How to Visit a Masai Village Responsibly

Written by: Joseph Mbotte, Local Expert

A visit to a Maasai village is one of the most popular cultural experiences for travelers on safari in Kenya or Tanzania.  The Masai’s fascinating traditions and colorful garments, as well as their pastoral lifestyle and jaw-dropping high jumps, have attracted tourists across the globe for decades. 

But the Maasai have also sought to protect their unique cultural heritage since the time of British colonialism through the establishment of independent Tanzania and Kenya in the early 1960s and into the present day. And while the tribe has a long relationship with the tourism industry, which has helped provide them with a sustainable livelihood, that relationship can also create problems if not maintained in a respectful, responsible way.

Before you visit a Masai village in Kenya or Tanzania, here are a few important things to consider.

Choosing the right tour operator

The most important thing to consider when visiting a Masai tribe is the tour operator. Make sure you choose an ethical and responsible tour operator. This typically means utilizing a local tour operator who understands local cultural norms, and has a symbiotic working relationship with local villages. Unfortunately, there are some companies who exploit the Masai purely for commercial gain with money sometimes not being distributed fairly to the village visited, or inauthentic demands placed upon the tribe simply to please tourists.

When you are choosing your tour operator, ask about the specific policies the operator has put in place for sustainable tourism. Make sure that they can adequately and thoroughly answer your questions on how they ensure that the heritage of the community visited is respected and protected. 

Unfortunately, some of the villages around national parks in East Africa are villages built for show designed to exploit both tourists and the Masai, who are forced to portray an exaggerated version of their way of life. Responsible travel companies will only visit legitimate villages which results in a more authentic experience for the tourist.

What to wear when visiting a Masai village

When visiting a traditional Masai village, you can wear the clothes you would typically wear on safari, such as khaki long pants and earth-toned tops.  The focus is not so much on what you wear, but what they are wearing. Most Maasai wear red because it symbolizes their culture, and they believe it scares wild animals away. 

Also, most of the men wear a shuka wrapped around their slender bodies and carry a spear to protect themselves and their community. A shuka is typically a red checked cloth blanket which shields the torso from the harsh savannah. The women wear colorful clothing decorated with beads; some women also wear capes. 

Masai jewelry, made with beads and wire, is also distinctive. Men typically wear wrist or ankle bracelets and sometimes belts. Women wear several bracelets at a time, in addition to beaded collars in various patterns and colors that identify the clan they belong to and their social status.

How to politely take photos and engage with the Masai

Always ask permission before taking photos or videos in a Masai village. It is particularly important to ask a child’s parents before taking photos of their children. Most Masai are very friendly and take immense pride in their dress and so will likely be happy to oblige.  

However, occasionally you may encounter an older member of the Masai community who will decline a photograph.  It is important to respect this decision and not retaliate or try to convince the tribe member to agree. This is their way of life and their choice; you are a privileged visitor, getting a peak into this unique way of life in East Africa.

Also, while visiting a Masai village, try to use your time wisely. Rather than simply taking photographs, ask questions about the Masai’s traditions and customs. The Masai are an enormously proud people and your interest in their way of life and desire to learn about it will go a long way towards building trust and mutual understanding. Take some time before you arrive to think of questions that show genuine interest in their way of life and might even build a bridge with your own life. Afterall, what is travel if not connecting to people from backgrounds different than our own?