One of my lasting memories of a recent trip to Kenya is of our visit to the local Masai village not far from our camp.
Satao Elerai Camp is situated about 10 kms from the south east corner of Amboseli National Park.
Overlooked by Mt Kilimanjaro, the camp is leased from the local Masai tribe. Their relationship is interesting. Apart from paying rent, Satao Elerai helps support the village and together they work towards conserving the land and protecting the wildlife from poachers.
One of the difficulties facing Masai tribes all over Kenya is to balance the needs of the Masai people and the protection of the wildlife. The camp helps the community by supporting ways that they can sustain their livelihoods but at the same time maintain this part of the country as a migratory path.
I was fascinated by life in this village and the struggle of the community. Guests donations go directly to a trust run by the village and it is then used for whatever the village is in need of. Our donations were to be used to buy pencils and exercise books for the school.
Our visit to the village is part of the camp’s support. When we arrived, the villagers greeted us with traditional Masai dancing and singing.
A walk around the camp gave us the opportunity to see inside their huts.
They are very simple huts with a separate sleeping area for everyone as well as a cooking area. At night, the cattle are kept in separate enclosures surrounded by thorn bushes to keep out the roaming wildlife. During the day, the older boys are their shepherds whilst the younger children go to school.
One of the camp’s staff members is employed to liase with the local community in regards to the children’s needs in schooling and health.
Malnutrition had been a huge problem here so it was arranged that the lodge would provide a nutritious lunch for the school children every day. Since this has started, the level of malnutrition has dropped. Health was another issue but now that the confidence of the children has been established, this is proving easier to manage though the parents still remain skeptical that these new medicines are no better than the traditional ways
The children quickly gathered around us, wanting their photos taken.
We then had the chance to support the village by buying some of their jewellery.
I was fascinated by the men and women’s neckpieces and ear decorations that had, over time, stetched their ear lobes.
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This post brought back many happy memories of Africa for me. Your photos are superb as always. I particularly enjoyed learning more about the Masai, and the picture of the ‘one small girl who had work to do’ was precious.
I’m happy I could bring back some memories for you Jo. Kenya is an incredible country and being able to see the life in the villages was wonderful. The little girl was precious- not at all interested in us!
Amazing photos Jenny, of a place I’d dearly love to get to someday. Inspiring, thank you!
Thanks Amanda. I hope you go to Kenya or any of the African countries one day. It is a fabulous holiday. The animals are beautiful but your heart goes out to the Masai villagers.
A window into another world!
It certainly is completely different, Jan. A stunning world but one with its own problems
I LOVE the faces of the women dancing!! What joy! What utter joy. 🙂
Thanks Krista. Such beautiful people- they are so happy singing and dancing.
Wonderful colourful photos. It’s heartening to hear that the children have meals prepared for them. Such beautiful people!
It was a fascinating trip. I loved learning about the interaction between the camp and the villagers and the way the camp was able to help them improve their lifestyle.
That’s a fascinating photo essay. I’ve always really wanted to have a close encounter with the Masai.
I loved my time with the Masai. Learning about the inter reaction with the camp owners and the villlagers and the ways they work together was fascinating. Another for your bucket list!!