Ras Kutani Beach Lodge - Mainland CoastWith regards to this property we could be considered biased, as it was our home for nearly 3 years, when we worked as lodge managers there. However, all the praise we’re giving it is certainly well deserved. Part of Selous Safari Company, this lodge, like its sister lodges Jongomero and Siwandu, offers rustic luxury with high standards of hosting and service. Located on the coast of the Tanzanian mainland on a seemingly endless tranquil stretch of beach with bright white sand and crystal clear waters, guests may come across children or fisherman from the local village on their way out for the day. The stunning beach is one of the finest we’ve seen on our travels in Tanzania because unlike many others, guests can swim year-round and at any tide. The lodges' unique coastal forest and adjacent freshwater lagoon create an exotic and mesmerising landscape in which to relax after an eventful safari.
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Highlights
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The LodgeSituated on the coast and surrounded by a magnificently dense coastal forest Ras Kutani lays hidden among its tropical surroundings. The sand pathways throughout the lodge lead to the main restaurant and lounge which offers panoramic views of the clear sea and unique fresh water lagoon surrounded by palms and mangroves. With it’s fantastic menu comprised of a wide variety of seafood and locally sourced fresh ingredients, its a wonderful destination for food lovers. Ras Kutani offers an extensive cocktail list, which many have tried to make their way through! The service in all of the SSC properties, is amazingly attentive, personal and welcoming.
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AccommodationComprising of 9 cottages, 4 suites and 1 family unit, its small enough to remain quiet and private. The cottages, positioned around the beach and lagoon, are charmingly rustic with spacious verandas where guests can enjoy lounging in a hammock while watching a pied king fisher swoop down to catch fish or a monitor lizard climbing a tree for their afternoon nap. The generous hilltop suites offer an incomparable level of seclusion where guests can enjoy the sweeping views of the coast from their spectacular private plunge pools. It is worth noting that it's quite a climb to the suites but the panoramic views make it well worth the effort!
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Activities and AdventuresRas Kutani is a place of pure relaxation where time moves slowly but there are enough activities to keep guests entertained. The onsite spa hut offers fabulous massages and other treatments. The lagoon walk through the coastal forest, which surrounds this lodge, is perfect for nature lovers with its diverse flora of over 100 different species of trees. Guests might come across the very elusive colobus monkey or the outgoing yellow baboon, whereas, in the lodge itself you can watch the vervet or sykes monkeys leaping through the trees. For the more the adventurous, guests can snorkel out to the resident shipwreck that is the home to some small species of fish, or boogie board in front of the rustic beach hut. For those that love warm, calm water, the fresh water lagoon is a great spot for an afternoon dip or a kayak through the mangroves. Enjoy the stunning view of the lagoon and beach backdrop from the raised setting of the lodge pool. Depending on the season, lucky guests might witness one of the many sea turtle nest hatching on the beach directly in front of the lodge.
For those who would like a taste of the local Swahili culture, there’s a village walk on offer that works in conjunction with a school book and desk fund that we created during our time working there. It’s a truly humbling experience to walk through the village, perhaps buy a kikoi (local version of a sarong) and visit the school and hospital. Almost all of the staff in Ras Kutani are from the surrounding villages and are proud to introduce you to their rich culture! |
