The Maasai Olympics - hunting for medals instead of lions

A new tradition has begun in Kenya...

Alex
Alex
European Sales & Marketing Manager at Great Plains Conservation
Published on
20 Sep 2018
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Runners At The Maasai Olympics

For centuries young Masai men entering warrior-hood would hunt lions as a rite of passage to demonstrate their strength and bravery, and to attract females. However, Kenya’s lion population is in rapid decline with fewer than 2,000 individuals left. If trends continue they face extinction in the next two decades.

Maasai Olympics In Kenya
Arriving at the Olympics
Preparing For The Races
Preparing for the games
Warriors At The Maasai Olympics
Warriors at the Olympics

Maasai Elders (menya layiok) realised that this traditional practice was no longer viable and came up with a history-changing solution to divert the attention of young warriors away from lion killing; an organised Maasai sports competition based upon traditional warrior skills.

Maasai Runners
Maasai runners

The sports programme includes six events:

  1. 200m sprint
  2. 800m sprint
  3. 5K run
  4. Spear throwing
  5. Rungu throwing (Maasai herder’s wooden weapon)
  6. High jumping (vertical jump, Maasai warrior-style),

The high jump is the climatic event that is likely to determine the winning team.

Racing At The Maasai Olympics
Race time
The Winners Podium At The Maasai Olympics
The winners podium

There are three levels of competition (local, regional, and ecosystem-wide) that culminate in the Maasai Olympics, which will be held for the fourth time at the end of 2018 in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Guests of Great Plains Conservation have the opportunity to stay at ol Donyo Lodge and attend the events, which will be held in December 2018.

Ol Donyo Lodge Kenya Aerial View
Aerial view of Ol Donyo Lodge
Sleeping Under The Stars At Ol Donyo Lodge
Sleeping under the stars
Swimming Pool View At Ol Donyo Lodge
Ol Donyo pool

The event continues to be a huge success. In fact, a 2016 survey found that 87-93% of Maasai Warriors surveyed felt that the Maasai Olympics had made them less interested in killing a lion. The full glory of this event and its significance is captured in Tribe vs. Pride, an award-winning film by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Great Plains Conservation founders.

If you would like to support the Maasai people and their innovative solution to conservation, you can donate here (by selecting "Community Projects: Maasai Olympics".

For more holiday inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays, our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024