The Maasaï, like their cousins the Samburu, are a Nilotic semi nomadic pastoral tribe. They reside in Kenya and Tanzania. Their distinctive features, customs, diet and dress make them stand out amongst their fellow countrymen. The total population is estimated at 1,5 million people.

Although they insist on living in and around national parks and game reservations, the fact that they do not eat game or birds, creates a sustainable symbiosis between them and the wildlife.