Engaruka Cultural Tourism Programme

The Engaruka Cultural Tourism Programme (further details available from Tanzanian Tourist Information Centre, Arusha , or http://www.infojep.com/cultural tours) is supported by the Tanzanian Tourist Board and SNV, the Dutch Development Organization. In half a day you can tour the ruins or visit local farms to see current farming and irrigation methods. A Masai warrior can also guide you up the escarpment – from where there are views over the ruins and surrounding plains – pointing out trees and plants the Masai use as food and medicine along the way. In one day you can climb the peak of Kerimasi to the north of the village and there is a two-day hike up Kerimasi and then Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano . The sodium-rich ashes from the volcano turn the water caustic, sometimes causing burns to the skin of the local Masai’s livestock. Moneys generated are used to exclude cattle from the ruins and start conservation work, and also to improve the village primary school. There is no formal accommodation but it is possible to camp.