A History of Struggle and Restoration
Ndarakwai Camp, a private wildlife reserve in the Kilimanjaro region, has endured a tumultuous past. The First World War left scars on the land, with remnants of trenches still visible today. Following Tanganyika’s independence in 1961, the area suffered from grazing, poaching, and deforestation, leading to the near extinction of elephants and other wildlife. Under pressure from local tribes, the land was abandoned, leaving its future uncertain.
The Turning Point: Conservation Efforts
In 1995, Peter Jones stepped in, purchasing the 11,000-acre territory to establish a private reserve. His commitment to wildlife protection and habitat restoration transformed Ndarakwai from a degraded landscape into a thriving ecosystem. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, populations of elephants, zebras, eland, giraffes, wildebeest, buffalo, kudu, and the rare gerenuk began to flourish.
A Wildlife Haven Today
Since December 2010, Ndarakwai has welcomed lions and cheetahs, further enriching its biodiversity. Today, the reserve is home to over 70 mammal species and 300 bird species, making it a premier destination for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts.
