Visit Natives

08/06/2024

What do the Colors of Maasai Beads Mean?

The Maa language, unique in its richness, boasts over 30 distinct terms for various colors and their shades. This linguistic peculiarity underscores the profound role that colors play in Maasai culture.

In Tanzania, Maasai beadwork stands out with its predominantly white color palette, a stark contrast to the more diverse and vibrant colors favored in Kenya. This divergence in color choices reflects the unique cultural expressions within the Maasai community. The colors used in both countries, however, hold deep cultural significance, embodying key values and beliefs in Maasai culture. While black, red, and blue are the most prevalent colors, white has gained prominence in contemporary beadwork designs.

Check the link in bio and read our full article of color symbolism in Maasai culture. Our trips are much more than just traveling - it is all about cultural learning and interaction with indigenous people. Come to see yourself!

https://www.visitnatives.com/post/what-do-the-colors-of-maasai-beads-mean-explore-the-traditions-of-color-symbolism-in-authentic-maas

03/06/2024

We are thankful to for recognizing us as one of their recommended Epic Trips That Give Back. Instead of just chasing Instagram-worthy moments, let’s transform our bucket list adventures into meaningful experiences for both ourselves and the communities we visit.

These opportunities allow us to connect with the global community, support sustainability, and contribute to improving our way of traveling while giving back.

You can check out AFAR’s article here:

https://www.afar.com/magazine/bucket-list-trips-sustainable-travel?fbclid=IwAR0bFFlvkJaInSR4rAHNYOz6Fpj3G2wK2p8_DeVmmnwx_53X-tqv-_GasVs

📸 She is an exceptional photographer who visited our Sami family and beautifully captured the essence of our traditional Sami lifestyle.

02/06/2024

Prepare for an enriching experience with the Maasai by taking a few simple steps before your trip. We strongly recommend immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Maasai, including their rituals, ceremonies, and religious beliefs.

A portrait of an older Maasai woman The Maasai CultureThe Maasai people are well-known pastoralists in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya. They are fearless warriors who have never been colonized or enslaved. There are approximately 400,000 Maasai living primarily in Northern Tanzania a...

29/05/2024

Did you know that humans have lived as foragers for 95% of our species’ history? In modern times, hunter-gatherers represent only a tiny minority of the world’s population, but their existence is not just vital. It’s urgent for humankind.

Visit Natives trips are designed to respect and support the traditional lifestyle of the Hadzabe people without causing harm or interruption.

Book an authentic bush experience trip with us where you can learn indigenous Hadza wisdom and their way of life as hunting and gathering. You cannot get any closer to the African nature.

Special Thanks to who documented Hadza life with us.

22/05/2024

Did you know that humans have lived as foragers for 95% of our species' history? In modern times, hunter-gatherers represent only a tiny minority of the world's population, but their existence is not just vital. It's urgent for humankind. In our newest blog post, we will explain why.

A Hadzabe men resting after the morning hunting trip in Lake Eyasi, TanzaniaThe stunning landscape of Lake Easi in northern Tanzania is an iconic African sight: towering Baobab and Acacia trees, the golden hues of the savanna, and an antelope leaping into the spiky bush on dry land. This African sav...

21/05/2024

Sami crafts hold significant symbolic value for the Sami identity. Each Sami region features distinctive designs and special characteristics. They are crafted by both Sami men and women, following handcraft traditions, and their coloring is based on natural colors.

In the Northern Sami language, crafts are called ”duodji.” Traditional Sami soft handicrafts include textiles, beadwork, and more. They are high quality and offer great warmth, even in the cold Arctic. For instance, traditional Sami shoes are made of reindeer fur and provide warmth during the cold winter.

15/05/2024

Visit Natives encourages a more meaningful approach to travel. Discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in captivating cultures, and embrace the diverse beauty of our planet’s cultures. Travel less but more meaningfully.

Thank you for traveling with us 📸

15/05/2024

Visit Natives encourages a more meaningful approach to travel. Discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in captivating cultures, and embrace the diverse beauty of our planet's cultures.

Sami Reindeer Autumn Migration

06/05/2024

Have you watched this yet? Eva stayed with our Sami family in Norway. Thank you for your visit!

03/05/2024

https://www.visitnatives.com/post/discover-four-unique-cultural-activities-while-staying-with-the-sami-reindeer-herders-in-norway

Northern Norway offers unique and outstanding natural and cultural experiences for all travelers. However, if you yearn for a genuine experience, you should consider visiting and residing with the Sami reindeer herders, who are the earliest inhabitants of the Arctic since the Ice Age.The Sami reinde...

02/05/2024

Nothing makes us happier than happy customers! We are delighted that you have chosen us to jump on an unforgettable journey into Arctic Life with the Sami reindeer herders in Norway.

Thank you for entrusting Visit Natives with your adventure; we are excited to make it an extraordinary one - every single time!

Read all our TripAdvisor Reviews:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g668800-d17323176-Reviews-Visit_Natives-Kautokeino_Kautokeino_Municipality_Finnmark_Northern_Norway.html

26/04/2024

When nature provides all that we need! If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path way to explore the Arctic wilderness and Sami reindeer herding culture, check out our unique trips in Norway

www.visitnatives.com

24/04/2024

Experience a winter like no other! Witness the Sami tradition of ice fishing while attending the reindeer spring migration in the tundra. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories.

