The Maasai Tribe: Culture, Dress and Visiting Maasai Communities in Kenya and Tanzania

The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people living in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are known for red shukas (cloths), beadwork and the adumu jumping dance. Cattle are central to their way of life and wealth.

Community visits are possible near the Masai Mara and Amboseli. Visit respectfully and ask before taking photographs. See Masai Mara and Uganda's tribes.

This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Visiting Respectfully

• Choose community-run visits.
• Ask before photographing.
• Buy crafts directly.

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Dress, Beadwork and Livelihood

The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists who live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Cattle are central to their wealth and identity, and their diet traditionally includes milk and meat. They are known for the red shuka cloth and elaborate beadwork, in which colours carry meaning, such as red for bravery and blue for the sky.

Visiting Respectfully

Many Maasai communities welcome visitors, and income from visits can support schools and clinics. Ask permission before photographing people, choose community-run visits and buy crafts directly from makers. Understand that traditions are changing as education and land pressures grow. Read about the Mara conservancies, where Maasai landowners share income from tourism, and the Masai Mara.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team