Susan Deslaurier

Nariku Travel Experiences Owner and Travel Consultant

Susan traveled to more than a dozen countries before her heart was captured by East Africa. She first visited Kenya and Tanzania in January, 2007 as a board member of Asante Africa Foundation. Through her work with the Foundation she lived and worked alongside the people of Kenya and Tanzania during yearly visits. Her many visits gave her the opportunity to learn about local culture, challenges faced by the community, and the vision of the future held by local leaders. Her friendships deepened with members of the Maasai community of Maji Moto, where she returned often for personal retreat and exploration of the spiritual, cultural, and natural surroundings.

In 2008, Susan and Maasai Chief Salaton Ole Ntutu collaborated on a plan to bridge the cultural divide between the United States and Africa by sharing the spirit and nature of Kenya and the Maasai with travelers. Along with their local and international team members, they knew their plan would help visitors reignite the connection all people have to their ancestors and the Earth. Salaton was already established as a camp owner and tour leader in Kenya, and Susan founded her US based tour business on a vision of tours to the area that would include exposure to Maasai ceremonies, daily life, and stories of Maasai people. Tours included exploration of the amazing game reserves along with with lodging in luxury tented camps known to make positive contributions to the environment and community programs, and to provide respectful employment opportunities for local people.

Susan left her corporate job as consultant and executive coach in the health care industry to pursue her dream of contributing to the peace and health of the world through cultural exchange.

Salaton Ole Ntutu

Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp Owner and Kenya Business Partner

Born and raised in the heart of the African Savanna, Salaton is a community chief, shaman, and warrior of the Maasai tribe.

A tradition practiced by the Maasai for centuries, Salaton left his family at age 14 to begin “warriorship.” This meant surviving in the African bush for more than 7 years with nothing but his blanket and spear. He faced wild animals and was at times forced to kill lions, leopards, and buffalo with just a knife and spear. Salaton relied on survival skills he learned as a young boy, including an understanding of the natural world that is largely absent in the western world.

As a child, Salaton was chosen to receive the spiritual knowledge of his ancestors. He was blessed with spiritual and energetic gifts which enable him to experience strong connections with people and nature. He uses his gifts for communication, healing, and protection of others and carries on the medicine work of his late mother, a renowned medicine woman, midwife, and shamanic healer.

Today in his village of Maji Moto, Salaton is an elder and key partner to international nonprofit organizations supporting the Narok region. He is recognized for his courage and wisdom. He has been advisor to international organizations that support the creation of schools, student scholarships, programs to end female circumcision and early marriage, protection of widows, and environmental and health projects.

Salaton’s passion in life is to preserve his community’s culture and environment and the goals of his tourism business are to provide jobs and job training to local people, and to make donations to support community projects.

Learn more about Salaton’s Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp.