Ras Kutani | Best Tanzania Beach Lodges

The place

As we glide across the quiet waters of the freshwater lagoon towards the endless stretch of creamy white sand and indigenous forest that Ras Kutani calls home, it feels like we’ve found our very own piece of paradise. A mere 10-minute flight from Dar es Salaam, the lovely lodge is surrounded by nothing other than private plantations. Its nine cottages, four hillside suites and one family house rest on the edge of the lagoon or up on the hill with stunning views over a tropical forest.

The room

With walls made from thick pieces of bamboo, its thatched roof and traditional floor of woven mats over compressed sea sand, our suite feels wonderfully natural. As I walk around the room, the floor yields slightly underneath my bare feet – a deliciously sensual feeling. With a signature Sultan bed that’s nearly 3m wide, a verandah with daybeds, Swahili sofas and twin hammocks – as well as our own plunge pool – our hilltop suite gazes over the forest into the still waters of the lagoon. Feeling peckish, we head to the thatched, open-sided dining area, which shares space with the lounge and bar. My partner is taken with design of the bar, which has the hull of a carved African dhow hanging over it, and stools shaped like African drums. Yet our meal of freshly-caught seafood is what impresses me most, enjoyed as it is with idyllic views of the empty beach stretching to the horizon. Blissfully content, we walk the short distance back to the lagoon for a swim. As soon as we reach the water, I slip my flippers, mask and snorkel on, determined to spot a turtle even though we’ve just missed turtle hatching season. I can’t wait to explore the shipwreck a little further down the beach, which offers even more opportunities to witness a turtle underwater.

With walls made from thick pieces of bamboo, its thatched roof and traditional floor of woven mats over compressed sea sand, our suite feels wonderfully natural. As I walk around the room, the floor yields slightly underneath my bare feet – a deliciously sensual feeling. With a signature Sultan bed that’s nearly 3m wide, a verandah with daybeds, Swahili sofas and twin hammocks – as well as our own plunge pool – our hilltop suite gazes over the forest into the still waters of the lagoon.

Feeling peckish, we head to the thatched, open-sided dining area, which shares space with the lounge and bar. My partner is taken with design of the bar, which has the hull of a carved African dhow hanging over it, and stools shaped like African drums. Yet our meal of freshly-caught seafood is what impresses me most, enjoyed as it is with idyllic views of the empty beach stretching to the horizon.

Blissfully content, we walk the short distance back to the lagoon for a swim. As soon as we reach the water, I slip my flippers, mask and snorkel on, determined to spot a turtle even though we’ve just missed turtle hatching season. I can’t wait to explore the shipwreck a little further down the beach, which offers even more opportunities to witness a turtle underwater.

What sets it apart

Everything about Ras Kutani is centered around relaxing, from the hammocks and daybeds on every verandah to the sun loungers on the beach. You can even signal your need for another cold beverage simply by placing a flag in the sand! There’s a spacious sitting area with comfortable lounging cushions, a wide variety of novels to tuck into and a plethora of fun activities to engage in. The beach stretches out to open water, unaffected by the shallow reef tides, which means you can swim any time of day. Plus, each evening the staff ensures you dine at different locations; their attention to detail and constant effort to make your stay memorable really sets Ras Kutani apart. With the virgin coastal forest that the lodge endeavours to protect, over 132 varieties of trees, three species of monkey and innumerable birds – as well as a wealth of marine species to be discovered along the coastline – Ras Kutani truly is your own private beachside safari.

Everything about Ras Kutani is centered around relaxing, from the hammocks and daybeds on every verandah to the sun loungers on the beach. You can even signal your need for another cold beverage simply by placing a flag in the sand! There’s a spacious sitting area with comfortable lounging cushions, a wide variety of novels to tuck into and a plethora of fun activities to engage in.

The beach stretches out to open water, unaffected by the shallow reef tides, which means you can swim any time of day. Plus, each evening the staff ensures you dine at different locations; their attention to detail and constant effort to make your stay memorable really sets Ras Kutani apart.

With the virgin coastal forest that the lodge endeavours to protect, over 132 varieties of trees, three species of monkey and innumerable birds – as well as a wealth of marine species to be discovered along the coastline – Ras Kutani truly is your own private beachside safari.

At a glance

Boutique beach resort on the Indian Ocean with 14 guest suites: nine beachside cottages, four hilltop suites with private plunge pools and Hill House, which has two en-suite bedrooms. The lodge has a swimming pool, massage room and shop.
Guests-only resort, private dining available and flexible schedules.
Swimming, kayaking, bodyboarding, snorkelling (reef trips additional cost), forest walks, turtle hatching, horse riding (additional cost), spa treatments (additional cost).
Children of six years and above are welcome, but only four children from six to eleven are allowed at any time.

Boutique beach resort on the Indian Ocean with 14 guest suites: nine beachside cottages, four hilltop suites with private plunge pools and Hill House, which has two en-suite bedrooms. The lodge has a swimming pool, massage room and shop.
Guests-only resort, private dining available and flexible schedules.
Swimming, kayaking, bodyboarding, snorkelling (reef trips additional cost), forest walks, turtle hatching, horse riding (additional cost), spa treatments (additional cost).
Children of six years and above are welcome, but only four children from six to eleven are allowed at any time.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.