Why Visit a Maasai Boma
The Maasai are one of East Africa's best-known peoples, and many still live as semi-nomadic herders across the plains of northern Tanzania. A boma, or enkang in the Maa language, is a family homestead: a circle of small houses made from mud, sticks and cow dung, built around an enclosure where the cattle are kept safe at night. Visiting a boma gives you a chance to see Maasai life from the inside, ask questions and hear in their own words how traditions are kept alive in a changing world. It is a meaningful contrast to days spent on game drives, and many guests say it is one of the most memorable moments of their safari.
What to Expect During Your Visit
You are welcomed with a traditional song and the adumu, the famous jumping dance performed by the young warriors, known as moran. Do not be surprised if you are invited to join in. Your hosts then show you around the boma. You step inside one of the houses to see how families cook, sleep and live, and visit the cattle enclosure to learn why cattle are so central to Maasai life, as a source of food, a measure of wealth and part of important ceremonies. A short walk outside the boma introduces you to the plants the Maasai use as traditional medicine. The visit ends with the women's beadwork, where you can see how the colourful necklaces and bracelets are made, and a small craft market where you are welcome to browse. The visit takes about 2 to 3 hours including transfers, and your guide, transfers and the village fee are all included.
A Respectful Visit
A boma is someone's home, so a few simple courtesies go a long way. Always ask before taking photos of people. Buying crafts is entirely optional, and you should never feel pressured to purchase anything, though many guests like to take home a piece of beadwork made by the women they have met. The village fee included in your visit goes directly to the community. Modest clothing is appreciated, and your guide is always on hand to help with questions and translation.
Add a Boma Visit to Your Safari
Most guests visit a boma near Mto wa Mbu as part of their Tanzania safari, though we can arrange visits elsewhere depending on your itinerary. It pairs perfectly with the Mto wa Mbu walking tour or bike tour for a full day of culture, and fits easily between game drives in Lake Manyara, Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti. It is especially popular on family safaris and private safaris. Starting or ending your safari in Arusha? An Arusha city tour shows you the city's markets, museums and Maasai crafts. Browse all our Tanzania activities to plan more days out.
