The project

Basecamp Maasai Brand was initiated in 2003 with the aim of empowering disadvantaged women's groups in the Talek region of the Masai Mara in Kenya, and to maintain and enhance the handicraft skills, knowledge and designs of the Maasais’ famous bead and leather work.

The Maasai have a rich heritage in bead work, where many of their traditional ceremonies and religious beliefs are expressed in colour and pattern.

Over one hundred women are working with us, and making a positive change in the area. The women's’ training takes place at our arts and craft centre at Basecamp Masai Mara. We base our range on traditional designs with some conventional pieces and some more contemporary fusions, and all our products are handmade with a high quality finish.

We mainly work with Maasai glass beads and high quality leather but we also try to utilize scrap metal and waste materials wherever possible. Even the thread we use is made from disused plastic food bags, the strands of which are twinned together by hand.It will take you a bit of extra time to tie a knot and some patience to thread a loop, but, that is part of the beauty of the work and a character that we are trying to preserve.

Our fair trade agreement ensures that the crafts person receives 75% of what BMB sells the item for, less the cost of materials. The women are involved in the process of pricing - the cultural significance of the product being one of several influencing factors. Typically their earnings are used for improved housing, healthcare, children's schooling and clothing. The women individually also save some of their earnings in a savings scheme set up in cooperation with Faulu Kenya.

By choosing to support this project you are making a difference and helping  to build a sustainable source of income for these women.

Interested in making an order?  Want to know latest prices? Or, just want more information? Please mail us at: bmb@basecampexplorer.co.ke

Basecamp and the Talek Maasai community appreciate your interest in Basecamp Maasai Brand. This project is an integral part of Basecamp’s responsible tourism concept. Your support is vital to our success.