An adventure to the Serengeti wouldn’t be complete without meeting the enchanting Maasai.
This wonderful cultural excursion will immerse you in the fascinating ancestry of these noble people.
At the Maasai village playing host to your tour, you will have the opportunity to meet with a Maasai family, visit a traditional boma, the village huts (called Manyatta), made of cow dung and clay plastered over stick frames, and perhaps venture to a local school or clinic.
If you would like to extend your half-day adventure, and turn it into a full-day’s exploration, you can experience a day in the life of a young Maasai or, for an authentic interaction, watch a bloodletting ceremony.
It is an extraordinary reality how the Maasai people live in the heart of the bush, with warthogs foraging and elephants trumpeting just on their periphery
FACTS ABOUT THE MAASAI
- The Maasai are polygamous, with men in tribes having several wives and needing to provide for all of them.
- The role of the men in Maasai tribes is to look for food, take care of the animals, and offer protection, while women take care of the children, food, the Maasai market, and even build houses.
- The houses they live in are tiny huts with 2 hard beds made of animal skin: one for the woman (and the husband when he’s visiting) and another for the kids. They keep a small bonfire on to keep the hut warm.
- Education is part of their everyday lifestyle as well. There’s a little preschool hut where toddlers spend their days, but older and teenagers actually attend school, albeit one that’s miles away and requires a long walk to reach.
- In the middle of their villages, the Maasai have markets with hand-made products they sell to tourists who come to visit.
- The Maasai remove 2 of their canine teeth in order to leave space to be fed in case they get sick and are unable to open their jaws.
- Their diet is mainly composed of eating meat, milk, and blood.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN VISITING MAASAI VILLAGE
- You can buy souvenir from their market, don’t forget to bargain! Prices are inflated, as they actually expect you to negotiate. (That being said, outside of market purchases, feel free to donate any additional funds as you see fit!)
- Remember to always show respect, even if their culture or beliefs are completely different from yours. Keep an open mind and enjoy your visit!
- You are allowed to take pictures
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