Kenya - MEET THE MAASAI - a people between tradition and modern world
INFORMATION
12.11. – 20.11.2021
Immerse in the fascinating world of the Maasai and gain deep insights with an intensity which is very rare. Learn everything about the traditions which are important until today, the problem of land cuts - existing since generations, and the challenges for a semi nomadic tribe when it is suddenly facing compulsory education. Discover the culture first-hand directly on site. Understand the extreme importance of cattle to the Maasai and support with the construction of a hut. Learn how to make a spear or shoot with bow and arrow. Accompany the women to the water place, talk to a medicine man, and meet a witch. The last night around the Maasai will end with songs and dances at the campfire and an authentic overnight in the village of the Maasai. For this unique experience MEET THE GLOBE will bring you directly to the Maasai Mara. The world famous nature reserve is not only located in the heartland of the Maasai, but also offers one of the richest places on earth regarding wildlife concentration. We have integrated 1 morning and 1 evening safari in our varied programme. More trips can be booked in addition without any problem. Come to Kenya! The Maasai are happy to share their fascinating culture.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Individual arrival in Nairobi, Kenya, latest until 12.11.2022. Gladly we organise your arrival and departure additionally for you.
Day 1
Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya. Either individual arrival or organised additionally by MEET THE GLOBE against extra charge. Transfer to the Hotel Nairobi Airport Inn. The rest of the day is to relax. Gladly we arrange a city tour additionally for you.
Day 2
After breakfast we will travel to the Maasai Mara. The journey time with a four-wheel drive jeep is approximately 5 hours. We will have our lunch in a restaurant on the way. After we have passed the last major city on the route, Narok, the road conditions change rapidly and latest at this moment everyone knows why we use a four-wheel drive for this trip. We will reach Fisi Camp for dinner. This will be our accommodation for the next few days.
Day 3
The Maasai programme for the next few days will be described after breakfast. This takes place in the Fisi Camp, where many of the theoretical contents will be presented. The introduction to the world of the Maasai begins with an explanation of culture and language. The participants learn about rules and manners and receive a handout with the most important words in Maa, the language of the Maasai. The different roles of man and woman, as well as the age structure within the Maasai will be explained and the theoretical principles of a typical Maasai village will be imparted. Afterwards, we drive to Ekoirero for the first time, a Maasai village located just outside the Maasai Mara. For the next days Ekoirero will be our home for practical exercises and examples. The villagers are very happy about our visit and interest in their culture. We leave the village in the direction towards Senkenani and pass through a nature reserve. During our 45-minute drive we might be lucky to spot some animals. In Senkenani we visit a traditional blacksmith. Here, the participants have the opportunity to buy some metal and wooden parts to produce things like spear, bow and arrow, knife or club later on. After that it is time for lunch in a typical and simple restaurant in that area. The way back to Ekoirero again leads us through the nature reserve. Back in the village we work the purchases by hand and start to manufacture spear, bow and arrow, knife or club. Around 3:30 pm we will reach Fisi Camp, where we will also have dinner and spend the night. You can discuss the experiences of the day at the campfire during the sunset.
Day 4
We strengthen ourselves for the upcoming challenges with a breakfast and learn the theory of how to construct a typical Maasai hut as well as how to produce the colourful jewellery worn by all Maasai. Still within the Fisi Camp we have the possibility to make a necklace, a bracelet or a belt. Afterwards, we will drive to a Maasai village nearby, maybe again to Ekoirero or even to a village not yet visited. There we lend a hand to repair or construct a new hut. The villagers are happy about our active support. We will have lunch either in the village or in a nearby restaurant. Then we drive to the largest market in the area. Many Maasai walk dozens of miles by foot to buy or sell cattle and goats as well as to equip with the necessities of daily needs. There is a hustle and bustle and we are right in the middle of it. After that we will drive back to Fisi Camp where we will have dinner and sleep another night.
