A Maasai dance near Tsavo East gives me a new role, several singing companions and the most impressive hairstyle of my journey through Kenya.
This Maasai dance near Tsavo East became one of the most colourful and unexpected moments of my journey through Kenya. During my visit to a Maasai village near Voi, I was invited to join a group of men who were singing, moving together and clearly enjoying the fact that their visitor had suddenly become part of the performance.
I no longer remember whether I was following a particular dance or simply trying to keep up with everyone around me. Judging by the expressions in the photograph, precision was probably less important than participation. With our arms linked and the whole group singing or laughing, I stopped being an observer and briefly became part of the scene.
The most noticeable detail is the enormous lion-mane headdress placed on my head. It immediately changed my appearance and added an appropriately wild finishing touch to my striped shirt and white trousers. Surrounded by traditional red, blue and patterned Maasai clothing, I was not exactly difficult to identify as the guest—but at least my new hairstyle gave me a fighting chance.
That is where the title “The Lion Went Straight to My Head” came from. It plays with the English expression about success going to someone’s head, although in my case the lion appears to have taken the phrase quite literally. For a few minutes, I had the most impressive hairstyle in the village and probably the least convincing dance technique.
What I value most about this photograph is the atmosphere. Nobody looks stiff or formally posed. The smiles, open gestures and movement make the scene feel spontaneous and welcoming. I may not remember the name of the song or every detail of what we were doing, but I clearly remember being invited to join rather than simply watch.
This Maasai dance near Tsavo East remains a warm memory of connection, humour and participation. Sometimes the best travel photographs are created when I put aside the role of photographer, step into the frame and accept whatever happens next—even when it involves wearing a lion on my head.- Date
- 2026-01-01