Easy4-5 hours

Serval Wildlife Sanctuary

Get close to rescued animals—lions, servals, giraffes—at a conservation center powered entirely by the sun.

About This Tour

Sitting in the hills outside Moshi, this sanctuary takes in animals that can't survive in the wild anymore—orphans, injured individuals, animals rescued from bad situations. What makes it different from a zoo is the space: animals live in large enclosures designed to feel like their natural habitat, not concrete cages. You'll meet African lions face-to-face (with a fence between you, obviously), watch spotted serval cats—the facility's namesake—prowl through tall grass, and feed giraffes whose tongues wrap around food in your hand. Monkeys will probably try to steal something from you. The whole place runs on solar panels, and your visit helps fund animal care and anti-poaching work in the region.

Highlights

Stand just meters from African lions

Hand-feed giraffes who tower above you

See serval cats up close—they're stunning

Learn why these animals needed rescuing

Know your money supports green energy and conservation

Hang out with mischievous monkeys

Day Itinerary

8:00 AM

Morning Pickup

Your driver meets you at your hotel in Moshi. The sanctuary is about an hour's drive, heading west into the Siha district on Kilimanjaro's quieter side. The road passes through farmland and small villages, with the mountain often visible on clear mornings.

9:00 AM

Reach the Sanctuary

The sanctuary sits on several acres of landscaped grounds with native trees and plants. Solar panels power everything—you'll notice the lack of generator noise. Staff give you an orientation, explaining the facility's mission: providing permanent homes for animals that can't be released back into the wild.

9:30 AM

Animal Tour

A keeper walks you through each enclosure, introducing the animals by name and telling their stories. The lions came from a defunct zoo. The servals were confiscated from illegal pet traders. The giraffes were orphaned when their mothers were killed. Each animal has a history, and the keepers know them all. You'll get remarkably close—these enclosures are designed for viewing, not hiding.

11:00 AM

Feeding Session

This is the highlight for most visitors. Giraffes take food right from your hand—their long purple tongues wrapping around branches and leaves you hold out. The sensation is strange and wonderful. Depending on the day, you might also help feed tortoises or toss food to the monkeys, who catch it mid-air.

12:00 PM

Lunch

The on-site restaurant serves simple but good food: grilled meat, rice, vegetables, fresh juice. You eat on a terrace overlooking some of the enclosures, so animals wander past in your peripheral vision. Take your time—there's no rush to finish.

1:00 PM

Wander Around

After lunch, you're free to explore on your own. Walk back to your favorite animals for more photos. Find a bench and watch the monkeys play. Chat with staff about conservation challenges in Tanzania. The grounds are peaceful, and there's no pressure to move quickly through anything.

2:00 PM

Head Back

Your driver returns you to Moshi by mid-afternoon. The whole experience takes about half a day, leaving your afternoon free for other activities or rest.