“Whilst giraffe are commonly seen on safari, in the media, and in zoos, people – including conservationists – are unaware that these majestic animals are undergoing a silent extinction. While giraffe populations in southern Africa are doing just fine, the world’s tallest animal is under severe pressure in some of its core ranges across East, Central and West Africa. It may come as a shock that three of the currently recognised nine subspecies are now considered ‘Critically Endangered’ or ‘Endangered’, but we have been sounding the alarm for a few years now.” 

Dr Julian Fennessy, Director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF).

Why Giraffes ?

  • The Giraffe is the National Animal of Tanzania. The ‘silent extinction’ of these incredible animals is closely correlated to habitat loss and poaching. A fitting icon therefore for our range land regeneration efforts.
  • Our beautiful animals have been rescued from the ‘Mwsakini Corridor‘. A notorious poaching hotspot outside of any protected areas not far from our farm.

  • 50%                                  Population collapse over the 30 last years.

 

 

  • 28,850                             Estimated remaining Maasai Giraffe

 

 

We believe that the status of the Maasai giraffe is closely tied to the health of their ecosystems and the well-being of the surrounding communities. This is why we are committed to addressing a wide range of environmental and community issues in our efforts to create a sustainable future for the region.

One of the key ways we do this is through education and outreach programs. We aim to host every school child in Northern Tanzania to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and to encourage responsible environmental practices.

We also partner with a number of organisations to address specific issues, such as habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, climate change and wildlife poaching. By collaborating with others, we are able to amplify our impact and make a greater difference for both the giraffe and the broader ecosystem.

If you’re interested in supporting our efforts to protect giraffe and the environment, we invite you to learn more about our work and to consider making a donation. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

What are we doing ?

  • Broadening the understanding and awareness of Giraffe conservation status
  • Exploring options to reduce threats to wildlife and their habitats and increase durable benefits to people.
  • Our aim is to host every school child in Northern Tanzania.
  •  We will also be welcoming paying tourists and locals to have a similar experience.

Where are we ?

We are located 20km West of Arusha on the road to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.

The Giraffes have been reintroduced onto a re-wilded farm 6km from the main road.

Take the rough road opposite the Panone petrol station between Kisongo & Duka Mbovu. There is a Giraffe sign that hopefully is unmissable!

After 4km you will see another remarkably similar Giraffe sign on your right. Turn right here and follow the rough(er) road for 2km. You will arrive at the gate and turn right inside the fence to arrive at the centre.

You park on the righthand side, there loos outside of the actual centre should your requirement be urgent!

It is possible to drop people off directly at the entrance although we ask people to only use this option if there are mobility issues.

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IN LIVING MEMORY giraffes roamed all corners of Northern Tanzania.

Habitat loss and poaching have decimated the population, especially in the last few years. In an effort to reverse this trend, the giraffes that we have the privilege to be responsible for will act as flagships to highlight this issue.

They will also act as a disease free  insurance population to repopulate other secure areas should the need arise.

This is in line with the TZ Government’s Giraffe Action Plan 2020 as well as consistent with the guidelines of the IUCN Giraffe SSG and, of course, all TAWA and TAWIRI rules and regulations.

Local school children often have little exposure to wildlife and environmental education through their curriculum. Many of them will not have the opportunity or wherewithal to visit national parks or reserves.

Having observed the astonishing return of biodiversity on our farm we feel honour bound to disseminate these simple techniques we have used to regenerate our farm.

There is no formal funding available for this. We will charge tourists and locals entry fees which will allow us to host local school children for free.

The Arusha Giraffe Centre will act as a hub for innovators and entrepreneurs to explore options to ‘Regenerate Our Landscapes’.

Giraffe habitat no more:

Giraffe Habitat

The Education Centre

Nestled in the heart of our re-wilded farm, this beautiful space is dedicated to “Regenerating Our Landscapes”. In three bays we look at issues concerning Community, Environment and Wildlife with practical demonstrations, and a fourth bay where a few solutions are offered.

Our building features locally sourced roofing and building materials, designed to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The biogas generator takes care of all organic waste and boils the water too! Inside, you’ll find a cool and inviting atmosphere, with plenty of natural light and outside comfortable seating underneath a magnificent Acacia tree.

But that’s just the beginning. Our building is also home to a selection of unique, locally made souvenirs, designed by talented artisans from our community. These one-of-a-kind pieces are not only beautiful, but they also tell the story of our region and its rich cultural heritage.

And if you’re feeling hungry,  you’ll find delicious, home-style meals made with fresh, locally grown ingredients. There is a range of seasonal meals including salads, sandwiches and heartier fare. We have something for every taste and preference.

Kisongo Farm

We bought the farm almost 2 decades ago when it was exhausted maize fields. We built our first straw bale house under three of the handful of big trees on the property and set about regenerating the farm with simple techniques that could be easily and cheaply replicated.

Being totally off grid we generate our own power, dispose of our own waste and catch our own water.

By innovating and educating our core aim remains to:

“Regenerate Our Landscapes”

 

OUR PRICES

Adult 47.50 USD
Children ( 4 Yrs to 15 Yrs ) 23.70 USD
Children 3 Yrs and below  Free

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Arusha,Tanzania - East Africa

Email: arushagiraffecentre@gmail.com

Phone: +255 624 298 086 ( WhatsApp )

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