the singing wells

The Samburu people have a wonderful tradition which our guests are welcome to come and watch. Every morning the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to the dry river bed near our camp. The warriors begin to dig deep wells which will provide drinking water for their cattle.

Naked, the warriors sing as they dig. The singing creates a rythym which synchronises the team work as buckets are lifted from one warrior to the next as the well is dug. But the songs also have the additional function of calling each warrior's cattle to his particular well.

In keeping with our promise not to photograph this very personal and important ritual, we can't show you a photo but one of our guest did a lovely drawing of the singing wells. Guests have commented that their morning with Mark at the Singing Wells was the highlight, not just of their time at Sarara, but of their trip overall.

Sarara is the only place in the world where one can view this magical and timeless tribal tradition.

Annie Tempest @ The O'Shea Gallery, London - www.tottering.com