Masai village

On safari in Kenya’s Tsavo East Safari You will have  the opportunity to visit a Maasai village. The houses are built in a circle with intervening brush piled to keep out the longer-toothed residents of the Mara who might snatch a chicken or child in the night.

It is said the lions fear the color red for the reputation of these people and their ability and courage to face a lion without an SUV and high-powered, semi-automatic rifle with scope.

So the Maasai told us they would show us a few dances. The harmonies were impressive and I am sure these were just your typical villagers, not trained performers by any means.

The women’s turn. Then they shuffled in a circle once or twice and it was done. The marriage song.

Then it was the men’s turn. Some more impressive vocal performances, and… see who can jump highest. You’ve probably seen it on Discovery Channel; it generally makes the highlight clips. They stand in a row, or take a step forward, and see who can leap highest straight into the air, hands at their sides.

For the first time in my life, after a few years of the whole Cub Scout thing back in the day, I actually see someone light a fire without flint or matches, the old rubbing sticks together method. Now that’s the real deal. Nice.

“Want to see the inside of our home?”

Sure. We duck into a small door perhaps better sized for a smaller built African people.
And inside is near complete darkness despite broad daylight outside.

The Maasai wants to show us some handicrafts.
A necklace, a copper bracelet.

Now it’s time to go!
Tumunyana (good Luck!)