Ras Kutani Beach Lodge Hotel is a beautiful beach lodge, situated on a quiet stretch of white beach south of Dar es Salaam. It is the perfect place for pure rest and relaxation at the start or at the end of your holiday vacation. The restaurant, bar and rooms are tucked in amongst lush tropical vegetation on a wonderfully wild stretch of coastline. Ras Kutani Beach Hotel aims to have the feel of a 'safari lodge' on the beach, rather than that of a resort: a rustic yet stylish feel. It has certainly achieved this - having open sides around all of the main areas, polished stone floors, makuti thatch roofs and sandy paths.

Nothing here is over-the-top, yet you do feel like you are staying in a high-quality resort. In this sense, it is very much in keeping with Ras Kutani's sister camps, Selous Safari Camp Hotel in the Selous Game Reserve and Jongomero Hotel in Ruaha National Park. Ras Kutani Lodge offers a very stylish accommodation – what will strike you most when you tour are the staff: Ras Kutani hotel has one of the most attentive teams of staff in Tanzania. Not only were they polite and friendly, but they were also very observant – the moment you finished a glass of water they were there to refill it. However, you never felt like they were intrusive – it was the perfect balance.

Ras Kutani Lodge Hotel sits in lush tropical gardens, set along a beach and around a lagoon. A short way down through the gardens is the swimming pool which looks out over the sea. Though this is rather a small pool, with relatively little lounging space – the extensive white beach beyond makes up for this.  Most guests spend their days at Ras Kutan Hotel relaxing on the beach, where someone will set up some shade for you. Down on the beach you will also find a thatched building from where you can borrow kayaking, snorkelling gear and windsurf. (Snorkellers should note that there's lots of sand around, but very little in the way of coral.) The restaurant, bar and lounge area all share one large open-sided thatch structure.

The well-stocked bar has a few high bar stools that each resembles the shape of an African drum. Above the bar hangs the hull of traditionally carved African dhow. For slightly more relaxing seating, the adjacent lounge has plenty of low sofas with an abundance of colourful cushions. Makuti mats cover the floors, and each set of sofas is set around a lovely coffee table made from reclaimed dhow wood.

Ras Kutani Lodge is an idyllic beach getaway located on the tranquil Indian Ocean. Home to a scattered, well-appointed cluster of bandas, peace and tranquility is assured. Long stretches of pristine beach and warm blue seas offer romantic hide-always and total relaxation. The resort is situated only 35 kilometers south of the port of Dar es Salaam offers the perfect hideaway, far from the madding crowd. The setting ensures that feeling of being on one's own tropical island. The hotel is flanked by a fresh water lagoon abutting onto a coastal forest, which spills to the edge of the unspoilt and undeveloped beach

Ras Kutani Beach Lodge Hotel Accomodation
When travelers come to Ras Kutani they find that the pace of life slows right down. Guests come here to withdraw from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Set on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the sound of the waves is always with you.  You will stay in one of 14 bandas - thatched cottages - all of which have sea views. Little paths wind between the trees of the natural forest into which the 'lodge' has been built and leads you to your room. A large veranda has a comfy sofa and two hammocks in which to get down to some serious relaxation. A door leads to your large bedroom where there is a four-poster mosquito-netted bed.

The floors are covered with palm matting made in the local village. Brightly colored cloth, called Kanga, is used for curtains and bedcovers - a different pattern for each room gives the bandas their own individual character. Kitenge, a traditional fabric, in ochres, greens and browns with flashes of singing color is also used.  The style reflects local culture and is appropriately placed. There are many thoughtful touches: a folder in your room gives details of excursions, walks, plants and wildlife; a basket sits on the veranda ready packed with all you need to take to the beach (mats, towels, hats etc); and perhaps best of all there is a little flag which you may hoist on your veranda to call room service! The beach is the raison d'être of Ras Kutani and life here revolves around it.

Accommodation
9 spacious cottages
4 suites with private plunge pool
1 family unit

Ras Kutani Beach Lodge Restaurant
Breakfast you could chose from fresh fruit, cereals and bread, or indulge in a full cooked breakfast. If you have to leave very early to fly on to your next destination - tea, coffee and biscuits will be brought to your room on request.

Lunch is a three-course affair – though the courses are all lovely and light, perfect for lunch. Choose from two starters, served to your table; then a buffet-style main course including an excellent mix of salads, cold meats and light curries; finally a desert along the lines of a fruit salad.

In the evening, whilst you are around the lounge for pre-dinner drinks, a waiter will offer you a menu with two options for each course. When you are ready, you can head to your table for dinner and three courses will be served to you. All are stylishly presented and very tasty.

Ras Kutani Beach Lodge Activities & information
Riding: A nearby stable offers wonderful riding on the beach and into the local villages and caters for people of all abilities.
Beach holidays: Ras Kutani is a beautiful white beach only a few hours south of Dar es Salaam - making it ideally located for a few days of relaxing at the beginning or end of your holiday.
Honeymoons: The team at Ras Kutani is amongst the most attentive that we have come across. Lead by incredibly thoughtful management, we are sure that any honeymoon couple will be made to feel extra special
Communications: There is cell-phone reception at Ras Kutani. Ras Kuatni also has a phone and email in the office – this is for lodge use exclusively unless in cases of emergency.
Kayaks, boogie boards, windsurfing, laser sailing and snorkeling equipment inclusive  

* All meals, laundry and airstrip transfers inclusive
* Boat trips to local reefs, for fishing or snorkeling available
* Game fishing available on seat in boat basis
* Scenic walks
* 12 bandas with private bathrooms
* 1 house with 2 bedrooms and central living room
* Generally closed from April to June by double check on enquiry