Ethical Travel and Tribal Jewellery

What do ethical travel and tribal jewellery have in common?

Everything.

In Kenya, I spent five hours in a beading circle with Maasai Women in the Masai Mara. It was a fantastic experience. You can learn to bead, talk, purchase, and speak to women in a language of the universe.

I don't want to sound too romantic. But for five hours, I never asked their names, and they never asked mine. We just spoke to each other with smiles and gestures and all those lovely things that make women seen. You know. The small things women do to make you feel seen. Truly seen.

How?

Well, for example. They complemented the jewellery I was already wearing. I let them try it on, and they let me try on some things they made. It was funny, but real. We laughed, and they were shocked at the size of my fat fingers. This led them to take a good look at my hands on both sides and make comments. I had no idea what they were saying, but we were all smiling.

This is what ethical jewellery and tribal jewellery have in common.

Because you cannot buy a beaded collar without understanding the hands that made it. The woman who sat for three months creating the pattern. The daughter is being sent to school with the income. The son who needs something special for his ceremonies. Women who make tribal jewellery have a back story. It gives them financial freedom. Its time to stop bargaining and start seeing.

You cannot experience Kenya or Africa without witnessing stunning jewellery. I for one, became addicted to it.

Every tribal colour tells a story

Red - warrior strength and bravery

White - purity and health

Blue - energy and the sky

Orange - hospitality and warmth

Green - the land and growth

Black - people and unity.

Why?

Well, African Jewellery tells a story. It's up to you to find and discover that story when you start your adventure in Kenya. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the way that tribal women wear jewellery fascinates me.

Not only the jewellery, but also the beads. I mean, why the women are beading. Who is the woman who is beading? She is important. I love stories. I love story telling. I want to live and witness how people live and why they do things. This is the essence of what I want to achieve in Kenya moving forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2oSTnZtaII

I want to share this experience with you on my solo female adventure in Kenya.

Here is a video I created about some of the pieces that I love from Samburu and the Masai Mara. It is one of several blogs that I will make on Africa and Womanhood.

Join me for my April and May 2026 dates. I have the best mix of culture and adventure.

Let’s embark on this unforgettable journey together! 🌍✨

Worried about mud and mosquitoes, read my Tsetse flies post.

My women's safari hygiene posts... Or want to know about what shoes I wore to survive the mud? Real-life Safari Shoe Guide for Women

Thinking about a safari? Check out my Women's Ethical Tours.