We open our calendar to take bookings for the spring Migration in April 2025 soon. Only a limited amount posts are available.

www.visitnatives.com

23/04/2024

The Sami people's reindeer migration journey continues northward. Although modern technology such as radio phones, GPS, drones, and snowmobiles have made reindeer herding easier in recent decades, reindeer herders still follow the natural rhythm of nature, not humans.

20/04/2024

Day two with our second group. Take a moment to enjoy these reindeer spring migration vibes from the tundra!

19/04/2024

Happening right now! This is the annual Sami reindeer spring migration journey where we only take a few travelers per year to join us. Here you can immerse yourself in rich Sami reindeer herding culture and tradition in Norway. Book 2025!

17/04/2024

We cherish the rich Sami culture and heritage, and the tradition of reindeer herding is deeply ingrained in their way of life. Young Sami reindeer herders are taught the skills, knowledge, and wisdom of herding from their parents, who have honed their techniques over generations.

For the Sami, herding is not just a job but a way of life that is rooted in their very being. Their love for their culture and herding traditions is deep and connected to Arctic nature.

You can feel this connection while traveling with a Sami family during their annual Sami reindeer spring migration, which is taking place right now.

16/04/2024

The thing I always enjoy the most while living with different indigenous communities is being together with all the large extended families. We eat, sleep, do daily chores, and hang out with many people.

What sticks indigenous families together?

If you inherit your cultural identity and lifestyle (and your full-time job) from your parents, you must be in close contact with them to learn the non-written oral traditions and customs. Small herder boys follow their fathers, and little girls learn from their mothers and other kinship around them.

It is when family becomes the most crucial factor in your culture’s survival. Your mother or father is not only your parent but your guide and role model with whom you navigate cultural tradition and secret wisdom. They are your vanguard in life.

Without their guidance and teaching, your culture will vanish. That’s why elders are highly respected people in indigenous communities.

Do you want to book an authentic trip to stay with indigenous people in Tanzania. Look no further!

10/04/2024

For the next month we are busy with the Sami reindeer spring migration. We look forward to your arrival and can not wait to share a glimpse of our life and the Sámi reindeer herding culture with you!

08/04/2024

Nothing makes us happier than unsolicited feedback from our awesome guests.
Thank you, Clare, for staying in our Maasai boma and documenting the life of the Maasai in Moipo.

”This is what travel is all about for me, authentic respectful experience that doesn’t damage or detract from the people you’re visiting but is mutually beneficial and rewarding whilst being great fun and building lasting unforgettable memories.

Thank you Visit Natives - you’re a stand-out top class operator in the space.”
(Google Review)

📸 Picture credits

02/04/2024

Our Sami host, Oddbjorg, is dressing up for a Sami wedding. When you book a trip with us, you are welcomed as a guest, not a tourist, which means that you immerse yourself in your host family’s life and traditions.

We always welcome and invite you to attend any ceremony, feast, or ritual during your stay. For example, the amazing visited us and went to a Sami wedding with Oddnjorg. What an immersive way to experience real life and culture.

Picture credits Eva zu Beck

Have you seen Eva’s newest YouTube video from our visit? Please go check it out on her YouTube channel!

30/03/2024

Greetings from the Arctic! Watch out this amazing video made by Eva zu Beck who visited us recently. We are so happy she visited us!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR13qdva_E2COUbbFqDbd2Ip3ZjoBngNYaas9V_MJsbXgX8PDSwyXbJ7758_aem_AatXD-lFCh7Y-Z4WBlkxylg3LkXoCrTRzwXfYsaswqfZKMaAcSHMrrujqQ3a-DMkf8A&si=j1ZzKSJjA5VeP4Hp&v=dFCZ6gqv8hk

You can visit Nils and his family via the wonderful Visit Natives (https://www.visitnatives.com/), who are one of the few truly sustainable travel businesses...

25/03/2024

Thank you Clare for traveling with us and documenting the beautiful life of Maasai in Tanzania.

We are greatful for your feedback:

I recently stayed with a Maasai family in Tanzania with Visit Natives. I do travel photography and like to immerse myself in non-touristy authentic experiences to capture images and impressions of indigenous traditional people and their lifestyles. There are many opportunities to visit the Maasai in Tanzania and it is a well trodden path to call in at a Maasai village on the way to a safari but there are now very few opportunities to have a really authentic experience away from the commercialised tourist conveyor belt. I am so pleased to have discovered Visit Natives who could give me just that.

Picture & text Clare Rowntree Photography

22/03/2024

Getting closer! The Sami Reindeer Spring Migration starts next month. Your last chance to join the herders before summer!

13/03/2024

Our second success summit!

28/02/2024

Are you dreaming of Africa, where you can immerse yourself in fascinating indigenous cultures and authentic rural experiences to build real human connections? Experience our Maasai boma stay, and you’ll always remember the time spent in the savanna.

Check the link in bio 👀

21/02/2024

Your Arctic adventure with Sami reindeer herders in Norway waites for you! Herd reindeer, immerse yourself to unique and rich Sami culture and see the beayty of the wild Arctic wilderness. We take you there.

26/01/2024

No reservations! Traditional Sami dinner inside gammi, the Sami dwelling. Our trips are authentic and raw adventures with the Sami reindeer herders in Norway. You’ll experience real life while enjoying the amazing Arctic nature under the Northern Lights. Unforgettable memories.

Come to meet us at the Travel & Adventure Show in Los Angeles on February 3-4, 2024. Booth 946 in Europe section.