Magnificent Maasai in Tanzania

By Kate | June 19, 2017

The last part of my trip that I recall was day four. We were traveling from Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to Serengeti National Park and Reserve. The Maasai (also spelled Masai) had a ritual greeting-dance and a meeting with an elder waiting for us when we arrived. They were eager to share the Maasai experience with us.

Magnificent Maasai in Tanzania

In case you are wondering why I was still on tour, it was the only option I had; I couldn’t get off of it. I had to stay with my group until the guide decided I was injured enough to leave. Therefore, I went on with the group; we all went on – I was looking forward to seeing my beloved Maasai.

Traveling to the Maasai

But let me back up and tell you what happened before we arrived at the Maasai camp. We were near the Ngorongoro Crater, and it was lunchtime. As Jennifer and I sat on a fallen tree, ready to eat our sandwiches, we saw a bird begin its descent. The bird was heading directly toward us. The giant eagle or vulture was dive-bombing us. He was going to strike one of us. We didn’t know who.

That is when my best throwing skills kicked in. I launched my sandwich in front of the bird. The humongous bird went for the sandwich, just missing the other guest. I can’t recall if Jennifer or I continued to eat. I do recall we were stunned that the man had almost been the bird’s lunch. When we got back to the car, the guide told us we should never eat out in the open.

Travel tip: On an African Safari, don’t eat your lunch or food in an open clearing. Always eat under a tree. If you don’t find protection, the birds and animals will consider you fair game. The guides also recommend not feeding the starving people who hide and wait for the food the tourists throw away. I fed the starving people, so I was in big trouble for feeding them.

Maasai Tribal Photos

After lunch, which turned out to be pitching practice, the Maasai, who have learned how to live semi-nomadically in the 21st century, believe in reservations and maintain their ancient migrations and customs.

The Maasai greeted us; we discussed life in the Bush with the clan members who spoke English. It was fun to have a question-and-answer session with them.

Leader of This Maasai Clan

Hot and Dry

The weather was hot and dry. The red and blue wool blankets they wore kept them cool during the day and warm at night when the temperature dropped. As we moved into the camp, there were about ten tourists, one guide, and 30 Maasai. Next, they greeted us with the history of the Maasai people. They began the greeting dance. Everyone joined in the Welcome gathering, which is a traditional Maasai welcome for us.

Dance

Music

Art

Their art form is all wearable art

Men dance with men, and the women dance in groups, but do not dance at the same time and remain separate by gender.

Maasai Women

The leader introduced Jennifer and me to one of the women elders inside her family hut. It was too dark to take photos inside the hut, but it looked ancient, as if nothing had changed since the beginning of time. But, remarkably, it was spotless, with a hardback mud floor, dung tiles, and felt almost air-conditioned and tranquil.

Demonstrating Making Fire

Gift Shopping

Unfortunately, because of the pain, I wasn’t able to do much of anything. We went by a gift area. We both bought a few bracelets because we decided it helped them by providing some income. Our cash helps them buy essential items they need to live. They buy the things that they can’t make. We both felt it wasn’t touristy.

All in all, the Maasai visit was a positive experience (except for my foot and having run out of Tylenol).

After seeing the Maasai, I realized that even seeing the people I had wanted to live with and study my whole life couldn’t take away the pain in my leg and foot. Jennifer helped me back to the Land Rover. Augh, if only I had more Tylenol. Jennifer was very concerned, and so was I.

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