Get closer to Tanzania’s wildlife than on any safari — at a sanctuary caring for rescued animals beneath Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
Serval Wildlife is a private conservation sanctuary in Siha District, on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro, about an hour’s drive from Moshi and around an hour and a half from Arusha. The refuge cares for animals rescued from difficult situations — orphaned, injured or no longer able to live safely in the wild — working with Tanzania’s wildlife authorities, and aims to rehabilitate and, where possible, return animals to protected areas. Native trees are being replanted across the land as part of the project.
Visits are guided by the sanctuary team, who introduce you to the animals in their care and explain each one’s story. Depending on the day, this can include giraffes, zebras, elands and other antelopes, ostriches and smaller species, with supervised close encounters such as feeding giraffes — moments that are almost impossible in a national park. Big cats may be seen from a safe distance. Throughout, the welfare of the animals comes first, and activities follow the sanctuary’s rules.
With views of both Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru on clear days, the experience is a memorable, gentle day out for families, photographers and anyone who loves animals, and a good complement to a classic safari. Exactly which animals and activities are available depends on the sanctuary’s current programme, which we confirm when you book.
Supervised time with giraffes, zebras and other animals.
Learn how animals are cared for and rehabilitated.
Views of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru on clear days.
A gentle, memorable day for all ages.
Drive about an hour west to Siha (from Arusha, about 1.5 hours).
Meet the team for an introduction to the refuge, its rules and its conservation work.
Walk or drive around the sanctuary with a guide, meeting the animals and hearing their stories.
Lunch with views across the Kilimanjaro foothills.
Drive back to Moshi or Arusha, arriving in the afternoon.
Per person in US dollars. The more travellers in your group, the lower the price per person.
Just your party, with your own guide and vehicle — set your own pace and start time.
Indicative per-person prices in US dollars for a private experience with your own guide and vehicle. Your final price depends on your date, group size and pick-up point, and is always confirmed in writing before you book. Sanctuary visit fees are set by Serval Wildlife and can change.
Prices are per adult for a private group of one, two, four or six travellers. Larger groups are quoted on request.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotels in Moshi or Arusha are included.
The sanctuary visit fee is included at the current rate.
Reduced rates apply for children; ages and any minimum age are confirmed with your quote.
Encounters are supervised and may be limited or changed to protect the animals’ wellbeing.
Rain, road or park conditions can change the order or timing of the day. Your guide always adjusts the plan with safety first.
Availability, pick-up time and the final price are confirmed in writing before you pay.
Pair this experience with another on the same day or during your stay — we arrange the timing and transfers.
This experience fits naturally into these itineraries — ask us to add it to your quote.
Kilimanjaro · the Machame route
The Whiskey Route at a more gradual pace: rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall, with an extra night at Karanga Camp.
Kilimanjaro · the Lemosho route
The western wilderness at a gradual pace: Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and a night at Karanga before the summit.
Kilimanjaro · the Marangu route
The historic hut route to Uhuru Peak, with an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut and a guided walk to Zebra Rocks.
Day journey
Arusha National Park
Giraffes beneath Mount Meru, colobus monkeys in the forest, the flamingo-dotted Momella Lakes and a guided walking safari — all within an h…
Day journey
Chemka (Kikuletwa), south of Moshi
Swim in the clear, warm, spring-fed pools of Chemka (Kikuletwa), an oasis of fig trees and turquoise water in the dry plains south of Moshi.
Day journey
Maasai community near Arusha or on the safari route
Spend time with a Maasai community near Arusha: the boma and homesteads, traditional dances, cattle-herding life, crafts and the story of a…
In Siha District on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro — about an hour from Moshi and an hour and a half from Arusha.
No. It is a conservation refuge for rescued animals, focused on care, rehabilitation and, where possible, release.
Some supervised encounters, such as feeding giraffes, may be possible, always at the sanctuary’s discretion.
Yes — it is one of the most family-friendly experiences in the region, with supervision at all times.
Tell us your date, group size and where you’re staying — our team will confirm availability, pick-up time and your final price within 24 hours.
