HOME Blog Maasai, Milk, Mr & Miss

Maasai, Milk, Mr & Miss

Angama Amboseli sits in Maasailand, so it was only right that we celebrated this indomitable culture in the lodge’s inaugural Cultural Day
Above: At sunset, guests can watch the Maasai warriors light the baraza fire
Above: At sunset, guests can watch the Maasai warriors light the baraza fire

Kenya is a very culturally diverse country, so every three months we have a Cultural Day — a day set aside in our internal calendar to celebrate our differences and how they make us stronger. This was our first one for Angama Amboseli since its opening and it was themed Maasai. This was befitting as the Maasai are a big part of Angama, being the community surrounding both Angama Mara and Angama Amboseli.

Angama CEO, Nicky Fitzgerald ('Mama Nicky') and GM, Collins Randiga, dig in
Angama CEO, Nicky Fitzgerald ('Mama Nicky') and GM, Collins Randiga, dig in
Everybody got involved in planting indigenous trees all around the lodge
Everybody got involved in planting indigenous trees all around the lodge

It all started in the morning with tree planting, led by Mama Nicky, who guided the team to plant over 300 trees. In the afternoon all the fun started with field activities and everybody cheering for their team. Since Angama is a company anchored in four major pillars; Love, Respect, Honesty and Ubuntu, there were four teams. We participated in different field games, including tug of war, jumping, javelin, relays, and running with sacks (this was hilarious). Ubuntu won the field activities to much applause.

Team Ubuntu proving that we are stronger together
Team Ubuntu proving that we are stronger together
A very typical Maasai competition — jumping contest
A very typical Maasai competition — jumping contest
The bow and arrow is also very typical of the Maasai
The bow and arrow is also very typical of the Maasai

In the evening, we all adorned ourselves with Maasai attire, ready to participate in the cultural activities. The elders from the community escorted the Oloibon (spiritual leader) to join the Angama team in celebrating this historic culture. The event commenced with a Maasai dance, and everyone joined in with the Maasai warriors.

There was a demonstration of the three types of milk: fresh milk, fermented milk, and cream milk, and also demonstrations on how to clean the milk’s containers — a calabash —using olive tree roots. It was exciting to see Mama Nicky and the guests tasting the three types of milk, I’m not sure they liked it so much. Saruni Mokoi then elaborated on the types of goat meat and how to prepare each of them.

Isaac translates as Faith describes the three different types of milk which is stored in a calabash, such as the one in Faith's hand
Isaac translates as Faith describes the three different types of milk which is stored in a calabash, such as the one in Faith's hand
Next on the menu was goat meat and Isaac helped translate as Saruni Mokoi described the delicacy
Next on the menu was goat meat and Isaac helped translate as Saruni Mokoi described the delicacy

After we had some good food and drinks, the Oloibon began his rituals. First, he and his team drank a traditional wine made with herbs and honey and then they started. It was thrilling when he foresaw that our beautiful lodge would be full of guests in the month of June.

After this good news, it was time to select Miss and Mr. Angama Amboseli. The judges, Mama Nicky and Kate Boyd, had a hard time selecting the winners as all the participants were queens and kings. After a lengthy selection process, Miss Angama Amboseli was awarded to Nemolel, one of the Beading Mamas who was decorated with beautiful beads on her neck and forehead and wearing beautiful shoes made of cow skin. The warriors, who also adorn themselves with Maasai ornaments, were the next to be judged. Ole Ntiira, a warrior from the community, caught the eyes of the judges. He was dressed in red Maasai Shukas and beads and was blowing a horn. Happiness was evident on the faces of all the teams as they cheered for the winner.

Mama Nicky dances with the beautiful women of Amboseli
Mama Nicky dances with the beautiful women of Amboseli
The elders of the community bestow their blessings
The elders of the community bestow their blessings

As the evening came to an end, the elders blessed Mama Nicky, Kate and Angama Amboseli using milk and grass while facing Mount Kilimanjaro. The Maasai community here believes that Mount Kilimanjaro symbolizes life, and every time they pray or perform blessings, they must face her.

Filed under: Stories from Amboseli

Tagged with:

Amboseli , Angama Team , Maasai Culture

About: Isaac Naiganya

Isaac Naiganya is part of laundry team at Angama Amboseli, but his talents go far beyond the humble iron. Give Isaac a microphone and he'll capture any audience's attention with his wonderful turn of phrase — be it public speaking or even event translating.

Browse all articles by Isaac Naiganya Meet the angama team

Keep Reading

A Year in the Map Room 19 August 2022 Out of the guest tents and into the Map Room, Leshan reflects on his first year in his new role — and his new office By Leshan Nadallah
On my wedding day, my name changed 11 July 2021 Kate Fitzgerald Boyd shares the story of a very special day in her life, the day of her traditional Maasai wedding at Angama Mara By Kate Fitzgerald Boyd
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) 17 September 2018 My name is Jeffrey Thige and I want to be a professional wildlife photographer By Jeffrey Thige
This Week at Angama #218 8 April 2022 With some of the newest cubs in the Mara reunited with a long-lost sibling, Adam can’t help but wonder if he’s witnessing the rise of a new pride in the Triangle By Adam Bannister
Join the Conversation (2 comments)

Comments (2):

Caroline Bolivar

23 June 2024

Hello Team, what a delightful article and to see tree planting and the Masai games and contest ! Hats off to you Mama Nicky ! I love still being informed of the goings ins and looking forward to visiting again ! Love , Caroline

    Charlotte Ross Stewart

    1 July 2024

    Dear Caroline, thank you for keeping up with our stories and leaving such wonderful comments. We hope to see you again soon, maybe for your next birthday celebrations? All the best, Charlotte

Leave a Comment:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*