Ndarakwai Ranch is a privately owned ranch located in Siha District, West Kilimanjaro, and part of the Amboseli / Ngasurai Basin eco-system. The ranch is over 11,000 acres in size and is an experiment in self-sustaining conservation, preserving a variety of habitats that are home to over 65 mammal species, and 350 bird species.

Ndarakwai Camp is a permanent tented lodge on Ndarakwai Ranch and caters for a maximum of 24 guests, offering an intimate atmosphere where your every need is catered to. With stunning views of both Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru, the camp is nestled in a lush forest of towering fig, and yellow-barked acacias that line the seasonal Ngare Nairobi River. The camps unique design grew out of the available local raw materials and the skills of craftsmen that live in the area.

The camp features 12 spacious tents with thatched roofs, en suite bathrooms with safari-style showers, and a large separate dining area. Mealtimes are flexible and can be arranged with your guide and the camp Manager. Picnic lunches, bush breakfasts, and a bush campfire & bar are easily arranged. In the evening guests can gather around either of 2 indoor fireplaces, or an outdoor campfire for snacks and sundowners. Welcome the African night, replete with elephants that ghost through the camp and the haunting cries of bush babies in the trees.

During the day you can take in the variety of wildlife and cultural activities that are on offer or simply relax around the camp. Activities include guided full or half day walks (where the emphasis can either be on game or bird watching), game drives, night game drives and watching game from the ‘tree house’ at the waterhole. You can also visit local Maasai villages to photograph and buy authentic beaded jewelry. Chuo cha Farasi is a Horse-back Safari Company that are based at Ndarakwai and they also offer half or full day horse rides from camp. Multiple day rides are also possible by prior arrangement.

The camp has real eco-traits and they collect rainwater, heat water with twigs and camp waste in fuel-efficient boilers, and prepare meals on propane stoves and in a huge insulated clay oven. No electricity is used in the camp, except in the reception area to charge camera batteries and power the wireless Internet. Candlelight and kerosene lanterns provide romantic evening light. The Camp was built by, and is staffed by people from the local villages. Materials, such as canvas for tents, poles for construction, and grass for thatching, were obtained locally, and all of the tents were made onsite. They grow their own vegetables or buy from farmers at nearby Ngare Nairobi village. Trees felled by elephants provide all of the firewood.

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A visit to this unique camp will provide visitors with an intimate and personal experience of Tanzania’s people, landscape, and wildlife.