Masai culture in Masai Mara National Park is the defined tribe of the Masai people, they are the original inhabitants of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania around the Masai Mara National Park and the Serengeti National Park. Masai Culture is one of the most unique tribes of Africa, they are an ethnic group with a close relation to the Kalenjin people speaking a language known as “Maa”. Masai people are pastoralists who used to move from one place to another, however, lately they settled up in the open savannah grasslands living in homesteads known as Manyattas. Part of the Land area of the Masai Mara National Park is owned by the Masai Families, so it is no surprise that the management of the park is still under the community known as the Narok County government.
Masai people still live traditionally in their cultures the elderly discuss matters concerning the community, and their lives are typically around their cattle which are a primary source of food and income, the Masai Culture believes that God whom they call “Engai, in their local language created all the cattle in the world for them and that they the guardians of the cattle on earth, men take pride in having more cows compared to other things, for example, they would rather have more cows than children in the community.
The Masai people build their homes using available materials they got because they are always moving in search of greener pastures for their cattle they tend to build light semi-permanent houses called the “Manyatta’s”, these are crafted by women while the men construct houses men work on the huge fences around their communities, these people diet on mostly blood, milk, fat, honey and tree backs. They dress up in unique garments favorably the color red, they use a cheeked cloth wrap with traditional shoes, and their women weave beads which they use to design themselves and elongate ear robs.
Masai Culture in the Masai Mara National Park can be experienced on your Kenyan safari they perform and dance to their traditional songs, and they do not use instruments but rather enjoy singing directly led by a traditional leader, the entire group follows the lead with their songs while the jump and sing to their songs, the beads worn giggle and make noise which compliments the music. In the rainy season, most of the singing is done even during their marital ceremonies, however, if you are visiting communities arranged, guests have the chance to participate in the dancing.
Masai cultural experiences can be combined with other safari experiences in the Masai Mara National Park, for example, game drives, these are done in sessions beginning in the morning, afternoon, and evening time, it is the best way to view wildlife species in the conservation area popular sights include buffaloes, waterbucks, cheetahs, bushbucks, leopards, lions, hyenas, giraffes to mention a few.
In conclusion, the Masai Culture in Masai Mara National Park is one attraction of the park, a must-visit for the residents.