Walking with Maasai is a non-profit organisation established by and for the Maasai communities in the Olorte region of southern Kenya. The organisation was established to assist the Maasai in a sustainable way through the initiation of community-based projects that are aimed to equip, educate and empower the local people. Walking with Maasai focuses on running all of its projects in an environmentally and culturally sensitive way, promoting the conservation and wise use of natural resources.
Some of the key aims to help the Maasai gain greater control over their future are:
- To develop healthcare initiatives that reduce the burden of preventable disease
- To run education programmes that enable the Maasai to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of their use of the land
- To share the skills and experience of supporters of the organisation with the Maasai to help alleviate poverty
Whilst Walking with Maasai currently relies on sponsorship to run its operation, its long-term aim is to become financially independent through a joint community venture to establish an eco-tourism business. Based in a remote and very beautiful forested area of the Loita hills, the Maasai share their habitat with some of the world’s most impressive wildlife. Visitors who choose to walk with Maasai on wilderness safaris will in turn be supporting the community through the provision of much needed income and creation of employment.
Walking with Maasai is co-run by local Maasai members and partners from South Africa, the USA and the UK.
