Herding cattle, sheep and goats, sleeping in a boma, getting blessed by the chief, making bead jewellery and dancing – all in a day’s work when you spend time with the Maasai!
After writing about Cambodia cattle for last Wednesday’s world wildlife post, I just had to show you some Maasai cattle (and people) images this week. In October 2014 I was privileged to spend 3 days and a night in a Maasai village in Tanzania, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
In this and the surrounding villages controlled by chief Meshuku Mappi, the Maasai own approximately 170,000 cattle, sheep and goats. That number seems almost incredible but, after watching huge herds of beasts being driven home to their overnight corrals by the men of the tribe, I can definitely believe it.
It was the perfect photo opportunity – cloven hooves churned up dust from the bone dry ground, statuesque baobob trees punctuated the landscape like frozen giants, and the bright reds and blues of the men’s clothing popped against the browns of the landscape and the animals.
And, after an overnight stay in one of the village bomas (mud huts), we were up early next morning to catch the sun rise over the nearby hills and to watch the men driving the animals out for the day’s grazing. Life for the Maasai revolves around their animals – their cows are their primary source of food, and their wealth and status are measured in cattle. The Maasai are very special people and it was a huge privilege to spend time with them and get a glimpse of their daily lives.
earthstar 
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That’s amazing!! I remember seeing the Masai and their herds passing. I didn’t get to know them like you unfortunately! That must have been very special.
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Very special, indeed. One of the highlights of my life!
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Wow, you do get around and have some interesting times…
It must be a hard life having responsibility for that number of animals, their daily welfare and all that goes with it. The numbers are quite mind-blowing.
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I have been lucky to have travelled to, and lived and worked in some interesting countries, Val. The Maasai life is a tough one, especially in the hot dry conditions but, like many people who have little in the way of what the Western world would call creature comforts, they seem very happy with their lot. I have usually found that the physically impoverished people are the happiest – a lesson there, I think.
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Mmm… my husband’s often said the same. I have to agree. While a completely different culture from the Masai, my own family (who originally hail from Eastern Europe) were dirt poor but happy people.
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An experience I would like. Is this where your profile photo comes from?
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It is indeed, Paul. Mine wasn’t the regular tourist experience though. I went with an organisation called the Giving Lens, on a photography workshop that also involved giving back to the local community, by volunteering with local NGOs and with part of the workshop fee also going to support those NGOs. I got to know their founder Colby Brown, who brought a team to Peru when I was managing an NGO there, and I’ve since been on trips with them to Tanzania and Nicaragua.
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