Maasai Village Visit | Discover Masai's Way of Life
The Maasai tribe is perhaps the most famous tribal group in Africa, residing mainly in the southern regions of Kenya and surrounding the renowned Masai Mara. This nomadic warrior tribe, which once controlled vast territories in pre-colonial Kenya, continues to uphold many of their age-old traditions and customs. They live in areas around the Masai Mara, largely untouched by modern civilization. So, why should you visit a Maasai village, and what can you expect to see? A visit to a Maasai village offers a unique opportunity to interact with the Maasai people, giving you a firsthand glimpse into their rich culture, unique way of life, and fascinating customs and practices.
Typically, a Maasai village visit is part of a longer multi-day Masai Mara safari tour. A couple of hours are set aside for this brief, yet engaging, visit to the village, often located on the outskirts of the main Mara game reserve. Many tourists are curious about the cost of visiting a Masai village in Kenya, East Africa. The price for this village visit, which includes a contribution to the community and return road transfers from your lodge or camp in Masai Mara,ranges from £20 to £40 per person. If you are on a road safari with your own Driver-Guide, the fee is usually lower, as they will handle the payment upon entry. For those who fly in on a package safari, the camp typically charges a higher fee, ranging from approximately £25 to £40 per person, depending on the camp and the specific village visited.
Once at the village, you might be encouraged to purchase some handmade crafts or souvenirs from the villagers. Although this is not mandatory, even with the entry fee, you should be ready for enthusiastic sales efforts from some Maasai villagers. While some visitors may find this aspect less enjoyable, it is a minor part of the experience. Overall, the positive aspects of the Maasai village visit far outweigh any negatives, offering a truly enriching cultural experience.
The Maasai are renowned for their distinctive cultural practices and traditions, many of which stem from their nomadic lifestyle.
What is a Maasai village called? The Maasai people live in unique homes known as ‘Manyatta. These are small, low huts built from natural materials like mud, cow dung, and wood. Each Manyatta has a single entrance and tiny side windows, making the inside quite dark, even on a bright sunny day. A group of these huts forms a community known as a Maasai ‘Boma’. Sometimes, several Bomas come together to create a larger village. The image above shows a typical Manyatta hut with a Maasai woman standing at its rear. Inside, as seen in the image below, there is an earthen stove and firewood used for cooking meals. These traditional villages have no piped water, electricity, or gas. Although there are modern amenities like power and piped water in the more developed parts of Narok district and the reserve, these authentic Maasai villages maintain their traditional way of life in the heart of Narok, near the reserve.
The Morans are the brave warriors of the Maasai tribe, earning their status through important rites of passage that are deeply respected. In the picture above, you can see the Morans showcasing their incredible jumping skills. When tourists visit a Maasai village, they often get the exciting opportunity to see how their jumping abilities compare to those of the Maasai Morans. If you’re interested in learning more about the Maasai culture and their fascinating way of life, you can find additional facts and information on the Maasai Tribe.