A Maasai Day in Tanzania

A Maasai Day in Tanzania

As part of my research, I joined Eugen Malley, founder and CEO of Legacy Exchange Outfitters to visit 3 different Maasai accommodations near Arusha, Tanzania.

All 3 properties are part of a company owned by the Maasai and a German woman whose idea led to the creation of a socially conscious business. The company supports a school, an orphanage, a hospital and families in need in various ways. They train students in the hospitality industry and also in tailoring.  Even in the Maasai shop at the Lodge, 50% of the revenue of traditional Maasai products goes to their charity projects. Eugen works with them because they share his ethos of “together we create the change.”

Each property is unique, and I loved all 3, for different reasons. The first is named by its location, Mukuru Sacred Site, because it is the sacred site where the Maasai would gather to perform rituals if there was drought or another problem, such as an illness. There is the healing cave, the praying cave, and the sacred tree. The tribe and village decided to pivot the use of this site to support their charitable initiatives, and off in the distance, I could see the school they supported.

There are 2 different kinds of sleeping arrangements. One is comfortable camping in permanent tents with comfortable beds. The tents share an outdoor toilet. The other type is a “cave” that could sleep 5 people.

The cave building is built to replicate a real cave but with windows, light and comfort – and an awesome bathroom. The extra touches such as a beaded Maasai belt hanging behind one bed create a very inviting and warm atmosphere.

The highlight here is the activities that immerse guests into the Maasai culture, selected based on preference and how many nights spent there.

The second property is called Hillside Retreat. Again, the buildings are Maasai structures with modern indoor comforts – good bathrooms with rain showers, seating arrangements artfully placed and small design additions that are Maasai in nature. And the fabrics on the beds and hangings are stunning! This is definitely a retreat place, with lush surroundings, a small splash pool and beautiful sweeping views from each small villa. This is pretty chill and well-named as a retreat.

The third and I think the original property is the Original Maasai Lodge. The accommodations were built based on Maasai building style and technique like the other properties. From afar, it can look like a spread-out Maasai village, until you get to the infinity pool! The sauna, yoga area, massage room and upright cycling machines may be discreet, but they are there for those who want the added extras. Perched on a hill, it gives 360-degree views. I drank coffee in a covered outdoor bar staring at Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Everyone who works here dresses in traditional Maasai clothing and they offer a Maasai experience with their daily spear-throwing competition followed by storytelling around the fire, with the traditional sharing of the meat that has been roasted by the fire all day. Luckily, I was given a piece to try before we left, and it was delicious!

At each property, I learned more about the Maasai and their culture. They are gracious hosts and they emanate peace and joy. Being at any of these properties for at least a couple of nights would be a cool experience.

They also have a restaurant in the village near the school, where we ate lunch under the tree, looking across the open landscape at Mt. Kilimanjaro. I wrapped myself in the green checked blankets, more because I liked the blanket than because I was cold! The starter was a creamy sweet potato soup, followed by chicken with a flavourful sauce, rice and Bok choy. The dessert was papaya puree topped with avocado mousse, which was beautiful and delicious.