Explore With Purpose Supporting the Maasai Community in Ololosokwan

Nestled in the foothills of northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya and the majestic Serengeti National Park, lies the vibrant Maasai village of Ololosokwan. This Maasai village pulsates with culture, offering a unique glimpse into a way of life passed down for generations.

The landscape itself is a postcard scene. Acacia trees dot the sprawling savanna, transforming into lush greenery during the rainy season. But Ololosokwan’s true beauty lies in its people. The Maasai, adorned in their colorful shukas, warmly welcome visitors, inviting them to experience their traditions firsthand.

The Beauty of Ololosokwan

Ololosokwan is an administrative ward in the Ngorongoro District of the Arusha Region of Tanzania. The landscape surrounding the village is breathtaking. There are sections of thick forests, but mostly it is savanna, with wide canopied acacia trees spread across grasslands. The area is lush and green during the rainy months (April, May, November, and December), and warm and dry in between.

The Maasai Way of Life

Ololosokwan is home to the Maasai people, a Nilotic ethnic group that resides primarily in Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are well known for their vibrant colored clothing including the Maasai shuka, a patterned cloth wrapped around the body. Historically, the Maasai were semi-nomadic, migrating throughout the region. Today, they are primarily pastoralists, herding cattle, goats, and sheep.

Community Power: Sustainable Tourism with a Purpose

Through partnerships with responsible tourism operators, Ololosokwan has benefited tremendously from community-based tourism. Funds generated through cultural exchanges and experiences go towards supporting the community and preserving their way of life. Tourists who visit Ololosokwan are offered the opportunity to experience Maasai culture firsthand, and encounter philanthropic projects and activities for visitors wanting to further support the community.

Partnering with the Community

Despite its breathtaking beauty, the village faces challenges in education, conservation, and healthcare due to its remote location. Since 2019, Explore With Purpose has been dedicated to supporting the community of Olosokwan. Through partnering with the village leaders, and NGO’s in the community, we have built infrastructure and given resources that meet the fundamental needs of the community while respecting the unique cultural differences they have. Some of these projects include classrooms, teachers housing, school supplies, dormitories and more.

Extensive communication with village leaders has been the cornerstone of our work in the community. By listening attentively, Explore With Purpose has led and supported community projects tackling health, conservation and education in the community, by investing in the Ololosokwan Primary School, Health Clinic and Community as a whole.