+255 754 370 686
travel@oretetisafari.com
Maasai Tribe cover



We are High rated Tour Operator in Eastern and Southern Africa

See our reviews

Published on 1st January, 2023

The Maasai tribe is a traditional African pastoralist community that is known for its rich culture, vibrant traditions, and unique way of life. The Maasai people are found in Kenya and Tanzania, and are known for their distinctive dress, their cultural practices, and their close connection to the land. The members of the tribe are semi-nomadic people who rely on their livestock for their livelihood. They are skilled herders and have a deep understanding of the land and the animals that inhabit it. The Maasai are also known for their strong warrior culture, and their young men undergo rigorous training to become warriors and protect their community. They live in traditional villages called manyattas, which are made up of circular huts called bomas. Each boma is home to a single family, and the manyattas are organized according to age-sets, which are groups of people who are born in the same year.

This article will explore the details of the tribes' culture, diet and History.

Maasai History

Maasai History
Maasai men pose infront of their house

The Maasai have a long and complex history, and their origins are shrouded in mystery. Some historians believe that the Maasai are descended from a group of warriors who migrated from the Nile Valley in the 16th century, while others believe that they are the descendants of a group of Nilotic people who migrated from the north in the 13th century.

Despite their uncertain origins, the Maasai have a strong and distinct cultural identity. They have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in their music, dance, and art, and they have a deep connection to their traditions and customs.

Throughout their history, the Maasai have faced many challenges, including conflict with other tribes, the loss of their traditional lands, and the impact of modernization and globalization. However, they have remained a resilient and proud people, and they continue to celebrate their culture and traditions.

Today, the Maasai are a thriving and vibrant community, and their rich history and culture continue to be an important part of their identity. If you are interested in learning more about the Maasai and their fascinating history, consider visiting a Maasai village or exploring the many resources available on the history of this iconic and storied tribe.

Maasai Culture

Maasai Culture
Maasai people making their hunting tools

The Maasai are a traditional African pastoralist community with a rich culture and vibrant traditions. In Maasai society, men hold a dominant role, with elder Maasai men and retired elders making most major decisions for the tribe. The Maasai follow a monotheistic belief system, with a single God known as Engai or Enkai.

Funerals are not a formal ceremony in traditional Maasai society, and the deceased are typically left in the fields for scavengers. Burial has historically been reserved for great chiefs only, as the Maasai believe that it is harmful to the soil.

Cattle are a central part of Maasai culture and are the primary source of food for Maasai people living a traditional way of life. In Maasai society, a person's wealth is traditionally measured by the number of cattle they own. According to Maasai mythology, God gave the Maasai all the cattle on the planet, leading to the belief that rustling from other tribes was a way of reclaiming what was rightfully theirs. This practice is now much less common.

Overall, the Maasai culture is a rich and fascinating one, with a deep connection to tradition and a strong sense of community. If you are interested in learning more about the Maasai culture, consider visiting a Maasai village or exploring the many resources available on the culture of this iconic and storied tribe.

Maasai Diet

Maasai Diet
Maasai worriors taking blood out of the cow

The Maasai diet is centered around a few basic foods, including meat, blood, milk, fat, honey, and tree bark. These foods form the foundation of the Maasai diet and are consumed in various forms, including raw and curdled milk. Fresh milk is often drunk from a calabash, and it may be mixed with fresh cattle blood as a ritual drink or to nourish the sick.

On special occasions and for ceremonies, the Maasai may slaughter bulls, oxen, or lambs for meat. In addition to providing nourishment, animal products such as skins and hides are also used for practical purposes, such as bedding, and cow dung is used in construction.

Cattle play a central role in Maasai culture and are the primary source of food and other resources. In recent years, the Maasai have supplemented their diet with farm crops such as maize meal, rice, and cabbage, among others.

Overall, the Maasai diet is an integral part of their way of life and reflects their deep connection to their livestock and the land.

Contact us for organize Safari for you to explore the culture and beauty of Maasai tribe.

Frequently asked questions

Maasai wear multicoloured African garments, where the dressing code varies depending on sex and age. Young men wear black for several months after their circumcision. Although, red is a favoured colour among the Maasai. Black, Blue, checkered and striped cloth are also worn.

The Maasai are monotheistic, and their God is called Engai or Enkai. He is mostly benevolent, and he manifests himself in different colors depending on how he is feeling. The colors have specific meanings: black and dark blue represent God's goodwill toward men, whereas red represents God's irritation. Nowadays most of the Maasai people are Christians and very few are Muslims.

In the past, young Maasai men demonstrated their warriorship (morani) by ritually killing a lion, either alone or in groups, with only their iron spears as weapons. Though ritual lion-hunting is now illegal in East Africa, and Maasai will only kill a lion if it threatens their livestock, the morani's fierce bravery is still admired today.

Maasai warriors known as Morans in Maa (Maasai Language), are young men aged between 14 to 45.  A young man is obliged to be circumcised to enter the group.

Our Products

Most Read Articles

What to consider when planning your African Safari?

What to consider when planning your African Safari?

How much does Tanzania Safari cost?

How much does Tanzania Safari cost?

The Great Migration Serengeti

The Great Migration Serengeti

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park

Help me plan my trip

Create Your Tailor made Safari

For the Travel agent, photographer, family, or an individual, we offer you flexibity to create your tour package depending on your budget, activities, and other preferences.

Recommended Safaris Packages

 9 Days Kenya Classic  Wildlife Safari

9 Days Kenya Classic Wildlife Safari

9 Days / 8 Nights

Classic Safari

Price: $4,123
14 Day in Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar

14 Day in Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar

14 Days / 13 Nights

Luxury Safari

Price: $13,970
North, Central & Southern Kenya Safari

North, Central & Southern Kenya Safari

8 Days / 7 Nights

Classic Safari

Price: $3,478
Luxury Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari

Luxury Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari

9 Days / 8 Nights

Luxury Safari

Price: $8,999