People of the Serengeti: The Maasai

It's not all wild animals out on there: there are the people of the Serengeti: the Maasai. A striking people, tall, thin and clothed in their instantly recognisable red cloaks, the Maasai (also Masai, Masaai) have relied upon the Serengeti for more than two hundred years. A journey to the area allows you the unique opportunity to learn more about this almost mythical people.

Their way of life continues to be threatened by increasing urbanisation and the declaration of game reserves on areas that used to be their grazing land.

The Maasai are an indigenous group of semi-nomadic people who have lived in East Africa for millennia. One of the most internationally recognised African ethnic groups, their traditional culture revolves around nomadic cattle grazing and pastoralism.

The Maasai rely heavily upon their herds of cows and goats for sustenance, in the form of milk and, occasionally, meat. They believe they were gifted all cattle by the rain god, Enkai, a belief which has led to some fatal disagreements with their neighbours.