Introduction

Situated 63 km north of Mto wa Mbu on the road to Oldoinyo.

Lengai and Lake Natron, Engaruka lies at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment. It is an important historic site as some 500 years ago, a farming community of several thousand people chose to develop an ingenious irrigation and cultivation system here. For unknown reasons, the farmers left Engaruka around 1700, but the ruins speak volumes about this once highly specialized agricultural economy.

Engaruka

The highlights of a tour to the area include:

• a guided visit to one of the oldest African irrigation systems 

• a visit to the Maasai cattle market

• a visit to a Maasai Boma walking safaris in an area of outstanding beauty

• a look at the local community life 

Tour Options:

Half Day Tours
Visit to the Ruined City
You can see the remnants of the ruined city of Engaruka. The guide will help you to identify  old graves, house walls, irrigation canals and terraces, and explain the various  theories  about the rise and fall of the farming community. Enjoy enroute, the colourful  birds and butterflies, remnants of the German era, and also visit an "olpul" or  Maasai slaughter-house.  

Engaruka Farming Tour
From the ruins, walk  to the village of Engaruka. Enroute, visit several farms and learn about  various farming and irrigation methods. The guide will enlighten you on the tribal background of the village. On your return, visit the market area located in the shade of African tulip tree and a huge mkuyu tree. 

Rift Valley Escarpment Tour 

From the ruined city, narrow footpaths wind up the Rift Valley escarpment. Climb the escarpment guided by a Maasai warrior, who will help you spot many colourful birds and show you trees and plants that the Maasai use for making food and medicines.   

One Day Tour

Kerimasi Mountain Climb 

North of Engaruka is the green mountain of Kerimasi. The climb takes three to four hours from the foot to the summit. From the top, you see impressive views of Oldoinyo Lengai,  Lake Natron, the Ngorongoro highlands and the mountains of Kitumbeine and Gelai. The descent takes about two hours. 

Two Day Tour

Hike to Oldoinyo Lengai
Conquer Oldoinyo Lengai or "the Mountain of God"  in the language of the Maasai. On the first day, you climb Kerimasi mountain and descend on the north  side to camp at the foot of Oldoinyo Lengai, the only active volcano in Tanzania. On the morning of  the second day, start the 4-5 hour climb to the top, where you can enter the crater to watch  the volcanic  activity. The descent takes about 2 ½ hours. 

Income from tourist visits to Engaruka is used to improve the local primary school and for conservation of the ruined city. 

Please Contact Us for more information and to arrange your cultural tour to Engaruka.