When the Cultural Tourism Programme began, tourists did not simply appear in our village. The plan was discussed first. Men and women participated, people could speak and the community agreed.
That makes an important difference from what other women around Arusha eperience. We welcome visitors because we know why they are here and because part of their spending remains in the community.
Tourists can walk in the hills, visit a boma, meet a healer or eat food prepared by our women’s organisation. Some of us sell souvenirs, while others receive a small payment when visitors enter our homes.
Tourism feels acceptable when the community discusses it first and women can see exactly how its income reaches their homes.
The earnings are modest but direct. Some money pays for food, beads and ordinary household needs. A share also goes back to the wider community.
We are pleased tourists come, but not every visitor’s behaviour is welcome. Photography is our strongest concern. Some people see Maasai clothing or a boma, raise a camera and take a picture without asking.
To the tourist it may be a holiday memory. To us, it can feel as if we are being treated like animals rather than human beings. If someone asks, we will often agree.
Ask before taking the photograph—the person in front of your camera is not part of the scenery.
Clothing can also cause misunderstanding. We expect female visitors to dress modestly. Shorts or low-cut clothing may be considered unacceptable in the village.
We are not asking tourists to stay away. The programme exists so people can meet. Visitors are invited into homes and traditions. But meeting a person is different from merely observing and consuming them.
Come, be curious and take photographs if you wish—but first recognise our voice, our rules and the humanity of the person you want to remember.