Kutazama

Free your mind from all of life's stresses. Reconnect with nature and enrich your soul in totally tranquil and beautifully landscaped surroundings. Marvel at the huge panoramic views across the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and river valley, looking beyond to distant mountain ranges, including Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, on a clear day. Spectacularly stunning sunsets with constantly changing cloud patterns and hues of fiery reds, oranges and pinks. Eco-friendly links with the local Digo and Duruma communities.

Location

• The Shimba Hills Conservation Area covers approximately 250km² and consists of:
  • Shimba Hills National Reserve (gazetted in 1968)
  • Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary (Community conservation project)
  • Mkongani forest reserves
• The Shimba Hills rise abruptly from the Coastal plains to form a table plateau surrounded by an escarpment rising from 120m to 450m. The plateau arose due to a geological lifting process 2-10 million years ago (during the Pliocene period) and is composed of sedimentary rocks containing petrified, fossilised forest wood as can be seen both in the Mwaluganje sanctuary and the Shimba Hills Reserve.
• This ecosystem is of immense global significance and has just been designated one of the top 25 biodiversity hotspots requiring special global attention. This is mainly due to the extraordinary plant diversity in the region:
  • No of plant species recorded (2003) 1311
  • Endemic species 282
  • Rare species (internationally) 57

Activities

• The hosts offer to take guests for various personally guided safaris:
  • Into the Shimba Hills Reserve, the only place in Kenya where the Sable Antelope can be viewed. This area has recently been declared one of the top 25 global biodiversity hotspots, boasting many rare and endemic plant species.
  • Into the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, a ground-breaking community-based sanctuary owned by the local Digo and Duruma communities.
  • A walking safari to the Chitsanze Waterfalls and Kaya, a place of religious worship and sacrifice.
  • Cultural tours of local Digo and Duruma villages.
• Daily transfers to Diani Beach, the finest beach in Kenya and billed as one of the top 10 beaches in the world - only 30 mins drive from Kutazama. Diani offers a host of watersport and fishing activities, together with primate watching tours or simply lazing on the beach.

Accommodation in the Frangipani Suite

• Apart from full use of the main house areas, guests are offered totally private, reclusive suites
• The Frangipani suite consists of:
  • A large en-suite bedroom with double French doors to the front and double solid carved doors opening into a lounging area with open aspects at the front. Here guests can enjoy private, romantic meals looking down onto the sanctuary and the magnificent pool.
  • The en-suite bathroom contains luxurious fittings including double vanity units, bidet, toilet and double shower.
  • Steps down from the bedroom and a short pathway between raised flower beds leads to a totally secluded, private sundeck next to the bedroom which includes a beautiful full-moon Jacuzzi set into natural rocks.

The Pool

• Undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking features of the property is the huge double tiered pool, set under a 30ft high cliff, which runs the entire length of the pool area.
• A small feature waterfall cascades from the cliff top into the upper pool and from there escapes into the lower pool.
• The lower pool has been designed as a recreational pool with 4 underwater seats facing the dramatic sunsets plus an infinity edge overlooking the sanctuary.
• There is a BBQ area for 'alfresco' dining when the underwater pool lights create a magical night-time atmosphere.