SERENGETI ELEPHANTS

MAASAI FAQ’S

MAASAI FAQ’S

Why do Maasai women cut their hair?

Traditionally, Maasai women are allowed to grow their hair only within the limited time of three months after delivering a child. As per our old rituals, they could not worship our Gods while having long hair.

What is the Maasai common food diet?

The traditional Maasai diet consists of six basic foods: milk, meat, fat, blood, honey, and tree bark. Both fresh and curdled milk are drunk. Fresh milk is drunk in a calabash (gourd) and is sometimes mixed with fresh cattle blood.

Main tribes in northern Tanzania?

The Hadzabe Tribe, The Datoga Tribe, The Songo Tribe, The Maasai Tribe, The Chagga Tribe, Meru Tribe

Why is there so much German and British influence in Tanzania?

German colonists entered the area in the 1880s, and in 1891 the Germans declared the region a protectorate as part of German East Africa. During World War I, Britain captured the German holdings, which became a British mandate (1920) under the name Tanganyika Territory.

What is the history behind the Maasai beaded jewelry?

The Maasai glass beads actually come from Europe. To this day, they are imported from the Czech Republic. Different Maasai groups also use certain beads and color combinations to indicate their affiliation. Although beads were readily available, the Maasai did not develop an interest in them for quite some time. The Iltalala age-set, who were warriors from 1881 until 1905, were the first to use larger numbers of beads to decorate themselves. Different Maasai groups also use certain beads and color combinations to indicate their affiliation. Beadwork can also reflect a person’s position in life.

Approximately, how far is Tanzania from the United States?

Approximately 8,500 miles. Most flights require at least one transfer which should take you no more than 24 hours total.

Is Zanzibar part of Tanzania?

Yes. Technically, Zanzibar is a self-governing state in Tanzania. The island is approximately 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania (located in the Indian Ocean). The archipelago was once the separate state of Zanzibar, which united with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Fun fact: The Zanzibar archipelago is actually made up of 3 main islands (Unguja, Pemba, and Mafia). Unguja is the largest and most populated island better known as Zanzibar Island or ‘Spice Island’.

Why is the Serengeti so famous?

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is famous for being the location of the Great Wildlife Migration, which involves 2,000,000 wildebeests, zebras and antelopes. It's also an extremely large and wild game park, and home to the Big Five of Africa.

What are the common airports to fly into for a Safari in Tanzania?

Kilimanjaro airport or Arusha airport. The Arusha airport is very small with domestic flights only. Many fly into Arusha if they are coming from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salam. Kilimanjaro airport is the nearest international Airport which is approximately a 2 hour drive from Arusha City where most Safari trips begin.

How tall is Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's tallest mountain at about 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). It is the largest free-standing mountain rise in the world, meaning it is not part of a mountain range.

What makes a Maasai Warrior?

The only way for a Maasai boy to achieve warrior status was to single-handedly kill a lion with his spear. All warriors are men and warriorhood forms the second of the three stages in the life of a Maasai man, which are boy, warrior, and elder.

Is there wifi in the Serengeti?

Wifi can be found at several lodges. Overall, you should be able to text back and forth and emails. At times, the signal may not be strong enough for FaceTime or uploading photos on social media. Some of our customers purchase a local SIM card and an inexpensive phone which works fine. The mobile phone can be used for quick calls in places in instances when you lose your wifi.

What is considered the peak season for a safari in Tanzania?

The best time to visit Tanzania on a safari is generally from mid-June through to late October, the peak being around August and September. This four-to-five month window, between East Africa's two rainy seasons, is when both the weather is at its best and game viewing is at its most thrilling.

What is the average height of the Maasai people?

​6.3 feet (Men). The average height of a Maasai is believed to be 190.5 cm / 6.25 feet, which makes the Maasai ethnic group one of the tallest, together with the Tutsi people.

In general, why are many East Africans lean and tall?

These definitely depends on the region. Nilotics specifically are the leanest and tallest people on earth. This is because they are mostly pastoralists. Pastoralists in Africa are generally very lean and tall, in comparison to farmers (many West Africans) who are more robust and muscular. Pastoralists walk for miles and miles, whilst farmers are sedentary and robust.