Masai Village - Kenya (many images)

[mjdmike]

I'm now getting around to processing some images from a recent trip to Kenya, and wanted to share a few. Our Safari group made a short visit to a Masai Village before an afternoon game run and really enjoyed meeting the Masai people and learning of their way of life.

They were quite friendly and open to sharing with us. While they live in poverty by our standards, it's just a way of life to them, and they seem quite content with how they live.

It was an eye opener to see the things I've seen on television and magazines in real life, yet wasn't put out by the conditions these people live in, probably because they're at peace with it.

They live in small villages usually consisting of a few families, but some will house up to 100 people or more. Cattle are the entire foundation for their existence. They live in huts made of a cow dung and mud plaster, drink a mixture of cow's milk and blood for nourishment, and their wealth is measured by how many head of cattle they posses. While the cows leave their mess all over the village every night, and the huts walls and roofs are made of dung, there was absolutely no smell. I never understood why that was.

The villages are always built in a circle, with a fence made of sticks, thorns bushes, and rock, and the huts in a circle within that fence. At night, they move all of the cattle into the center of the village for protection, and most families will tie up a calf right inside the door of their hut so if a lion attacks, it will take the calf and not the people.

The huts are tiny and always have a smoldering fire inside for warmth, with only one hole in the wall for ventilation. I couldn't even poke my head inside for the heavy smoke.

The Women build and maintain the huts, fetch water and firewood, while the men hunt and tend to the cattle. Hunting isn't allowed in Kenya any longer, so for the men, it's really just herding. It's an amazing site to see young boys tending to their cattle in the middle of the Masai Mara right along with the other animals of the region, including the big cats.

One would think a teenage boy with no weapon and 50 head of cattle, miles from any protection would be an easy target for a lion, yet there are very few incidents between the Masai and Lions. My Safari guide claims it's because of the generations of the Masai hunting the lions, that the cats are afraid of them -- or they don't like their scent. Whether true or not, it makes for a good story. And more than once I saw the cats nervously watching the Masai herders in their traditional red garb out in the middle of the Mara.

During our visit, I really got a kick out of watching our photographers and the reactions of the Masai people in having their photos taken.

Hope you enjoy.

Here's a few images: All taken with a Canon XTi, 28-135mm, ISO200, AV.

Masai Children


Masai Men Performing the Traditional Masai Warrior Dance


Masai Woman Gathering Firewood


Masai Women Reacting to A Photo


Masai Man Definitely More Interested in the Photographer


The Children Responded to A Gentle Touch, as thats how They Greet each Other


Lone Masai Girl


Masai Woman Walking Into Their Village, Wearing Traditional Colorful Cloth


Masai Teenagers Tending Cattle in The Middle of The Masai Mara


Masai Woman Gathering Firewood

[dsjsws]

What a great experience.

I love the second one. It is marvelous. Great color in all.

Thanks for sharing.

Donna

[east_tx]

All are great photos from what I am sure was a great experience. My personal favorite is the last one of the 3 women gathering firewood. We are blessed. Thank you for sharing the pictures from your trip. Take care.

[jagphoto]

These photos are absolutely beautiful!! Thank you so much for sharing and reminding us all of how blessed we truly are.

[guitarbug]

Just awesome!

[L Stegall]

Fantastic images! Truly a memorable journey.

[mjdmike]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the nice comments. Yes, it was an incredible experience. I hope to go back.

[Chimper]

I've been to many parts of Africa where the people have nothing by Western standards. But in each situation I've noticed that the people were always very happy and smiling. Sure they didn't have any luxuries, but they had what they really needed. Here around the office everyone has more than what they need, but they walk around with a dour expression on there face like they are miserable. It makes you realize how unimportant big screen TVs, iPhones, and SUVs really are and makes you wonder who has the better and more fullfilling life?

[mjdmike]

So true Greg. These are some very happy, and very content people.

[ebhawley]

Wow, you succeeded in reflecting the joy of the young warriors during their leaping. Color is superb.

[lhdvies]

Great stuff-thks a lot.