Done well, a village visit is a genuine exchange. Done badly it is a staged performance. Here is how to tell the difference before you go.
What you will see
A guided walk through the enkang, an explanation of the boma structure, the adumu jumping dance, fire lighting by friction and a demonstration of beadwork and its meanings.
What a good visit looks like
The fee is agreed in advance and goes to the village, not the operator. You are free to ask questions and decline photographs. Nobody is performing a role they find uncomfortable.
What to avoid
Visits arranged as an unscheduled stop with an unclear fee, heavy pressure to buy, or a group so large the interaction becomes a queue.
Photography etiquette
Always ask first. Some people will decline and that is their right. Never photograph inside a home without explicit permission.
Typical cost
Around 20 to 30 US dollars per person, paid directly to the community. We arrange ours with the same villages each time so the relationship is ongoing.
Plan your safari
Tell us your dates and we will build a route around them. See our safari packages or request a free quote.