Ras Kutani
Tanzania Coast, Tanzania
based on 7 nights inc. flights
per person for 7 nights, based on 2 people sharing a thatched banda, on a Full Board basis, including taxes, domestic flights and transfers, with activities as specified.
At a Glance
Very relaxed barefoot lodge within easy reach of Dar es Salaam
Remote, isolated and quiet - the perfect place to unwind
Long sandy beach
Fantastic service and food
Lots of places to curl up with a book
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
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Situated only 6° south of the equator, Zanzibar enjoys ideal holiday weather. Temperatures average between 24°C and 27°C throughout the year with 7-9 hours of sunshine per day.
There are 2 rainy seasons: Acute, brief showers, lasting about an hour in the morning occur for a couple of weeks during November. The rains last slightly longer in April and May, but even then it does not rain every day. These rains replenish the Island and are often referred to as the “Green Season”.
Insider's View
Take lots of good books!
Wake up early one morning and take a walk along the beach for a breathtaking sunrise before heading back to bed with a cup of tea and a good book.
Look out for the fluffy white tails of black and white colobus monkeys as you walk through the forest.
Relax in a hammock on your private veranda and listen to the sound of the sea
Call us on to start planning your holiday to Ras Kutani or take a look at our itineraries to Tanzania
Description
Ras Kutani is a simple yet very stylish lodge situated in a coastal forest overlooking a fresh water lagoon. It is built on a crescent of white sandy beach, washed by the gentle surf of the temperate Indian Ocean.
Ras Kutani is situated only 35 km south of the port of Dar es Salaam but offers the perfect hideaway on this beautiful unspoilt coastline. The lodge sits beside a fresh water lagoon providing calm waters whatever the tide, and fantastic snorkelling opportunities.
Accommodation is in nine spacious cottages built from reed matting and palm thatch, all with a huge double bed draped in a white mosquito net, and a veranda full of cushions and a hammock or two. Each overlooks either the pretty lagoon or the beach.
There are also four spacious and airy suites, located above the canopy high on the hill, with sweeping views of the crescent bay and the jade waters of the Indian Ocean. The verandas come with a private dip pool. Additionally, there is a family suite set up on the hill with two-bedrooms, a shared living area and stunning sea views.
The tropical, coastal forest behind the lodge boasts some 132 different species of trees in many of which one can watch the antics of four species of monkey, including the spectacular black-and-white colobus. Next to this forest walk guests can make a visit to the village nearby to taste Swahili life.
Turtles come to nest along the shore of Ras Kutani in season, with opportunities for interested guests to become involved in the projects that continue to look out for their welfare. The deserted beach is also ideal for long walks and a chance to experience the enchantment of a tropical shoreline redolent with the history of a continent.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in nine spacious cottages, four lavish suites and one family villa all are constructed of natural, local materials. Ethnic furnishings impart a sense of the Tanzanian coast's rich cultural heritage. Each cottage has its own en suite bathroom and large veranda with views of the Indian Ocean.
The four suites have an infinity dip pool, their own private areas and a signature Sultan's bed. These are set up on the hillside to benefit from the breeze and to enjoy additional privacy.
Finally there is a family house, set on the hill with beautiful sea views. There are two ensuite bedrooms linked by a wide terrace with cushions and seats, the ideal place for youngsters to play and families to relax together.
| Double Cottage | There are 4 standard chalets with en-suite bathrooms, large verandas with beautifully views over the deserted beach and Indian Ocean beyond. |
| Double Suite | There are four lavish suites situated in spacious cottages with en-suite bathrooms and private plunge pool. The cottages have large verandas with beautiful views over the deserted beach and Indian Ocean. |
| Family Villa | There is one family villa which is two cottages connecting together providing two en-suite bedrooms, ideal for a family. |
Childcare
Although there are not specific childcare facilities available, children aged six and above are most welcome to come and stay at Ras Kutani where menus and meal times can easily be tailored to suit the younger guests. Babysitting can also be arranged for those that require it.
Facilities
The main lodge has a stunning pool and each suite also has a private pool. Guest areas are adorned with colourful kikoi cushions and hammocks beneath an airy thatched structure with superb views of the beach, lagoon and the ocean. Wifi connectivity is available in the reception area and by the pool and is free of charge.
Meals are a real treat here, with freshly prepared ‘Fruits of the Indian Ocean’ and succulent Pan-African cuisine served in the open air dining area, or outside surrounded by candles and lanterns.
Activities
Activities include body boarding, snorkelling from the shore or exploring the fresh water lagoon on a kayak. The snorkelling is not on a reef but there are plenty of colourful fish to watch, and the shipwreck of a cargo boat to explore nearby. Nature walks can be arranged through the indigenous coastal forest around the edge of the lagoon, or along the pristine shore.
As well as guided walks to local inland or fishing villages along the coast (subject to tides). There are a range of massages and beauty treatments also on offer at Ras Kutani.
