Building Manyattas with the Maasai

Kesi & Fergus UK

Our favourite day from our holiday

Review :We got to visit a family of Masai outside Nairobi, who were repairing their manyattas. We were picked up at our hotel by two lovely staff of One Horizon, Solomon and Mary. We enjoyed their company and talking politics as we were given a lift to the village. When we arrived, we met Colin (one of the founders), Reesa and Daniel (family). We were given a warm welcome and it was clear that Colin and the family have a lot of respect for each other. After walking to the village, they performed a traditional dance and got us involved, which was good fun. Then we tried to help with the manyattas (emphasis on tried). Manyatta building is a skill and it took us a while to learn to apply the mud without if falling off later. Still, there was a lot of laughter and we enjoyed it immensely. We also spent a good amount of time talking and learning about the differences between Masai and UK culture, some of the uses of different plants and how things have changed for Daniel and his family, they are great people. Before we left, we bought some hand made jewellery and a belt, which we felt was fairly priced. It felt like we had really made some friends by the time we were done and both of us were sad to leave. We will definitely pay another visit if we are ever back in Nairobi. It was such an enriching experience and a day we will always remember. After we drove back, Mary and Solomon drove us to some curio shops, so we could pick up a few souvenirs, as it was the second to last day of the holiday. They were very kind to do this, as they did not have to. We felt so welcomed by everyone involved and honestly had the best day.

David

A TripAdvisor Reviewer

This was a wonderful experience as you are immersed directly into the real world these people live in. You really get the feel and understanding of the traditions and culture that you never get from a book or TV documentary. My wife as well as I feel this is a must do before you go to Game Camp Safaris etc. You gain the added knowledge and base background needed for properly experiencing all other aspects of Africa. The Maasi especially! Most importantly is the help One Horizon is giving to make life better for so many people! Colin is a man with a heart for these people and is a true blessing for them. You will feel that when you meet the Maasi. They are a happy, hardworking, positive group!

Inspirational

One Horizon has established a great program to help women who’ve endured a great deal get back on their feet to try to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families. The stories you’ll hear are compelling and listening to the rationale of the program itself provides a lot of insight into certain parts of Kenyan life. My children enjoyed the chance to make chapati and feed the pigs as well, so the whole trip works on multiple levels.