Day 5
With breakfast a new day at the edge of the Maasai Mara starts. Afterwards, we will receive an overview of the medical treatment methods and the medical supply network of the Maasai as well as the importance of the medicine man and the belief in witches. Furthermore, the Kenyan education system and the profound effects of the introduction of the compulsory education to the Maasai will be explained to us. We again visit the Maasai village Ekoirero. Here, we will fetch some water together with the women of the village in a primitively manner. There are no water pipes and every drop of water required needs be carried into the village. After that we meet a medicine man who is talking about his healing methods. Then we drive to another village where we meet a witch. She will explain her arts. Now it is time for lunch. We either will have it in the village or in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, we will enjoy an introduction into the use of traditional weapons and try ourselves in the practical execution of spear throwing, bow and arrow shooting, and the use of the club. After these exciting and for the most of us new experiences there will be another formative point on the agenda: The visit of the only local school. Here we will be demonstrated very closely under which hard conditions they try to convey the basics of education to the children. Everyone who wants to, can donate here on site. We will ensure that every donation directly arrives where you think it is useful. This is just an offer of MEET THE GLOBE and by no means any obligation. The visit will be carried out in unchanged form also without any donation. With many new impressions we will return to Fisi Camp and enjoy dinner.
Day 6
We drink our coffee or tea at sunrise and using the camp´s own access drive into the Maasai Mara for a fantastic morning game drive. When the sun is still low and the temperatures rise slowly, it is much easier to find wild animals in motion as they retreat to rest in the shadow during hot temperatures later on. We try to get lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos and leopards in front of the camera. Many antelopes, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos and countless species of birds are also found in the Maasai Mara and our Maasai of course is extremely familiar with all the surrounding. We will have breakfast as picnic on the way and then we continue with the game drive. Around noon we will return to the camp where we have time to take a shower. We will have lunch and stay in the dining tent. There we will be told about the importance of ceremonies in the different life sections of the Maasai. We also learn what clothes are used for them. Furthermore, we get an overview of the most important dances. After that it will be our turn again. A small traditional garment worn at ceremonies will be made by ourselves. Finally, we will drive to Ekoirero and accompany the women on foot to the surrounding area for collecting some firewood. Back in the village, the last preparations for the dinner, which we will enjoy together with the Maasai, take place. A unique experience at the campfire will await us later on. The Maasai inspire us with their songs and dances. With these unforgettable and fantastic moments we finish the day in a relaxed atmosphere. Our hosts of the past few days now really justify this name as we will sleep the last night together with them in the village. For that we are divided into different huts and spend the night in a unique and authentic way.
Day 7
We have a small breakfast and accompany the young Maasai with their cattle to the fields in the early morning. We need the entire morning for this. We will be back in the village for lunch and say goodbye to our hosts. There will be a last chance to take some photos before we return to Fisi Camp. We will review the last days and summarise the experiences there. The exchange of impressions certainly leads to further discussions. We are talking about the challenges arising from the abandonment of the nomadic life and the constant land cuts that the Maasai need to accept since generations. We present the current problems on-site and discuss how the future prospects of the Maasai may look like. We try to understand what the opportunities and measures for maintaining the culture and tradition of the Maasai can be. In the late afternoon, we set off for an evening game drive. Again an experienced Maasai will lead us to many wild animals and provide us with fantastic moments, photo or film themes. The Kenyan sun slowly approaches the horizon and we return to the camp for dinner. Here we spend our last night next to the Maasai Mara.
Day 8
After breakfast, we will leave the camp and drive to the capital using a four-wheel drive jeep. We will stop for lunch at a restaurant on the way and reach Nairobi during the afternoon. Here you will stay another night at the Nairobi Airport Inn.
Day 9
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Gladly we arrange a city tour or other attractions additionally for you if your departure is later during the day.
Day 1
Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya. Either individual arrival or organised additionally by MEET THE GLOBE against extra charge. Transfer to the Hotel Nairobi Airport Inn. The rest of the day is to relax. Gladly we arrange a city tour additionally for you.
Day 2
After breakfast we will travel to the Maasai Mara. The journey time with a four-wheel drive jeep is approximately 5 hours. We will have our lunch in a restaurant on the way. After we have passed the last major city on the route, Narok, the road conditions change rapidly and latest at this moment everyone knows why we use a four-wheel drive for this trip. We will reach Fisi Camp for dinner. This will be our accommodation for the next few days.
