This post features student writing.

Jambo!

We have officially left Maji Moto and have started our safari! We kicked off our safari by staying in a Maasai village after viewing wildebeests, giraffes, and gazelles!

The Maasai welcomed us with open arms and sacrificed a goat in our honor. As part of the goat-sacrificing ceremony (or nyamachoma), some of us were able, if we wanted, to try a goat kidney. It was delicious! After the goat sacrifice we watched a beautiful sunset atop a rock in the Maasai village. We then gathered around a campfire for dinner and conversations with the Maasai. Using our safari guides as translators, we learned about other traditions and celebrations besides the goat sacrifice. For example, celebrations occur after a couple gets married. However, they stressed that these celebrations are different from wedding receptions that we have in the United States. We also had conversations with our guides about how Dorobo Safaris helps groups like the Maasai reclaim their land that they were pushed out of during the creation of the national parks. Dorobo Safaris uses the money they receive from clients to fund an NGO that helps these communities. The NGO pays for the title deeds and other documents needed to prevent people from pushing them out of their land. We ended the night by performing “The Cup Song” for the Maasai. It was a great end to a great first day on safari!

Tutaonana! (See you later!)

— Sarah A.