Kutazama Hotel Villa

I have stayed in many places in Kenya and Kutazama Hotel in Kwale near Mombasa was the best so far and I doubt something can top it. Although the weather was not so nice and I was in a bad shape when I arrived the staff made my heart shine from the beginning. I felt truly welcome. The food was superb, it was not only delicious it was also arranged wonderful. i felt like visiting friends with a hang for perfection.

The architecture is amazing, it's like a dream made real and you can feel the work and ideas behind it and all the details are amazing.

There are many more wonderful things like the view, the bushbabies, and nature in general, the knowledge of the owners about it, their hospitality, the peaceful atmosphere, the many interesting books and much more.

I hate it when I hear in the background the boss shouting at the staff. Here it was the opposite, after I had lunch I heard how the owner thanked the team for the good work. That alone is worth a lot for me.

This is the Eco-friendly very private and secluded Lodge that is Kutazama. Part vision part dream come true for old African hands Gill and Garry Richardson.

They conceived the dream and by the honest sweat of their own hands have created Kutazama.

Kutazama is situated on a ridge in the Shimba Hills National Conservation Park half an hour or so from the coast. Its altitude gives fresh air and allows a coolness morning and evening that librates one from the tropical heat.

Paradise means you are greeted by the Kutazama family that includes Arome the Butler and James head Chief. They will help plan your meals and ensure your throat remains moist from an extensive fridge and cellar.

Meals comprise seafood fresh from the Indian Ocean, local fruits, vegetables and meats.

There is always Kenyan copper coloured tea for breakfast and the glorious aromatic Arabica beans from the Kenyan highlands providing the unique “Out Of Africa” taste for our favourite coffee.

You may even persuade James The Head Chief to produce Kenyan Oat Porridge for breakfast to compensate for his magnificent gourmet dinners.

The Frangipani suite includes a Kilimanjaro size four poster bed with integrated mosquito net, a double luxury bathroom.

There is also an outdoor solar powered Jacuzzi that helps massage away the aches and pains from the long haul flight.

We felt the whole Lodge had an integrated flow and ambiance providing rest and the peace that cannot be obtained from modern corporate glass and steel.

There was so much of traditional African design, the hand carved doors, the thatched roof, and combined with modern civilised comforts the double decked pool that even the most stressed out will find rest and peace here.

Kutazama is much more than epicurean delights with sumptuous accommodation.

The location provides opportunities to explore both The Shimba Hills and local villages. There are cultural tours of local Digo and Duruma villages.

Remember to bring gifts for local schools 100 pencils will be received as manna from heaven, old style lined exercise books are in short supply donate a pack of fifty to help keep one class studying.

Many Kenyan schools have budget problems and a cash gift will receive a written thank you.

Visitors may enjoy private Safaris, game drives through the Shimba Hills, excursions to the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. The reasonably fit, able
and adventurous will be blessed with a walking safari to the Chitsanze Waterfalls.

If your spirit of adventure seeks to take you further to Tsavo, Amboselli or Masa Mara National Parks there are excellent links with local Safari operator who will tailor an individual package for the most discerning or daring adventurers.

I should point out that due to the geography of Kutazama it is not suited to those who have difficulty climbing stairs.

It is the perfect location for a second honeymoon, that special birthday or anniversary or simply to enjoy a quiet secluded corner of Kenya listen to the birds, see elephants and rest.