Ndarakwai Ranch, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Ndarakwai Ranch has 14 tents under thatch, with bush (bucket) showers and toilets en suite. Hot showers are provided at any time of day, but water impact is kept low through collecting rainwater and using compost toilets. Water is heated in fuel-efficient boilers, and meals are prepared on propane stoves and insulated clay ovens. Candlelight and kerosene lanterns provide romantic evening light. The small amount of electricity used is solar generated. Ndarakwai’s Carbon Impact is minimized.

A percentage of every guest’s overnight charge goes to The Kilimanjaro Conservancy, a locally registered non-profit organization, which undertakes community anti-poaching activities on and around Ndarakwai, supports local schools, and generally promotes any initiative to reduce human/wildlife conflict.

Activities include wildlife viewing - particularly elephant, lesser kudu, gerenuk - over 63 species of mammals. And with more than 340 species of bird, it's a birder's paradise. You can participate in guided full or half-day walks, longer hikes, day and night game drives, or just relax at the camp. Guests can meet Osambu, Saba, Jeff, and Tinga, the orphan eland family. The tree house is a favorite destination where, during the dry seasons, guests are likely to gaze down at a herd of sixty or more elephants at the waterhole.

A wide variety of cultural activities are offered, including meeting and walking with Ranch game scouts, who protect the wildlife; or visiting local Maasai villages set in classic African acacia landscape, and buying authentic beaded jewelry. (Please request information on voluntourism opportunities in the community and on game counts).

An optional activity offered is the elephant interaction to meet the ranch’s two habituated elephants (additional fees apply – please pre-arrange prior to arrival). This exclusive activity is limited to two guests in the morning and afternoon.