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Nilo Forest Lodge

Location and getting there

Nilo Forest Lodge lies at Kazita, Misalai, in the Amani area of the East Usambara Mountains, Muheza District, Tanga Region. The house stands directly on the boundary of the Nilo Nature Forest Reserve.

Absolute seclusion

There are no other lodges or guest houses nearby. The last stretch of the drive climbs through villages and spice farms into the forest belt of the East Usambara, and the road ends at the house.

From Muheza

About 1 h 45 min on an unpaved track. Tour operators usually arrive in their own 4×4; for individual travellers a 4×4 is strongly advised, especially in the rainy season. We organise the transfer with an experienced driver at USD 150 per vehicle from Muheza.

From further afield

Muheza is on the main road between Tanga and the Arusha–Dar es Salaam corridor. Approximate driving times to the lodge: around 2.5 hours from Tanga, around 6 hours from Dar es Salaam, and 6 to 7 hours from Arusha. Overnight stops en route can be arranged.

Zanzibar connection

Tanga is the gateway to Zanzibar, with scheduled flights across the channel. This makes Nilo a natural 2 to 3 night stop between a northern circuit safari and the coast.

Season

The lodge is open all year, including the long rains. In the wettest months the access track becomes more demanding and a 4×4 with an experienced driver is essential; we advise on conditions when you book.

GPS: -5.0046989, 38.6296349 · Altitude 1,050 m

Suggested itineraries

  • Safari, Usambara, Zanzibar. Northern circuit safari, drive south via Moshi and Same to Muheza, two or three nights at Nilo, then Tanga to Zanzibar by air.
  • Coast and forest. Fly to Tanga or drive from Dar es Salaam, three nights at Nilo with forest and farm, then Pangani or Zanzibar beaches.
  • Eastern Arc birding. Combine Nilo with Amani Nature Reserve and the West Usambara around Lushoto for a full week of Eastern Arc endemics.

Let us plan the transfer

Tell us where you are coming from and we will propose the transfer and any overnight stops.

Send an enquiry

ralf@niloforest.com · Tel +41 77 280 92 44