Serval Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore a different way to travel

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail

Serval Wildlife is for you! This is a luxury ecotourism lodge and wildlife haven tucked away in the Siha District of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Come explore our carefully curated ecosystem with over 3000 hand-planted endemic flora that directly benefits the exquisite animals that reside within Serval Wildlife, whilst you enjoy the mesmerizing views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro from the 5-star villas.

Currently, is home to a variety of different animals such as the Majestic African Lions, Calm Colobus Monkeys, Graceful Masai Giraffes, Nocturnal Bat-eared Foxes, Exquisite Elands, Oafish Ostriches, and Mischievous Blue & Vervet monkeys! Offering unforgettable direct interactions with a variety of free-roaming wild animals.

If you are looking for a fascinating, exclusive, and unparalleled experience then Serval Wildlife is for you

At Serval Wildlife we ensure that these interactions are positive and provide enrichment for the animals as the interactions are carefully monitored with trusted and experienced keepers that prioritize Safety, Animal Health, and Welfare. Interactions may vary from day to day as our animals interact with humans at their own will and guests must wait for the animal to approach, this allows our animals to interact at will and leave an interaction by simply leaving the area as they please.

Embark on a truly extraordinary adventure with Kiwoito Africa Safaris at Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, an unparalleled destination offering an exclusive and unforgettable wildlife experience. Unlike traditional wildlife viewing methods, our sanctuary allows you to intimately interact with animals, feeding them, petting them, and capturing incredible moments as they roam freely.

Located in the Kilimanjaro area of Siha District, just a 35-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Serval Wildlife Sanctuary stands as the epitome of upmarket ecotourism. Our carefully managed ecosystem boasts over 3000 hand-planted unique flora species, directly supporting the diverse wildlife that calls our sanctuary home.

Stay in luxurious 4-star villas and awaken to mesmerizing views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. As you explore the sanctuary, encounter majestic African lions, tranquil colobus monkeys, graceful Masai giraffes, nocturnal bat-eared foxes, exquisite elands, oafish ostriches, and mischievous blue and vervet monkeys.

For an unparalleled adventure, pair your safari experience with a thrilling climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. After conquering the summit, unwind in the serene ambience of Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, just a short distance away.

Our knowledgeable keepers prioritize safety, animal health, and welfare, ensuring that your interactions with the animals are enriching and respectful. As guests, you’ll wait for animals to approach, allowing for authentic and meaningful encounters.

Kiwoito Africa Safaris invites you to experience the magic of Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, where every moment promises wonder and excitement. Join us for an exclusive and unmatched wildlife adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime

Where is Serval Located?

Serval Wildlife Sanctuary is located within Siha District in the Kilimanjaro Region with easily accessible roads for all types of cars to our lodge; a 35-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport, 60 minutes from Moshi town and approximately 90 minutes from Arusha City

Animals Available at Serval Wildlife Kilimanjaro

Currently, the Sanctuary is home to a wide range of creatures, including the majestic African lions, peaceful colobuses, graceful Masai giraffes, nocturnal bat-eared foxes, exquisite elands, oafish ostriches, and mischievous blue and vervet monkeys. allowing for extraordinary up-close encounters with a range of wild animals that are at large.

The science behind it…

Animals have two mindsets that lead to actively seeking out behavioural interactions: survival critical interactions and situation-related behaviours. Survival critical interactions relate to genetically embedded behavioural responses such as seeking food, escaping threats from predators, and maintaining a healthy state. Once these needs are consistently met, animal behavioural interactions become situation-related behaviours. At our lodge, our animals have a healthy mental state as all their basic needs are met and significantly exceeded as such; our animals exhibit more situation-related behaviors than survival-critical behaviors.

Do the guides and caretakers ever stop interactions?

The health and welfare of our animals are our top priority. Caretakers and guides will always keep the animals’ best interests in mind. As such, we ensure that the interactions are strictly positive and are a source of enrichment for the animals. If we feel that the animals are uncomfortable due to the actions of a guest or alternative circumstances, the interaction with that individual animal will be terminated.

How do you determine that the interaction remains positive for the animals?

Through research and various publications such as the five domains model, we have a clear framework that ensures the interaction remains positive in the following ways:

• The animal can easily leave the interaction if it would like to
• The animal feels a sense of company and safety as there will always be a familiar member of staff with guests during direct interactions
• Guests participate in enjoyable routine activities that the animal regularly participates in
• The consistent presence of familiar humans such as their caretakers allows the animals to feel calm in the presence of unfamiliar guests

 

The sanctuary is over 1000 acres, Animals are ethically obtained from zoos and injured animals from the wild to instill natural behaviors and eventually rehabilitate them into the wild with the assistance of TAWA and TAWIRI which are Tanzania wildlife authorities. The Tanzanian Government owns the animals that reside within the wildlife sanctuary and is often brought in by TAWA as orphans or injured wildlife. The animals get treated and trained then prepare them for release into their natural habitat within TANAPA-protected parks. The wildlife sanctuary also serves as an endangered species reintroduction center to translocate animals to parts of its natural range where populations have significantly declined or been lost. They are aiming to establish a viable population within translocated areas. The most recent animals for release are lions Brought to us from other zoos due to being rejected by their mother at a very young age. Upon arrival these animals were in poor condition, they were trained and nursed back to health. With assistance from TAWA, these animals are being softly released from captivity into their natural habitat.