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A Well-Spent Day at Serval Wildlife Reserve: A Unique Tanzanian Experience from Zanzibar
For those short on time but eager to experience Tanzania’s iconic wildlife up close, a day trip to Serval Wildlife Reserve offers the perfect solution. Located in the scenic Siha District between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, this intimate sanctuary delivers a rich, immersive encounter with African animals — all without the need for a multi-day safari.
Getting There from Zanzibar
Your adventure begins with a brief flight from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From there, it’s a scenic one-hour drive through the foothills of the Kilimanjaro region to reach the reserve. Its convenient location — about 45 km from Arusha and 30 km from Moshi — makes it an accessible and efficient getaway for travelers on tighter schedules.
What Awaits You at Serval Wildlife
Upon arrival, knowledgeable conservationists and guides welcome you warmly and provide a short orientation about the sanctuary’s purpose: animal rescue, ethical interaction, and education.
A guided tour through the reserve offers the chance to:
Stroll beside and feed majestic giraffes
Spot a variety of wildlife, including lions, serval cats, zebras, hyenas, and more
Learn about species behavior, feeding habits, and conservation efforts
Snap unforgettable photos with Mount Kilimanjaro rising in the background
Unlike traditional safaris, Serval Wildlife emphasizes controlled, hands-on animal interactions that are supervised and welfare-focused, creating a more personal and meaningful wildlife encounter.
Make It Part of a Bigger Journey
While Serval Wildlife is a great standalone activity for a single day, it also fits beautifully into longer itineraries. You can easily pair it with:
A 2-Day Safari:
Day 1: Visit Serval Wildlife, overnight in Moshi or Arusha
Day 2: Game drive in Tarangire or Arusha National Park, return to Zanzibar
A 3-Day Safari:
Add stops at Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater for a more expansive wildlife experience
Or enrich your visit with local cultural activities, like a coffee tour at Materuni Waterfalls or an immersive Maasai village experience.
Why Choose Serval Wildlife?
Serval Wildlife Reserve stands out for several reasons:
Ideal for short visits: Maximize your trip without committing to a full safari
Close encounters in a responsible way: Interact with animals ethically and safely
Breathtaking views: Enjoy the peaceful backdrop of Kilimanjaro and Meru
Educational and family-friendly: Great for kids and adults alike
Supports conservation: Your visit contributes to ongoing animal care and awareness programs
What to Pack
To ensure a comfortable visit, don’t forget to bring:
Light, neutral clothing suitable for warm weather
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Insect repellent
A camera or a smartphone for photography
A reusable water bottle
Identification for domestic flights
A Memorable Add-On to Your Tanzanian Itinerary
Whether you’re visiting Zanzibar for the beaches or embarking on a northern safari circuit, a trip to Serval Wildlife adds something truly special to your journey. It blends adventure, education, and conservation in a way that’s both impactful and easy to fit into your schedule.
Explore Tanzania’s wildlife in a new light — ethical, accessible, and unforgettable.
Serval Wildlife is a private, ethically run sanctuary in northern Tanzania that offers up-close, guided encounters with African wildlife in a secure, conservation-focused setting.
The sanctuary is in Makoa, Siha District, between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. It’s approximately:
45 km (~1 hour) from Arusha
30 km (~45 minutes) from Moshi
You’ll take a short flight (approximately 1 hour) from Zanzibar to either Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). A driver will then transfer you to the reserve.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of rescued and rehabilitated species, including:
🦒 Giraffes
🐆 Serval cats
🦁 Lions
🦓 Zebras
🐗 Warthogs
🐾 Hyenas
🐐 Antelopes
🦉 Various birds
Only where permitted and under supervision. For example, you may be able to feed giraffes. All interactions are ethical and controlled to prioritize animal welfare.
The guided experience lasts approximately 3–4 hours, making it perfect for a half- or full-day itinerary.
No. It’s not a traditional game drive. Serval Wildlife is a sanctuary, not a national park, and animals are in large enclosures designed for rehabilitation and protection.
Yes! You can extend your adventure with:
A multi-day safari (Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater)
Local experiences like Materuni Waterfalls, coffee farm tours, or Maasai village visits
Absolutely. It’s a family-friendly experience that’s both educational and fun, with activities suitable for all ages.
Light, comfortable clothing in neutral colors
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Insect repellent
Camera or smartphone
Refillable water bottle
Passport or ID for domestic flights
