Set out on the Great Kilimanjaro Safari Circuit, where Tanzania's wild beauty unfolds between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. This exceptional journey connects Hatari Lodge, Shu'mata Camp, and the Wondergarden initiative, offering a truly immersive experience in nature's core.

Hatari Lodge

In Arusha National Park, Hatari Lodge offers an enchanting escape that feels straight out of a scene from The Lord of the Rings, with its ethereal landscapes and thriving wildlife. Nestled between the majestic Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, the lodge provides guests with a front-row seat to vibrant ecosystems where animals roam freely. A long, scenic walkway attached to the lodge leads you through the heart of this natural paradise, where you might be greeted by curious giraffes as you enjoy your breakfast. This experience is part of The Greater Kilimanjaro Safari Circuit, a unique journey that allows travellers to leave the masses behind and explore the secluded, lush, and protected wilderness that remains off the beaten tourism track. Although very accessible and close to the main Kilimanjaro airport, this circuit offers a detour that is trodden yet rewarding, revealing a piece of Eden that feels untouched and authentic. The lodge itself is surrounded by a picturesque meadow teeming with wildlife, where zebras, buffalo, and antelope graze peacefully just steps from your door. Guests can embark on a variety of excursions, including guided safaris, forest walks, mountain tours, and visits to the serene Momella Lake and the dramatic Meru & Ngurdoto Crater. For those interested in conservation, the lodge partners with local initiatives like Beetopia and the Wondergardens, where you can learn about small-scale multi-cropping and savour a sumptuous breakfast made from the seasonal native ingredients cultivated right in the gardens. Hatari Lodge is deeply committed to conservation, operating responsibly with biogas and solar energy, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint. The lodge has partnered with Grounded, Kenya to utilise biodegradable, naturally-made products for housekeeping, kitchen cleaning, and laundry. All soft linens are thoughtfully sourced and crafted in Tanzania, and the hard furniture is designed and made locally, reflecting the lodge’s dedication to supporting local artisans. This commitment to eco-friendly luxury makes Hatari Lodge not just a place to stay, but a destination where guests can connect with nature while enjoying the highest standards of comfort and responsibility.

Just 1.5 hours away from Hatari Lodge lies Shu’mata Camp, a key stop in our safari circuit, ensuring guests can experience the diverse beauty and unique experiences of each location while remaining connected to the same overarching mission.

Shu'mata Camp

Perched with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the savannah of Maasailand, Shu'mata Camp embodies responsible tourism. The name "Shu'mata" comes from the Maasai word for "heaven," reflecting the camp's elevated location and the serene beauty of its surroundings. Located within the Enduiment Wildlife Management Area, Shu’mata is renowned for being a sanctuary for the last great elephant tuskers - majestic giants celebrated for their enormous tusks. Working closely with local Maasai communities, the camp plays a crucial role in conservation by monitoring and safeguarding these elephants and their movements, ensuring that tourism benefits everyone. The gentle giants migrate from the bordering Amboseli National Park in Kenya - home to Africa's oldest land mammal research project - roam freely across vast landscapes. Here, there is no fence, no boundary, no border. Instead, an uninterrupted elephant corridor connects ecosystems, allowing wildlife to continue to thrive. This elephant-made sanctuary stands as a testament to the power of nature and the importance of responsible photographic tourism, which serves as a stronghold for the survival of these incredible creatures.

The Wondergarden

Wondergarden is another key component of the circuit, working in partnership with both Hatari Lodge and Shu’mata Camp. It stands as a compelling model for connecting people with food, promoting healthy living through fresh, organic produce and immersive educational experiences. Our support for local communities in Tanzania is at the heart of this approach, engaging with every aspect of the food journey - from cultivation and processing to the protection of land and wildlife, and the nourishment of both spiritual and nutritional ecosystems for future generations. The gardens that guests can visit are among the many we support on the slopes of Mt. Meru, where we champion traditional farming methods like multi-cropping with the seasons. These gardens are adjacent to protected areas, such as native forests, grasslands, and savannahs, ensuring that villagers have a sustainable income without encroaching on these vital ecosystems - this is true conservation. Our kitchen and menu have flourished through this partnership, with every dish reflecting our commitment to preservation and quality. The produce we serve is of the highest standard, rigorously maintained to ensure both safety and excellence. Guests will savour ingredients native to the region, sourced directly from these local gardens, supporting local ecosystems by avoiding imports. These ingredients are not only fresh but also meticulously processed using traditional methods - dried, roasted, milled, pressed, canned, and especially fermented to enhance flavour and nutritional value. As a transformative educational bridge for our visiting guests, we demonstrate the seamless connection from garden to kitchen and kitchen to community, showcasing how food is more than just sustenance - it’s a way to build a healthier world.

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