When Nynke traveled to Kenya, she didn’t just want to sightsee; she wanted a cultural immersion. Supaa Adventure Travel offered her exactly that with an invitation to stay with Ruben’s Maasai family, nestled in a village on Mount Suswa’s outer crater. Her experience there opened her eyes to a lifestyle vastly different from her own and allowed her to see Kenya through the eyes of its native Maasai people.
Ruben welcomed her with open arms, his warmth instantly putting her at ease. On her first evening, Nynke settled into the family’s simple, traditional home. She joined them for a meal of sukuma wiki (a local kale dish) and ugali, a cornmeal staple, marveling at the fresh flavors and the family’s skill in cooking with limited resources. As they ate, the family shared stories, explaining how Ruben, now a knowledgeable guide, was able to attend school with the support of a visiting German traveler. Inspired by this, Ruben had since dedicated himself to showing visitors his homeland, eager to share Maasai culture and create lasting connections.
Nynke spent her days exploring Mount Suswa’s rugged beauty with Ruben and his cousin, Peter. They ventured into vast lava tunnels filled with bats and hiked across the crater rim, where Nynke encountered breathtaking views and learned the art of tracking animals through subtle signs in the terrain. The connection with nature was palpable here, with Ruben explaining how the Maasai’s relationship with the land has been central to their survival and way of life.
In her evenings, Nynke learned about Maasai traditions. Ruben explained how they perform ceremonies for significant life events, how cattle are more than just animals to them, and how he is working to support the local community. With Supaa’s guidance, Nynke felt as if she were not merely observing another culture but becoming part of it, even if only for a few days. Supaa Adventure Travel’s carefully curated experience brought her an authenticity rarely found in tourism—leaving her not just with memories but with a meaningful connection to Kenya and its people.
