Ras Kutani 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 trip. The restaurant, bar and rooms are tucked in amongst lush tropical vegetation on a wonderfully wild stretch of coastline.
Ras Kutani 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 lodge. In this sense, it is very much in keeping with Ras Kutani's sister camps, Selous Safari Camp in the Selous Game Reserve and Jongomero in Ruaha National Park.
Though Ras Kutani is a very stylish place to stay – what struck us the most when we were last there was the staff: Ras Kutani has one of the most attentive teams of staff that we have come across 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 has nine spacious, reed-and-thatch cottages – and four new, larger suites. The cottages either sit along the edge of the lagoon, or face out across the sea. Each is light and airy, with a large veranda that is open to the breeze, and a large double room which sits behind French windows. They are furnished in a simple, traditional style, with kikoi (this is a fabric traditionally worn by Swahili men – though today's modern take has made them rather more colourful and beach worthy!), mkeka mats on the floor, and two generously cushioned hammocks on the veranda for afternoon naps.
Activities from Ras Kutani vary from a soothing massage to gentle canoeing in the lagoon or a walk through the local village.
Though Ras Kutani suffered a devastating fire in at the end of June 2007, they re-opened again at the start of September '07. We are confident that the refurbishments are up to the same high standards as we have become accustomed to at this high-quality lodge.
Ideal length of stay: 3-4 nights is probably long enough as there aren't many activities here; we suggest it for a few days of pure relaxation before or after a safari.
Central facilities: Ras Kutani 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 Kutani 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 a 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 resemble 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.
The dining area has tables which are set for meal times. These extend out onto the patio where you will also find a few tables with umbrellas for shade during the day. This is a lovely place to sit and have a cool drink, whilst looking out over the sea.
By the entrance, Ras Kutani has a shop with a small range of curios and some toiletries for sale. There is also a handy book exchange here.
Directions: Ras Kutani is a 15-minute flight from Dar, or a 2-hour drive.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: When we were last at Ras Kutani the food was excellent – it was fresh, tasty and imaginative. Being by the coast, Ras Kutani incorporates plenty of seafood into its cooking – but there are always other options for those who would rather have something else.
For 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.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes – the suites have butler service. Though there is no phone, so you will either have to arrange something in advance, or wait a short while until he comes up to ask of you need anything. You can order tea, coffee and snacks to all of the rooms.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are not included. It Costs around $3 – 5 for a beer or glass of wine
Special interests
Honeymoons: The team at Ras Kutani are 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
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Honeymoons
Beach Breaks: 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.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Beach Breaks
Riding: A nearby stable offers wonderful riding on the beach and into the local villages and caters for people of all abilities.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Riding
Children
Attitude towards children: Children over the age of 6 years are welcome at Ras Kutani.
Age restrictions: No children under the age of 6 years.
Activities: The team at Ras Kutani are able to organize child minding. Though parents should note that this would be with a member of staff – not a specially-trained child minder.
Equipment: Ras Kutani have no special equipment
Generally recommended for children: It is not suitable for very young children. It is very quiet and popular with honeymooners. It is possible that children will get bored, and that parents might feel uncomfortable having children there.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
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.
TV & radio: No
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The managers at Ras Kutani are first aid trained and there is also a safety watchman on the beach for water activities. For serious medical cases, guests would need to fly 15 minutes (or drive for 2 hours) to Dar es Salaam.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Ras Kutani is fenced and there are guards on the beach in the evenings. It is advisable to give your valuables to the management for safekeeping on arrival – though theft is never usually a problem here.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all of the rooms.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included.
Money: There is no currency exchange available at Ras Kutani.
Accepted payment: You can pay for your bill at Ras Kutani using US$, British pounds and euros cash. You can also use Visa, Mastercard and travellers' cheques though there is a 5% charge for this.
Ras Kutani review
the massages here were fantastic. the food was good, nice romantic dinner was put on for us, we felt on honeymoon!
there was good service and the staff well trained
only drawbacks (perhaps out o...
Useful links...
We want you to understand more about Ras Kutani. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Homepage This is Ras Kutani's homepage - on the main website run by its parent company, Selous Safari Camp.
