Here’s what I can tell you about Amani Beach Resort (also known as Protea Hotel Amani Beach), located in Kutani/Somangila on the south coast of Tanzania, about 30 km from Dar es Salaam:
Table of Contents
Location & Setting
- Positioned on a quiet, white-sand beach along the Indian Ocean in the Ras Kutani area. Surrounded by coral tidal pools—perfect for exploration at low tide.
- Approximately a 2-hour drive from Dar es Salaam, making it accessible yet secluded .
- The peaceful stretch of coast offers the feeling of having a private beach to yourself.
Accommodation & Facilities
- The resort comprises 10 ocean-facing rooms or bungalows, each around 70 m², well spaced to ensure privacy.
- Room amenities include verandas with hammocks, air conditioning, bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. Notably, there are no TVs, to emphasize serenity.
- The property also includes an outdoor swimming pool, lush tropical gardens, luggage storage, and free parking.
Dining & Service
- Two on-site restaurants serve international and authentic local dishes (e.g., curries in coconut milk, spiced rice), and there’s also a bar/lounge.
- Staff are consistently praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, with guests highlighting personalized service and breakfast as standout experiences.
- A few reviews mentioned that food can be a bit pricey and some preparation may benefit from more professional refinement.
Guest Reviews & Highlights
- Ratings: Over 8/10 across platforms—Booking.com gives 8.8 for cleanliness, comfort, staff, and facilities .
- Guests rave about the space, privacy, beachscape and sunsets/sunrises.
- A typical review: “Amazing experience! the rooms are huge and spacious… the beach is very long… like having a private beach.”
- Some minor issues noted: access road is dirt and service can be slower during busy periods.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secluded beachfront, feels private | Last stretch via unsurfaced road |
| Spacious, well‑spaced bungalows | Food can be expensive and uneven quality |
| Friendly and attentive staff | Limited Wi‑Fi—mostly in public areas |
| Lovely pool and gardens for relaxation |
Things to Know Before You Go
- Beach access and pool are great for relaxing days; room vibes encourage disconnection (no TV provided).
- Best enjoyed at a relaxed pace; allow for dirt-road travel time.
- Ideal for couples or families seeking sanctuary close to Dar es Salaam while avoiding crowds.
Is It for You?
If you’re seeking a peaceful, private, coastal retreat with a small number of bungalows, attentive service, scenic ocean views, and don’t mind a few rustic touches, Amani Beach Resort is a wonderful pick. Great for beach strolls, tidal pool exploring, and enjoying eclectic local cuisine by the water.
Mediterraneo Hotel & Conference Room
On the shores of the Dar es Salaam residential neighborhood of Kawe (between Mikocheni and Mbezi Beach), is a charming boutique hotel called Mediterraneo.
With beautiful gardens that are a delight both during the day and at night, artistically decorated Mediterraneo is also home to one of Dar es Salaam’s most popular Italian restaurants of the same name.
The experience of the Indian Ocean and the views across it, at Mediterraneo, are simply stunning!
Before I moved to Dar es Salaam, this is one of the places that first made me fall in love with the city.
Mediterraneo is a small one-level boutique hotel with tastefully decorated rooms and well-fitted modern bathrooms.
It has a swimming pool near the ocean and beach access.
Kawe Beach, where Mediterraneo is located, is about a 45-minute drive from downtown Dar es Salaam (longer during rush hour).
Beware of this if you need to commute to other parts of the city, especially at that time.
READ ALSO: 4 Outstanding Hotels in Dar es Salaam Beach
Protea Hotel Amani Beach/Protea Hotel Dar es Salaam Amani Beach
Thirty-three kilometers south of downtown Dar es Salaam lies the lovely Protea Hotel by Marriot Dar e Salaam Amani Beach.
Idyllic, tranquil, and with only 10 cottages, Amani Beach offers one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere near Dar es Salaam…complete with a four-poster bed on the beach.
The food is simple but good. The service is very friendly.
If you want an unadulterated, quiet beach away from the city, this might be the perfect place for you.