Overview The tranquil Indian Ocean shores of Tanzania today belie the centuries of turbulent and often bloody history that raged along this coast in past centuries, shaping the destiny of Africa itself. Only the distant billowing of the scimitar-shaped sail of an Arab dhow, unchanged for millennia, will give the modern day visitor an indication of a past that witnessed the waves of traders, explorers, adventurers, pirates, slavers and invaders that came with the tides of time. As European nations bargained with each other in the 20th century "scramble for Africa", East Africa was partitioned and Tanganyika, as it was then known, became a German colony. The First World War saw a major struggle for European influence in East Africa with the British finally gaining control of the territory and ruling as a colonial power until Tanzania gained independence in 1963.
Accommodation Despite its long and tumultuous history, this beach holiday in Africa offers the visitor that increasingly rare commodity - long stretches of pristine deserted beaches, warm blue seas and an opportunity to experience the peace and tranquillity long since swamped by overcrowding in more publicised tropical resorts. None more so than Ras Kutani, set on a crescent of white sandy beach, washed by the gentle surf of the temperate Indian Ocean. The resort is situated only 35 kilometres south of the port of Dar es Salaam but 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.
Accommodation is in twelve spacious, charming cottages constructed of natural, local materials that harmonise perfectly with the wonderful surroundings. Ethnic furnishings impart a sense of the Tanzanian coast's rich cultural heritage. Each cottage has its own en suite bathroom and large veranda with views of the azure ocean. Our chefs pride themselves on preparing the fresh “fruit of the ocean” fare from the readily available local fish and crustaceans. |
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