Discover a regenerative circuit - Africa’s tallest trees and the future of "Culinary conservation"

Hatari Travel invites travellers to look beyond the traditional savanna and discover the "vertical wilderness" of Northern Tanzania. This year, the pioneers of regenerative tourism at Hatari Lodge, Shu’mata Camp and Wondergarden Pty Ltd, are spotlighting two pillars of the Tanzanian experience that redefine luxury travel: the ancient giants of Arusha National Park and a revolutionary approach to biodiversity on the plate.

The Giants of the Montane Forest

While Tanzania is famed for its wide horizons, Hatari Lodge offers a rare invitation to the heights. Arusha National Park (ANP) is home to some of the tallest trees in Africa—ancient, moss-draped mahoganies and fig trees that create a cathedral-like canopy in the shadow of Mount Meru.

"Standing at the base of these giants is a recalibration for the soul," says Marlies Gabriel, co-founder of Hatari Travel. "In a world of digital noise, these trees offer a profound silence. Our 2026 expeditions allow guests to explore these 'vertical wonders' in near-total solitude, moving away from the crowded vehicle circuits of the mass-market safari."

Culinary Conservation: Biodiversity You Can Taste

 Complementing the scale of the forest is the granular impact of the Wondergarden initiative. Hatari Travel includes all guests at their two lodges in their "culinary conservation" initiative run by Wondergarden Pty Ltd, which has revitalised over 100 forgotten native and indigenous crops.

From nitrogen-fixing Bambara nuts to heritage sorghum, Hatari’’s cuisine is a tool for ecological restoration. By sourcing 90% of ingredients within a 50km radius and paying a 20-30% premium to local female smallholders, Hatari ensures that every meal served directly funds the protection of wildlife corridors.

Hatari Travel highlights a new "Slow Safari” itinerary:

• The Giant Tree Hikes: Guided botanical journeys through the ancient forests of ANP.

• The Shira Plateau Expedition: A high-altitude journey to 3,800m, emphasising ecological witnessing over physical conquest.

• Wondergarden Dining: A daily "food detox" featuring bespoke recipes that preserve Africa’s gastronomic heritage.

"We believe the future of travel is regenerative," says Jörg Gabriel. "It’s about leaving the land better than we found it—whether by protecting a 600-year-old tree or by ensuring a local farmer thrives because of the heritage seeds she plants."

Saskia Brown, Marketing & Sales

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