Your rooms are open, is it safe?
Yes, windows have basket work screens and we are located in a safe area. We have guards during day and night. There is a lockable store room in every room should you want safe storage. The bush babies (galagos) make distinctive sounds at night and can often be heard moving in the trees or on the roofs.
What electricity is available in the rooms?
There are lights, a solar fan and USB ports in the rooms. We do not have plug points in the rooms [as per solar]. We are not yet on the national grid.
Do you cater for specific dietary preferences?
Yes, we try to cater for all. Please kindly send us all your dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it is a paradise for them! Swimming in the bay at high tide is safe and sheltered, with no strong currents, riptides, sea urchins or other nasty surprises for the most part.
Do you have a pool?
Yes we have a fresh water pool.
Are there dangerous sea creatures?
Bad jelly fish are uncommon, lion fish and scorpion fish are seen around the snorkelling spots but they are placid if left alone. Sharks are not as issue. There are sea urchins in the deeper water and rock pools near the lodge, but they are not present along the immediate beaches and around the dining and accommodation areas.
How far away do we need to go and snorkel?
You can snorkel from the shore at the lodge, both at high and low tide, or, you can also head out to the outer reefs and sand islands (about 10km offshore by dhow). Mangrove snorkelling at the lodge is special!
Can I rent snorkelling equipment
Yes, we do have sets for hire but prefer you to please bring your own (fins are not necessary unless you snorkel offshore or in the mangroves between tides).
What is the weather like?
We have two main seasons: the ‘Kusi’ (southerly trade winds) and the ‘Kaskasi’ (northerly trade winds). The Kusi starts soon after the rainy season in May/June and pushes northerly through to November/December, when it then changes to the Kaskasi, with winds turn and push from a north to a southerly direction.
Temperatures are generally warm (mid 20s-30s °C). The hottest part of the year is January-March, before the main rains (can reach mid/upper 30’s!). Humidity can be a factor most of the year and can get up to 90%.
Are bugs a problem?
As we are in a remote forrest area, yes there are insects and other animals here. Nothing dangerous, but you would need to be ok with seeing geckos and other insects around. The biggest annoyance comes from grass mosquitoes which are active at dusk (they leave when it gets darker). Malarial mosquitoes are not too bad, mostly around during rainy periods. Often fire flies will magically light up, creating natures’ own fire work display, often around your mosquito net.
Do you have wifi and phone service?
Yes we have recently installed satelite internet, which will be limited but perfect for checking ‘in’ emails and staying in touch. Please be aware there is certainly not enough band for the downloading of large files or spending time surfing the web, youtube etc. Phone signal is available throughout, but ‘sketchy’ in some places (signal is great on the sunset deck with 4G). If you have your own internet dongle – please do bring it. (Best is Vodacom and Airtel)
What wildlife do you have?
We have a few smaller species, those seen so far include Suni, Red Duiker, Bushbuck, Bush Pig, Galago and monkey/baboons (Sykes, Colobus, Vervet as well as baboons). There is also a ‘giant squirrel’ which we have not been able to identify. We have great birding, with some hard to find species, (in past couple of years have added three new species to the Tz birding list). Obviously we have multiple types of crab scurrying around everywhere.
Can we visit local villages?
Certainly. The villagers often have weddings and other occasions where they mostly enjoy having outsiders. They are always happy to take people on walks around the village.
What payment methods are there?
We take US Dollars, Tanzanian Shillings and major currencies. We take cash or card payments onsite but please note that card payments incur a bank fees. There are several ATMs in Tanga town, and at Kasera (district HQ) about 15km away.
Where is the nearest fuel station?
There are multiple fuel stations in Tanga, one at Manza (15km from FEP) and another at Duga, nearer the Kenya border (about 20km away). We do not have fuel for sale onsite. Please kindly ensure that you have enough fuel for your onward journey.
Is there a bar?
Yes, we do have a fully stocked and licensed bar. Please kindly note that a corkage fee will apply should you choose to bring your own drinks.
Do you allow daily picnickers?
Unfortunately we do not allow daily picnickers. If you would like to come for the day (for lunch) please arrange this with us in advance.