A Night with the Maasai: An Unforgettable Start to Tanzania

Sometimes the most memorable travel experiences begin well beyond the comfort of a luxury hotel.

Our recent journey through Tanzania began with exactly that kind of experience — a night at Olpopongi Maasai Village.

And what an introduction to Tanzania it was.

Just three hours after landing at Kilimanjaro Airport, we arrived with plenty of anticipation and very little idea of just how memorable the next 24 hours would become.

We were welcomed by members of the local Maasai community and invited to join their traditional welcome dance.

There was no easing gently into Tanzania.

We were here … and straight into the experience. After an introduction to the village, it was time to check into our accommodation.

Forget crisp linen, fluffy towels and room service.

For the night, our home was a traditional-style boma, a simple dung hut, complete with cowhide beds.

It was certainly a change from the hotels we usually experience on our travels, but that was precisely the point.

After a local lunch, we spent the afternoon learning about Maasai culture and traditions, beginning with the history of the Maasai people and their life in Tanzania.

We learnt about family and community life, the traditional roles of men and women, marriage and polygamy, and some of the customs and rites of passage that continue to form part of Maasai culture today.

It was fascinating to have the opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from the people sharing these traditions with us.

One of the loveliest experiences was visiting Koko's boma, grandmother's hut, where we were invited to enjoy traditionally brewed Maasai tea.

Travel often gives us the privilege of briefly stepping into a world very different from our own, and sometimes it's these simple encounters that stay with you.

Of course, there was also the opportunity to admire the beautiful jewellery created by the Maasai women.

And yes...

A few purchases may have been made.

All in the name of supporting the local economy, naturally.

Later, we set off on foot around the village and surrounding landscape, learning about traditional bush medicine and the different plants that have long been used by the Maasai.

Then it was time for something slightly more competitive.

Spear throwing.

Let's just say that while enthusiasm levels were high, our ability to master the correct landing technique left a little to be desired.

I don't think the Maasai warriors had too much to worry about.

As afternoon turned to evening, golden hour arrived over the Tanzanian landscape.

The light was beautiful, giving us the perfect opportunity to capture some wonderful photographs before heading back to the village. Dinner was followed by stories around the campfire as a magnificent full moon rose above us.

No television.

No elaborate entertainment.

Just the fire, the night sky, stories and the experience of being somewhere completely different from home.

Eventually, it was time to retreat to our bomas and settle onto our cowhide beds for the night.

Luxury?

Not exactly.

Memorable?

Absolutely.

Morning brought a simple camping-style breakfast before we had the opportunity to spend some time with the Maasai children. There was one final skill to master before leaving.

Making fire.

Using the root of a wait-a-bit tree, elephant dung and the rather important technique of rubbing a stick rapidly between your palms, we discovered just how much skill is involved in creating something we normally achieve by flicking a switch or striking a match.

Between making fire, throwing spears, sleeping in a boma and surviving a night on a cowhide bed, we were starting to feel rather accomplished. Olpopongi was so much more than somewhere to spend our first night in Tanzania.

It gave us an opportunity to learn, participate, ask questions and experience a small part of Maasai culture in a way we simply couldn't have done from the window of a safari vehicle.

It was basic.

It was fascinating.

It was completely different.

And it was one of those travel experiences that reminds us why we love discovering places that take us outside our everyday world.

Would we add an experience like this to a Tanzanian itinerary?

For the right traveller, absolutely.

Just don't expect five-star accommodation.

And after learning to make fire, throw a spear and sleep in a boma, we think we may finally be ready to enrol in the next series of Survivor.

Although we might still request a luxury lodge afterwards...