Amazing Umoja Uaso Village in Samburu: WHERE MEN ARE NOT ALLOWED

In the heart of Samburu, Kenya; where tradition runs deep and life is shaped by the harsh beauty of the land, stands a village like no other. Umoja Uaso Women’s Village is a trailblazing, all-female community founded as a safe haven for women fleeing violence, child marriage, and other patriarchal injustices. Men are not allowed to stay overnight

But Umoja is not just about survival. It’s a story of resilience, sisterhood, empowerment, and cultural pride and it’s one of the most inspiring destinations you can visit in Kenya.

If you’re heading to Samburu or simply fascinated by powerful grassroots movements, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about Umoja Village.

1. What is Umoja Uaso Village?

Umoja, meaning “unity” in Swahili, is a women-only village founded in 1990 by Rebecca Lolosoli and 14 other Samburu women. These women had survived:

• Gender-based violence

• Forced marriages

• Female genital mutilation (FGM)

• Rejection by their communities

They came together to build a life on their own terms, free from patriarchal control.

2. Where is Umoja Uaso Village Located?

Umoja is located in Samburu County, northern Kenya, near the town of Archers Post and just a short distance from Samburu National Reserve. Umoja is more than a village, it’s a social movement that addresses critical issues faced by Samburu women, such as domestic and sexual violence, denial of property and inheritance rights, and lack of education and healthcare, by providing a safe, self-sustaining community that challenges centuries of cultural norms while celebrating Samburu identity.

 How Umoja Uaso Village Sustains Itself

The women of Umoja run several income-generating initiatives:

•  Beadwork and Handicrafts: They create exquisite traditional Samburu jewelry, sold to tourists and exported internationally.
•  Cultural Tourism: Visitors pay a small entrance fee to tour the village, participate in cultural activities, and learn about the women’s stories.
•  Farming and Animal Husbandry: The village maintains small-scale agriculture and livestock for food and trade. The income goes toward education, healthcare, and village infrastructure, all managed by the women themselves.

What to Expect When You Visit Umoja Uaso Village

Visiting Umoja is a deeply personal and emotional experience where you’re not just observing a culture but stepping into a living testimony of female empowerment; being welcomed with songs and dances, touring traditional manyattas (huts), visiting the beadwork workshop, hearing firsthand stories of struggle and strength, and learning about Samburu customs and daily life. Just a reminder, these are real people with real lives. Always ask before taking photos and come with an open heart, not a lens of pity.

 Umoja’s Broader Impact

Umoja has inspired the creation of other female-led villages across Kenya. Its success has led to:

• Increased global awareness of women’s rights in pastoral communities

• Partnerships with NGOs focused on education and legal reform

• Support networks for women fleeing violence across Samburu and beyond

It has been featured in major media outlets such as BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera, as well as in documentaries, TED Talks, and various academic and humanitarian reports. Best times to visit is during Dry seasons (June–October and January–March) offer easier access and clearer weather.

 How You Can Support Umoja Uaso

Even if you can’t visit, there are ways to support the Umoja movement:

 Buy Authentic Beadwork

• Look for sellers affiliated directly with Umoja

• Many lodges in Samburu sell certified Umoja products

 Donate to Trusted NGOs

• Some NGOs work directly with Umoja to fund education, healthcare, and shelter

 Share Their Story

• Help amplify their message via social media or blogs

• Recommend Umoja to ethical travelers and safari operators

Conclusion

Umoja Uaso Village is a place where stories of pain have transformed into stories of power. It’s a reminder that even in the most remote places, change is possible, when women have the freedom to lead, heal, and thrive.

When you visit Samburu with us, we will customise a safari that will make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of the most inspiring communities in Africa. It’s not just a detour, it’s the heart of the journey.