Over the years, Embark has cultivated great relationships with all sorts of local resources around Mt. Kilimanjaro, and the Ndarakwai Tented Lodge is no exception.

Instead of driving three hours from Moshi to start our journey up Kilimanjaro, Embark much prefers to enjoy a night or two at Ndarakwai, which is just 30 minutes from the gate to the Lemosho Route. Big on character, the lodge is surrounded by wild animals (they report having identified more than 65 large mammals and 350 species of birds) that provide the perfect pre-climb open-air jeep adventure.

The privately-owned ranch calls itself “an experiment in self-sustaining conservation,” and works to preserve a variety of habitats that are home to the Amboseli / Ngasurai Basin eco-system, including helping preserve seasonal elephant routes. Starting the climb up Kilimanjaro from the Ndarakwai Tented Lodge provides us with a stunning contrast in scenery from day one to the summit.

If you are interested in a company that offers Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro Tours, please contact Embark, or visit our Kilimanjaro Tours section for more information.