Tanzania 2015 - Maasai Village and Local Art

We rode with a new guide, David. We were told to switch guides everyday, so we rode with David, but no one else joined us. We had the safari vehicle to ourselves.

Maasai Village

 Our first stop was at a Maasai village. The village was very different from the one that we visited in Sinya in Western Kilimanjaro. It has easier access to water and the huts are sturdier, larger, and have better plastering. First we met the local Maasia leader.



We were welcomed to the village by the women. They marched in singing and dancing. We were selected to make crafts in the Maasai tradition.

Next, the men entered, singing and dancing. The men in our group joined in. We had to show our pride in the tribe by jumping high. The women approached after the dance. A shoulder touch meant you were a potential husband.

The women returned, balancing objects on their heads. Next, we plastered a wall and had a Maasai manicure.

 Bobbi helped thatch a roof, then Ombeni threatened to remove the ladder.

The Maasai wear beautiful jewelry and presented them for sale. We bought some.










Each of us had an individual Maasai guide for the entire morning. Bobbi's guide presented her with a gift.

 

Local Artists

We traveled down the road to an artist coop. The sales room was in front. The woodworking shop and painting shop were in the back. Bobbi, Jack and Nicola lent a hand.



















We bought a painting, an elephant wood carving and two bowls.

 

 

Ngorongoro Farm House

We traveled for a few hours towards Karatu. We spent the night at the Ngorongoro Farm House, a coffee plantation that grew all its own produce.

The lodge had an impressive thatched roof. Some locals played folk music during happy hour.