Survivors of a past era, the Masai live much the same way their ancestors did for centuries. Unconcerned about the passing of time, their lives are dictated by the rising and setting of the sun, the rugged landscape and the ever-changing seasons.

 

Masai and Tourism

Despite the fact that Masai society is currently facing many social, political and economic challenges, they have a history of being able to adapt to changing conditions. Their strong traditional customs and way of life allow them to live in harmony with their beloved surroundings, and now cultural tourism programs are encouraging residents to share their values and customs with others.

Masai cultural encounters are relatively new in Northern Tanzania. The best way to experience and learn about Masai life is to visit Masai communities and to walk and hike through Masailand with your Tanganyika Ancient Routes guide.

 

Experience the awe and excitement of being on safari with Tanganyika Ancient Routes by going beyond the search for the Big Five - buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard and lion - and include:

•  African bush experiences on foot accompanied by our professional Masai guides and trackers. 

•  Cross-cultural encounters with Masai villagers away from the tourist circuit. 

•  Home stay opportunities in traditional Masai bomas. 

•  Hikes through Masailand with experienced Tanganyika Ancient Routes trekkers.

Arrange your Masai-guided walking/trekking adventure or your Masai cultural visit through Tanganyika Ancient Routes where we are dedicated to providing the best experiences possible to our guests, while helping to preserve traditional Masai culture.

 

Cattle

According to Masai legend, Lengai (God) entrusted all the world’s cattle to the Masai for safekeeping when the earth and sky split at the beginning of time. To this day, the Masai believe that all cattle on the earth essentially belong to them.

The Masai are expert herdsmen, and cattle are central to the lives of a Masai community based on the need to pasture and care for them, the need to protect them, and the need to move with them in search of fresh pasture and water. Virtually all social roles and status in Masai culture derive from the relationship of individuals to their cattle. The animals represent a means of:

1. Food - Cow’s milk, along with blood, is the staple food of the Masai who eat no grain or fruit.

2. Currency – Buying and selling cattle is the tribe’s form of currency. They are traded for other livestock, cash, beads, clothing and food items.

3. Wealth – Masai wealth and status are traditionally calculated on the number of cows that an individual owns.

Homes and Villages

A traditional Masai home is called an enkaji, a low, loaf-shaped temporary structure made with branches and twigs overlaid with a “plaster” mixture of soil, cow dung and ash. Although small, an enkaji provides space for sleeping, cooking and some storage. They are usually damp, smoky, cramped for space, dark, and lack security and privacy. They are susceptible to fire, pests and harsh weather. The roof and the walls frequently crack and peel, requiring constant maintenance. 

Several enkaji arranged in a circular fashion around a central livestock pen (kraal) create a Masai homestead, or boma which is traditionally shared by more than one family.

 

 

 

 

Customs and Ceremonies

The Masai are a truly independent and proud culture with highly developed rituals revolving around age and initiations. Throughout Masai life, almost every rite of passage from birth up to death is greeted with elaborate ceremonies and celebration with many recurring customs. Red is the colour of the Masai. It is the basic colour of the Masai shuka, or red blanket that is often worn around the shoulders by both men and women. Red predominates their beautiful beaded jewellery, and their hair and bodies are smeared with red ochre for various ceremonies. 

 

In Masai culture the women and girls are responsible for building the family hut, taking care of the children, fetching firewood and water, washing clothes, milking cows and preparing the family meals. Masai women are easily recognized by their bright clothing and beaded jewellery and are well known for their beadwork. Women admire the sound of jewellery and incorporate small dangling pieces of shaped metal to make a soft chiming sound. They wear beaded jewellery around the neck, wrists, legs and through their ears. 

 

Masai men are classed by age into three categories: boys, warriors and elders. Boys transition from herders to warrior and then to elder status, holding varying responsibilities for cattle, protecting and advising the community. 

 

The Masai live in a polygamous family structure, where men have as many wives as they can afford. Wives are purchased with cattle. Children are considered a wonderful asset. 

Masai have spoken language, known as Maa, but no written language. Their history is recalled through storytelling.