3 DAYS MARA CULTURAL EXPEDITION SAFARI

Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara
Arrive JKIA; you will be met by our representative. Briefing on the tour. Depart for a journey south along the floor of the great rift valley then past Narok climb the western wall entering Hemingway's country ''Serengeti plans''. Arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon visit Masai Village. A visit to a Maasai village in Maasai Mara offers a unique opportunity to connect with this ancient and fascinating culture, and to witness their traditional way of life that has endured for centuries.
This visit offers a memorable experience, one that provides insight into the lives of the Maasai people and their unwavering connection to their heritage. On arrival you will be warmly greeted by Maasai men and women, adorned in their distinct and vibrant attire, consisting of brightly colored fabrics, intricate beadwork, and distinctive hairstyles. The Maasai people are pastoralists, and their way of life centers around their cattle. Cattle are a symbol of wealth and status in Maasai culture, and they provide the community with not only food but also materials for shelter and clothing. During the visit, you will have an opportunity to witness a traditional Maasai dance, where the rhythmic chanting and jumping reflected the deep respect and admiration the Maasai have for their cattle.

You will be taken on a tour of their village, which is constructed using traditional materials such as sticks, mud, and cow dung. The huts, known as "manyattas," are simple yet functional, designed to protect the community from the elements and wildlife. Inside, you observe the basic but efficient way of life led by the Maasai. The village elder, a wise and knowledgeable figure, explains their customs, traditions, and the roles of different community members. It is striking to see the harmony in the division of labor and the shared responsibilities that sustained the village.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Maasai culture is their intricate beadwork. The Maasai women are renowned for their craftsmanship, creating beautiful jewelry and decorative items using colorful beads. You will have the opportunity to watch them create these exquisite pieces and even purchased some as souvenirs. A key moment during the visit is the chance to sit down with the Maasai people and engage in meaningful conversations. You will learn about their education system, their views on modernization, and the challenges they face in preserving their traditions while adapting to the changing world. Their resilience in maintaining their way of life while facing the pressures of the modern world is truly inspiring.

The visit concludes with a traditional Maasai meal, which includes goat stew, maize porridge, and other local dishes. The meal is simple but flavorful, and it is a fitting way to end the immersive experience in the Maasai village.
The Maasai people's commitment to their traditions, their strong sense of community, and their harmonious coexistence with the natural world were inspiring. It is a reminder that, even in the midst of a world of rapid change, there are cultures like the Maasai who continue to treasure and uphold their rich heritage, inviting travelers to appreciate and learn from their way of life. Dinner and overnight at Masai Heritage Guest House. www.masaiheritage.com

Early morning balloon safari is available as an option at USD 450 per person. The
Balloon launches at 0600hrs and takes one hour. On landing you will be welcomed
with a champagne bush breakfast.
Full day game viewing whereby you leave the Guest House after breakfast with picnic lunch.
The Mara is the land of African legend: Lion are abundant throughout the park, as are the elephants, giraffes, and a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and, less commonly, rhino. The annual wildebeest migration, one of nature’s few remaining wildlife spectacles, occurs in the Mara from July to September where the big animals and their predators are to be present in abundance during the time frame of this trip. Several species of Bee-Eater, the flying rainbow that heads the list of the Mara’s birds, occur in the reserve. As well as wildlife, the Maasai Mara is also home to many members of the colorful Maasai tribe who may be seen around the borders of the park – Morans (warriors) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing matters of the day. Dinner and overnight at Masai Heritage Guest House.

Early breakfast. Proceed for two hours of hiking which adds up with a nature walk at Leganishu Hill. Return to the Guest House for check out. Depart for Nairobi. On arrival drop off at the airport for onward flight.
Note that this itinerary can be customized to fit your arrival and departure timings.