The Maasai people are a minority tribe with a nearly constant presence while on your East African safari to southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Kenya and Tanzania are fantastic tourism destinations with an abundance of fascinating sites and wildlife areas to explore. It doesn’t matter whether its dry or rainy season, you will have the best opportunities to watch wildlife and interact with the natives.

A genuine African safari trip must include a visit to the Maasai tribes since it deepens your understanding of Kenyan and Tanzanian geography and culture.  The Maasai people have distinct customs, vibrant attire, strong and deep-rooted cultural traditions, and are among the most recognized communities in East Africa.

Before visiting the Maasai homesteads, it is always important to know this tribe and respect their traditional values. Visiting the Maasai is part of cultural tourism. Below are some of the things you should know before you visit this legendary tribe.

Who are the Maasai people?

The Maasai tribe is Nilo-Saharan, whose origin is said to be South Sudan and are now occupants of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya.

Historically, the Maasai are said to have originated from the semi-arid parts north of Kenya, most likely from the area around Lake Turkana and then Laikipia. They moved through the Great Rift Valley in search of better land for their cattle to graze.

In the late 1800s, they fought off British forces and settlers who tried to move in. But terrible outbreaks of smallpox and diseases spread by cattle made it harder for them to keep control of their land. And later the Kenya and Tanzania’s colonial governments started to build national parks thus forcing many Maasai groups to leave their homes and land. Later in the 20th century, they regained their original/traditional homelands and later joined active participation in tourism.

The Maasai are traditionally nomadic and normally rely on the available materials for shelter. They apply their indigenous technology to construct their houses which are commonly known as Inkajijik which are often circular, or loaf shaped. These houses are built by women. Their villages are always enclosed in circular fences built by men to protect them and their cattle from wild animals.

Cattle is regarded as the main source of food and a man’s wealth is measured according to the number of cattle and children they have.

Clothing varies by sex, age and place. Young men wear black for several months after their circumcision.  red is the most favoured colour among the Maasai. Black, Blue, and striped cloth are also worn. In the 1960s the Maasai replaced animal skin for commercial cloth material. The cloth used to wrap around the body is the called Shúkà  as per their Maa language.

Where do the Masai live today?

Maasai land, a territory that spans northern Tanzania and southern Kenya, is home to the Maasai. The Chyulu Hills, Amboseli, Lake Magadi, and farther west to the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Maasai-run community conservancies that round it comprise the Maasai homeland in Kenya. The traditional Maasai territory in Tanzania stretches from the eastern Serengeti and Ngorongoro to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, traversing the Crater Highlands and passing through Lake Manyara and Tarangire.

What you need to know when you visit the Maasai?

The Maasai tribe is one of the cultural attractions that can be combined to Kenya or Tanzania safari.  they are so respected for their culture they have maintained for decades so if you are to visit them, you should be more curious and have the best preparations’ .  Below are some of the things you should put into consideration as you plan your Maasai visit.

Respect their outstanding culture and tradition.

The Maasai are a group of people who have maintained their nomadic cultural practices for ages.  Some of their villages are located close and within national parks. So, on you visit to their homesteads, do not expect museum exhibits or galleries. Respect their type of homes, olgd-age customs, tradition and behaviour.  Ask before doing anything like entering a hut, trying on clothing or taking photos.

Mind your dressing code (women should not wear short skirts or open tops.

Follow the guidance of a guide or a village elder.

Remove sunglasses to show respect and learn some gestures for best approach and communication.

Have authentic interest and approach while on their grounds.

Seek their permission before taking photos.

The Maasai wear modest and attractive attire, but this doesn’t give you right to take photos without their permission. Some of them see photography as annoying and a way of interfering with their privacy. In some communities, you must first make some payments or donations to allow you take pictures. You must be respectful and cooperative since you are in a foreign land.

Engage in organized tours

The Maasai families (villages) close to national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Maasai Mara and Amboseli welcome tourists through guided visits. These people present   traditional dances to welcome visitors(tourists), give tours to their huts, explain their customs and traditions and beliefs they also display their craft work.

Tourists are advised to listen carefully, follow their guide and support the Maasai community by buying some of their products.

Be prepared for cultural differences

The Maasai have surprising customs —like polygamy, circumcision rites, or cattle-based wealth. Don’t judge. Since you’re a guest, listen, learn, and ask thoughtful questions where necessary.

The Maasai are so kind and hospitable.

Support the community through shopping and gifting.

 Maasai women make sell handmade crafts like jewellery, sandals, and cloth. When you buy some of these crafts, you are directly supporting their families. Bargaining is allowed but do it respectfully. Always opt for locally made products other than factory souvenirs for the best support.

If you decide to visit a private Maasai home or   community,  small gifts are highly appreciated.  Contact your guide to advise you on which  gifts that can be given to a particular community especially essentials like sugar, tea, salt, or school supplies. Avoid giving cash unless guided by a host.

Learn a few words in the Maasai language (Maa) or Swahili

Trying to learn the Maasai language will make them more friendly to you as its one way of showing love and respect for their community. Some of the simple words include:

• ‘Sopa’ means Hello
• ‘Ashe’ means Thank you
• ‘Sidai’ means Good or Okay
• ‘Engai’ means God
•  Understand who the Maasai are.

 When you visit the Maasai, make sure you learn something. They are strong, tough, have pride, and are connected to their land. Take some time to think about what you learned, saw, and heard. This will help you deliver the right and attractive information to friends, which will enable them to have a desire to visit the Maasai once in a lifetime.

Best time to Visit the Maasai tribe

The dry season, which lasts from June to October, is the best preferred to visit  the  Maasai  tribe. Getting off-road to where the manyattas are found can be hard during the wet season, and things are usually worse after it rains. If you  go to a manyatta during the day, it might be empty because the people are out grazing their cattle, getting water, and other things. Manyattas are busy neighborhood hubs in the early morning and late afternoon, so those are the best times to visit the Masai villages.

If you do it right, your time with the Maasai community will be one of the most interesting and important parts of your trip.