Serval Wildlife Sanctuary — Complete Travel Guide
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary Tanzania — Location, Fees & Tours
If you are looking for a unique blend of wildlife conservation and luxury tourism in Tanzania, Serval Wildlife Sanctuary is one destination you cannot miss. Unlike traditional safaris where animals roam in vast national parks, this sanctuary gives you the opportunity to come face-to-face with wildlife in an intimate, ethical, and educational setting.
Located in the Siha District of Kilimanjaro, just a short drive from Arusha and Moshi, the sanctuary offers both day tours and longer stays in eco-luxury villas. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, while learning about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and interacting with rescued animals. Whether you want to add a day trip to your safari itinerary or book an overnight stay, Serval Wildlife offers something truly special.
Best Time to Visit Serval Wildlife Sanctuary
Serval is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (June–October and December–February). Wildlife viewing is easier, and the skies are clear for Kilimanjaro photography.
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary Photo Gallery
Get a glimpse of the magic that awaits at Serval Wildlife Sanctuary. Below are Serval Wildlife Sanctuary photos showcasing up-close moments with wildlife, stunning views, and unforgettable experiences from this one-of-a-kind sanctuary in Tanzania.
Expert recommendation
As a Tanzania safari specialist, I can confidently say that Serval Wildlife Sanctuary is unlike anywhere else in the country. It is the only place where you might truly feel like real-life Tarzan, surrounded by nature and interacting directly with wildlife. Here, you don’t just watch animals from a distance—you get to feed giraffes, touch friendly wildlife, and walk among them in a safe, ethical environment. This is not a zoo; the animals are not kept in cages. Instead, they live in wide, natural spaces designed to mimic their wild habitats. That’s what makes Serval Wildlife Sanctuary so different and so unforgettable—a genuine connection with nature that stays with you long after your visit.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary Highlights
- Unique chance to feel like “real-life Tarzan” by feeding and touching wildlife
- Not a zoo – animals live in open, natural spaces, not cages
- Guided tours with close-up interactions and conservation insights
- Perfect day trip from Arusha, Moshi, or Kilimanjaro Airport
- Stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru
At a glance
- Located in Siha, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Interact with rescued wildlife up close
- Luxury eco-villas with mountain views
- Conservation & rehabilitation focused
- 90 minutes’ drive from Arusha
Tailormade itineraries
Every Tanzania Safari Experience adventure is customized just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Speak with our Tanzania Safari experts to help you plan your perfect Tanzania Safari itinerary.
📍 Where is Serval Wildlife Located?
One of the most common questions from visitors is: “Where is Serval Wildlife located?” The sanctuary is found in the Siha District of Kilimanjaro Region, northern Tanzania. It sits conveniently close to major tourist hubs, making it an easy addition to your safari or Kilimanjaro climbing adventure.
📍 Distance from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): 35 minutes
📍 Distance from Moshi Town: 60 minutes
📍 Distance from Arusha City: About 90 minutes
This accessibility makes it a great stop before or after your safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park. It also serves as a relaxing place to unwind after trekking Mount Kilimanjaro.
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary Map
📌 Distance from Arusha to Serval Wildlife
The distance from Arusha to Serval Wildlife is about 90 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is scenic, with views of rural villages, farmlands, and distant mountains.
👉 If you’re staying in Arusha hotels before or after your safari, visiting Serval Wildlife makes for a perfect day trip.
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary Entrance Fee
The Serval Wildlife Sanctuary entrance fee is structured to support the sanctuary’s conservation work while providing visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The fee generally covers your guided tour, interactions with wildlife, and a conservation briefing. Children usually pay a lower fee, while Tanzanian residents and East African citizens often benefit from reduced rates.
Entrance fees may change slightly depending on the season or special conservation programs, so it’s always best to confirm in advance during your Serval Wildlife booking. Remember, the money goes directly to supporting the rescued animals and maintaining their natural environment, which means your visit is making a difference.
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary Tanzania – A Unique Experience
What sets Serval Wildlife Sanctuary Tanzania apart from other attractions is its perfect balance between conservation and luxury. Unlike zoos where animals are kept in small enclosures, Serval Wildlife provides large, natural habitats for each species, with the ultimate goal of rehabilitation and release back into the wild.
The sanctuary covers over 1,000 acres of protected land, which is being restored gradually through the planting of thousands of indigenous trees and plants. More than 5,000 trees have already been planted, and an additional 200–500 trees are added each month. This careful revegetation ensures that animals live in an environment that closely mirrors the wild.
At the same time, guests have access to luxury villas designed with comfort and sustainability in mind. Each villa offers stunning panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, along with private terraces where rescued animals may occasionally come close enough to greet you.
Wildlife at Serval Sanctuary
A major highlight of your visit is the chance to see wildlife up close. Many people wonder: “Are wildlife sanctuaries good for animals?” At Serval Wildlife, the answer is a clear yes. The sanctuary focuses on ethical animal care, working closely with TAWA (Tanzania Wildlife Authority) and TAWIRI (Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute) to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintroduce animals into the wild.
The sanctuary is home to a wide range of species, including:
🦁 African lions – rescued from zoos and rehabilitated for release.
🦒 Giraffes – friendly and often eager to interact with visitors.
🐒 Monkeys – playful and curious creatures that love attention.
🦊 Foxes – among the lesser-known but fascinating residents.
Each animal has its own story, and guides are always ready to share how the sanctuary has helped them recover and thrive.
serval wildlife sanctuary Day tour itinerary
Below is a sample day trip itinerary to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, giving you an idea of what your experience could look like. Please note, this is just a proposal—we can always customize the itinerary to match your preferences. If you wish, we can also extend your visit and create a multi-day safari package that combines Serval Wildlife with other top destinations in Tanzania.