Day 3
The Maasai programme for the next few days will be described after breakfast. This takes place in the Fisi Camp, where many of the theoretical contents will be presented. The introduction to the world of the Maasai begins with an explanation of culture and language. The participants learn about rules and manners and receive a handout with the most important words in Maa, the language of the Maasai. The different roles of man and woman, as well as the age structure within the Maasai will be explained and the theoretical principles of a typical Maasai village will be imparted. Afterwards, we drive to Ekoirero for the first time, a Maasai village located just outside the Maasai Mara. For the next days Ekoirero will be our home for practical exercises and examples. The villagers are very happy about our visit and interest in their culture. We leave the village in the direction towards Senkenani and pass through a nature reserve. During our 45-minute drive we might be lucky to spot some animals. In Senkenani we visit a traditional blacksmith. Here, the participants have the opportunity to buy some metal and wooden parts to produce things like spear, bow and arrow, knife or club later on. After that it is time for lunch in a typical and simple restaurant in that area. The way back to Ekoirero again leads us through the nature reserve. Back in the village we work the purchases by hand and start to manufacture spear, bow and arrow, knife or club. Around 3:30 pm we will reach Fisi Camp, where we will also have dinner and spend the night. You can discuss the experiences of the day at the campfire during the sunset.
Day 4
We strengthen ourselves for the upcoming challenges with a breakfast and learn the theory of how to construct a typical Maasai hut as well as how to produce the colourful jewellery worn by all Maasai. Still within the Fisi Camp we have the possibility to make a necklace, a bracelet or a belt. Afterwards, we will drive to a Maasai village nearby, maybe again to Ekoirero or even to a village not yet visited. There we lend a hand to repair or construct a new hut. The villagers are happy about our active support. We will have lunch either in the village or in a nearby restaurant. Then we drive to the largest market in the area. Many Maasai walk dozens of miles by foot to buy or sell cattle and goats as well as to equip with the necessities of daily needs. There is a hustle and bustle and we are right in the middle of it. After that we will drive back to Fisi Camp where we will have dinner and sleep another night.
Day 5
With breakfast a new day at the edge of the Maasai Mara starts. Afterwards, we will receive an overview of the medical treatment methods and the medical supply network of the Maasai as well as the importance of the medicine man and the belief in witches. Furthermore, the Kenyan education system and the profound effects of the introduction of the compulsory education to the Maasai will be explained to us. We again visit the Maasai village Ekoirero. Here, we will fetch some water together with the women of the village in a primitively manner. There are no water pipes and every drop of water required needs be carried into the village. After that we meet a medicine man who is talking about his healing methods. Then we drive to another village where we meet a witch. She will explain her arts. Now it is time for lunch. We either will have it in the village or in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, we will enjoy an introduction into the use of traditional weapons and try ourselves in the practical execution of spear throwing, bow and arrow shooting, and the use of the club. After these exciting and for the most of us new experiences there will be another formative point on the agenda: The visit of the only local school. Here we will be demonstrated very closely under which hard conditions they try to convey the basics of education to the children. Everyone who wants to, can donate here on site. We will ensure that every donation directly arrives where you think it is useful. This is just an offer of MEET THE GLOBE and by no means any obligation. The visit will be carried out in unchanged form also without any donation. With many new impressions we will return to Fisi Camp and enjoy dinner.
Day 6
We drink our coffee or tea at sunrise and using the camp´s own access drive into the Maasai Mara for a fantastic morning game drive. When the sun is still low and the temperatures rise slowly, it is much easier to find wild animals in motion as they retreat to rest in the shadow during hot temperatures later on. We try to get lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos and leopards in front of the camera. Many antelopes, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos and countless species of birds are also found in the Maasai Mara and our Maasai of course is extremely familiar with all the surrounding. We will have breakfast as picnic on the way and then we continue with the game drive. Around noon we will return to the camp where we have time to take a shower. We will have lunch and stay in the dining tent. There we will be told about the importance of ceremonies in the different life sections of the Maasai. We also learn what clothes are used for them. Furthermore, we get an overview of the most important dances. After that it will be our turn again. A small traditional garment worn at ceremonies will be made by ourselves. Finally, we will drive to Ekoirero and accompany the women on foot to the surrounding area for collecting some firewood. Back in the village, the last preparations for the dinner, which we will enjoy together with the Maasai, take place. A unique experience at the campfire will await us later on. The Maasai inspire us with their songs and dances. With these unforgettable and fantastic moments we finish the day in a relaxed atmosphere. Our hosts of the past few days now really justify this name as we will sleep the last night together with them in the village. For that we are divided into different huts and spend the night in a unique and authentic way.
