West Kilimanjaro safaris, tours & holidays
Elephants walking the plains below KilimanjaroCustom West Kilimanjaro
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Set at the foot of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, this remote community-owned Wildlife Management Area offers access to a wild and madly scenic corner of Maasailand.
West Kilimanjaro, often also referred to as South Amboseli, comprises a 1,800-square-kilometre wedge of semi-arid acacia savanna running northwest from the base of Kilimanjaro to the border with Kenya's legendary Amboseli National Park. Though not formally protected, the area consists of several sections of Maasai community land amalgamated under the banner of the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area.
Here, Maasai herdsmen co-exist with a remarkable variety of wildlife, including lion, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra, eland, impala, Grant’s gazelle, hartebeest and yellow baboon. The area is perhaps the best place in Tanzania to see the remarkable stretch-necked gerenuk antelope.
“Waking up at Shu'mata Camp with Kilimanjaro practically right in our faces was a real 'wow' moment. Overall, this is a very scenic area, and it's always great to see people and wildlife sharing their environment in relative harmony.”
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West Kilimanjaro forms part of a migration corridor between the Kenyan part of the Amboseli ecosystem and the forested slopes of Kilimanjaro. The Amboseli elephants, which usually pass through the area in June and July, are noted for their even temperament, as well as for the immense tusks of the bulls, which have suffered less from poaching than most East African populations.
A major attraction of West Kilimanjaro is the scenery. Kilimanjaro is an absolutely commanding presence when it emerges from the clouds, usually around dusk and dawn, but the vast horizon is studded with several other peaks, including Mount Meru, Longido Mountain and Namanga Mountain.
Serviced by just one small permanent camp, West Kilimanjaro has a genuine wilderness atmosphere, with the possibility of exploring on foot or in a 4x4, as you prefer. Rustic donkey-back safaris are also offered.
West Kilimanjaro Map
West Kilimanjaro's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about West Kilimanjaro
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
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