What to expect when visiting a Maasai Village in Tanzania

Visiting a Maasai village is one of the cultural highlights of our traveller’s dream activities in Tanzania. A rare chance to experience a taste of local life and learn about the traditional cultures of Africa, it’s certainly not hard to see why visiting a Maasai village is at the top of the Tanzania must-see list!

A Maasai village tour is the perfect accompaniment to a Tanzania safari or custom Tanzania vacation. Here we take a closer look at what you can expect from visiting a Maasai Village with Tanzania Specialist, and why you should add a cultural visit to your Tanzania experience.

Who are the Maasai tribe?

The Maasai tribe is one of the most prominent tribes in Kenya and northern Tanzania. The Maasai people ethnically belong to the Nilotic group and have an incredibly rich culture, from their distinct attire to their distinctive Maa language and traditions. Though Maa is the official language of the Masaai, most Maasai people also speak the official languages of Tanzania and Kenya: Swahili and English!

The piercing and stretching of the earlobes is a common practice among the Maasai, with women often wearing colourful beaded ornaments in their ears.

Many Tanzania tourists are looking for a deeper experience to their safari adventure, and wish to visit a Maasai village during their trip to Tanzania. These visits occur during or in between safaris, as the Maasai tribe live close to the national parks – think of lush natural destinations like the vast Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater.

Maasai Cultural Tour: What to Expect

When visiting a Maasai village with your private Tanzania Specialist guide, you will start by arriving in the village with a warm welcome. After an introduction to the Maasai village, you will then step into a couple of Maasai houses and huts. You will be guided by your Maasai host to explore the traditional lodgings of the Maasai and how they live.

The Maasai love to share their incredible culture with visitors. So when visiting a Maasai tribe, you can expect to see several Maasai traditions first hand. This includes celebratory dances and songs and a closer look at the beautiful jewellery made with typical Maasai beads.

What to know when visiting a Maasai tribe

Various Maasai villages host many tours to international travellers every day. This means you should be aware that you may not be the only tourist in the village! Visiting a Maasai village has become a significant part of promoting Maasai culture for many villages in Tanzania. This not only shares the beauty of the ancient Maasai culture, but creates an additional source of income for the tribe.

Dos and don’ts when visiting a Maasai village in Tanzania

• Do ask questions! Your Maasai hosts are there to share their culture and welcome questions about their culture and traditions.
• Don’t take photos without permission! Always ask for permission when taking photos of the Maasai village and the Maasai people.
• Do respect your environment. It’s important to remember that this is not a tourist attraction – it is the home of your hosts.
• Do purchase souvenirs. The Maasai’s selection of handcrafted souvenirs are fantastic gifts and keepsakes to remind you of your time in Tanzania.
• Do keep an open mind and be ready to learn about this amazing culture!

One last piece of advice when visiting a Maasai village: drink it all in and enjoy every second. Respect and curiosity are all you need to get the most out of this unique travel experience. Ready to get started with planning your ultimate Tanzania travel experience? Get in touch with the travel experts at Tanzania Specialist now!