Maasai Walking Safaris - Tanzania

The Maasai, also spelled Masai or Massai, are an ethnic group in East Africa who are native to the wide plains of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Some Maasai live in northern Tanzania, in the Loliondo region. The area is located near the Serengeti, with its famous national park. The Maasai are not the largest ethnic group in the region, but because of their well-preserved traditions and culture, they are one of the best-known tribes in Africa. Traditionally, the Maasai make their living from livestock farming. They mainly keep cattle, goats, and sheep.

Many Maasai move from one place to another with their animals in search of water and food. They are therefore semi-nomadic. Their traditional clothing consists of red and blue patterned shukas (cloths).

The land around the national parks Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and also in our travel area in Loliondo is very important to them. They have lived there for many generations and allow their animals to graze there. The Maasai have had problems with the Tanzanian government for many years. The government has turned parts of their land into protected areas.

As a result, the Maasai are no longer allowed to use many areas. Many Maasai have therefore lost grazing land and access to water. The land is used, among other things, for safaris and hunting. Tens of thousands of Maasai are affected by these changes. The Maasai are resisting their displacement. They organize protests, take their cases to court, and receive support from organizations from other countries.

The Maasai place great importance on their traditions. This includes living together as a community. A boma is a traditional Maasai village. The houses are usually built close together and protected by a fence made of branches. People and animals live there together. A manyatta, on the other hand, is a temporary settlement of a Maasai clan that is used for celebrations. A group of traditional houses is built temporarily and used for several weeks for traditional rituals and celebrations. However, it is not intended to be a permanent village.

Maasai celebrations are usually rites of passage for men: from boyhood to warriorhood, from warriorhood to young adulthood, or to becoming an elder. These ceremonies take place only about every seven years. The Maasai warriors are called Moran. Traditionally, they protect the community and the animals. In the past, they also had the task of guarding the territory.

Lake Natron is a large salt lake in northern Tanzania. It is located near the border with Kenya, between Arusha and the Serengeti. The lake is known for its unique landscape and for its many flamingos. Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano in Tanzania. Its name means approximately “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language. The volcano is located near Lake Natron.

Arusha is an important city in northern Tanzania. It is located near famous national parks and is an important starting point for safaris. Kilimanjaro International Airport is about a one-hour drive from the city. Arusha is also an important city for the Maasai in the region.