Known as one of the best-known and most widespread indigenous people in the African continent, the Maasai community has a very rich culture, history, and traditions. You may be visiting the Maasai as part of a cultural tour or you may be visiting it as eco-tourism or you may be visiting the Maasai just to appreciate the beauty of their ways of life but no matter the reasons, there are important things to consider before you visit there. Whether it is their conscious practices or their concern about their environment, beginning with their traditional practices and going on to how you should conduct yourself with this people so that you do not offend their culture will all be directed by this guide.
Learning the Maasai Culture and History.
Prior to Visiting the Maasai, one should have a general idea of their culture and history before visiting them. Maasai are a semi-nomadic present pastoralist tribe based in Kenya and Tanzania that has a history dating back to centuries. The Maasai traditionally were cattle rearing, but this experience is the major element of who they are and how they live. Cows are also highly culturally, socially, and economically important to the Maasai since besides providing them with food and income, they are a symbol of wealth and status.
The Maasai people have historically developed problems with colonialism, wars with other tribes, and the invasion of modern development. In spite of these, they have retained a lot of identity and pride in their customs. Prior to Visiting the Maasai, it is important to learn about these historical experiences, and it will allow you to recognize their endurance and power.
Maasai Traditions Respect.
Respect of the traditions of the Maasai is one of the most crucial considerations before visiting the Maasai. The Maasai people are so embedded in traditions that they apply them in all the facets of their lives including dress and even religion. Their clothing style, which is usually of bright colored shukas (cloaks), beads and jewels is a very crucial part of their identity.
One should remember that, before Visiting the Maasai, you should not have a closed mind when dealing with a community, as their lifestyle can be totally different to yours. There can be certain cultural beliefs that determine how the Maasai can deal with the visitors like rituals of welcoming the visitors or rules to enter their villages. Knowing these customs before hand will mean that you avoid falling into this trap and end up paying less than decent respect to their hosting.
The Importance of Language
The Maasai are a culture that is very much based on language and knowing maybe a few basic words or greetings in their Maasai language, Maa, can go a long way in creating a rapport. Although it is true that most Maasai people understand Swahili, and even English, it is possible to show your respect and love to their culture by speaking a couple of words of Maa.
Prior to Visiting the Maasai, it will be good to know basic greetings like Supa (hello) or even Enkare (good morning). Such a minor gesture will be eagerly accepted and recognized by the community. One should always question whether they feel at ease with the language you are using since they can have different preferences.
Responsible and Ethical Tourism.
Prior to Visiting the Maasai, a sense of responsibility is essential before going on a trip. Eco-tourism in areas inhabited by the Maasais like Maasai Mara in Kenya is one of the leading industries. Not every tourist practice is ethical or sustainable though. Most of the Maasai villages are used to tourists, but it is necessary to select responsible and culturally sensitive tours and operators that can have a direct positive effect on the community.
Prior to Visiting the Maasai, research charismatic tour companies that operate the Maasai in order to make certain that your visit does not harm them. Support Programs supporting Maasai land and culture through community empowerment, sustainability, and preservation. Tours that take advantage of or demean the Maasai culture should be avoided since such activities tend to destroy both the Maasai culture and environment.
Photography Etiquette
One of the greatest activities on visiting the Maasai would be in taking photographs, however, before you begin to use the camera, you must know the culture of the people and the culture of photography. I am not sure that the Maasai people are used to seeing tourists taking pictures but there is always need to ask permission to take pictures of people or their houses.
What you need to know before Visiting the Maasai is that not all the Maasai are comfortable with becoming subjects of the photographer, particularly when it comes to capturing pictures of sacred things, or using the photographs to express a ceremony. When a Maasai individual refuses to keep a photo, you should not coerce him/her. It would also be best to do not use the image of the Maasai to make money without their permission when capturing the pictures.
Understanding Maasai Spirituality
Maasai people are highly spiritual and their religion is strongly connected with their life and activities. Their religion revolves around the connection with Enkai who is the creation deity. Prior to Visiting the Maasai, it should be known that their spirituality is something to be taken seriously and not misinterpreted.
