The Masai of Kenya
Masai is one of the Indigenous and most popular tribes in Kenya. They originated from the Nile valley of Lake Turkana in the northwest of Kenya. The Masai are part of the Nilotic group who live in the northern, southern, and central areas of Kenya. The Masai are similar to the Dinka, Nuer, and the Kalengini. They speak the Maa language and live in the national parks of Kenya that are in the Great Lakes region. Cattle is the most praised form of wealth in the area. Masai men are usually treasured for the rearing of the large herds of cattle. They use their cattle as a form of trade where they exchange them for goods.
Masai people are known for living a Nomadic pastoral life where they move from place to place in search of pastures. They also eat much of the cattle products like blood, milk, and its products. They are also known for their dress code which is so fashionable with several colors.
Are the Masai people welcoming?
The Masai are known for being welcoming and hospitable to travelers on their Kenya safaris. However, like any other tribe, the Masai have a few cultural considerations that they value most. Therefore, travelers are supposed to consider the following while planning to visit the Masai tribe of Kenya.
- Respect for the elders of the Masai and create good hospitality for travelers on their cultural tours in Kenya.
- Masai people are always eager to share their culture with visitors who encounter their communities during their Kenya cultural safaris.
- Hospitality is a virtue for life among the Masai and travelers are supposed to encounter them during the Kenya safari.
- While in the Masai community, ensure open communication which makes travelers comfortable during the safari.
What is the fashion style for the Masai in Kenya?
The Masai fashion style depends on sex, age, and place. Young men wear black for several months after circumcision. The favorite color among the Masai is the red color. Other colors are blue, black, checked, and stripped. Around the 1960s, the Masai replaced the cow, goat, and sheep skin for commercial materials. The clothing used is a Shuka which is multicolored with several beads which are multicolored.
What is the significance of the Masai Bead works?
The Masai bead works are usually done by ladies who design them locally themselves. The beadworks show a sign of cultural identity, vibrant status, and beauty. In the Masai community, every girl has to learn how to make these beads. Every color on the beads has a significant meaning to the community.
Where to find the Masai in Kenya?
The Masai are scattered around Kenya in different locations and some of these locations include;
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara Reserve is one of the most popular destinations in Kenya where travelers on their Kenya safaris usually visit to see the Masai. The park is at the border of Kenya and Tanzania. Additionally, the reserve is a home to the Masai and the communities are dotted around the park. During the visit to the Masai community, travelers see different kraals of cattle around the area.
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is located in the western part of Kenya. The park is dotted with the Masai communities which are within the region. The park is divided into the west tsavo and east tsavo. The Masai are located around the park.
What is the traditional dance of the Masai?
The Masai have the traditional dance of jumping called the Adumu. The dance symbolizes unity, strength, and celebrations in case of anything. For the Masai to engage in this activity as an adult, they have to go through the Eunoto. Eunoto is a cultural festival for the shaving of hair among the Morans preparing them for adulthood life.
Excellent Herdsmen
Cattle is one of the prestigious assets among the Masai and some of the roles that the cattle plays include;
- Cattle is a source of food for the Masai they eat its milk, blood, and milk products.
- Cattle are used in the barter trade where they exchange their cattle for other things.
- Cattle is a form of wealth among the Masai where the person with the highest number of cattle is regarded to be rich.
- It is usually used in cultural ceremonies and rituals.
Challenges facing the Masai tribe in Kenya
The Masai face several challenges and some of these include;
- High levels of poverty in the region where the standards of living are too low.
- Land rights issues since most of the land in the Masai is communally owned.
- Loss of grazing land since they live in the gazette areas of the National Parks.
- Attack from the predators within the area.
- Poor infrastructure like roads leading to their communities.
- Lack of access to education and health services.
What is the best time to visit the Masai of Kenya?
Kenya is open for travelers throughout the year. During the dry season June to September and December to February are the best since the park is dry and clear for the community visit to the Masai. In the wet season, travelers can also visit the country for community tours to the Masai. In this season there is less traffic and travelers have more time to engage in the Masai.
