Our campground was near the Sekenani Gate entrance on the east side of the reserve. There is a Maasai Village near this entrance which we visited. This was quite an experience. Brian was our tour guide. There are 350 people living in dung huts in the village. They wear red to scare off animals. There is a cheif, medicine man and mid-wife to tend to the population. The village owns 300 cows, 200 goats, and 100 sheep. Up to 7 people sleep in one hut with the baby cows, goats and sheep. The babies have to sleep inside so wild animals don't eat them. The Maasai eat blood and milk from all three animals and meat. That is it! The men looked healthy and youthful but the women looked older than their age. They preformed dances for us, and we shopped in their market. Overall, the people seemed very happy and content with their lifestyle. They claim to be Christian since 1997 when American missionaries arrived but one man is allowed 10 wives (because that's SO Christian) They go to different villages to get a wife because they are all related. When you get a wife you give her family 10 cows. Usually men are 24-25 before they marry. Brian was well educated and they all knew how to take pictures and use my moms iphone. Only one member has left the village. He is attending a university in Oregon. Brian says they keep up with him on facebook. The only computers they use are at school.
It seemed like I was transported back in time for 3 of the 55 hours that we were gone. Definitely a great side trip but I was happy to make the 4:30 pm feeding today.
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