Kenya | Day 11 Mara (Manyatta Experience)

Another game drive to start the day. During the game drive, we were alerted with a “fresh “elephant carcass. From the look and the smell of it, it seems that it died a few hours back.  There were still no scavengers devouring on the carcass. We were able to see a herd of living animals near the carcass probably related to the deceased individual. Elephants are known to grieve the loss of their friends and family members, thus this behaviours is probably because they were not ready to “let go”. There were also sightings of a variety of raptors and a martial eagle.

The elephant carcass. 

Lions resting near the carcass. 

After lunch, we visited a Masai village or manyatta. I was super excited as this was one of my dream to see and get up close with the Masai people. Before entering the village, we were met outside its fence by the chief, who provided some basic background information about the village and its inhabitants. He then invited Masai performers of both sexes to come sing, dance, and–in the case of the young men–jump. Once the dancing and singing have been completed, the Masai warriors have the opportunity to show their manliness by engaging in a jumping contest. I too joined and boy these people really can jump!

The Masai inviting us for the manyatta experience. 

The chief welcoming us. 

Us walking to the manyatta. (Photo credit: Adwait)

Welcoming dance and jumps

With the jumping completed, we went into the village and received another briefing from the chief. Before dividing us up into smaller groups that could more easily fit into the Masai buildings en masse, the chief invited us to watch several young men light a fire in the “traditional Masai style” (friction). I was shocked to find out the huts were made from cow dung and it was completed by the female. My visit to the manyatta was exceptional and I really enjoyed myself.

The Masai starting a fire. 

The buildings made from cow dung. Normally the female will do the building. 

Handmade souvenirs sold.

I am actually the same height with the Masai tribe. Bought a fabric from the tribe. 

We finished up the afternoon with another game drive where we spotted a trio of dik-diks, the smallest antelope. The day ended with a rainbow overlooking the savannah.

Dik-dik spotted. (Photo credit: Adwait)

Lioness resting.

Just another view of sunset with our minibuses passing by.