The Maasai are arguably the most iconic tribal group in Africa. Known for their distinct lifestyle, they are found in Kenya’s Southern, central and northern parts.
We take you on a mid-morning trip to the edge of the Mara River, where you will visit an authentic Maasai village and witness their lifestyle and culture. Many Maasai villages are found close to game parks, as these are the lands where they used to graze their large herds of cattle.
During this visit, you’ll learn the story behind their communal living. The Maasais traditionally never settled in one place, being a pastoral community, and only built temporary homesteads. This is evident in how they build their manyattas (homesteads)—with cow dung, stick, and bare ground serving as the floor.
While most Maasai’s are now living a more sedentary lifestyle in villages, they have maintained most of their traditions. They live largely untouched by modern technology, which distinguishes them from other communities in the country. During your visit, you’ll find out how they’re able to lead simple and happy lives without electricity, piped water, or gas—things most people wouldn’t survive without today.
You’ll also get to watch the Morans, the Maasai warriors, do their traditional jumping dance. Create memories by joining in to see how far you can jump. Here’s a hint—it’s not as easy as they make it look.
The Morans are known for their bravery and discipline. These warriors train in the bush for seven years once they turn 14, living in isolation and learning to fight and protect the community and the livestock. In the past, the training period ended with the ultimate test, where one had to kill a lion with a spear to be initiated as a warrior.
This practice, however, stopped in 2012 after the government outlawed the killing of lions to protect their dwindling numbers. Nowadays, young Maasai men undergo various activities, chief of which is singing, to mark their transition into Morans. Singing and dancing are essential aspects of Maasai communal living, and we hope you can share in the fun with the locals.