Today I seem to have Kenya on my mind, as it has just married itself a bit closer to the history of my country. I’m wondering – will Kenya see a rise in tourism in the coming years as a result of the president-elect?
If Kenya’s moving up on your dream destination list, I happen to know of a fantastic community-based tourism project with the native Maasai people – the Maasai Simba Camp.
The Simba Camp is located in a small village called Merrueshi, a historical site formerly used for warrior training by the Maasai. This community recognized that community-based tourism would allow them to preserve and celebrate their own heritage, which is fastly evaporating in the modern world, while offering the insights and education that come from a true cultural exchange.
The Simba Camp features traditional, rustic but very comfortable huts within the community. Days may be spent on walkingĂ‚Â with locals and learning about the abundant wildlife and fauna, learning about traditional hunting from resident warriors and helping out with various building projects in the community. A time spent living and working among everyone, from child to elder, in this community provides a rare and unique glimpse into another world. As their site points out: “In the Maasai world there is no separation between community and individuals. In fact, community is the guiding principal in the Maasai world.”
The people of Maasai are putting their tourism income to great use: the community-based tourism project means that locals have a viable means to make a living and stay in their village, rather than travel off to the big cities and splinter their family units. They have funded the building of a school to keep the kids close to home and elders, as well as a clinic.
You can learn more about these wonderful people and their projects at the Maasai Association website.