Maasai Morans (Warriors)

Our travel series continues in Kenya. After our trip to the Ngong Hills (the video is on our Youtube page), we returned to our hotel exhausted. We had such a fun day with Daniel, Paris, and the other Maasai. I accomplished a bucket list item by jumping with a real Maasai. I still get goosebumps when I think of it.

When we pulled into the gate of Anga Afrika we were greeted by the guardsmen Boniface, Joshua, and David. They asked us about our day and we shared our amazing experiences with the Maasai. Boniface and Joshua looked at each other, smiled at us, and informed us that they were Maasai. I was so surprised and I asked if we can chat about their experiences.

We sat by the fire pit and had an impromptu interview with the Morans. We learned that Morans means warrior. At the age of fourteen, Maasai men leave to go to the bush for seven years. During that time, they learn how to fight, protect their cattle, and live in Manyattas (ceremonial homes/pods) made for the Morans. It’s a necessary passage that the males Maasai go through in life. After seven years in the bush, they are put to the ultimate test.

Prior to 2012 in order to graduate to a Moran, you had to kill a lion. The warriors would go one by one and try to kill the lion with spears. Boniface was the first of his peer group to attack the lion. In 2012 the Kenya government outlawed the practice of killing lions due to its dwindling numbers. Conservation efforts are an important issue for the Kenyan government and the Maasai have respected that mandate. They have continued the Moran training but instead of killing a lion, they participate in something similar to the Olympics - The Maasai games. Each Manyatta (Home/team) compete in the games. The Morans will all sing a song after the competition to close out the games. After the song, they are officially senior Morans. I just find it fascinating how they are able to respect traditional ways and make adjustments to respect their current environment.

Below is our impromptu and fun interview with the Morans of Anga Afrika. Morans are sought after as guardsmen, police officers, soldiers, etc because of their training, bravery, and discipline. I had so much fun meeting and talking to the Morans. I’m also lucky to call them my friends.

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A Bientôt,

Adolophine