Meet the locals
Meet the Maasai
The maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists who graze along the Great Rift Valley of Tanzania. They are most distinctly known by their bright red robes (shukas), body ornaments and spears standing tall beside their calm and courageous fronts.
The Maasai live in northern Tanzania and co-exist with wildlife, making their villages a great stopover whilst on safari in the Ngorongoro. Visit a maasai boma and join in on traditional customs. If you are feeling competitive, adamu (jumping dance) is for you, a ritual in which young maasai men gather in a semi-circle while rhythmically chanting in unison, whilst each taking turns to step in front of the group to jump as high as they can. With the women watching as observers, the adamu functions as a show of strength for young Maasai warriors hoping to attract wives.
Meet the Datoga
The southwestern end of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to a few tribes, notably the agro-pastoral Datonga tribes. The Datonga consider themselves the oldest tribe in Tanzania. Known as fierce warriors, having been able to settle somewhat in this area, they turned their skills to agriculture and craftsmanship.
The Datonga men are known to enjoy a delicacy called “honey beer”, while the women are known by their brass bracelets and necklaces, and detailed colorful bead work that adorns their clothes. Wonder at their distinguished features, a circular pattern of scars found around their eyes, and behold their simple life, living on what they grow.
Meet the Hadzabe
Spend time with the indegenous Hadzabe people, hidden around the soda water of Lake Eyasi, as they show you their untouched tribal way of life, subsisting entirely off the bush and bow-hunting. The Hadzabe are a small tribe of approximately 1,300 hunters and gathers, one of the last remaining in Africa.
The Hadzabe bushmen communicate via clicking noises and are a warmly welcoming lot. Go on a hunting adventure with the Hadzabe bushmen who use natural handmade coated bows and arrows and have an understanding of the land that could only be from having evolved with it.
Meet the Wachaaga
Living on the southern slopes of Africa’s tallest mountain, visitors will encounter the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania the Wachagga. With a strong sense of pride, the Wachagga will take you around their villages and caves, exploring traditional huts and learning about the permaculture of the area. While younger generations have swahili as the main language, the main tribal language still spoken is Kichagga.
Successful agricultural methods and coffee production led to the wealth the Wachagga are known for and helped to develop an entrepreneurial spirit amongst the tribe. Visitors are welcome to try the fermented ripe banana and sprouted millet powder drink traditionally brewed by Wachagga called Mbege, a social lubricator for sure.