Maasai, Milk, Mr & Miss

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.