Visit a Samburu village
The Samburu live in northern Kenya and are semi-nomadic people. They are closely related to the Maasai tribe. If you go on safari in the Samburu National Reserve, be sure to visit one of their villages.
The Samburu live in northern Kenya and are semi-nomadic people. They are closely related to the Maasai tribe. If you go on safari in the Samburu National Reserve, be sure to visit one of their villages.
Like the Maasai, the Samburu are semi-nomadic people. However, they are still very much traditional and, unlike the Maasai, have not abandoned ancient customs.
During this one hour visit you will have the opportunity to meet these amazing people. You will be welcomed by traditional dancers. Dancing is an important part of the Samburu culture. Their dance is similar to that of the Maasai, with the men dancing in a circle and jumping high from a standing position. Traditionally, the Samburu do not use instruments to accompany their dancing and singing.
Afterwards, you will be shown around the village to get a better understanding of their way of life.
The settlements of the Samburu tribe are called Manyattas. The small round huts have no windows. They are built of skins, mud and grass mats stretched over poles. A fence is built around the mud huts to protect them from wild animals. The door is a blanket and smoke from the fireplace leaves the house through a hole in the roof. Most huts have two small rooms – one for the men and one for the women – and are not permanent.
Animals such as cattle, goats and sheep play an important role in Samburu culture. This is because the Samburu are highly dependent on their livestock. They feed mainly on the milk and occasionally the blood of their cows.
The Samburu are also famous for their beaded jewelry. The colorful earrings, bracelets, anklets and necklaces represent the status of the one wearing it.
Since the village is located on the edge of the Samburu National Reserve, just a short distance from the gate, you can perfectly combine your safari with this visit.
Samburu Village