My Village, my World ...Engaruka Village

The historic village of Engaruka

Engaruka, is a land of morning calm where a relaxed atmosphere is broken by the birds, cows and goats as a sweet alarm clock. 

At early morning there is a spray perfume in the air for the smoke of fires: people cook their breakfast around the fireplace, a good tea and ugali (ground maize) will give them the energy for a new day.

The young warriors have their breakfast before taking their herds out to graze and find water. Sometimes their journey can take hours looking for water for their herds.

We are Maasai and we are proud of it

As Maasai we are nomadic by nature and we are a tribe of walkers, we usually wear a bright red shukka (the robes worn by all Maasai) and a stick ready for crossing great tracks of land. Many ask: “Where are they going?” The most common answer is: “Wherever they are going” – because we are always going somewhere, usually with a herd of animals in tow.

This is me with my cousins and friends in our village

Our women are the vertebral column  of our community life; our pillar of strength. Our men are warriors and have the responsability to manage our herds, resolve our community problems, and prevent the financial health of the household and village

 Engaruka ruins

These ruins are from the 15th century, an Iron Age farmer community, Dr Kaiser discovered the ruins of “Engaruka” including great stone circles, and dams since 1896 to 1897. The first detailed and archaeological investigation was done by Hans Reck in 1913. 

As guide I will help you to identify old graves, house walls, irrigation terraces, and explain the various  theories  about the rise and fall of the farming community.

From the ruins, we will walk to the village of Engaruka. During the route, we visit several farms and learn about  various farming and irrigation methods. You will also meet my family, parents and sisters and learn about our way of living of tribal Masaai.

My little sisters and me