Samburu
The Samburu are an ethnic tribe in Kenya related to the Maasai. They are a warrior-race of semi-nomadic pastoralists who mainly herd cattle but also keep sheep, goats and camels.
They live north of the equator in Samburu District, an area roughly 8000 square miles (21,000 km²). Its landscape is one of great diversity and beauty. Before and a few years after independence the area north of the equator was called the Northern Frontier District (NDF). Samburu district was once a large part of the NDF. Only government officials were allowed to enter and it was closed to foreigners of both European and African descent. A special permit issued by the administration was required to enter the NDF. Even today Samburuland is still a remote area.
The Samburu are part of the Maa speaking people as are the Maasai.
About 95% of the words of both languages are the same. The name 'Samburu' is also of Maasai origin and is derived from the word 'Samburr' which is a leather bag used by the Samburu to carry meat and honey. In the remote past the Samburu were hunters and honey-gatherers. The majority of the Samburu are a minor branch of the Laikipiak Maasai. The others are from breakaway groups from the Rendille, Turkana and Borana tribes.
A Samburu settlement is known as a nkang or manyatta. It will normally consist of six or more huts built in a rough circle with an open space in the centre. The circle of huts is surrounded by thorn bush fence.
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