Why Spectacular? A small, boutique hotel, perched on an escarpment, with panoramic views towards Tsavo and a majestic split-level infinity pool.
Accommodation Summary: Two suites but out of site from each other. Both have double beds, en-suite bathrooms, jacuzzi, patio, lounge and viewing decks. One of the suites has a dedicated kitchen. Main house has kitchen, viewing deck, lounge, bar and library. Two tiered pool, BBQ and sunbathing area.
Maximum number of guests: 4
Where: Coast (Shimba Hills, 20 minute drive inland from Diani on the South Coast)
Price Guide: £320 p.p.p.n. 
Overview: Try and think of as many boutique hotels as you can, anywhere in the world, that are full when they take a booking for four. Hard isn’t it? Now imagine that you find one perched on an escarpment with vast, uninterrupted views over unspoilt wilderness. One with a split-level infinity pool set below a 30-foot cliff, with submerged stools so you can sit and soak up the sights of the elephants below in the cool of the water. One that offers only two private suites, each with a jacuzzi for candle lit sundowners. Well, you’ve just imagined Kutazama, your own secluded paradise.
Kutazama is situated on a ridge in the Shimba Hills National Conservation Park, half an hour or so from the coast. It is accessed from a dirt road that leads from the nearest town of Kwale. Speaking from experience, if you haven’t been before it’s very hard to find, and that’s all part of its appeal. When you do arrive, you walk down some steep steps cut into the rocks and approach a stone platform area hanging out from the escarpment, covered by a high thatched roof. It’s from here that you are presented with the spectacular, 180-degree views of African wilderness. On a clear day you can see as far a Kilimanjaro and directly below you there’s the Mwaluganji Elephant Sanctuary, so you are more than likely to see roaming elephants. This platform offers a place to sit down and enjoy your meals, relax in the sofas or prop up the little bar, all while taking in the wonderful sights.
It’s a hard spot to leave but the draw of the swimming pool eventually wins. This is no ordinary pool. It is set right up against a sheer cliff with overhanging plants and is split into a higher and lower section giving the impression of flowing down the hill. It is surrounded by 31 acres of beautifully landscaped indigenous gardens giving it a lush tropical fee. When you gather here in the afternoon and submerge yourself in the cooling waters it’s quite easy to get lost in the beauty of the setting and find yourself in no time at all being offered a sundowner. Sitting with drink in hand while the sun sets, watching the elephants in the Manolo River and taking in the sounds and smells of Africa in this lovely setting is a truly wonderful experience.
Either side of the pool, hidden away amongst the trees, are the two suites. The Frangipani suite includes a four-poster bed, en-suite bathroom, jacuzzi, lounge area and spacious viewing deck. The Orchid suite is split-level and comprises a large double bedroom with open fronted en-suite bathroom and jacuzzi on the lower tier and kitchen, lounge, sunbathing area and dining terrace on the upper. Here you have your own dedicated chef and butler so everyone is assured complete privacy.
The architecture and décor of the property warrants comment. There were no plans here. Garry and Gill fell in love with the plot; had a vision; and started building. When they hit a massive boulder they either built round it or integrated it into the building, so don’t be surprised if you are sharing your patio with a large tree. The result is an imaginative, slightly quirky, free flowing, natural design. A traditional feel, created from the thatched roofs and extensive collection of original artifacts from around Africa as decorations completes the mood.
Trips to the Sanctuary, Shimba Hills Reserve or walking safaris to Chitsanze Waterfalls are available if you tire of the views, peace and extraordinary sunsets.
This is for people who are looking for a very private experience and want to rest and relax in beautiful surroundings, without the feeling they should be doing something.
Sustainable Rating: 
It was always the plan to leave a very light carbon footprint as a result of the development and a professional assessment showed CO2 emissions at just 11.91 tonnes per annum. This has been achieved achieved through solar lighting and water heating, energy-efficient light bulbs, composting of biodegradable waste, biological septic tanks and the recycling of rainwater.
Kutuzama was designed with two goals in mind – one, to ensure that it integrated into the environment and two, that indigenous trees and natural rocks should be undisturbed. Being fanatical nature lovers, the owners (Garry and Gill) have planted many extra indigenous trees with exotics amongst them to add variety and colour. Tree seedlings are also reared and given to the local community to plant on their farms. Gill, a teacher, worked voluntarily in a local primary school and has written a workbook on the value of conserving trees, the art of composting and of making organic pesticides. With the aid of a Dutch grant, this has now been taught to 1,500 children. Children’s education is also sponsored, school classrooms have been built and, through guests’ donations, regular magazines are provided on life skills, the environment, health etc for 30 children. Garry works closely with the management of the Elephant Sanctuary.
