Matrimony in Maasailand

20 September 2024 | Stories From The Mara | Andrew Andrawes

Reading time: 5 Minutes

In a letter to a friend, Andrew celebrates the Maasai wedding of Angama Mara Naturalist Patrick Kisiara

Above: is there a wedding more beautiful than a Maasai one?

Dear Patrick,

I have known you for three years and have watched you grow immensely. Your deep understanding of the landscape has humbled me. You have told me stories of how you walked this land with your family's cattle at an early age, even recognising specific trees.

Patrick standing proud over his homeland

At work, greeting the neighbours on a walking safari

Named after ornithologist François Levaillant’s mistress, Narina

You have also shown me how you could mimic the sound of the rare Narina trogon, calling them to a specific part of the forest by a stream. One of my favourite times is when you come into the Photographic Studio and review my wildlife images together. Your care for the people and nature of Maasailand has truly made a difference in how I share the wonders of this incredible place with the rest of the world.

The newlyweds, Kisiara Patrick and Elizerbert Noomali, with their firstborn, Lee Alvine Oiboo

Thank you for inviting me into your home to be part of the vibrant wedding celebration. The rich attire and adornments were bursting with colour everywhere you looked. You and your bride — beautifully adorned in intricate and colourful beadwork from head to toe — were the brightest among the crowd. Witnessing the elders present to bless your union was an honour in this communal feast.

This was truly a community event as all were invited, not just a favoured few. Members of the Maasai community from far and wide travelled to celebrate you and your future. I have appreciated getting to know you and hope we will be friends for many years to come. You expressed that one of your dreams is to visit Yosemite National Park. I know you and your son will get there.

A father and son with big plans

The author snaps a selfie with the Angama crew

Dearest Patrick, continue to stand proud on this land with your family, community, and cattle. I wish you a lifetime of happiness, love, adventure and prosperity. May your journey together be as breathtaking as the place you call home.

–Andrew

Filed under: Stories From The Mara

Tagged with:

Angama Team , Maasai Mara

About: Andrew Andrawes

Born and raised in Nairobi to Egyptian parents, Andrew spent 15 years in the United States before returning to Kenya and working at Angama. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and African Studies from the University of Virginia and an MFA in photography from San Jose State University —where he has also worked, along with various other studios and camera shops.

Browse all articles by Andrew Andrawes Meet the angama team

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Join the Conversation (2 comments)

Comments (2):

Annemarie Meintjes

23 September 2024

What a wonderful story ! Thank you for sharing it Andrew. And thank you Patrick for allowing us to read it. I loved the image of the newlyweds, Kisiara Patrick and Elizerbert Noomali, with their firstborn, Lee Alvine Oiboo with the cows. I wish you a very happy future together!