Authentic Experiences
Engage in genuine cultural practices and rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Guided Tours
Experience the beauty of our land with knowledgeable guides who share stories and insights about our history and traditions.
Our Legal Status
Naramatu Cultural Tours is a community-based cultural tourism program registered in 2023 and follows the guidelines of cultural tourism in Tanzania.
About Naramatu Cultural Tours
Adventure with an impact
The word NARAMATU is a Maasai word that means produce, preserve, and conserve. We are a social enterprise that does sustainable cultural tours in providing tour experiences by doing Maasai rural tourism in Monduli district, Arusha Tanzania. We would like to offer a mixture of wildlife safari day trips, culture tour experiences, and environment conservation in Arusha, Tanzania.
We are offering exposure to the tourists on real Maasai culture and wildlife safaris which will benefit the Maasai inhabitants. We are welcoming tourists to explore Maasai culture and visit the national parks, the proceeds from such visits will help Maasai young girls to access better education to improve performance and decrease school dropout. Since Maasai young girls are left behind due to poverty, early marriage, forced marriage, customs, and traditions that hinder them from accessing education. While assisting disadvantaged young girls you will also be doing environmental conservation at Monduli District, Arusha.
Alongside your visits, you will also be able to empower Maasai women by buying their products or supporting them in initiating small businesses which will improve their income to support their children since they do not own properties due to norms and culture. This is where the adventure with an impact begins. We would like you to experience cultural tours before or after safaris in our national parks of Serengeti National Park, Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park, and without forgetting visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area before finalizing your trip to the clove island of Zanzibar.
Normally, people who travel learn a lot about life, and they are not alone, they meet unforgettable people and create unforgettable memories and friendships from their visits. Let’s explore together to experience the uniqueness of Maasai Land in Monduli district, Arusha Tanzania. We are offering a mixture of experiences ranging from visiting National Parks to mountain climbing, Climbing escapement of Seventh’s Kona( Kona saba) surrounded by Maasai homestead and cultural experience that will imprint an unforgettable memory of your visit to Tanzania.
Our Story
A Journey Through Time
Naramatu Cultural Tours was founded with the mission of preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Naramatu people. Our story begins centuries ago, with a community deeply rooted in tradition and a profound connection to the land. Over the years, we have faced numerous challenges, but our resilience and commitment to cultural preservation have remained unwavering. Today, we invite you to join us in celebrating our history, experiencing our customs, and understanding the cultural significance that defines our identity.
Milicent Jonathan (Nesupeet) - The Founder
The Founder
Hi there, I’m Milicent Jonathan, also known as Nesupeet, from the Maasai tribe. I hail from Maasai land and my roots trace back to the Laiser clan through my late great-grandfather Mesira. Our family journey led us to assimilate into the Meru clan (Mbise) after moving from Siha Kilimanjaro and finally settling at the foot of Mount Meru Seela in the Arusha region, all in pursuit of greener pastures for our pastoral activities.
My mother, a proud Maasai woman, hails from the esteemed Ngidong clan, known for its lineage of Maasai Seers and revered traditional leaders known as Laibon. This rich heritage and deep-rooted connection to our ancestral traditions have greatly influenced our family’s way of life, inspiring us to uphold and preserve our cultural practices with pride and reverence.
I grew up in Maasai land and saw firsthand the struggles that underprivileged Maasai girls face in getting sanitary pads for their menstrual periods. The lack of these supplies leads to lower school attendance, worse academic performance, and a higher dropout rate among girls compared to boys. On average, girls miss 4 to 6 days of school each month due to menstrual issues, which affects their confidence in school due to inadequate sanitary facilities.
Having seen the hardships experienced by the Maasai girls, I was inspired to pursue a course in Community Development at the degree level. I met my husband, Daniel Maembe, at a higher learning institution, who encouraged me to start a Cultural Tours Organization. Daniel Maembe is also a co-founder of Rau Eco and Cultural Tourism. As a mother of three children, I am grateful for the inspiration from my husband to establish NARAMATU Cultural Tours, where I will have the opportunity to guide visitors on various travels, allowing the compassionate to contribute to the well-being of my community.
My mother was born in a Maasai culture where women struggle to achieve economic independence and own properties. She observed the lack of quality education for many children in her community, prompting her to establish two school sites in Maasai land. Despite her efforts, there are still many needy children who require assistance that exceeds the available resources. Therefore, I am reaching out to compassionate tourists who are interested in supporting the school and sponsoring children, particularly young girls, to access better education that will empower them with self-esteem and self-reliance while immersing themselves in the Maasai culture.
“People without the knowledge of their history, origin, and culture are like a trees without roots.”—Marcus Garvey
Our Vision and Mission
Preserving Cultural Heritage for Future Generations
At Naramatu Cultural Tours, our vision is to create a world where cultural heritage is not only preserved but also celebrated. Our mission is to offer immersive cultural experiences that foster understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions. We are committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices that respect and protect the cultural integrity of the communities we engage with.
Our Objectives
Fostering Cultural Preservation and Community Engagement
Naramatu Cultural Tours aims to achieve several key objectives: to preserve and promote cultural heritage through educational tours and activities; to engage local communities in meaningful ways that support their cultural and economic well-being; and to advocate for sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing cultural exchange and understanding.
Our Core Values
Principles That Guide Us
Our core values are the foundation of Naramatu Cultural Tours. We believe in cultural respect, ensuring that all interactions honor the traditions and customs of the communities we visit. Sustainability is at the heart of our operations, as we strive to minimize our environmental footprint and promote eco-friendly practices. Community empowerment is another key value, as we work to support local artisans, storytellers, and cultural practitioners, ensuring that they benefit directly from our tours.
Our Primary Activities
Discover the Richness of Cultural Heritage
Responsible Travel Participation
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Naramatu Cultural Tours is dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritize the well-being of local communities and the preservation of natural environments. Our tours are designed to minimize environmental impact, support local economies, and foster cultural exchange. By partnering with local artisans, guides, and businesses, we ensure that our activities contribute positively to the regions we visit. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from reducing waste to promoting eco-friendly accommodations.
We believe that travel should be a force for good, and our responsible travel initiatives aim to create meaningful connections between travelers and the destinations they explore. Through education and awareness, we encourage our guests to respect local customs, traditions, and ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and diversity of our world.
Giving Back to the Community
Empowering Local Communities
At Naramatu Cultural Tours, we are deeply committed to giving back to the communities that make our tours so special. Our initiatives focus on social responsibility and community development, aiming to create lasting positive impacts. We invest in local education programs, support healthcare initiatives, and contribute to infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life for residents.
Our partnerships with local organizations enable us to address the unique needs of each community, from providing scholarships for students to supporting cultural preservation projects. By empowering local communities, we help to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably and sustainably. Our guests are encouraged to participate in these initiatives, offering them a chance to make a meaningful difference during their travels.
Meet Our Team
Naramatu Cultural Tours is a vibrant collective of Maasai individuals, bringing together a mix of community development specialists and seasoned educators. Delve into the rich tapestry of Tanzanian culture with us, as we venture through the breathtaking landscapes of the East African Great Rift Valley and witness the captivating beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife in its natural habitat. Join us on a our breathtaking programs that promise an authentic and immersive experience like no other.