Itinerary Summary

Itinerary Sample is a 4 Days Special Cultural Travel to Engaruka to observe how Tanzania most preserved culture, norms and values are practiced in Maasai community in Engaruka.

Engaruka, situated 63 km north of Mto wa Mbu, on the road to Oldoinyo Lengai and Lake Natron, 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 talk volumes about the highly specialized agricultural economy.

The people of Engaruka offer visitors the following attractions:
1. A guided visit to one of the oldest African irrigation systems
2. A visit to the Maasai Cattle Auction
3. A visit to a Maasai Boma walking safaris in an area of outstanding beauty
4. A look at the local community life

There are various guided tour options:

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Visit to the ruined city and Local Irigation Methods

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 f arming community. Enjoy enroute, the colourful birds and butterflies, remnants of the German era, and also visit an “orpul” 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 throw light on the tribal background of the village. On the way back, visit the market area located in the shade of African tulip tree and a huge mkuyu tree.

Day2: Rift Valley escarpment tour and Kerimasi mountain climb

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.

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.

Day 3 -4 Climbing to Oldoinyo Lengai

Conquer Oldoinyo Lengai or “the mountain of God” in Maasai parlance. 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 even can enter the crater to watch the volcanic activity . The descent takes about 2 ½ hours.
(Income from tourist visits will be used to improve the local primary school and for conservation of the ruined city.)

 

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Safari Pricing Terms

Price includes the following:

  1. Full board accommodation whilst on safari in the above mentioned en suite tented camps and lodges
  2. Private safari guide
  3. Extended Toyota Land Cruiser
  4. Private 4 x 4 safari jeep with pop up roof for game viewing
  5. Transfers in both directions between the International Airport
  6. Park fees
  7. Crater fees
  8. All meals while on safari
  9. Airport Arrival/Departure Meet and Greets at the airport
  10. On safari – Vehicles equipped with ice chest with mineral water, wildlife guidebooks
  11. Government taxes, VAT and service charges relating to accommodation and included meals

Price Excludes the following:

  1. Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival, USA and CANADA passport holders USD.100
  2. Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  3. Meals not listed above
  4. Optional Tours (balloon rides USD. 500 per person etc)
  5. Tips and any items of personal nature.