Things to do in Kenya

An ethical visit to a Maasai village in Selenkay Conservancy

Guests get to interact with the Maasai people and learn about how their way of life is changing…

By Mohanjeet Brar

Managing Director, Porini Camps

Visit a Maasai village in Selenkay Conservancy for an authentic glimpse of local life. We worked with the community to set up Selenkay over 25 years ago and have a great relationship with them. When guests visit Porini Amboseli Camp, they’re putting money directly back into conservation and supporting local people. Unlike many commercial villages, we’ve built the cost of the village visit into each guest’s stay, so there’s no pressure to buy souvenirs or give donations while you’re there.

When you arrive at the village, you’ll be greeted by traditional singing and dancing. The chief, Thomas, speaks excellent English and will show you around camp, introducing you to the villagers. You’ll go inside the houses, which are made from mud and designed to be dark and cool to keep the flies out. Guests love learning how to make fire the Maasai way, using cow dung and sticks. There’s also a chance to watch the women beading and see how the village cattle, which are sacred to the Maasai people, are cared for and watch them being herded back in after grazing.

Often, guests speak highly of how respectful and enjoyable our Maasai experience is compared to others they’ve had in Kenya. It’s very authentic and guests get to interact with the Maasai people and learn about how their way of life is changing. I think more and more people are looking for this kind of ethical, community engagement when they travel.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Porini Wilderness Safari
by Malcolm Holcroft

Length8 Days

Price range£6,150 - £9,235pp

Alfred & Mohanjeet Brar

Mohanjeet Brar grew up in the forests of the Kenyan highlands, so he has a close connection with the country’s wild landscapes and local people. He’s a keen naturalist and conservationist with a doctorate degree in Plant Science, as well as a certified safari guide. Mohanjeet is now the Managing Director of Porini Safari Camps and is married with two kids who love going on safari.

Mohanjeet Brar, Managing Director, Porini Camps

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the safari rangers, local village chiefs and camp managers you'll be talking about for years to come. Start planning today, call us, email an enquiry or arrange a phone or video appointment for ideas and advice.

Becky Souissi

Alfred& Tailormade Expert

With over 20 years of experience, Becky’s passion for travel has taken her across the globe from the patterned promenades of Rio de Janeiro to the lakes of Vietnam. You’ll most likely find her in Africa where she travelled the continent trying and testing over 40 game drives. One of her favourite places in the world is the picturesque Maasai Mara for its early morning balloon rides and exceptional game viewing. It’s when among the local communities though where she feels most inspired.
Mohamed Iribo

Safari Guide at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp

Mohamed Iribo is a passionate safari guide who has worked across Kenya, including in Samburu National Reserve, the Maasai Mara and Meru National Park. Mohamed grew up at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where his father was a game ranger, so conservation is in his blood. Having worked with the Elewana Collection for eight years, the last four of those at Loisaba, he offers expert insight on animal behaviour and has an engaging sense of humour that guests love.
Janine Anjarwalla

Director of Sales and Marketing, Mara Engai Lodge

Janine Anjarwalla was born and raised in East Africa and has been working in the luxury hotel market for over a decade. She's passionate about promoting the region's culture, experiences and rich heritage to guests from all over the world and has proudly worked with Mara Engai Lodge since its inception. Janine loves to explore on safari and appreciates a good steak.
Mohanjeet Brar

Managing Director, Porini Camps

Mohanjeet Brar grew up in the forests of the Kenyan highlands, so he has a close connection with the country’s wild landscapes and local people. He’s a keen naturalist and conservationist with a doctorate degree in Plant Science, as well as a certified safari guide. Mohanjeet is now the Managing Director of Porini Safari Camps and is married with two kids who love going on safari.
Jonathan and Angela Scott

Big cat writers, photographers and filmmakers

Jonathan and Angela Scott are award-winning wildlife photographers, TV presenters, authors and conservationists. The couple live in Nairobi and have a permanent base at Governors’ Camp in the Maasai Mara, where they’ve been documenting the lives of the area’s lions, leopards and cheetahs for over 40 years. Jonathan and Angela famously filmed the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries in the Maasai Mara for 12 years and have continued this legacy with Big Cat Tales on Animal Planet.
Christine Macharia

Sales & Marketing Executive at GoVacation, Alfred&’s partner in Kenya

Christine Macharia was born in Laikipia, Kenya. After working in hospitality, Christine transitioned to the tourism industry in 2018 and currently works as a Sales and Marketing Executive at GoVacation. She loves showing off all the wonderful destinations East Africa has to offer and is passionate about offering outstanding tour experiences that touch the soul.