Your Trip
In a nut shell
If you're craving something out of the ordinary, a traditional Maasai style wedding is the perfect way to make your special day truly unforgettable. This unique experience combines breathtaking aesthetics and fascinating cultural traditions to offer a wedding day unlike any other.
Imagine exchanging vows of eternal love against the backdrop of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, surrounded by the vibrant beauty of nature and the colourful Maasai people. In addition to the picturesque setting, your ceremony will include unusual but meaningful Maasai traditions. Besides bringing a touch of fantasy, these rituals symbolise the depth of your love and convey the values of married life.
So, a traditional Maasai wedding will turn your special day into an unforgettable adventure - a beautiful celebration of love that you will cherish forever.
Trip Details
- This tour starts and ends in Zanzibar
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We can book your international flights
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Fly to/from Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. Or fly to/from Dar es Salaam (DAR) . There are daily ferries between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
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A transfer from and back to the airport is included
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We can arrange additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour for an extra cost
Day 1
Flight from Zanzibar to Arusha
Flight from ZNZ to ARK: 08:00 – 09:15 AMUpon arrival, we will warmly greet you at the airport and transfer you to the Africa Amini Maasai Lodge, where preparations and celebrations begin as soon as the couple arrives.
Pre-Wedding Traditions:In accordance with Maasai tradition, the bride and groom must spend the day before the wedding apart to honor their separate roles in the ceremony.
The Bride’s Journey:Maasai women escort the bride to a nearby village, where she stays at her own Boma. There, the women teach her essential Maasai traditions and guide her through the rites of womanhood during the Maasai Kitchen Party, preparing her for her new role as a wife and mother.
The Groom’s Rite of Passage:The groom spends his pre-wedding day with Maasai warriors. He converses with an elder, who shares valuable wisdom about family life. Later in the day, the groom participates in a brief ceremony at the Maasai home and rests for the night before the wedding. In the morning, he returns to his house to prepare for the big day.
Day 2
Wedding ceremony
The wedding ceremony begins bright and early at 6:00 AM. The groom, together with several Maasai men, makes his way to the bride's house in a lively procession that lasts for hours. Along the way, the Maasai sing traditional songs, and other community members join to greet and celebrate with the groom.
When the groom reaches the bride’s house, he presents her with a wedding gift, marking the official start of the celebration. The Maasai honor the couple with traditional dances, filling the atmosphere with joy and excitement. The morning ceremony concludes with a small tea party, where family and friends gather to share in the happy occasion.
Before the couple is officially married, they receive a blessing from the Maasai elders during a sacred ritual. In this special moment, the groom calls out his bride’s name, symbolizing respect for life and marking her transition into wifehood. From that point on, she is addressed by her first name only.
As the day unfolds, the festivities continue with even more energy. In the afternoon, the newlyweds participate in a spear-throwing competition, showcasing the spirit of the Maasai traditions. As the sun sets, the couple joins the Maasai wedding dance—a vibrant and joyful celebration of their union.
The day concludes with a bush barbecue dinner at 7:00 PM, shared with family and close friends from the Maasai community. The parents of the bride and groom are present to bless the new couple, wrapping them in Maasai blankets for good luck. With this heartfelt gesture, the marriage ceremony comes to a close.
Day 3
Safari in Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, the newlyweds will embark on an exciting safari adventure to Tarangire National Park. On the way to the park, you will pass through several indigenous settlements, where you can take a look at the vibrant life of the locals.
Tarangire National Park is a true gem and one of the most picturesque parks in Africa. The park is home to the winding Tarangire River, which draws a wide variety of wildlife, including large herds of elephants. As you explore, you’ll drive through the park’s diverse landscapes, with the chance to witness predators gathered at watering holes and observe the natural drama of the wild.
At the end of the safari, we’ll take you back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Nyikani Tarangire Camp, Full Board basis.
Day 4
Back to Zanzibar
Today, you'll spend another half day exploring the beauty of Tarangire National Park. After an early lunch, your safari guide will transfer you to ARK Airport for your flight to ZNZ.
Flight from ARK to ZNZ: 16:45 – 18:00
Map
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