Ndarakwai Lodge is a permanent tented lodge on an 11,000 acre privately owned ranch in West Kilimanjaro. The ranch dates back to 1994 and has been a great success in land and wildlife rehabilitation. There are now some 70 species of mammals and 350 species of birds, making this a great wildlife destination. With stunning scenery and views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, this is also a wonderful place in which to relax. Ndarakwai is just 40 miles north of Kilimanjaro International Airport, so is easily accessible.
The lodge is built from local materials and is staffed by people from nearby villages and has close ties to the local communities. Accommodation is in 12 spacious tents with thatched roofs with ensuiite bathrooms featuring safari-style showers. The tents are set on raised wooden platforms and are spaced well apart. Food is a highlight and is served in the dedicated dining area or by the campfire. Bush breakfasts and picnic lunches can also be arranged. In the evening guests can congregate around one of the two indoor fireplaces or the campfire, to enjoy snacks and sundowners before dinner.
This area is a combination of high long grass plains, Acacia savannah and water courses and is home to a vast range of animal and bird life. Activities include game drives in open-sided vehicles both by day and night and guided walks -halfday, full day and even multiple days with flycamping. Horse riding is also a popular way to explore this region and can be arranged at the lodge, but is best booked in advance. It is also possible to visit local Maasai villages and markets.
Day trips to Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro National Park can also be organised, it may also be possible to visit two orphaned elephants which were raised at Ndarakwai.
Responsible Tourism Ndarakwai Camp was built by and is staffed by local village people. Building materials as far as possible were obtained locally and tents made on site. The camp grows its own vegetables or buys from the local village. Elephants passing through and felling trees provide firewood for the camp!
