Amani Beach, neighbour to Ras Kutani, occupies a beautiful stretch of broad white beach. It sits in 46 hectares of beautifully manicured gardens, with plenty of wide open lawns dotted with palm trees.
Amani Beach was built as a hobby by its rather eccentric owner, Lelio Picciotto. Together with his wife, he has created a stylish lodge that has a real mix of European and Swahili styles. The buildings are all crisp white washed stone with terracotta tiled floors, reminiscent of buildings you might find on the coast of Italy or Spain. Yet the thatched roofs and occasional piece of Zanzibari furniture remind you that you are in Africa and on the Swahili coast.
One notable feature about Amani is that it has a very large rectangular pool with plenty of loungers and grass lawn around it. The large pool is great for kids, though its rather uniform shape is a little lacking in character. However the area around it is spacious and great for sunbathing or relaxing in the shade.
Ideal length of stay: A few days to relax at the start or the end of your holiday.
Central facilities: The main dining area at Amani Beach is set up away from the beach and extends inside and outside for different dining locations. The red terracotta-coloured tiles and white washed walls give the impression that you are in an Italian villa. Yet the arched doorways and furniture do add a Swahili slant to its style. The furnishing is simple yet stylish in the main area, which is all you really need on the beach.
Above the main dining area, up a flight of stairs, is the TV and games area. With a pool table and satellite television this is a great place to entertain the kids in the evenings.
Down by the sea is the beach bar – here you can find drinks throughout the day, and this is also where buffet lunches are served. It is a comfortable open-sided thatch area, with lovely views out over the sea. The simple wicker chairs and sofas set on tiled floors are a cool place to retire out of the sun during the heat of the day.
Just adjacent to the beach bar is the large rectangular pool, around which is set a good number of loungers. There is also plenty of open lawn, and of course the beach nearby, if you don't fancy lying and relaxing around the pool.
Directions: Amani Beach is only about a 15-minute flight from Dar es Salaam, or a 2-hour drive away.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Breakfast at Amani Beach usually consists of cereal, pancakes, fresh fruits and yoghurts. You can also order tea and coffee as well as a cooked breakfast, from the waiter.
Lunch is then served in a buffet style, with a variety of salads, pastas and cold meats.
Dinner is a more formal 4-course affair in the main restaurant. Please note that children under twelve are not permitted to eat in the main restaurant on the evenings. Amani Beach will however provide a babysitter for you.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: Drinks are not included in the full board rate.
Special interests
Family holidays: Amani beach has a lovely spot on a large beach, and also has a fantastic swimming pool. The pool has plenty of room for children to play and the lawns around the side are also perfect. Children will find an abundance of space to enjoy outside games.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for family holidays in Tanzania
Beach holidays: Amani Beach stands on a lovely beach just south of Dar es Salaam - ideal for 2 or 3 nights at the start or end of a trip to Tanzania.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Tanzania
Riding: Amani Beach is an ideal base for horse riding on the beach and through the local villages, on trips organised by an excellent local stable.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for riding in Tanzania
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Amani Beach
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions
Activities: Amani Beach can offer babysitting – nannies need to be requested in advance.
Equipment: Cots and highchairs
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Amani has a very family friendly feel to it. The areas are well spaced and there is an abundance of room for kids to have fun, whilst not getting under other guests feet.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: There is intermittent cell-phone reception at Amani Beach. You can ask to use the hotels phone, though this will be charged to your final bill.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There are first aid-trained staff on sitel; for more serious cases you would need to fly to Dar es Salaam.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Extra Charge
Money: No currency exchange is offered at Amani Beach
Accepted payment: Though Amani Beach prefer guests to settle their bills in US$ cash, you can also use credit cards. Please note that to use a credit card there is a 5% surcharge. You may also use Travellers' cheques, for which there is no charge.
Amani Beach review
This was a great way to start the holiday after a long flight. The lodge is a short drive from the airport through some interesting villages. The children loved the pool and the abundance of monkeys i...