A Typical Day Tour to Serval Wildlife
For travelers short on time, a day tour to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect choice. A sample itinerary looks like this:
Your guide picks you up early from your hotel in Arusha, Moshi, or directly from Kilimanjaro International Airport. During the drive, you pass through scenic landscapes while your guide shares local stories and insights about the region. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by the sanctuary staff and given a short briefing about the conservation mission and guidelines for interacting with animals.
You then begin your guided tour, where you can safely feed giraffes, watch monkeys play, and see lions in their enclosures. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way, so be sure to bring your camera. Midday, you’ll enjoy a delicious Tanzanian-style lunch, often featuring local dishes that add to the cultural experience.
In the afternoon, you continue exploring the sanctuary before heading back to Arusha or Moshi, filled with unforgettable memories of this unique wildlife encounter.
Day Highlights:
- Feed and interact with friendly giraffes
- Enjoy a traditional Tanzanian lunch in the heart of the sanctuary
- Capture unforgettable photos with wildcats and other rescued animals
- Learn about Serval’s conservation mission and walk through its natural habitats
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary Park Photo
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN (OPTIONAL)
Under The Shade Safari Lodge, Arusha (Click to View)
- Location: Arusha City
- Room Type: STANDARD CHALET
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
💡 Safari Tip
If you would like to extend your visit, we can also organize accommodation at Serval Wildlife Sanctuary itself, where luxury villas are available for a 2 to 3-day stay—perfect for those who want more than just a day trip and wish to immerse themselves fully in the sanctuary experience. After your visit, whether it’s a day tour or a longer stay, we can also arrange comfortable accommodation in Arusha or Moshi before you head back home, ensuring a smooth and relaxing end to your adventure.
Hotels Near Serval Wildlife Sanctuary
If you wish to extend your stay, there are several options for accommodation. The most exclusive choice is the Hotel Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, located directly within the sanctuary grounds. Here, you can stay in spacious villas surrounded by nature, with luxury amenities and views of the mountains.
Alternatively, you can choose from a wide range of hotels in Arusha or lodges in Moshi. These towns offer everything from budget-friendly guesthouses to high-end lodges, making it easy to find something that suits your travel style. Staying nearby allows you to combine a visit to Serval Wildlife with other adventures such as climbing Kilimanjaro or exploring Tarangire National Park.
Serval Wildlife Booking – How to Plan Your Visit
Booking your visit to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary is simple, but it’s best to plan in advance, especially during peak safari seasons when demand is high. The sanctuary limits the number of daily visitors to ensure an intimate experience, so reservations fill up quickly.
For a stress-free trip, consider booking through Tanzania Safari Experience. We handle everything—from hotel pickups in Arusha or Moshi to entrance arrangements and guided tours. Our expert guides provide insider knowledge that enhances your experience, ensuring your visit is both educational and enjoyable.
👉 Don’t miss this opportunity. Plan your dream Serval Wildlife Sanctuary safari with Tanzania Safari Experience today!
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
Connect with our local experts for personalized travel planning
Plan your Serval Wildlife Sanctuary tour today
Frequently Asked Questions About Serval Wildlife Sanctuary
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
Serval Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Siha District of Kilimanjaro, northern Tanzania. It is very easy to reach since it’s only 35 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport, about 60 minutes from Moshi town, and roughly 90 minutes from Arusha city. Its convenient location makes it a great addition to your safari itinerary, whether you are starting or finishing your adventure in northern Tanzania.
The distance from Arusha to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary is about 90 minutes by car. The drive itself is part of the experience, as you pass through rural villages, scenic landscapes, and enjoy distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Many travelers choose to make this a day trip from Arusha, returning to their hotel in the evening after a full day of wildlife encounters.
The Serval Wildlife Sanctuary entrance fee includes your guided tour, interactions with wildlife, and a briefing on the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. Fees vary depending on whether you are a resident, non-resident, or a child. Since the rates can change, it’s always best to confirm in advance during your booking. Importantly, your entrance fee goes directly toward supporting animal care, rehabilitation, and conservation programs—so your visit contributes to protecting wildlife.
Serval Wildlife is home to a variety of rescued animals, each with their own story. During your visit, you may see lions, giraffes, monkeys, foxes, and other species that have been saved from zoos or rescued as orphans in the wild. Unlike a zoo, these animals live in wide, natural habitats that allow them to express natural behaviors. Some, like giraffes and monkeys, can even be safely fed and interacted with during your tour.
Yes, you can easily book a tour to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary. We recommend booking in advance, especially during the high safari season, to secure your spot since the sanctuary limits daily visitors to keep the experience personal and intimate. You can book directly through us at Tanzania Safari Experience, where we take care of everything—from transportation to guided tours and even arranging accommodation if you want to stay longer.
Absolutely—when managed ethically, wildlife sanctuaries play a vital role in animal conservation. At Serval Wildlife, animals are not kept in cages like in zoos. Instead, they live in spacious, natural environments designed to prepare them for rehabilitation and eventual release into protected parks. The sanctuary works closely with Tanzanian authorities to ensure that each animal is cared for, protected, and given the chance to return to the wild whenever possible.
The sanctuary generally operates during daytime hours, starting in the morning and closing in the late afternoon. Since hours may vary depending on the season or special programs, it is best to confirm exact timings when making your booking. For day tours, your guide will usually plan your visit so that you maximize your time at the sanctuary and still return comfortably to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.