Things to do in Kenya

Visit a Maasai village

Visit Simba village in the Maasai Mara to interact with the local community and learn about their lifestyle…

By Stephen Miinge

Assistant General Manager, Sand River Maasai Mara

On this trip from Sand River to a Maasai village in the Mara, you’ll get to meet and interact with the local community and learn about their lifestyle. Traditionally nomadic, they’re pastoralists who dress in iconic scarlet robes and believe that their cattle are sacred. Maasai people are very proud of their culture, I don’t know any other community with such a strong, unique identity.

We’ll take you to Simba village, which is just a couple of kilometres from the gate of Selenkay Conservancy. You’ll be greeted with singing and dancing, followed by a cultural talk which explains the history of the Maasai community and lifestyle. Find out what they eat, how they used to hunt and why their lives revolve around their cattle. There’s a chance to walk around the homestead, which is filled with manyatta huts, and see women making the famous beaded necklaces.

The trip is a highlight for guests because they learn how beautiful the Maasai culture is and can see how it’s evolved over time. For instance, Maasai people used to kill lions to become warriors but now they’ve learned the importance of supporting wildlife and conservation instead. Guests enjoy taking part in the dancing, practising spear-throwing and learning ancient fire-making techniques.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Kenya SkySafari
by Vicki Bramley

Length10 Days

Price range£10,295 - £12,090

Alfred & Stephen Miinge

Stephen Miinge is a hospitality professional with ten years’ experience, often working in remote locations across Kenya. He’s now the Assistant General Manager at Sand River and is passionate about tailoring memorable experiences for guests. Stephen works closely with the local Maasai community and loves taking photos and videos of the Maasai Mara to share on his social media platforms.

Stephen Miinge, Assistant General Manager, Sand River Maasai Mara

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the rangers who'll ensure you'll spot the best wildlife in the Mara, the village chiefs who'll give you a genuine insight into local life and the camp managers who can recommend the very best spot for your sundowner.

Becky Souissi

Alfred& Tailormade Expert

With over 20 years of experience, Becky’s passion for travel has taken her across the globe from the patterned promenades of Rio de Janeiro to the lakes of Vietnam. You’ll most likely find her in Africa where she travelled the continent trying and testing over 40 game drives. One of her favourite places in the world is the picturesque Maasai Mara for its early morning balloon rides and exceptional game viewing. It’s when among the local communities though where she feels most inspired.
Mohamed Iribo

Safari Guide at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp

Mohamed Iribo is a passionate safari guide who has worked across Kenya, including in Samburu National Reserve, the Maasai Mara and Meru National Park. Mohamed grew up at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where his father was a game ranger, so conservation is in his blood. Having worked with the Elewana Collection for eight years, the last four of those at Loisaba, he offers expert insight on animal behaviour and has an engaging sense of humour that guests love.
Janine Anjarwalla

Director of Sales and Marketing, Mara Engai Lodge

Janine Anjarwalla was born and raised in East Africa and has been working in the luxury hotel market for over a decade. She's passionate about promoting the region's culture, experiences and rich heritage to guests from all over the world and has proudly worked with Mara Engai Lodge since its inception. Janine loves to explore on safari and appreciates a good steak.
Mohanjeet Brar

Managing Director, Porini Camps

Mohanjeet Brar grew up in the forests of the Kenyan highlands, so he has a close connection with the country’s wild landscapes and local people. He’s a keen naturalist and conservationist with a doctorate degree in Plant Science, as well as a certified safari guide. Mohanjeet is now the Managing Director of Porini Safari Camps and is married with two kids who love going on safari.
Jonathan and Angela Scott

Big cat writers, photographers and filmmakers

Jonathan and Angela Scott are award-winning wildlife photographers, TV presenters, authors and conservationists. The couple live in Nairobi and have a permanent base at Governors’ Camp in the Maasai Mara, where they’ve been documenting the lives of the area’s lions, leopards and cheetahs for over 40 years. Jonathan and Angela famously filmed the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries in the Maasai Mara for 12 years and have continued this legacy with Big Cat Tales on Animal Planet.
Christine Macharia

Sales & Marketing Executive at GoVacation, Alfred&’s partner in Kenya

Christine Macharia was born in Laikipia, Kenya. After working in hospitality, Christine transitioned to the tourism industry in 2018 and currently works as a Sales and Marketing Executive at GoVacation. She loves showing off all the wonderful destinations East Africa has to offer and is passionate about offering outstanding tour experiences that touch the soul.