Ras Kutani
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Return
to Tanzania Safari Tours
View images of Ras Kutani: Ras Kutani
Images
RAS KUTANI RATES: Ras Kutani Rates
RAS KUTANI -
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA The tranquil Indian Ocean shores of Tanzania today belie the centuries of turbulent and often bloody history that raged along this coast in past centuries, shaping the destiny of Africa itself. Only the distant billowing of the scimitar-shaped sail of an Arab dhow, unchanged for millennia, will give the modern day visitor an indication of a past that witnessed the waves of traders, explorers, adventurers, pirates, slavers and invaders that came with the tides of time. As European nations bargained with each other in the 20th century "scramble for Africa", East Africa was partitioned and Tanganyika, as it was then known, became a German colony. The First World War saw a major struggle for European influence in East Africa with the British finally gaining control of the territory and ruling as a colonial power until Tanzania gained independence in 1961.
Accommodation For
images of Ras Kutani, click Ras Kutani
Images
Despite its long and tumultuous history, this beach holiday in Africa offers the visitor that increasingly rare commodity - long stretches of pristine deserted beaches, warm blue seas and an opportunity to experience the peace and tranquility long since swamped by overcrowding in more publicized tropical resorts.
None more so than Ras Kutani, set on a crescent of white sandy beach, washed by the gentle surf of the temperate Indian Ocean. The lodge is situated only 35 kilometers South of the port of Dar es Salaam but offers the perfect hideaway, far from the madding crowd. The setting ensures that feeling of being on one's own tropical island. The lodge is flanked by a fresh water lagoon abutting onto a coastal forest, which spills to the edge of the unspoilt and undeveloped beach.
Accommodation is in nine spacious, charming cottages constructed of natural, local materials that harmonise perfectly with the wonderful surroundings. 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 azure ocean. Our chefs pride themselves on preparing the fresh “fruit of the ocean” fare from the readily available local fish and crustaceans.
On top of the hill we have also four suites and a family unit all with stunning views.
Cottages
9 spacious and charming cottages - each individually handcrafted using local, natural materials - situated beneath the cooling canopy of indigenous trees and offering ocean and lagoon views. 8ft wide double beds with bedside tables & ambient 240v lighting.
En suite bathrooms and large dressing area. Large front veranda with Swahili daybeds and hammocks.
Suites
In August 2006, The Selous Safari Company opened the suites. The four spacious and airy suites are appointed canopy-high on the hill, with sweeping views of the crescent bay and the jade waters of the Indian Ocean. Upepo is the Kiswahili word for breeze, each suite named after one of the prevailing winds that soothes this deserted stretch of the Swahili Coast, offering an idyllic sanctuary for the safari-weary traveller in search of tropical respite and castaway comfort. Set apart from the main lodge, perched amidst tropical forest on the hill behind, each suite comes with its own private areas and signature Sultan's bed.
Designed with an idiosyncratic twist on traditional building styles, the suites harnesses local materials to a contemporary African design that still remains eco-friendly in its casual luxury. Verandahs come bejewelled with a private dip pool against an infinity backdrop, the spacious interiors come with room to roam and, as ever with Ras Kutani, the Swahili Style comes with Swahili Smile.
The suites are the perfect place for honeymooners.
Family house
On top of the hill is also a family house, comprising two cottages, which is ideal for small families. The common area is a spacious open area with a stunning view over the ocean.
Lounge & Dining
Guest areas are a soaring thatched structure affording superb views of the beach, lagoon and the ocean.
Savour freshly prepared ‘Fruits of the Indian Ocean’ and succulent Pan-African cuisine.
Activities Relaxation is the keynote at Ras Kutani.
The temperate seas and proximity of coral reefs ensure a wealth of marine life and interest for those keen on snorkelling. Apart from a variety of colourful fish, dolphins, whales and turtles are frequent visitors to these shores and we do provide snorkeling equipment so one can snorkel from the shore.
For those who prefer a somewhat drier experience kayaks are available to explore the fresh water lagoon. And when the surf is up boogie boards provide plenty of thrills in the surf nearby.
Regardless of what guests choose, the tides will not interfere, even if it is just for a swim in the ocean: at Ras Kutani one can do so at any time off a sand beach!
Nature lovers will find their pleasure close to home. 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.
Turtles still 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.
Wildlife
Turtle hatching in nests adjacent to lodge. The coastal forest, amongst one of the most biodiverse on earth, is home to colobus, vervet and sykes monkey as well as baboons, wild pigs and the elusive civet cats. Fine birding and lepidoptery.
Season
January - mid March: Hot with intermittent rain.
June - October: Dry season with pleasant, cool temperatures.
November - December: Pleasantly hot with occasional showers.
Top Return
to Map
of Tanzania
Wildebeest
& Zebra Migration Routing & Schedule for Kenya / Tanzania: Great
Migration Schedule
For
History and General information about Tanzania, click More
Tanzania
For
further information about the National Parks of Tanzania, click Tanzania
Parks
|