Cultural Tourism Programme

Mkuru Camel Safari is a community-based cultural tourism initiative, directly managed by local people, under the umbrella of the Tanzania Tourist Board and supported by Oikos East Africa a local NGO.

Mkuru Camel Safari includes camel and walking safaris, as well as a wide variety of cultural events, with the objective of spreading the knowledge of natural and cultural resources of Mkuru/Mount Meru area, and distributing the benefits of tourism to rural communities.

The Camel Camp (MCC)

With the most incredible view, Mkuru Camel Camp is situated on the north side of Mt. Meru, not far from the irrigated fields of Ngarenanyuki and the Momella gate of the Arusha National Park. The area around the camp is alive with colourful birds and small mammals, with zebra and giraffe in the plains to the north, which is also a corridor for elephants travelling between Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Close to the camp, Maasai families are living in small traditional Bomas.

The camp offers: toilets and showers facilities, hot water, dining area, hot meals, office, fire place, resting area.

There are two kinds of accommodation: the first one is in comfortable safari tents on wooden platforms, the second is in ground camping tents.

Adventures and cultural tours on offer include:


Baboons Cave Safari (one day walking or camel safari)

You will visit a baboon cave, which hosts almost 300 baboons every night. You can see a dam made during the colonial period and also can listen to and observe the story of a traditional ritual in the life of Maasai men, after which they become stronger.

Climbing Oldonyo Landare (one day walking safari)

Oldonyo Landare in the Maasai language means Mountain of Goats. This is a 3-4 hours trek from the Camel camp. From the top of this hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mt Meru, Mt Kilimanjaro and the Maasai Plains.

Mguru (one day walking)

This is a natural amazing archeological place, on the slope of Mt Meru, where the Maasai collect water. It’s a 2 - 3 hour walk from the camp.

Specials

Visit the Traditional Healer (half day walking or camel safari)

To learn more about the Maasai culture and traditional medicine come and listen to Mzee Elias, a famous Maasai healer. The Maasai come from faraway places to be treated by this traditional healer.

Bush dinner

The incredible sunset on Mt Kilimanjaro, a romantic special dinner under a roof of stars and the magic atmosphere of candles lights are the elements to experience a wonderful bush dinner.

Long Camel Safaris

The range of long camel safari goes from a minimum of 2 to maximum 7 days.