Still semi-nomadic and very strongly connected to their traditions and culture, the Samburu are one of the most famous and interesting tribes in Kenya. Closely related to the Masai and speakers of a version of the Maa language, they are believed to have reached Kenya between four and five centuries ago with other Nilotic groups walking south from the Horn of Africa.
The Samburu people have learned how to survive in challenging conditions and today are among the pioneers of eco-tourism in Kenya. Our Samburu guides and trackers know Samburu land inside-out and will take you on a journey of meaningful discovery through it.
The Samburu tribe lives north of the equator in the geographically fascinating Samburu County of Northern Kenya. The Samburu people are closely related to the Maasai tribe who also live in East Africa. Both these tribes speak a similar language, derived from Maa.
The Samburu tribe, just like the Maasai is a semi-nomadic people. Only the Samburu people are still very traditional and have not parted with old customs as compared to the Maasai. Cattle, as well as goats, sheep, and camels, play a vital role in the Samburu way of life and culture. The Samburu are highly dependent on their livestock for survival. Their diet comprises mostly of milk and occasionally blood from their cows.
The Samburu construct huts using hide, mud, and grass mats strung over poles. A fence is built around the mud huts for protection from wild animals. The Samburu tribe settlements are called manyattas. The Samburu usually dwell in groups of five to ten families. Traditionally Samburu men look after their cattle and they are also responsible for the overall safety of the tribe.
Samburu women are responsible for gathering vegetables and roots, caring for their children, and collecting water. The traditional dress of the Samburu tribe is a striking red cloth wrapped like a skirt and a white sash. This is adorned with many colorful beaded earrings, bracelets, anklets etc
0 Comments