The Maasais are probably the most well known African tribe. Their language, the Maa language, is originating from the Nile Valley of Southern Sudan. The Maasais probably migrated south, via the southwestern parts of Ethiopia, to Tanzania and Kenya where they live today.

When the Europeans colonized the east parts of Africa in the late 19th century, the Maasais occupied big parts of the rift valley in Kenya and Northern Tanzania. In these areas they still live today.

The Maasais are very good herdsmen. When a boy is five years old he becomes responsible for his fathers calves. When he is about 15-18 years old the boy has learned almost everything about protecting the animals, diagnosing and treating diseases, supplementing their diet for growth and better milk production. The boy can also assist during birth of a new animal.

When the boys are about 18 years old they become warriors. They are warriors for about 8-12 years. During these years it is their responsibility to protect the tribe against predators and other tribes.

After being a warrior for some years the Maasai men becomes eldermen. A Maasaian elderman is allowed to acquire cattle and to marry. The Maasai men are polygamous which means that they can take as many wives as they can afford. It is important for a Maasai man to have many wives, because then his network of friends and relatives will increase and he will be able to get more children.

The Maasai women takes care of the household and are responsible for preparing meals, rising children and collecting water and firewood. They also milk the cows, clean and prepares the hides and build their houses out of dung and mud.

Young girls assist their mothers until they are 13-15 years old, then they are adults and they are eligible for marriage.