
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.

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.
LocationValueView
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 184 reviews
Exclusive 3BR Villa - 2hrs from Nairobi - Pool
Private Bush Escape Near Nairobi & Amboseli • Views • Sleeps 6 Wake up to birdsong and sweeping views across the Pelewa Hills in your own secluded bush home, just 1h45 from Nairobi Perfect for families and groups, Little Tandala blends remote wilderness with relaxed comfort, featuring a bright open plan living space, cozy log fire and a pool seamlessly blended into the heart of the home Spend your days by the pool, your evenings around the fire and your nights under the stars in total privacy
FamilyLocationHiking
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 139 reviews
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. It’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 😊
FamilyLocationBreakfast
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviews
Longonot Loft | Naivasha
Longonot Loft is a beautifully designed, eco-friendly loft house set on the scenic foothills of Mt. Longonot, 10 minutes from Lake Naivasha. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups, the home features 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private plunge pool. The house is 100% solar-powered and has large windows that fill the space with natural light. Wildlife like zebra and buffalo can be seen around the property, adding to the experience of staying in nature
ValueLocationKitchen
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 283 reviews
Rooibos Lux Bush Cottage (SOLAR) Hoedspruit Kruger
Luxury Bushveld Self-Catering Cottage | Solar Bathed in the warm glow of the African afternoon sun, this luxury self-catering cottage overlooks your private swimming pool and the breathtaking bushveld. Located within the exclusive Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, in the charming town of Hoedspruit, it offers the perfect blend of comfort, and nature. Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate has a strict no parties and no loud music policy to preserve the peaceful wildlife environment for all residents and guests.
ValueFamilyIndoor spaces
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews
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.
FamilyValueAmenities
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 230 reviews
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.
LocationFamilyComfort
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 158 reviews
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.
ValueLocationIndoor spaces
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 332 reviews
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.
ValueLocationBiking
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 262 reviews
Inshallah Beach Cottage Diani (Beach front)
Set within our 3-acre beachfront property at Inshallah Kenya, The Beach Cottage is tucked into a tropical garden just steps from the beach. Surrounded by Baobab trees with glimpses of the ocean, it offers a peaceful sense of place. The breezy design, private pool, and waterfall create a tranquil space to unwind. Perfect for couples or solo travellers seeking a quiet, beachside retreat where you enjoy the beauty of the coast, tropical gardens and the pleasure of the beach on your doorstep.
ValueFamilyDecor
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 308 reviews
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.
FamilyLocationSleep quality
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 260 reviews
The Pod House: An oasis of peace and green
Modern and beautiful “pod house”, 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.
FamilyLocationCheck-in
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 405 reviewsPopular amenities for East Africa cottage rentals
Cottage rentals with a hot tub

Jungle Oasis Duplex, heated pool, pickleball
FamilyLocationLayout
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 70 reviews
Mamzelle Sega, 4-star Lodge with private pool
LocationFamilyParking
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 392 reviews
Wild Fig Cottage with Tickle Tub in Hartbeespoort
LocationComfortHospitality
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 18 reviews
Forest Loft | Hot Tub + Trails | Couples Retreat
LocationComfortBreakfast
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews
Kiira Cottage, Kedong, Naivasha
LocationValueHot tub
4.73 out of 5 average rating, 84 reviews
Windsong - Historic Family Cottage
ValueFamilyAccess
4.62 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews
Timeless 2-bedroom cottage in a private estate
ValueFamilyBathroom
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 70 reviews
La Baie des Mangues 1 – "Baba Figue"
LocationFamilyGetting around
4.76 out of 5 average rating, 58 reviewsPet-friendly cottage rentals

Banana House at Lake Ruhondo
LocationFamilyBreakfast
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews
Otter Cottage (Kilimandege Sanctuary), Naivasha
ValueFamilyGetting around
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 355 reviews
Kimakia Tea Cottages 1 , Aberdare Mountain Range
ValueLocationBreakfast
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews
Serene & romantic with a view, north lake Naivasha
FamilyLocationView
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 123 reviews
The KoDi Pod
ValueLocationLong stay
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews
Jambo House
ValueLocationHospitality
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviews
Beach Cottage in Tamarin
LocationValueWifi
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews
LA KAZ BELLEVUE terraces with mountain/forest view QUIET
LocationFamilyOutdoor spaces
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 177 reviewsPrivate cottage rentals

River House at Utopia
LocationValueAccuracy
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 200 reviews
Panoramic Rift Valley Views · 4BR Resort Cottage
FamilyValueAmenities
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 205 reviews
Tiwani Sunset |Tropical Pool Cottage by Tiwi Beach
LocationFamilyBathroom
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews
Francolin Cottage at GRVL & Golf Resort Naivasha
ValueFamilyParks
4.76 out of 5 average rating, 157 reviews
Tranquil Cottage Hideway
ValueFamilyBiking
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 303 reviews
The A-Frame | Windy Ridge, Karen
LocationValueSleep quality
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 355 reviews
Lizards Cottage
ValueLocationLong stay
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 233 reviews
Terrapin Studio
FamilyLocationBathroom
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviewsDestinations to explore
- House rentals East Africa
- Pet-friendly rentals East Africa
- Villa rentals East Africa
- Loft rentals East Africa
- Nature eco lodge rentals East Africa
- Guesthouse rentals East Africa
- Rentals with beach access East Africa
- Rentals with an accessible height bed East Africa
- Bed and breakfasts East Africa
- Boutique hotels East Africa
- Cave rentals East Africa
- Townhouse rentals East Africa
- Aparthotel rentals East Africa
- Hotel rooms East Africa
- Tent rentals East Africa
- Vacation home rentals East Africa
- Waterfront rentals East Africa
- Private suite rentals East Africa
- Family-friendly rentals East Africa
- Cabin rentals East Africa
- Dome rentals East Africa
- Serviced apartment rentals East Africa
- Shipping container rentals East Africa
- Rentals with a kayak East Africa
- Condo rentals East Africa
- Apartment rentals East Africa
- Barn rentals East Africa
- Campsite rentals East Africa
- Bungalow rentals East Africa
- Chalet rentals East Africa
- Rentals with an accessible height toilet East Africa
- Rentals with a hot tub East Africa
- Luxury rentals East Africa
- Earth house rentals East Africa
- Lighthouse rentals East Africa
- RV rentals East Africa
- Treehouse rentals East Africa
- Beachfront rentals East Africa
- Farmstay rentals East Africa
- Rentals with pools East Africa
- Tiny house rentals East Africa
- Rentals with lake access East Africa
- Rentals with a sauna East Africa
- Rentals with breakfast East Africa
- Island rentals East Africa
- Resort rentals East Africa
- Ski-in/ski-out rentals East Africa
- Hostel rentals East Africa
- Things to do East Africa
- Landmarks East Africa
- Museums East Africa
- Tastings East Africa
- Workouts East Africa
- Galleries East Africa
- Shopping and fashion East Africa
- Art workshops East Africa
- Dining East Africa
- Outdoors East Africa
- Wildlife East Africa
- Water sports East Africa
- Food tours East Africa
- Cooking East Africa
- Cultural tours East Africa