The Maasai rituals, including circumcision, rites of passage are very important in their spiritual and social life. Certain of such rituals are holy and not to be displayed to the world. One must know when and how these rituals are conducted and respect not to break or interfere to these religious experiences.
Dress Code and Appropriate Attire
Maasai dressing is of unique and beautiful style, which is a significant feature of their culture. Other items such as beads and other adornments of colors are worn by women as well as men, who wear shukas, or colorful cloth coverings placed around the shoulder. Although most Maasai individuals in the modern times have modern attires, they still have these traditional attires which are worn during special occasions.
When paying a visit to the Maasai, one should dress modestly and respectfully, Maasai village being a place where you have to treat the Maasai with seriousness. Although Maasai, in general, are friendly and tolerant, flashy or improperly dressed clothes can be regarded as a sign of disrespect. In case you do not know what to wear, it is always prudent to seek the guidance of your guide or the tour operator.
The Maasai Diet and Food Practices
The Maasai people stick to the traditional meals that include milk, meat and blood of their cows. Despite the new diets that are offered in the modern diet, Maasai people still have a deep attachment to their pastoral background. Dining with Maasai is an experience that is difficult to repeat, though one should be aware of what is expected and how to interact.
When visiting the Maasai, one should be ready that there is a high probability of being presented with milk or meat as these are the central elements of their diet. When you are asked to share a meal, do not forget that togetherness when eating is a communal activity. It is more than uncivil to turn down food and in case you have any dietary limits or choices, that you should tell your hosts in advance. You also have to be ready to express gratitude whenever there is any hospitality offered to you.
Maasai Villages and Accommodations
The Maasai villages are a cultural haven and an authentic experience to the tourists. When you are thinking of spending a night in a Maasai village or have a cultural tourism, you should understand that the environment of a village is not as complicated as a city. Maasai people usually stay in soon and primitive houses known as enkangs, constructed of mud, sticks and grasses.
Prior to Visiting the Maasai, you need to know that these villages might lack modern conveniences, including running water, electricity, flush toilets, etc. Get used to life in the bush and admire the village lifestyle. Residency in one of the Maasai villages could be a life changing experience as long as one is willing to think way out, and appreciates their way of life.
Environmental Awareness and Preservation
The Maasai people have a strong attachment to the land they occupy and environment is critical in their survival and well being. Prior visiting the Maasai, it is important to understand that the environment must be preserved in areas such as the Maasai Mara where conservation of wildlife is a key contributor.
When visiting the land of the Maasai or taking a wildlife tour, you should ensure that the tourism activities you are involved in are contributing to the conservation efforts. It is advisable not to leave litter, be respectful to the wildlife and obey any environmental rules given by your tour guide. Your visit is supposed to make a positive impression to the Maasai people as well as the ecosystem around the Maasai.
Be Prepared for the Climate
The Maasai mara and other areas that belong to Maasai can have different climates according to the time of the year. Weather may be hot and dry and on the other side cool and rainy. It should be noted that before visiting the Maasai, one needs to pack some stuff. Thick fabrics will not be necessary in the hot climate due to light and breathable clothes, but they may be required during the evenings or during colder seasons.
Besides attire, I also recommend other forms of sun protection such as sunscreen and hats and never forget to hydrate, particularly when you are planning to walk or otherwise be outside.
Conclusion
Visitors should prepare and be culturally sensitive to visit the Maasai as it is a great experience. It is also worth knowing about Visiting the Maasai before having the experience, learning their history, traditions, and customs, and being respectful and open-minded of the experience. By understanding their culture, knowing how to act right and playing a part in responsible tourism, you will make your visit an enriching experience to you as well as an enrichment to the Maasai people.
In general the Maasai people are a very hospitable and proud society and when you approach the right state of mind, a visit to these people is something you will always remember as part of the timeless Maasai society of Africa.
