OSILIGI-LAI MASAI LODGE

The Maasai people are part of the larger Nilotic ethnic group, who originally migrated from the Egypt (Miseri) via Nile Valley region in northern Africa, down to what is now South Sudan.
Historians believe the Maasai began moving several hundred years ago, eventually settling across the vast savannahs of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania in the 15th–17th centuries. They followed the movement of their cattle, seeking rich pastures and water -always guided by their deep connection to the land and their belief that Enkai (God) gave them all the cattle on earth.
Today, the Maasai homeland stretches across the Great Rift Valley, from central Kenya to northern Tanzania - including the lands around Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, the Serengeti plains and down south of Tanzania today. 
The Story of the Maasai People
Osiligi-lai Masai Lodge, offer not just visit Tanzania -but you step into the heart of Maasai land, where culture, nature, and tradition live in harmony. Here, every moment offers a chance to experience the real Maasai way of life, from sharing stories around the fire, dancing with warriors, learning about our cattle and customs, to feeling the deep peace of the savannah breathe taking view of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
Between these mountains, untouched great plains with the spirit of the Maasai. For generations, my people have lived here -guided by tradition, nature, and respect for life. The land, the cattle, and the sky are not just our surroundings- they are part of who we are.
We, the Maasai, are herders by heart. Cattle are our pride, our food, and our connection to the divine. They represent life itself. Our homes, our songs, and our stories all flow from this bond with nature.
We believe in Enkai, the creator who gives rain, life, and blessings. When the sun rises over the savannah, we see Enkai’s presence in every mountain shadow, every bird’s song, and every heartbeat of our cattle.
Our lives are guided by ceremony. From childhood to elderhood, every stage is honored with songs, dances, and blessings. The famous jumping dance, Adumu, is more than a performance, it is a celebration of strength, courage, and unity.
The colors we wear tell stories too -red for bravery, blue for the sky, white for peace. Each bead in our jewelry carries meaning and memory, carefully crafted by the hands of our women, who are the heart of our homes and culture.
Today, the Maasai walk between two worlds -holding onto the wisdom of our ancestors while embracing the promise of education and development. Through Osiligi-lai Masai Lodge, we welcome guests from around the world to share in our way of life, to learn, and to connect.
When you stay with us, you become part of our story. You share meals, laughter, and moments that build bridges between cultures. You help us preserve our traditions, empower our youth, and keep our heritage alive for the next generations.
This is the soul of Osiligilai-
a place where the Maasai spirit lives on: strong, proud, and welcoming and a teacher.
Sub-Tribes of the Maasai
The Maasai people are one nation, but they are divided into many sub-groups or clans, each with its own local dialect and traditions.
There are about 16 main sub-tribes of the Maasai, spread across Kenya and Tanzania.
Some of the well-known Maasai sub-tribes include:
1.⁠ ⁠Ilkisongo – Found mostly in northern Tanzania (around Monduli, Longido, and Simanjiro).
2.⁠ ⁠Ilparakuyo/ Ilumbwa – One of the largest groups, found in northern Tanzania and Embusel.
3.⁠ ⁠Ildamat – Living mostly around Ngorongoro and Loliondo and Serengeti areas.
4.⁠ ⁠Ilkaputiei – Based mainly in Kenya.
5.⁠ ⁠ILoitai – Found in southern Kenya, near Narok.
6.⁠ ⁠Ilkikoin – Living around Tarakea Tanznia and Kajiado Kenya and beyond.
7.⁠ ⁠Ilmatapato – Founded in kenya
8.⁠ ⁠Isamburu – Northen Kenya 
9.⁠ ⁠ISiria, Laitayiok, Larusa, Dalalekutuk, Ilkaputiei,Iseroi Kinegik. and others -all part of the larger Maasai family.
Each sub-tribe shares the same language (Maa), faith in Enkai, and traditions, but may differ slightly in dialect, dress patterns, and ceremonies. Together, they form one strong and proud people -the Maasai Nation.