Tanzania Cultural :Engaruka cultural tour

Engaruka is one of Tanzania’s most important historic sites. Some 500 years ago, a farming community of several thousand developed an ingenious irrigation and cultivation system. The water that flowed from the rift escarpment was channeled into stone-built canals and led to stone-bench terraces. Measures were taken to prevent soil erosion and the fertility of the plots was increased by using the manure of stall fed cattle. For unknown reasons, the farmers left Engaruka around 1700.

Now, three centuries later, the ruins still give a good impression of the highly specialized, integrated agricultural economy, very remarkable for that period of African history. Although several famous archaeologists – including Louis Leakey – have investigated the Engaruka ruins, the site is still surrounded with mysteries.

Many questions remain unanswered: 
– Who were the people living in Engaruka? 
– How did they come to develop such an ingenious farming system? 
– Why did they finally leave Engaruka? 

Several theories have been developed, but none of them have as yet been verified. 
Visit to the ruined city: The ruined city of Engaruka is situated at the foot of the Rift Valley Escarpment. Here you can see the abandoned remnants of the complicated irrigation system. The guide will help you to identify old graves, house walls, irrigation canals and terraces, and explain to you the various theories of the rise and fall of this highly specialized farming community.

The ruined city abounds with colorful birds and butterflies, remnants from the German colonial times and you can visit an “Olpul”, a place where Maasai slaughter and eat their cows. A one or two hours’ visit will give you an impression of the ruined city; a chance that you simply cannot miss, when passing through Engaruka. For those with more time, tours can be offered that vary from a half day to two days. 

Engaruka Farming tour: Starting from the ruins you walk down to the green village of Engaruka. On your way you will visit several farms, where various crops are grown and explanations are given about current farming and irrigation methods in the area. Engaruka is one of the few places in East Africa where Maasai are practicing irrigation, but also other tribes have arrived into the area for farming. Your guide will give you extensive descriptions of the tribal background in the village. On your way back you can visit the market area of Engaruka, located in the shade of an African tulip tree and a huge mkuyu tree. Especially on the market days – Sunday and Thursday – a visit will be an unforgettable experience.

Rift Valley Escarpment Tour: From the ruined city narrow footpaths wind up the Rift Valley escarpment. Guided by a Maasai warrior you will gradually climb the escarpment. From above you have a wonderful view of the ruined city and over the surrounding Maasai plains. During the walk, the guide will help you to spot many colorful birds and show you trees and plants that the Maasai use for making food and for medicines.