What makes Africa culturally rich are the tribes that still exist today. The continent comprises 3000 diverse tribes, each with its own language and traditions.
In Kenya, we have the iconic Maasai tribe, which is frequently encountered in East Africa as well. However, the north-central region of the country is home to the friendliest tribe—the Samburu tribe.
Young boys of the Samburu tribe
The Samburu are a sub-tribe of the Maasai and follow a different, traditional lifestyle. Their beliefs, rituals, religion, and clothing all remain untouched by Western influences.
Here is everything you need to know about the Samburu tribe.
The Samburu people
The Samburu tribe resides in Samburu County, in the north of the Equator, and also in and around the famous Samburu National Park. They are a group of indigenous people from north-central Kenya.
As Samburu is related to the Maasai tribe, they are semi-nomadic pastoralists. However, Samburu is still very traditionalist and hasn’t parted ways with old customs. Their way of life revolves around cattle as well as sheep, goats, and camels.
A Samburu woman looks after the cattle
The tribe depends entirely on livestock for their survival and culture. Their diet mainly consists of milk and occasionally blood from the cows. They relish meat only on special occasions.
To obtain the blood, a tiny cut is made on the cow’s jugular, and the blood is drained into a cup. The wound is then promptly sealed with hot ash. The Samburu people also incorporate roots, vegetables, and tubers into their diet, preparing them in the form of soup.
The Samburu live in the north-central region, where the land is dry and barren. Villages have to relocate regularly so that their cattle can feed. Every five to six weeks, the Samburu tribes move to find fresh grazing land.
A typical Samburu hut is built from mud, hide, and grass mats secured over poles. They also build a thorny fence around the huts to protect themselves from wild animals. Their settlements are known as ‘manyattas’. Their huts are constructed in such a way that they can be easily dismantled and made portable when they move to a new location.
Family traditions
The Samburu usually live in groups ranging from five to ten members. Men look after the safety of the cattle and are also responsible for protecting the tribes. They are regarded as warriors and defend the tribe from both animals and people.
They also participate in raiding parties to try and possess the cattle of rival Samburu clans. Samburu boys are taught to take care of and tend to cattle at a young age as well as hunt. An initiation ceremony of circumcision takes place, which marks a Samburu boy’s entry into manhood.
A Moran takes part in a Samburu ceremony
Men and women are only able to marry when they have been circumcised, as before that, they were considered children.
Once a boy undergoes circumcision, the community considers him a Moran or a warrior. The men undergo placement into different age groups and transition from one social position to another. They proceed from a child to Moran, junior elder, and finally elder.
A woman’s role in the Samburu tribe consists of gathering vegetables, collecting water, and looking after children. They are responsible for managing their homes. Before marriage, a young Samburu girl is subjected to female circumcision, which marks her entry into womanhood.
The Samburu follow gerontocracy, and elders largely rule the tribe. According to the elders, decisions are taken on ceremonies such as weddings and circumcisions.
The dance and traditional dress of Samburu
Samburu wrap a bright red cloth called ‘shukka’ around themselves like a skirt, accessorising their attire with a white sash and enhancing their look with colorful beaded earrings, necklaces, and bracelets crafted by women.
Each piece of jewelry worn is meant to represent the status of the wearer. Both men and women wear the beaded jewelry.
Samburu women wearing colorful beaded pieces of jewelry
The Samburu also paint their faces using unique patterns to accentuate their facial features. Neighboring tribes admire their beauty as well.
The dancing ritual is an essential part of Samburu’s culture. Their dancing is similar to that of the Maasai tribe, where men dance in a circle and jump very high from their standing position. The tribe usually does not use any instruments to accompany their singing and dancing.
The Samburu tribe performing their traditional dance
Men and women do not dance in the same circle, but they do coordinate their dances.
The Samburu tribe today
Similar to many traditional tribes, the Samburu tribe is under pressure to settle in permanent villages. They have resisted this proposal as a permanent settlement would disrupt their lives.
Presently, the tribe lives in a beautiful part of Kenya where wildlife is abundant. The land they reside on is protected, and community development initiatives have built eco-friendly African lodges jointly run by Samburu.
As a visitor, you can help the tribe by living in such lodges and going on a tour of Samburu National Park.
The beautiful Il Ngwesi Lodge
For more meaningful exchanges, visitors can stay at the campus and lodges listed below:
- Il Ngwesi Lodge: This is an award-winning eco-lodge and is run by the local community. The lodge is constructed using local materials and comprises six individual cottages. You can enjoy exploring the area on foot, on a camel, or by riding a safari vehicle.
- Sarara tented camp: Sarara camp is a luxury tented camp that overlooks a waterhole and attracts a wide variety of animals. The local Samburu tribe helps run the camp and benefits directly from it.
- Maralal Camp: Maralal Camp lies in the middle of Samburu land and is a seven-day camel safari led by Samburu warriors. Here, you can get an authentic experience of the lifestyle of the tribe.
- Koija Starbeds Lodge: Koija Starbeds Safari is also run by the local Samburu tribe. Walking safaris can be enjoyed, as can visits to traditional Maasai and Samburu communities.
The Samburu tribe is a fascinating community and contributes to Africa’s vibrant culture. On your next Kenyan trip, don’t forget to stay at these lodges run by the tribe for an excellent safari experience.
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