The Maasai People & Culture
Cultural Maasai Village Visit In Masai Mara
All You Need To Know
Cultural Maasai Village Visit In Masai Mara
For sure your tour to Masai Mara would be incomplete without a visit to the most iconic tribal group in all of Africa, the Maasai tribe, who occupy huge sections of the Southern parts of Kenya, and are the dominant ethnic group surrounding the Masai Mara.
This nomadic tribe still retain many of their traditions, (the old-fashioned way) as they live largely untouched by modern day civilization, in areas surrounding Masai Mara.
So why visit a Maasai village and what do you get to see? This (1) one hour Maasai village tour is a chance to interact with the Maasai people and get a preview into their culture, see first-hand some of their customs and practices.
The Maasai cultural experience usually happens to be on the borders of the main Mara game reserve boundaries. The price for a Masai village visit which includes a contribution towards the village in form of a fee, as well as return road transfers from your lodge or camp in Masai Mara to the village, starts from USD $20 to USD $50 per person. The fee of USD $50 per person applies when you have flown in on a package safari and it is then the Camp which will charge you the fee for the village visit and the price in this case can vary again from USD $30 to USD $50 per person based on which camp you are staying at and which village they take you to visit.
Experience A Cultural Safari Day Tour
However, take note that once at the village, you may be expected to buy some curio or souvenir from the villagers, although this is not mandatory since you have already paid a village entry fee. Even so, be prepared for determined efforts from some of the Masai villagers to try and sell you what are inexpensive handmade craft items. For some this can be an unfriendly part of the tour nevertheless, it is up to you to say yes or no to their products.
While at the Maasai village discover more about their traditional homes known as ‘Manyattas’, which are low height dwellings, the huts are mostly circular, and made of a mixture of mud, grass, cow dung and ash, with a single entrance and minimal side windows – take a look into the darkened inside, and you will see In this small space, where the family cook, eat, slept, socialize and stored food, fuel and possessions. In some cases, one of the rooms is used sleeping and cooking, while the other shelters the calves at night.
A collection of these Manyatta huts form a homestead or village commonly known as a Maasai ”Boma”. Additionally, several Bomas can also join together to make a larger village. The huts have no piped water, electricity or Gas.
Jumping competitions are very popular among Maasai, so how high can you jump? You will also have your chance to dress like a local Masai and dance to their traditional songs during this village visit. Discover more about their rites of passage which are given much importance.
What To Expect
– This cultural safari tour takes you beyond the wildlife encounters of the Masai Mara, offering a unique opportunity to visit a local village and connect with the residents. Step into their world, witness their daily life, and have a deeper understanding of their traditions, customs, and way of life.
– Immerse yourself in culture as you visit this traditional village, fill your day with this authentic experience, and discover more of the Maasai Craft Centre where you can purchase artefacts made by the people you encountered. By purchasing (which is not mandatory), all proceeds from this go directly to the community.
– Cultural exchange and learning; during a visit to the Maasai village, you will have the chance to engage in meaningful cultural exchanges. Interact with Maasai elders, warriors, and artisans, who will share stories and insights about their rich heritage. Learn about their beadworks, music, and dance, and if available, even participate in fixing a Maasai house together and engage in the other activities mentioned yourself.
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