Quintessential characteristics of Maasai tribe of Africa
The very reason for planning to travel to Tanzania was that I longed for cultural diversity. I wanted to mingle with the locals, learn about the African culture and come back with an exotic experience. And our trip turned out to be even more successful than our expectations!
One of the biggest things on my bucket list was to interact with the Maasai tribe, the kings of the savannahs. And I can safely say that my wish had been fulfilled!
The Maasai tribe are nomadic and pastoral in nature. They have a Nilotic origin, meaning they originated along the banks of the river Nile. Now at present , they are mostly found in Kenya and Tanzania and also present in small numbers in Rwanda and Burundi, Sudan and parts of East Africa. They are still mostly nomadic , although now, they are increasingly being convinced by the government to quit moving around and settle at one place. While many of them have adapted to the rules of modern world, the ones in Kenya and Tanzania have acquired permission from the government for grazing rights in the national parks and game reserves.
Once you land in Zanzibar, they are very easy to spot. They are clad in long flowing red robe, a spear in hand and lots of jewelry. They are tall and have a thin yet strong physique, and they walk for miles together. Their accessories really deserve a special mention, as they are so unique! From their handmade wooden slippers to their ivory necklaces, ornate earrings to beautiful bracelets, I can write a thesis on their looks!
The Maasai people whom we encountered throughout the trip were well versed in English, although their native language is Swahili. They had made tourism their profession and hence they were so friendly and articulate.
We saw their ceremonial Maasai dance in Antonio Resort. All of their music is vocal as they hardly use any instruments. Sometimes they blow large horns for the same.
At the Antonio resort, we truly got the feeling of a tribal atmosphere. All the staff were Maasai men and they used donkeys from transport and the gate was the great Maasai shield. It's one experience that I will savour for life!
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19 comments
What a fantastic experience. I loved that shield door and the accessory on this calves. The shawls look awesome too. I wonder if they really want to settle down.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating read on the Maasai tribe! Your detailed descriptions and personal anecdotes bring their vibrant culture to life. I especially loved learning about their traditional attire and unique accessories. It's amazing how you captured their essence so vividly. This post truly inspires a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. Thank you for sharing such an enlightening experience!
ReplyDeleteMandira i dont know whom to give the credit for the choice of destination you people make for your vacations. Is it you or your hubby? Whosoever it may be I appreciate the variety and variations you people have in choosing the destinations. Coming to the Masai Tribe- Here I will appreciate your interest and taste of exploring a destination at its best. Yes, its very true without exploring the lives of locals you cannot get a glimpse about the actual cultural significance of the place. Hat's of you Mandira for such a good taste of digging deep to know better. Your happiness is reflecting on the pictures and I am happy to see you happy and to learn from you about the Masai Tribe.
ReplyDeleteMasai tribe is interesting. Kenya and Masai mara is on my bucket list and I have to take my grandsons there some day. I really loved the pictures. The gate looks daunting and so vibrant. Love your choice of travel trivia that you share always.
ReplyDeleteI have only heard about the Maasai tribe from watching documentaries about them on tv. Your choice of place is unique and different. That shield for a gate is quite stunning . Maasai tribe also seems to be very friendly ppl by nature and I m sure you had a lot of fun and a lot of memories to cherish forever
ReplyDeleteMaasai tribes, I know only from books and documentaries. Your blog based on your direct interaction with this fascination tribe fills me with wonder and joy! I don't think I'll visit Africa, highly unlikely in this birth (considering my bucket list is already overflowing), and therefore, your blog gave me a much-needed virtual tour. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour vivid descriptions makes me want to walk through those lanes. This post has definitely sparked my wanderlust. Thank you for this virtual tour
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting piece. You learn so much about a place. The pictures accompanying your article was also spot-on
ReplyDeleteWe have only read about the Masai tribe in books. It must have been lovely to experience it personally. Thanks for sharing about it.
ReplyDeleteLoved to read about Masai tribe and their lifestyle. I would love to visit Tanzania in future and love to explore the country. Amazing pictures for sure. Hope you had a great fun.
ReplyDeleteWow! Indeed I was also drawn to their jewellery, so I can imagine how it must have been to see it live. Beautiful place and as usual, lovely pics.
ReplyDeleteThis must have been quite an experience. Your posts always have an element of uniqueness, Mandira. Be it those lesser known places or nuggets such as these.
ReplyDeleteWow Mandira... I can't believe you met the Masai tribe in person. I have always had a fascination with them as we studied about them in class VIII n I have always wanted to be there n meet them first hand. It must've been a lovely experience...Wow!
ReplyDeleteI like you in that long flowy dress😍 ... quite like how u described them.
Imagine witnessing a Maasai dance in person—it must be incredibly vibrant and full of energy. I'd love to see those colorful robes and jewelry up close. You must've had such a wonderful experience. It's so wonderful learning about these tribes and their rich cultural heritage.
ReplyDeleteI've known of this tribe as one of the best long distance runners. what an amazing opportunity you got to actually meet with them and see their culture closely.
ReplyDeleteA visit to Tanzania and seeing the Masai tribe in the flesh is one of the things on my bucket list. It's great to see that you did that. The pics are great!
ReplyDeleteWow..what a beautiful post. Kenya and the Masai Mara are on my bucket list. The gate looks impressive and vibrant. Your choice of destinations is always unique. The Maasai tribe seems very friendly by nature, and I'm sure you had a lot of fun and made unforgettable memories.
ReplyDelete-Anjali Tripathi Upadhyay
Your posts leave me spellbound, wanting to read more and see more travel pics. Your ability to interact with people of various cultures makes your blog interesting:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful collection of pictures! I really admire the way you write and capture the essence of the place that is vivid in your writing. I had not heard about Massi tribe earlier but now it is in my list of visit.
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