Indigenous Based Tourism
A New Model for Tourism in Kenya
Indigenous Based Tourism
As Dopoi founder Meitamei Olol Dapash says, “In the balance our ancestors found with the natural environment, people shared the land with elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros, and other majestic wildlife. We see ourselves as custodians of the land, which to us is a sacred, living entity. The land contains our history; it is the keeper of our memories and culture, and protector of our forefathers’ bones. The Maasai believe the land is entrusted to the living for safekeeping, to be passed on to future generations.”
In the face of these challenges, the tourism industry holds great hope for the Maasai community. As more Maasai youth are trained and employed in the industry as field guides, staff, and managers, wages remain in the community and those with jobs can live in their home communities rather than migrating to cities for work. Women’s beading cooperatives and other local businesses are beginning to share in some small corners of profits of tourism. More tourists come to Maasailand looking for genuine connection and education about Maasai culture. For all of these reasons, ecologically sustainable Indigenous based tourism is an important part of the future vision of Maasailand, thus, Dopoi Center was a vital step in building a new model of tourism in Kenya.
Immerse Into Maasailand
Experience
Maasai maintain a pastoral economy, traditional governance and culturally grounded spirituality through changing realities. You can schedule opportunities to learn from Maasai teachers about the community’s education system, built on nine qualities of character, the rhythm of ceremonies through which Maasai people progress as age groups, and the culture’s restorative justice court system.
Dopoi organizes classes with local Maasai community members and elders to teach these elements of culture.
Meet
Maasai people live with the wildlife that the world comes to the Mara to see. They especially know the lions that comprise the Mara’s 19 prides, their histories and lineages, and the dynamic movement of wildlife through the landscape.
All visitors at Dopoi are guided in the reserve by members of the local union of Maasai workers in tourism, the Mara Guides Association (MGA). MGA guides are trained and certified through Prescott College.
Learn
Maasai language contains an understanding that human beings are embedded in the natural world, not separate from it. By learning just a little bit of the language, you can experience new levels of awareness of the land, the wildlife and the culture that protects them, and can share some conversation with the majority of Maasai people who do not speak English.
