“An unforgettable trip. Our guide spotted a leopard on day one and knew every bird by name. Milele Expeditions made it effortless.”
The Serval Wildlife experience is the most hands-on wildlife day near Arusha: an ethical sanctuary between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro where rescued servals, big cats and plains animals live in large, natural enclosures, and where a guided visit puts you closer to African wildlife than any game drive can.
Set on a green estate near Usa River, Serval Wildlife began as a rescue and rehabilitation project for servals, the elegant, long-legged cats that are so hard to see in the wild. Over the years it has grown into a home for other rescued and orphaned animals too.
A resident guide walks you through the grounds and introduces the residents: servals and caracals, lions, and a friendly cast of giraffes, zebras, elands and impalas that roam the open sections. The focus throughout is on conservation, welfare and how each animal came to be here.
Because the animals are habituated and cared for, encounters are calm and personal. You can hand-feed some of the gentle grazers, watch the cats at close range, and take the kind of photographs a safari rarely allows.
It is a favourite with families and photographers, and a gentle, feel-good counterpoint to a big day in the parks. A picnic lunch in the gardens rounds off the visit.
This is a sanctuary, not a zoo or a petting farm; interactions follow the keepers' lead and the animals' welfare comes first. Wear neutral, closed shoes and follow your guide's instructions around the cats.
The half-day format slots neatly beside a park visit. Combine it with an Arusha National Park day safari or a relaxed Chemka Hot Springs afternoon.
A local team on call from first enquiry to airport drop-off. We confirm fast, monitor every departure, and our guides carry years of experience plus first-aid training. Your trip funds local conservation and employment directly.
Private departures daily from Arusha or Moshi, sanctuary entry and guided visit included. Send a quick request and we will arrange your visit.
Collected for the short drive to the ethical sanctuary near Usa River.
Arrive and meet the keeper-guide who will introduce you to the residents.
A guided walk through the grounds meeting rescued and rehabilitated animals up close.
Hand-feed the resident giraffes and gentle grazers from the platform.
Time with the sanctuary's servals and other cats, the reason many come.
A relaxed picnic lunch in the green gardens.
An easy drive back in the early afternoon.
Per person in USD. The bigger your group, the lower the price.
| Group size | Price / person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $100 |
| 2 travellers | $70 |
| 3-4 travellers | $55 |
| 5-6 travellers | $50 |
From $50 per person
Prices are guide rates covering the essentials for the day. Message us for your exact quote.
Talk to our local safari experts for a tailor-made itinerary that fits your dates and budget.
From $50 per person, dropping as your group grows. It includes your guide, transport and entry.
It is a visit to a wildlife sanctuary near Arusha where you meet rescued cats and other animals and learn about conservation.
Yes. It is a favourite with children and easy for all ages.
It is a relaxed half day.
