Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MKURU
The Maasai village of Mkuru, 14km off the Nairobi road north of Mt Meru and
60km out of Arusha, is the region's pioneering and largest camel camp
(
www.mkurucamelsafari.com
)
. It's now aimed towards organised safari clients,
but still open to independent travellers. You can take a short camel ride around
the village or safari as far away as Mt Kilimanjaro and Lake Natron. Overnight
trips camp in the bush with the camels carrying all the equipment (including
mattress and toilets) and carrying you for as much or as little as you like. Riding
camels is actually not very comfortable or relaxing and most people on long
trips walk most of the way. Rides can be combined with various cultural activit-
ies or a short (about two hours to the summit) climb up Ol Doinyo Landaree
(Mountain of Goats). Most people spend the night in the village before riding
off in to the savannah. There's a simple tented camp in the village or you can
pitch your own tent.
MONDULI JUU
A well-rounded and well-regarded choice, with both natural and cultural activit-
ies on offer. Monduli Juu (Upper Monduli) comprises four small villages along
the Monduli Mountains, northwest of Arusha in Maasai country. You can visit
traditional doctors, see a school or eat a meaty meal in a bush
orpul
(Maasai
camp where men go to eat meat). Many people come to trek along the escarp-
ment for views over the Rift Valley plains and to the distant cone of Ol Doinyo
Lengai. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and long pants, as many of the
trails are overgrown with thick, thorny brush. Most trips are one way and guides
will arrange a car to pick you up at the end. Most activities begin in Emairete
village (9km from Monduli town), where there are several simple spots to camp
(bring everything with you from Arusha) and some Maasai
bomas
that take
overnight guests.
MULALA
Set on the southern slope of Mt Meru about 30km northeast of Arusha, this is
the only program completely implemented by women. Tours focus on farming
and daily life and include visits to a women's cooperative and cheese makers,
and some short walks through the countryside. Camping is possible if you have
camping gear, though with an early start, it's no problem to do this tour as a day
trip from Arusha.
NG'IRESI
One of the most popular programs, the primary tours at Ng'iresi village (about
7km northeast of Arusha on the slopes of Mt Meru) include visits to Wa-arusha
