Understanding the Unique Gerontocracy of the Samburu Tribe

The Samburu tribe of north-central Kenya are pastoralists who live on the great plains of the Samburu region. They are closely related to the Maasai of Kenya and are thought to have migrated south from the Nile region of North Africa. The Samburu people speak a dialect of Maa, which they share with the Maasai. The Samburu, on the other hand, are considered even more remote because the region in which they live is dry and therefore can support less life.
The Samburu are pastoralists who primarily raise cattle but also keep goats, sheep, and camels. Because of the arid climate in which they live, this African tribe is traditionally nomadic. The constant search for pastures for their cattle is a major source of conflict in their ever-shrinking range. The Samburu diet, like the Maasai, consists of milk and animal blood, with meals reserved for special occasions.
The Samburu people are known for their vibrant clothing and distinctive social structure. The men dress in pink or black cloth, similar to a Scottish kilt, and they wear bracelets, anklets, and necklaces. The warrior age group, or Moran, is known for wearing their hair in long braids. Women, on the other hand, shave their heads and wear two cloths around their waists and chests. The cloth is typically blue or purple, and the women adorn themselves further by applying ochre to their bodies in a manner similar to the Himba of Namibia.
What distinguishes the Samburu tribe, however, is its gerontocracy. A gerontocracy is a social structure governed solely by the elderly, who make all decisions. The leaders are the oldest members of the society, and they have the final say on all matters, as well as the ability to curse younger tribe members. The Samburu, a deeply religious African tribe, derive their ultimate power from their God Nakai. The elders, who are in charge of law and order, are devout and adhere to his guidance in all matters.
The Samburu tribe is one of the few African tribes that still practice old traditions and customs, making visiting them unique and interesting. Travel to this remote tribe in northern Kenya to meet the Samburu and witness how tradition endures... Lake Turkana and Northern Kenya Camping Safari Masai Mara, Samburu, and Nakuru 4x4 Kenya Lodge Safari Safari options include camping in Lake Turkana, Chalbi Desert, and Samburu, as well as 4x4 safaris in Masai Mara and Northern Kenya game parks.