Reviews
Eliza Walker (Staff)
As a place to visit at the end of a long and exciting trip, as I recently did, Ras Kutani could not be more perfect. The peace and tranquillity found here cannot be matched by anywhere else. Whilst you can reach Ras Kutani by a little 10-minute hop flight from Dar Es Salaam it is also incredibly easy by car, taking only 2 hours, and giving you a chance to see a bit more of Dar. The easy accessibility also made me feel that it would be the absolutely perfect place for honeymooners to relax and unwind at for a couple of nights after their wedding in order to re-energise in time for safari.
Unlike most hotels on the extremely tidal island of Zanzibar, Ras Kutani has a beautiful beach all day long and the fresh water lagoon just next to it creates a far more interestingly beautiful setting than a regular beach hotel. There is also a shipwreck just off the beach which is great to snorkel out to and have a look at.
The cottages are lined along the beach and the lagoon. My favourite was actually the lagoon side one that was closest to the swimming pool as you are both beach-facing and lagoon-facing here. Alternatively there are also suites up the hill that offer incredible views and have their own plunge pools. They have a bit of a walk up to them but are much more secluded for anyone who wishes to have a bit more privacy.
The managers Frankie and Leo are great fun and make all the guests feel incredibly welcome. They've really managed to create a real home away from home feel that I'm certain will ensure a great deal of repeat business as nobody will ever want to leave!
Rose Gemmell (Staff)
I arrived at Ras Kutani for one night at the end of a busy trip around Tanzania and fell in love with the wild coastline. It is very different from the calmer shores of Zanzibar and as it is only a two hour drive or a twenty minute flight from Dar es Salaam making it the perfect place for a pre or post safari trip.
The atmosphere at the lodge is that of total relaxation and barefoot luxury and you can do as much or as little as you wish. For the more active there are several boogie boards to play in the waves and a couple of kayaks for exploring the lagoon. Take a sunrise walk along the beach as the fisherman prepare their nets for the days fishing trip or simply relax in the hammock on your private deck with a good book and a fresh lemonade.
Ras Kutani is perfect for anyone looking for something a bit different from the usual beach resort holiday.
Anna Hearn (Staff)
I absolutely loved Ras Kutani when I stayed. It's the definition of relaxation! From the moment we arrived and were encouraged to kick off our shoes and walk about barefoot, it was bliss. The lodge has a gorgeous position on the edge of a long beach with a lagoon in front which is just perfect for snorkelling or having a paddle. A little further down the beach, seen at low tide, is a shipwreck which is great for snorkelling.
The main areas are lovely, relaxed and welcoming with a bar at the back and lots of seating both inside and outside with views down the beach. We spent most of our time lounging at the beach bar, enjoying Ras Kutani cocktails as the sun went down - it's a great spot!
If you can drag yourself away from the beach then I'd highly recommend Alice - Ras Kutani's resident spa treatment lady - she rejuvenated our feet and backs with incredible pedicures and massages, making us think we were walking on air! In the evenings dinner is usually served outside and is delicious - we enjoyed a barbecue with surf-fresh fish on our night there.
Ras Kutan's rooms are just what you'd expect - large and airy, spacious and very welcoming with bright colours and hammocks on the front decks.
Ras Kutani is the perfect place for a few day's total relaxation - bring a book and be prepared to leave very very relaxed indeed!
Ms Clare Hine (Guest)
We were really impressed by the suite at Ras Kutani and the service and food was superb.
Camilla Smith (Staff)
This is one the most wonderful relaxed barefoot beach lodges I have been to! The rooms are beautifully made of reed with thatched roofs with lovely views of either the sea or the lagoon area. They are spacious and comfortable with ensuite bathrooms. The whole place has lovely comfy sofas and cushions to entice you to completely relax and unwind with a book. The emphasis here is to enjoy the pool area, the beach, the delicious fresh food and the quiet peaceful atmosphere of the place. Literally kick your shoes off, take your watch off and enjoy doing very little! You can walk down the beach or into the forested area behind the lagoon, but there is no watersports centre. To start or end your holiday for a few days, or spend a week recuperating it is perfect!
Experiences
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A historic walk through Stone Town
Visit Zanzibar Towns old quarter, Stone Town on the west coast of Zanzibar. Here you will find beautiful architecture and historic buildings dating back to the 19th century, revealing the complex history of Zanzibar and its links with the slave trade.
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Diving in Zanzibar
Located off the eastern coast of Africa, in the warm and clear Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is home to some great diving locations. Head to the tiny atolls off the north coast of Zanzibar, or take a trip to its neighbouring island of Pemba.
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Shopping in Stone Town
Stone Town, Zanzibar Town's old quarter, has an abundance of local shops selling a wide variety of antiques, textiles, and jewellery. Spend a whole day wondering through the narrow streets and pick up some truly unique finds.
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Spice Tour
With the Spice Islands named as they are you cannot visit this particular part of the world and not delve into its history by taking a Spice Tour on the island.
Location & directions
Tanzania Coast, Tanzania
Located on Tanzanian mainland coast, Ras Kutani is situated on a quiet stretch of white beach south of Dar es Salaam, tucked in amongst lush tropical vegetation on a wild stretch of coastline.
How to get there
8.5 hour international flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi followed by a short flight to Dar es Salaam. it is then a 15-minute transfer by light aircraft to Ras Kutani private airstrip. (Alternatively it is 1-hour 30-minute drive by road from Dar es Salaam.)
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