Tanzania is a melting pot of cultures. 126 different ethnic groups call it their home. Probably the best known and most impressive are the Maasai people. With their distinctive customs and dresses, they magically pull us into their spell. In “Olpopongi”, a 100 % authentic Maasai village, we spend a day with this fascinating tribe. Get to experience the Maasai’s marvelous dance, traditions, customs, and rituals as we wander around the village.
Day One: Moshi to Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village
In the morning we drive to Olpopongi in the West Kilimanjaro region. Olpopongi is 74 kilometers from Moshi. Our two hours drive will take us through the beautiful outback of West Kilimanjaro. Depending on the season you can see games like zebras and elephants. On clear days you will have amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. We reach Olpopongi before lunchtime, where we will be welcomed by the local Maasai with a traditional welcome song and dance. We take a walk around the village and you will check in your hut for the night. The guides will then take you to the precious little museum, where you will learn about the history, social organization, and tools of the Maasai people. In between our lessons, a traditional Tanzanian lunch will be served to give you enough energy for an exciting afternoon. Later in the afternoon, we visit a midwife and herbalist in one of the huts. You will learn about everyday life in a Maasai village. After this very spiritual meeting, we have a short break which you can use for some jeweler shopping or a coffee and tea break. Another highlight will be a bushwalk to discover endemic plants and their usage by the Maasai people. Our day will be rounded up with a fire-making session, bbq and bonfire before you dream away in your 100 % authentic Maasai hut.
Day Two: Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village to Moshi
Breakfast will be set for us outside in the morning. Afterward, you have time to take some final photographs of this unique village and the people you met during our trip. We then greet our farewells and drive back to Moshi. We will reach Moshi around lunchtime.
