from Ezulwini makes the Pod House a convenient base for visiting Eswatini.

LocationValueAccuracy

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 399 reviews
Guest favorite
A panoramic view of a tranquil lake, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. The water reflects the sky's soft hues, while distant mountains rise gently in the background, creating a serene landscape ideal for outdoor activities.
Cottage in Haenertsburg

Tranquil Cottage Hideway

A secluded, rustic wooden A-frame cabin in Magoebasfloof, filled with antiques, chunky blankets & fireplace. Nestled in a deciduous forest, overlooking Ebenezer dam & is safely tuck away on a quiet peninsula. Dirt road is well maintained & suitable for all types of cars. Conveniently situated only 3km from Haenertsburg. Ideal for a romantic interlude and outdoor enthusiasts. Launch site for boaters and fisherman. Suited for MTBiking, walkers, trial runners and birders.

LocationFamilyGrill

4.81 out of 5 average rating, 299 reviews
Superhost
A spacious cottage exterior is constructed from natural stone, featuring large windows that allow for ample light. A balcony runs along the front, adorned with seating. Lush greenery surrounds the property, enhancing the tranquil setting.
Cottage in Naivasha

Panoramic Rift Valley Views ยท 4BR Resort Cottage

Perched at 7,000 feet within the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, this spacious 4-bedroom cottage has sweeping panoramic views of Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot, and the Aberdare Mountains. Ideal for families and groups, the cottage offers space, privacy & natural beauty, with optional access to world-class resort facilities โ€” golf, pools, spa, tennis, and three restaurants โ€” a 2-minute drive or 15-minute walk away, all at the lodge's standard rates.

ValueLocationBiking

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 205 reviews
Guest favorite
The cottage is positioned on a hillside, showcasing a wooden deck with a roof extending over it. Surrounding vegetation includes indigenous trees and shrubs, contributing to the natural landscape. The structure's stone faรงade complements the rustic luxury of the setting.
Cottage in Naivasha

Honeymoon Hut - Romantic Rustic Luxury!

The Romantic Honeymoon Hut is Rustic-Luxury at its finest! A fully furnished cottage with full kitchen and required appliances for self-catering. Sense the quiet stillness and release worry and tension. Gaze at the Malewa river below and the vast skies above from the beautiful verandah looking directly down onto the river.. Enjoy an exquisite experience with a canopy bed with overhead, secret mirror, a jacuzzi tub and intimate fireplace for!

FamilyLocationBreakfast

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 153 reviews
Top guest favorite
The spacious deck features comfortable blue seating with wooden accents and a decorative trunk as a coffee table. Large windows provide a view of the natural surroundings, with plants placed thoughtfully around the area, inviting relaxation and connection with nature.
Cottage in Naivasha

Crescent Island Fish Eagle Cottage

Escape to tranquility at Fish Eagle Cottage. Unwind and disconnect from everyday demands in this cosy cottage. With breathtaking views and abundant wildlife, you'll feel closer to nature than ever before. Take a walk to see diverse animals and birdlife, go on a boat ride or simply relax in front of the fire. Reconnect with nature and enjoy a true safari experience with all comforts of home. Don't miss out on this unforgettable getaway.

LocationValueComfort

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 219 reviews

Popular amenities for East Africa cottage rentals

Cottage rentals with a hot tub

Guest favorite
A private patio features a small plunge pool surrounded by concrete and wooden deck. A sun lounger rests beside the pool, and trees are visible in the background, creating a natural and serene environment. Soft lighting enhances the ambiance as dusk approaches.
Cottage in Marloth Park

Kruger's Keep - Luxury Couples Haven

ValueLocationSleep quality

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews
Top guest favorite
Cottage in Pretoria

Wild Fig Cottage with Tickle Tub in Hartbeespoort

LocationCleanlinessNearby

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 16 reviews
Superhost
A spacious outdoor seating area is highlighted by comfortable red cushions surrounding a circular fire pit. The backdrop features a large stone cottage with an expansive glass wall that reflects the natural surroundings, blending seamlessly into the landscape.
Cottage in Naivasha

Kiira Cottage, Kedong, Naivasha

LocationFamilyGetting around

4.73 out of 5 average rating, 84 reviews
Guest favorite
Cottage in Embu

Forest Loft | Hot Tub + Trails | Couples Retreat

LocationIndoor spacesQuiet

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 14 reviews
Guest favorite
The lush garden features a heated pool with a waterfall surrounded by greenery. Sun loungers are positioned nearby, inviting relaxation. A pathway meanders through the vibrant foliage, offering a serene atmosphere amidst nature.
Cottage in Nairobi

Jungle Duplex, hot tub, heated pool, pickleball

ValueFamilyLaundry

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 70 reviews
Superhost
A tranquil outdoor space features a private heated spa, surrounded by lush greenery and decorative lanterns. Soft lighting illuminates the entrance to the cottage, enhancing the warm ambiance. Wooden shutters provide an inviting entrance to the indoor area, combining natural elements with cozy decor.
Cottage in La Ravine des Cabris

Mamzelle Sega, 4-star Lodge with private pool

ValueLocationPool

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 390 reviews
Superhost
A private hot tub is situated in the lush garden, surrounded by greenery. The cottage with thatched roofs is visible in the background, complemented by flowering plants and trees, creating a serene outdoor setting.
Cottage in Vaalwater

Windsong - Historic Family Cottage

FamilyValueComfort

4.58 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviews
Guest favorite
Cottage in Emakhazeni Local Municipality

Timeless 2-bedroom cottage in a private estate

ValueFamilyQuiet

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 68 reviews

Destinations to explore