Maasai culture and
community
The Maasai are one of Kenya’s best-known and
most distinctive tribes. However, as is common all over Kenya,
traditional societies and cultures are increasingly coming under
threat, and in many cases cultural norms are breaking down as
younger generations migrate to urban areas in search of better
opportunities for supporting themselves and their families. As
mentioned above, through the provision of direct employment
opportunities and a potential market for other enterprises such as
handicraft making or cultural tourism, the MMNR helps reduce the
need for migration away from the area, and can help support the
survival of important elements of the Maasai culture and way of
life in areas around the Reserve. On the other hand, the colourful
and distinctive Maasai culture makes a major contribution to the
differentiation of the Reserve as a tourism destination, and is
very much part and parcel of any visit to the Reserve. Over the
long-term, Maasai culture, with its affinity and tolerance towards
nature and wildlife, has been a major factor in ensuring the
continuing abundance of wildlife and their habitats in the Greater
Mara Ecosystem. All in all, the association between the Maasai
culture and the Mara National Reserve is deep-rooted and
indisputably of mutual benefit to both the Reserve and the Maasai
people.
