Perhaps you’ve seen photos or video of the Maasai people on the plains of Africa, wrapped in their bright shukas – the vibrant reds and purples of the woven cloth contrasting with the ochres and golds of the savannah.
The men stand tall while the women adorned with colorful beaded headwear and necklaces appear as a distinctive people, unique from most other cultures around the world. For the Maasai are an ancient pastoral culture, the long-dwelling inhabitants of East Africa and proud bearers of their herding lifestyle.
Traditionally nomads through what is today Kenya and Tanzania, the Maasai are now settled in small villages comprised of mud and thatched huts, their corrals, stocked with their major currency – cattle, goats, and other small animals.
While on safari, you can take a break from your wildlife tracking and enjoy a visit with a local tribe, meet the people and learn something about their lives.
Just Ask Your Guide
And he’ll arrange a visit at a nearby village for a different kind of cultural experience. As mentioned, the vibrant colors of the Maasai’s garments stand out from the greens and browns of their surroundings.
You’ll also notice their jeweled layers of bright beads – these are a form of identity and social status. While here, you can participate in community life by purchasing some of this handiwork, helping to support the village. Your purchases are sure to become souvenirs with a story, reminders of your time on safari.
No Place Like Home
While in the village you’ll have an opportunity to visit their homes, called bomas. They’re small mud structures, usually built by the community’s women. Starting with a scaffold of small poles and branches, they are covered with a cement of mud, grass, cow dung, urine, and ash. Rising only 1.5 m (5 ft), the small structures cover an area of roughly 3 x 5 m (10 x 16 ft).
In this small space, the family sleeps, cooks, and socializes. Entering the boma, you’ll find it dark and close… you’ll probably have to crouch down. Yet you’ll see distinct areas for sleeping, cooking, and just relaxing.
Sometimes this space is also shared with the livestock, however, there are also other bomas or small corrals the men have constructed to house their herds. The men also construct protective barriers around the village made of wood, sharpened sticks, and thorns to keep predators like lions away from their livestock.
Join the Dance
Maybe you’ve seen or heard about the Maasai’s adumu, or jumping dance. Placing themself in the middle of a circle of dancers, an individual will jump higher and higher in rhythm with the singers and dancers.
Don’t be surprised if you’re called in as a “volunteer” to join the fun. There’s nothing like letting loose in a Maasai village, the warriors all around, encouraging you to jump ever higher. Make sure your companions have their cameras out!
We’ll Show You the Way
Your Africa Kenya Safaris guide will be happy to arrange your visit to a local Maasai village at Amboseli Park or the Masai Mara Reserve. The cost is only $25 per person and is payable directly to the village chief.
Add another perspective to your African safari and immerse yourself in the world of the Maasai.
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Our Africa Safaris in Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar
Check out our many East Africa safari tours:
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Africa Kenya Safaris offers you full and half-day excursions & trips from Nairobi
KENYA SAFARI FROM NAIROBI
Explore our multi-day Kenya safari adventures ranging from 2 – 12 days from Nairobi.
NAIROBI TO DIANI BEACH SAFARIS
Enjoy a Kenya wildlife safari then finish up your holiday at Kenya’s Diani Beach.
DIANI BEACH KENYA SAFARIS
Explore our Kenya safaris from beach resorts of Diani – voted Africa’s leading beach destination
AMBOSELI KENYA SAFARIS
Explore Amboseli – famous for large herds of elephants and scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro
KENYA FLIGHT SAFARIS
Book Kenya flight Safaris and explore Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu & Lewa Conservancy.
MASAI MARA KENYA SAFARIS
Masai Mara is home of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five of Africa, Big cats, Masai culture etc.
KENYA BEACH TO NAIROBI SAFARIS
Book Exciting African safaris starting from/to the beautiful Diani beach resorts
KENYA-TANZANIA SAFARIS
Experience wildlife parks, beaches and mountains of Kenya & Tanzania.
KENYA SAFARI & DIANI BEACH
Experience the best of both worlds – a thrilling Kenya safari and a dream Diani beach vacation
KENYA SHORT GROUP SAFARIS
Join our exciting Kenya short Group safari Tours from Nairobi in 4×4 safari jeeps
TANZANIA SAFARI HOLIDAYS
Exciting 4×4 Tanzania safaris from Arusha town. Explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara & Tarangire.
ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAYS
Pre/post your African safari holiday in Kenya & Tanzania, ‘escape’ to Africa’s leading beach destination – Zanzibar!
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TOURS
Best Africa mountain climbing adventure tour packages and safaris. Climb Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro
EAST AFRICA BEACH HOLIDAYS
Best family-friendly beach holidays on the sandy beaches of Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Watamu, Lamu & Zanzibar
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
You came to Africa to live an experience – to see the Big 5, Big cats, wildebeest migration & so much more!
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At Africa Kenya Safaris we are always flexible with your options, we will offer our thoughts on seasons, budgets, lifestyle, accommodations, first-hand experience of the parks, and all the possible activities to fill out your safari story. We’ll work with your impressions and dreams and add our ideas on which to build your adventure.
