Northern side of the Mount Meru is where Mkuru resides. From the distance, the iconic shape of Ol Doinyo Landaree mountain can easily be recognized, this little mountain has pyramid shape.

In this Mkuru area, which is dominated by the Maasai families, live in small traditional bomas scattered throughout the area. Early in the morning, the maasai warriors start to wandering with their cattle looking for pasture and water. Young Maasai warriors take care of the goat and sheep, and sometimes assist their mothers in fetching water and collecting firewood. Some of the Maasai have started keeping camels (projects funded by the Heifer International), and come to understand the benefits these animal bring.

Since the introduction of camels in Tanzania in the early nineties, Mkuru has become the focal point for camel promotion in the country. More than hundred camels stay in the camel camo, which they lead into the plains to search for forage. At the end of the afternoon, all camels return to their camp and are milked by Maasai warriors. The area around the Mkuru is decorated with colorful birds.

The rufous crowned roller, the red and yellow barbet and the Fischer’s lovebird are some of the more special species. Small game also regularly passes the area and in the plains to the north, giraffes and zebras are common animals.

Camel Safari Experience
Arrive at the camel camp, where you can see the camel herds returning from the plains and walk in between these animals that are very friendly to men. The young ones are unable to walk and maasai warriors carry them to the shade. During the night, near the campfire, sounds of plains can be heard and watch thousands of the star on the sky.

Wake up early in the morning and see the maasai milking the camels, and you can taste a cup of fresh camel milk. The camel ride from the camel camp and you can enjoy a camel ride for several hours through the plains around Mkuru. While on the back of the camel you can perfectly oversee the area and have good chances to view the game and special birds. With Kilimanjaro and Longido rising up right behind you, the landscape you are wandering through is of an amazing magnitude.

We can arrange your camel safari from a day trip to more days. Your safari will start from the Mkuru camp, and its possible to be done in the direction of Kilimanjaro, Longido mountain and Lake Natron.

In two days safari you will take direction towards Mount Kilimanjaro, passing the wildlife corridor between Amboseli National Park and Tarangire and Arusha National Park.

In three days safari take the path towards Longido mountain, while four days safari is sufficient to reach the mountain of Kitumbeine. For the most adventurous ones, a seven days can be organized via the mountain Kitumbaine and Ol Doinyo Lengai to the shores of Lake Natron. During the camel safari you usually cover around 20km before lunch. In the afternoon you can relax and explore the area around the camp.

Birds Walk
Start your walk safari, guided by Maasai warriors, you can walk through woodland around the camel camp in Mkuru. With their vast experience and sharp eyes, the warriors notice every movement and will show you lot of special birds in the area, if you are lucky, you can also see some game running. You are advised to bring a pair of binoculars with you.

Climb Mount Oldonyo Landaree
For adventurous and tough tour without the camels, you can climb Ol Doinyo Landaree, this is the pyramid shaped mountain. Escorted by Maasai warriors it will take you to about two hours to reach the top, from where you have a beautiful view on Mount Meru and can look out over Maasai plain between Meru and Kilimanjaro. In one and half hour you can descend the mountain and relax at the camels’ camp. This tour can be combined by other tours.

Around Meru Mountain
Safari to Mkuru can also be combined with a visit to Arusha National park, in two days and a half, you can also do an adventurous tour which can be done around mount Meru.

On the first day leave Arusha at noonand make an afternoon game drive in Arusha National Park around Momela lakes. Dinner and overnight at Momela Lodge and make the next morning a walking safari through the natural forests on the slopes of mount Meru.

In the afternoon proceed to the Mkuru camel camp, where you make the camel ride on the next day before returning later afternoon via the west side of Mount Meru to Arusha.

The best way to reach the Mkuru Camel Camp is with a 4- wheel drive car. From Arusha, it is about 55 km. Follow the Arusha-Nairobi road towards Nairobi for about 45 km. 1 km after Oldonyo Sambu village, take a right turn on a rough road at the sign indicating the camp and follow the indications (Income from tourist visits will be used for paying salaries, guide fees, village contribution, running cost of the camp, trainings and transportation costs, improvement of education and life conditions of the Mkuru community).