The Maasai People of Kenya
Although the official languages are Swahili and English, Kenya is a multilingual country. There are 62 languages spoken throughout which mainly consist of tribal African languages as well as a minority of Middle-Eastern and Asian languages spoken by descendants of foreign settlers (i.e. Arabic, Hindi, etc). The African languages come from three different language families – Bantu languages (spoken in the center and southeast), Nilotic languages (in the west), and Cushitic languages (in the northeast).
Kenya offers a rich variety of cultural experiences with plenty of involvement with local villages. Travellers often get the opportunity to learn about Maasai, Samburu, Turkana, Swahili and other communities and take part in activities. It’s often possible to visit schools, do a village visit on market day or walk with the herds when going out to pasture in the morning.
A visit to one of the Maasai markets is the cherry on top of a trip to Kenya. The most popular Maasai market is located in the middle of the Nairobi CBD, directly opposite the Kenya International Conference Centre, but its location changes throughout the city depending on the day of the week. Vendors, mostly Maasai men and women, sell handmade traditional jewellery, souvenirs, and artefacts such as soapstone chess boards, necklaces, beaded leather sandals, key holders, bags, wall hangings and more.
The Batwa People (Bwindi) of Uganda
The original inhabitants of the forests of south western Uganda, expelled as a result of the formation of the national parks in the early ‘90s, the Batwa now live a marginal existence, battling to conserve their traditional culture. These short thick-muscled people shared a habitat with mountain gorillas and were hunters of antelopes – NOT gorillas, and fruits gatherers. They were however expelled out of the Forests and turned into National Parks in a Bid to protect the habitat Of the mountain gorillas. Visiting the park one of the Batwa Cultural Experience Site will give you an insight into their lives in the Forest. While it is unlikely they will ever be allowed back into the forests to live, it is possible to support credible Batwa development programmes.
The Maasai People of Tanzania
Tanzania is also a country rich in local history and culture. Since 1964, when the United Republic of Tanzania was born by merging both Zanzibar and Tanganyika, more than 120 ethnic groups have peacefully lived together in the country. The language of coastal traders, namely Swahili, was made the national language. With around 50 million living in Tanzania, there’s a great chance to interact with a variety of people with different backgrounds, traditions and religions.
A visit to Tanzania would not be complete without spending some time with Tanzania’s most well-known indigenous peoples known to be proud and fierce warriors: the Maasai. . Maasai are nomadic people who herd and breed cattle and are known for their lively cultural dance, colourful clothing and beadwork. During your time in the village, activities may include Maasai dancing, watching warriors demonstrate how to make fire, spear throwing and witnessing women craft beaded jewellery. They live as traditionally as possible — in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the only conservation area on the continent which fully protects its wildlife and the interests of the Maasai. Nearby, numerous Maasai villages can be reached.