Serval Wildlife Sanctuary- Travel Tips
What to See, How to Plan & Tours- Natural Scenery
- 5 Reviews
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary: A Complete Guide to Tanzania’s Unique Wildlife Experience
Nestled in the Siha District of the Kilimanjaro Region, Serval Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Tanzania’s most distinctive wildlife destinations — blending ethical animal interactions, luxury eco‑lodging, and immersive conservation experiences all within sight of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
What Makes Serval Wildlife Sanctuary Special
Unlike traditional game reserves where visitors observe animals at a distance, Serval Wildlife Sanctuary invites guests into a carefully managed yet natural environment where a variety of animals roam freely and may approach visitors for respectful, guided interactions.
The sanctuary’s ecosystem has been deliberately cultivated with thousands of hand‑planted endemic flora, creating a habitat that supports species such as African lions, Masai giraffes, colobus and vervet monkeys, bat‑eared foxes, elands, and ostriches.
Whether you’re feeding giraffes, photographing playful monkeys, or simply observing wildlife behavior with expert guidance, Serval offers a hands‑on connection with Africa’s iconic fauna in a way that feels ethical and respectful to the animals.
Conservation & Ethical Animal Care
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary emphasizes animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Animals are monitored by trained keepers who prioritize health and comfort, allowing them to approach visitors on their own terms and return to safety whenever they choose.
Beyond guest interactions, the sanctuary supports habitat restoration, endangered species care, and educational outreach, committed to fostering deeper appreciation and understanding of Tanzania’s ecological heritage.
Where It’s Located & How to Visit
The sanctuary is approximately:
- ● 35 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- ● 60 minutes from Moshi town
- ● 90 minutes from Arusha
These short transfers make Serval Wildlife Sanctuary an ideal day trip or overnight stop for visitors exploring northern Tanzania’s safari circuit, whether before or after climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
Activities & Accommodation
Visitors can choose from:
- ● Guided wildlife encounters and educational tours
- ● Feeding sessions and nature walks
- ● Luxury eco‑villas and sustainable lodge stays with panoramic mountain views powered by renewable energy and designed for comfort and immersion in nature
Whether you plan just a few hours of interaction or an extended stay, Serval offers an experience that is both memorable and meaningful — connecting you deeply with Africa’s wildlife while supporting conservation goals.
Serval Wildlife Tours
Operators offering tours in Tanzania
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Reviews of Serval Wildlife
W - 5
I had an absolutely amazing experience. The animals come incredibly close. My guide, Nashipai, always took great care of me and made me feel safe. Whenever there was any issue, she handled it immediately, which I really appreciated. She is always cheerful and has a wonderful smile. I also had plenty of time for the photo session, and Nashipai took so many pictures until I was completely satisfied. I’m truly grateful to her.
KayandHerby - 5
Msanga our guide was amazing. Omg!weI had the most amazing time. Listen if you’ve ever thought of going to serval wildlife just do it! The staff was customer service top notch. We saw the animals , walked with the lions, kissed the giraffe . Dance with the Maasai people. My heart is full!!. Definitely a must experience.
Jaki Rodriguez - 5
Issaiyah Best tour guide ever. Since the beginning to the end. Took the best pictures. Waited for the best moment to take picture and walk with NALA (lion) and all other animals. He also shared facts about the animals and showed us the true culture of AFRICA. 10/10 best experience ever. Every staff were wonderful.
Hilary Henriquez - 5
This place is absolutely amazing! You get to experience being up close with the animals, which makes it such a unique adventure. I definitely recommend arriving right at the check-in time (12:00 PM) — otherwise, you’ll miss a lot of activities. Unfortunately, we arrived around 5:00 PM and missed several of them, and the next day we had to rush because our flight got canceled, so we couldn’t enjoy everything as planned. That said, I want to give a huge thank-you to the guy who helped us — he went above and beyond to make sure we still had a great experience. I also have to mention the food: it was okay, not the best, but still fine overall. However, the little bread they served during green tea time was incredible — probably the best thing I ate in all of Tanzania! And the cake was amazing too. The rooms were beautiful, and the whole experience of being surrounded by animals was unforgettable. Just a small tip: bring a jacket or sweater because it can get pretty chilly in the evenings and mornings. Overall, it’s more about the experience than the food — and the experience itself is 100% worth it. 🦓✨
Rose Vinayak - 5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unforgettable stay at Serval Wildlife – 10/10 experience! We stayed one night at the stunning Cheetah Villa in Serval Wildlife, and it was an experience of a lifetime! The villa was pure luxury — beautifully designed, perfectly clean, and came with an outdoor jacuzzi and whirlpool on the balcony. 🌿 What made it truly magical were the animals freely roaming around our villa — giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and even the beautiful lioness, Nala! 🦒🦓🦁 It felt like living inside a dream where wildlife and comfort come together perfectly. Our host, Abdul Karim, was absolutely amazing. He went above and beyond to make our stay special — from organizing activities and helping us take beautiful photos and videos, to letting us experience unforgettable moments like feeding giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests, walking with lioness Nala, enjoying a bush breakfast, and even a movie night under the stars. 🎥✨ The entire Serval Wildlife team deserves huge appreciation for maintaining such a wonderful place and giving guests such a personal, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everything was perfect from start to finish — hospitality, food, atmosphere, and comfort. We had the best time ever at Serval Wildlife and would 100% recommend it to anyone visiting Tanzania. Truly a magical and unforgettable experience! ❤️
