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Head to the amazing destination that is Central America, full of the knowledge of ancient civilizations, incredible mountains, and beautiful beaches.
Discover vibrant cultures, pristine beaches, and tantalizing flavours in the captivating travel haven that is East and Southeast Asia
Embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of India, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan—where ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and soaring Himalayan peaks promise unforgettable moments at every turn.
Picture yourself basking on sun-kissed beaches, sipping tropical cocktails beneath swaying palms —where crystal-clear lagoons and luxurious resorts cater to your every desire.
Experience world-class hospitality, mouthwatering cuisines, and the region’s deep-rooted cultural traditions for an unforgettable Middle East adventure.
Venture to the ends of the Earth and behold the icy majesty of polar landscapes. Discover pristine solitude, exhilarating expeditions, and breathtaking views that promise a memorable encounter with nature at its most dramatic
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If you are looking for a trip to knock iconic locations off your bucket list, check out our buck list recommendations
From the graceful stride of giraffes at sunrise to the echoing roars of lions beneath starlit skies, each of our safaris promises an unforgettable dance with nature.
Our family holidays are a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories, whether exploring new destinations or simply enjoying quality time together. From adventure-filled escapes to relaxing beach retreats, they offer a chance to reconnect and unwind away from daily routines.
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For those seeking adventure beyond the usual tourist trails, our off-the-beaten-track trips take you to some of the world’s most remote and untouched destinations, where authentic cultural encounters and breathtaking landscapes await. Let us craft your unique journeys that few travellers ever experience.
For the ultimate beach escape, we offer luxury holidays to some of the world’s most stunning coastal destinations, from the white-sand shores of Antigua to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
For those who crave excitement and exploration, our adventure holidays take you to some of the world’s most thrilling destinations, whether trekking through Patagonia, summiting Mount Kenya, or kayaking past icebergs in Antarctica.
Interested in something a bit more focused? How about a horse-riding holiday through Argentina? Or a photography safari? Look through our Special Interest holiday selection for inspiration
Our wildlife holidays invite you to step into unique ecosystems and experience amazing animal encounters. Whether spotting majestic tigers in the jungles of India or marvelling at polar bears in the Arctic, each trip promises awe-inspiring moments steeped in the magic of nature.
Our small group tours offer the perfect balance of expert-guided exploration and personal experience, taking you to incredible destinations with like-minded travellers. Whether it's a wildlife safari in Botswana, a cultural journey through Vietnam, or a chef-led expedition through India, our carefully curated itineraries ensure an intimate, enriching, and hassle-free experience.
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Who are the Maasai, and what are their traditions?
The History Bit
You'll meet the Maasai during your safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, so here's a little bit of background on their culture
The Maasai originally came from what is known today as South Sudan. They migrated along the Nile Valley into Kenya and Tanzania in the 15th Century, conquering other tribes and territories as they went. They also raided cattle, and took over nearly all the land in the Rift Valley, settling here to graze their valuable livestock.
During the 19th Century their territory was vast, but a smallpox epidemic and a severe drought in the 1890's resulted in the deaths of half the Maasai population and their animals. A few years later they lost a big chunk of their land to British ranchers and the government creation of national parks and wildlife reserves such as Amboseli and Masai Mara in Kenya, and Serengeti and Ngorongoro in Tanzania.
Traditionally the Maasai were semi-nomadic people, moving around in search of fresh pasture for their livestock. Today their lives are more static and many live in small settlements protected by a ring of thorn bushes.
Maasai Culture
The Maasai are a pastoral people, dependent on their livestock for food, shelter and status. Their cattle, goats and sheep are central to their way of life, providing milk and blood for sustenance, and meat on special or ceremonial occasions. The Maasai believe it is their sacred role to protect cattle, and wealth is measured by the number of beasts owned, as well as the number of children born. Animal skins are also used for bedding, whilst dung is useful for building houses.
Maasai clothing is quite striking, with colourful red ‘shukas’ and intricate beading adorning the necks and arms. Elongated ear lobes are a mark of beauty, and both men and women wear metal hoops in their ears. Maasai usually walk barefooted or with cow hide sandals.
Singing is an important part of Maasai culture, and you will no doubt have seen images or footage of men standing in a circle, performing their traditional jumping dance (or ‘adumu’). Each man in turn tries to jump as high as he can, encouraged by the others who sing for him, in increasingly high voices. There are other songs of course. Usually they are responsive melodies, where someone sings one part, then the others copy. There is no music, just incredible vocal harmonies and the jingling of beads.
If you’re meeting the Maasai, remember to always shake hands with the right (to do so with the left is considered rude), and don’t forget to engage in small talk before asking for directions or information.
Family Roles
The Maasai are considered to be the last great warrior culture in the world, which gives them a great sense of pride. Men are traditionally cattle herders, spending their days protecting their investment and defending them from predators. They are also in charge of family security, and mentoring the boys in the ways of the warrior. Meanwhile the women are responsible for looking after the household, building the homes, creating beaded jewellery and caring for the children.
The Maasai Today
The Maasai people have largely resisted change and many still retain their nomadic way of life. Yet western influence and education have affected the Maasai culture, and some traditions and customs have been outlawed by modern society, such as cattle raiding and female circumcision.
There are many employment opportunities in the tourism industry for both men and women, as well as several co-operative schemes which benefit local communities, such as education for children. Some Maasai men now work at safari lodges as guides, using their incredible knowledge of the land and wildlife to teach tourists about the remarkable wilderness that they’re visiting. You’ll no doubt get to meet them on your own safari!
The Maasai used to hunt lions, both in retaliation after cattle killings and also as a way for young warriors to demonstrate their courage. Today they have embraced conservation instead, and the lions are safe.
Maasai culture has become a tourist attraction in itself, and it’s possible to visit cultural villages and interact with the Maasai people whilst on holiday in both Kenya and Tanzania. Yet the best way to get to know the Maasai is to go on safari with them. What they don’t know about the land and the wildlife simply isn’t worth knowing.
If you'd like to plan a holiday to Kenya, call our experts on 01768 603 715 and they'll be happy to help, or fill in our enquiry form.
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What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.
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!
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 )
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!
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.
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.
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!,
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!)!
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!
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