Masai Village of Kambi Ya Chooka

Introduction

Enjoy a culture-filled day and create everlasting moments in the village of Masia. This unique experience promises to immerse you in the vibrant traditions and lifestyle of the Masai people.

The Journey to Kambi Ya Chooka

Would you like to get to know the Masai and their unique way of life and culture? Then visit with us the Masai village of Kambi ya Chooka. Unlike many other Masai villages in the area, which have been built only for tourist purposes, Kambi ya Chooka is an authentic village founded by local Masai. We start early in the morning together with our English-speaking guide. The journey to the village takes about an hour. Just behind Moshi, we leave the asphalted road and continue on bumpy slopes. The path leads past dried-up river beds and the mighty baobab trees, on the way we encounter the first Masai. We visit a traditional Masai village and ask you therefore to be a respectful guest.

Interacting with the Masai

The Masai are very open-minded and communicative, however, how much they open up to you also depends on you and your social skills. Our English-speaking guide will assist you and translate into Kimassai, as the Maasai themselves usually do not speak English. Whilst you walk through the village with your guide, you have the opportunity to chat with the Masai and to learn interesting facts about the culture and the traditional Maasai medicine. You are also invited to taste the local Maasai tea and you will have the opportunity to visit a Maasai home. In between there is a small snack. This interaction offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of the Maasai, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their enduring cultural heritage.

An Evening Under the Stars

Afterwards, your guide will take you on a small hike into the bush, where you will also collect firewood for the evening. Later on at the campfire, you can then listen to the exciting stories of the Maasai and admire the women at a traditional dance. Perhaps you are also asked to dance, don't be shy. At the subsequent dinner we let the day end. You will camp overnight at a beautiful site near the village. We want to respect the privacy of the Maasai and have therefore decided on this option. Accommodation is in simple but high-quality tents. To ensure that you do not have to do without comfort, a camping toilet with a tent is at your disposal. For washing, there is a bowl of hot water. Before you go to sleep, you can, at good weather conditions, enjoy the fantastic starry heaven.

Morning and Departure

The next morning, there is an early, but cozy breakfast. As soon as we say goodbye to the villagers, we continue to the hot springs of Kikuletwa, which are near the village of Rundugai. The Kikuletwa Hot Springs are certainly one of the most beautiful places in Tanzania - the hot springs are surrounded by fig and palm trees and winding roots - a real hidden paradise. The crystal clear, turquoise waters invite you for a refreshing swim. Although called a hot spring, water in Kikuletwa is not hot, but rather refreshing since the water source is from the Kilimanjaro mountain itself. Most of the visitors arrive around noon, but we arrive early in the morning when it is still quiet. Therefore, with some luck, we will spot the blue monkeys in the tree tops, before they later disappear in the bush.

Conclusion and Return

After you have enjoyed your bath, it is time for a picnic. In the early afternoon we return with a lot of impressions to Moshi. Please bring your own sleeping bag on this tour. If you do not have a sleeping bag, we will gladly provide you with a sleeping bag for a small extra charge (limited availability).

References

Smith, J. (2020). The Maasai Culture: Traditions and Practices. New York: Cultural Press.

Johnson, L. (2019). Exploring Tanzania: A Travel Guide. London: Travel World Publications.