Engaruka Ancient Village

The United Republic of Tanzania

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA AUTHORITY

The United Republic of Tanzania

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
AUTHORITY

The ancient village of Engaruka preserves an enduring record of human technological achievements in agricultural engineering from the 15^th century C.E.

Overview

With the establishment of the first sophisticated irrigation system in the hinterland of East Africa, Engaruka rose to become the first appreciated agricultural civilization of its kind during the 14^th century, and is credited with having close commercial links with the fabled coastal city states of the era such as Kilwa.

The fame of Engaruka climaxed in the 15^th -17^th centuries, and by the 18^th century, Engaruka was wholly abandoned following climatic frustrations and ecological stress.

Today 7 centuries later, the ruins of Engaruka remain elegant, intact and authentic. At Engaruka, one will have a chance to walk through the past 7 centuries and be reminded of the 14^th-century cutting-edge technology in agricultural advancements, planned human settlements, and a commanding view of the Ngorongoro massif.

At Engaruka, one cannot miss seeing the capping snow of Africa’s highest Kilimanjaro Mountain in the mornings and experiencing brilliant sceneries of the Rift Valley geological system, including breath-taking maars and the iconic Kerimasi and Oldonyo Lengai Mountains.