Day 7
We have a small breakfast and accompany the young Maasai with their cattle to the fields in the early morning. We need the entire morning for this. We will be back in the village for lunch and say goodbye to our hosts. There will be a last chance to take some photos before we return to Fisi Camp. We will review the last days and summarise the experiences there. The exchange of impressions certainly leads to further discussions. We are talking about the challenges arising from the abandonment of the nomadic life and the constant land cuts that the Maasai need to accept since generations. We present the current problems on-site and discuss how the future prospects of the Maasai may look like. We try to understand what the opportunities and measures for maintaining the culture and tradition of the Maasai can be. In the late afternoon, we set off for an evening game drive. Again an experienced Maasai will lead us to many wild animals and provide us with fantastic moments, photo or film themes. The Kenyan sun slowly approaches the horizon and we return to the camp for dinner. Here we spend our last night next to the Maasai Mara.
Day 8
After breakfast, we will leave the camp and drive to the capital using a four-wheel drive jeep. We will stop for lunch at a restaurant on the way and reach Nairobi during the afternoon. Here you will stay another night at the Nairobi Airport Inn.
Day 9
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Gladly we arrange a city tour or other attractions additionally for you if your departure is later during the day.
INCLUDED SERVICES
- Transfers from and to the international airport of Nairobi „Jomo Kenyatta“
- Transfers Nairobi - Maasai Mara and Maasai Mara – Nairobi, both with a four-wheel drive
- 1 morning game drive with a Maasai (without Maasai Mara park fees)
- 1 evening game drive with a Maasai (without Maasai Mara park fees)
- 2 nights including breakfast in the hotel Nairobi Airport Inn
- 5 nights in Fisi Camp, half board
- 1 night in a Maasai village with dinner and breakfast
- Theory programme conducted by a Maasai
- Practical programme conducted by one or several Maasai
- Supporting information material
- Information sheet with the most important words in Maa
- Notepad and pen
NOT INCLUDED SERVICES
- Maasai Mara park fees (80 USD per person and 24 hours for overnights in camps located outside the Maasai Mara)
- Drinks
- Lunch during both transfers to and from the Maasai Mara
- Lunch on day 3, 4, and 5
- Food and drinks on departure day, only breakfast provided
- Visa
- Travel insurances
- Medical screening and advice
PRICES AND OTHER INFORMATION
- Camp equipment Fisi Camp: shower with running water (hot water from 5:00 – 8:00pm and in the mornings when requested the evening before), WC, sink, mirror, towels, soap, small table, torch, small private veranda with two chairs, mosquito nets.
- Fair prices of drinks at Fisi Camp (e.g. softdrink 1 €, beer 2,50 €, glas of wine 3 €, 1l water 1,50 €).
- According to the described programme the Maasai Mara parking fees need to be paid twice, always in USD cash.
Price per person, group of 4 or 5, low season:
- 9 days in single room or single tent: 1.420 €
- 9 days in double room or double tent: 1.375 €
- Supplement per person for the usage as “Bildungsurlaub” (only available to German employees): 75 €
Price per person, group of 2 or more, low season:
- 9 days in single room or single tent: 1.695 €
- 9 days in double room or double tent: 1.555 €
- Supplement per person for the usage as “Bildungsurlaub” (only available to German employees): 85 €
Price for 1 person, low season:
- 9 days in single room or single tent: 2.235 €
- Supplement per person for the usage as "Bildungsurlaub" (only available to German employees): 95 €
DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION
- After receiving the booking confirmation a deposit of 15 % of the total price has to be paid. The remaining payment has to be completed latest 6 weeks before the trip.
- A cancellation up to 42 days before the trip attracts a cancellation fee of 15 % of the total travel price.
- Between 41 and 10 days before the trip the cancellation fee is 60 %.
- Between 9 days and 1 day before the trip 90 % of the total costs have to be paid.
- Any no show or an early departure will result in a 100 % payment of the total price and there will be no refund.
BOOKING
Our web page is currently being equipped with an automated booking process. Until this update is finished, we gladly receive your reservation request by email at info@meettheglobe.com.
We require the following information:
Name of the trip:
Travel date:
Number of travellers:
We will contact you as your personal travel advisor as soon as we receive your email.