Before You Go: 4 Essential Things to Know About Maasai Village Etiquette in Tanzania

When you think of Tanzania, the endless Serengeti plains and vibrant wildlife often come to mind. Yet, nestled in the heart of this beautiful country are the Maasai villages, offering an immersive cultural experience like no other. The Maasai people, renowned for their distinctive attire, unique customs, and rich traditions, welcome visitors into their world with open arms—but navigating their cultural landscape requires sensitivity and respect.

Whether you’re planning a trip to witness the famous Maasai jumping or to learn about rich Maasai traditions and customs in depth, knowing the essential etiquette can transform your visit from a mere sightseeing tour into a meaningful cultural exchange. This understanding can open doors and create connections that go beyond the surface. Here are four crucial things you need to know before stepping into a Maasai village, ensuring that your journey is both respectful and rewarding.

1. Show Respect to Maasai Elders When you visit a Maasai village in Tanzania, it's essential to start by greeting the elders, who hold significant authority in the community. In Maasai culture, everyone has a specific role and responsibility, and the elders are particularly revered. Greeting them not only shows respect for the community but also acknowledges their crucial role in conflict resolution and decision-making. Additionally, the elders will bless your stay and grant you permission to be part of their extended family. In Maasai culture, age holds great significance in greetings, symbolizing deep respect and social hierarchy. The act of bowing and touching the head is a gesture of profound respect commonly observed in significant social interactions. Young children show respect to their elders by bowing, and the elders reciprocate by touching their heads. This tradition continues as women, until they give birth, greet their elders by bowing, after which they can transition to greeting with a handshake. However, a Maasai daughter always demonstrates deep respect to her father by bowing her head.

   
   

   Another distinctive aspect of Maasai greetings is the use of spitting as a form of respect. While this may seem unusual, in Maasai culture, spitting is a symbol of blessings. It's a special form of greeting that elders use when they haven't seen a younger person for a long time and wish to bestow their blessings upon them.

   
   

   As a guest entering the Maasai village, you can feel at ease shaking hands with the Maasai elder if he offers you his hand. Women can also greet each other by hugging or shaking hands.

   
   

2. Bring Right Kind of Gifts for the Maasai

When selecting gifts for your hosts, it's essential to choose items that respect their culture and lifestyle. In remote parts of Tanzania, waste management is not common, and most of the Maasai people live without waste in the village. Therefore, it's best to avoid bringing anything plastic or wrapped in paper, as these items can contribute to environmental issues. Also, keep in mind that plastic bags are banned in Tanzania.

While some gifts can be greatly appreciated by your hosts, it's important to choose items that show respect for their culture and lifestyle. Food is always a welcome gift, but it's best to avoid bringing items that are commonly found in your home country. Instead, consider supporting local Tanzanian farmers by purchasing items from the local market, such as maize, tea, sugar, and fruits. The Maasai people often use sugar in their tea and enjoy ugali and uji porridges made from maize. Buying fruits and sharing them with the children can also be a thoughtful gesture. Avoid bringing candies for children.

A good thing to know before visiting the Maasai village is that the Maasai families are very large, so it is better to buy something that is enough even for neighboring kids like a football. Not all the kids have the opportunity to go to school, so we don't recommend giving Maasai kids school books, color pencils, etc., as those kids who don't go to school may feel sad about it. Instead, if you want to contribute to education, you can ask a local school what they need.

As mentioned, Maasai families are large, and their culture is collective. Therefore, it's best to avoid giving a gift to just one person and prefer things that can be enjoyed by a lot of people. If you're unsure about what to give, don't hesitate to ask your tour operator for advice. They can provide valuable insights and ensure that your gift is well-received.

Great gift suggestions for your Maasai village stay

• Football

• Food from the local market

• Fruits for the kids

• Solar headlamps and flashlights

• Solar charger
  

3. Be Culturally Sensitive Photographer

When visiting a Maasai home, it's essential to ask for permission before capturing photos or videos of your hosts. This simple act shows respect for their culture and traditions. Once you're welcomed into their home, you won't need to ask again as your hosts have accepted you as their guest.

It's important to note that the Maasai may seem first serious when photographed. Connecting with people and making everyone comfortable can lead to genuine smiles in the photos. A thoughtful gesture is to show the pictures with your host family, as it can bring joy and entertainment, especially for the children. Bringing an instant camera to capture and share physical photos with the Maasai while in Tanzania can create lasting memories and brighten their day. Often, it is challenging to send images for the Maasai after the trip as they need postal addresses.

In today's age of social media, it's common to share many happy moments with a large audience, including people we may not personally know. When sharing your Maasai photos, it's crucial to do so with respect. Avoid portraying Maasai as impoverished or uneducated, in a sensational light, or solely for the purpose of seeking likes or clicks.

If you're a professional photographer or documentarian planning to use the photos for commercial purposes, it's crucial to obtain written permission from the individuals you photograph. Clear communication is key, especially because not all Maasai can read or write. When engaging in commercial activities, ensure that the terms are fully understood and negotiate a fair price. It's unethical to photograph and sell people's images without their consent.

4. Observe and Participate in a Right Way

Immersing yourself in the daily life of the Maasai community offers a rich and transformative experience beyond typical tourism in Tanzania. Engaging directly with vibrant Maasai culture not only provides invaluable insights but also opens doors for personal growth. Just as anthropologists immerse themselves in a culture by using participant observation to gain a deeper understanding, adopting this method can lead to a more immersive experience also in shorter stays.

When the Maasai offer you to wear their traditional clothing or jewelry, they are sharing a part of their culture with you. It is a gesture of respect and acceptance. If you choose to wear these items, it is a sign of your appreciation for their culture. However, it is important to remember that dressing up as a Maasai without their permission for tourist photos or selling purposes is not respectful. It is considered cultural appropriation. The key difference is whether you have the permission and invitation to do so by your indigenous hosts.

When entering a Maasai house, it's essential to ask permission. In Swahili, saying "Hodi" meaning "May I come in?" is a sign of respect. Upon receiving a warm "Karibu!" in response, you'll feel genuinely welcomed. Maasai speak maa language , and it is useful to learn some basic language phrases like how to say greetings in the maasai language?

During your time in the village, join Maasai women in fetching water, milking cows, and cutting firewood, or accompany Maasai boys in herding cattle. You'll quickly establish a strong connection with your hosts, even without speaking the same language. The most important advice is always to ask if you feel unsure. And don't hesitate to jump right in!

Last, being a culturally sensitive traveler involves more than simply adhering to local customs. It entails approaching your travels with respect, openness, and a genuine desire to understand and appreciate the Maasai culture. Would you like to experience the unique Maasai culture in Tanzania?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anniina Sandberg is an expert in African studies and a Swahili interpreter with a passion for cultural immersion and responsible travel. Holding a Master’s degree in African Studies, Anniina brings extensive academic knowledge and practical experience to her work, deepening her understanding of the Maasai culture in Tanzania.

Anniina is the visionary founder of Visit Natives, a pioneering travel agency dedicated to offering authentic and immersive travel experiences. Through Visit Natives, Anniina curates unique journeys that allow travelers to engage directly with the Maasai and other indigenous groups in Tanzania, as well as explore the rich Sami reindeer herding culture in Norway. Visit Natives focuses on creating respectful and enriching Maasai village experiences in Tanzania that honor the traditions and lifestyles of indigenous people, promoting sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism.