Why Longido, rather than a village closer to Arusha?

Longido is one of the few places where you can encounter Maasai communities that continue to uphold many of their traditional cultural practices and customs. Rather than taking my guests to a tourist centre, I prefer bringing them into family settings. In Longido, I have connections with families who can welcome my guests in a more intimate and authentic environment.

What does the day look like?

We normally leave Arusha in the morning and, upon arriving in Longido, go directly to a designated family. My guests meet the family elders, are introduced to the boma, and then have time to interact with family members, participate in everyday activities that best match their interests, sit with elders to learn about Maasai culture, traditions and history, and go on a nature walk.

How do you prepare the visit?

Before arranging a visit, I usually visit the family myself to make sure they understand why my guests are coming. I want to ensure that nothing is staged to attract tourists and that everything remains as natural and genuine as possible.

When we arrive, I introduce my guests to the family leaders and then allow the hosts to take the lead in welcoming them. I make sure both my guests and the hosting family understand that they are free to ask questions, share their experiences openly, and learn from one another.

How do you make sure the visit is respectful and benefits the community?

I always brief my guests on what is appropriate and what is not, taking into consideration the family’s structure, beliefs and traditions. My approach is based on experiential learning. Guests come to understand Maasai life in general, while also exploring specific aspects that interest them. The same applies to the Maasai families hosting them, who also have an opportunity to learn from my guests. It is a two-way relationship built on mutual learning, understanding and benefit.

I also encourage my guests to embrace an African, particularly Tanzanian, way of visiting people. When visiting a friend or family member who lives far away, we often bring something along, whether food or another thoughtful gift, as a gesture of appreciation, togetherness and connection.

How do you adjust the visit for older guests?

I pay particular attention to their physical fitness, personal interests, and what they most hope to experience during their visit. Once I understand these aspects, I can recommend a pace and activities that suit their needs.

Can guests stay overnight?

For guests who wish to stay overnight, I believe it can be a beautiful experience. I usually work with eco-lodges where I know the essential services and standards are in place, while the accommodation remains authentic to its natural and cultural surroundings. Evenings in the village are wonderfully quiet, giving guests an opportunity to feel more connected to the community, the surrounding environment, and themselves.

What do you tell guests about taking photos?

Coming from a film-making background, I understand the importance of respecting people’s dignity every time I press the shutter button. I tell my guests that photography is welcome, but I encourage them to take pictures that capture positive energy and celebrate the culture and traditions of the people they meet. I want them to leave with photographs that tell meaningful stories, rather than images that simply capture people as tourist attractions.