Wondergarden

Wondergarden, the sister company of our hospitality partner, Hatari Lodge, in Arusha National Park, is proudly headquartered in Moshi, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Our inspiring journey began nine years ago, rooted in a deep commitment to community, sustainability, and Tanzania's rich agricultural heritage. At the heart of Wondergarden are our vibrant gardens, cultivated by dedicated smallholder farmers. They grow a diverse array of indigenous Tanzanian crops, many overlooked, yet holding remarkable potential as wholesome, flavorful 'super foods.' We support around 1,500 individual farmers, providing them with a vital market. We creatively process approximately 100 food products into 200 exceptional items for the Hatari Lodge and Shu’mata Camps menu, sourcing 90% of our ingredients locally. This strengthens our community by reducing reliance on imports and fostering local economic growth. The story of a tiny seed from a vast jungle tree represents Wondergarden’s vision. This journey commenced as a substitute for almond and pecan nuts, helping sustain large jungle trees by purchasing their seeds. We press them for oil, create a nut cream with Tanzanian cocoa (marketed as Kwemella), along with nut flour and various pestos. The value from these nuts generates new revenue streams that support and protect the local microclimate. When trees and forests are shielded, the elephant’s nourishment chain remains stable. Conflict diminishes, enabling these gentle giants to continue their critical migrations. Our guiding principle is “Culinary Conservation.” This encompasses unique accommodations, new experiences, and our responsibility to use solar and biogas energy and biodynamic cleaning supplies. We champion responsible tourism and firmly believe that sustainable conservation is achieved through our dietary choices, not just by protecting individual species. This cycle is illuminated through the life of the elephant. Conserving biodiversity, one garden at a time