She Married an African Warrior: 21 Years Later, Look at Her Life Now | HO

When Gemma Berford, a bright 25-year-old graduate from Oxford University, traveled to Tanzania in 1999, she never imagined that her life would change forever. Originally from Hampshire, England, Gemma was working on a charity project when she met and fell in love with a Masai warrior named Lesar Ole Nungila. Their unexpected romance defied cultural norms and captivated the world.

Gemma first encountered Lesar at a cultural fair in Arusha, Tanzania, where he performed with a traditional Masai dance group. Despite the initial language barrier—Gemma spoke no Swahili, and Lesar knew no English—their connection was immediate. After returning to England to finish her studies, Gemma found herself frequently thinking about the warrior she had met.

Upon graduating from Oxford, Gemma returned to Tanzania to support community development projects. By this time, Lesar had become chairman of “Angerion,” a charity dedicated to preserving Masai culture. Together, they built a small school in Lesar’s remote village, Elui. Their shared passion for community service and natural medicine strengthened their bond.

Initially cautious about their feelings due to their vastly different backgrounds, Gemma even attempted a brief relationship with an Oxford colleague named Alex Bell. However, a terrifying incident in December 2000 became a turning point. Gemma was aboard a British Airways flight that was hijacked mid-air. Confronted with the possibility of death, she realized her true feelings were for Lesar, not Alex.

In April 2001, Gemma returned to Tanzania for a six-month project, where Lesar served as her translator. During this time, Gemma expressed her feelings, and Lesar revealed that he too had been in love with her for a long time. In Masai tradition, declaring love implied marriage, so they quickly decided to wed.

Their decision initially shocked both families. Gemma’s parents were concerned about her adapting to Masai village life, while Lesar’s family was wary of this cross-cultural union. Nevertheless, both families gradually accepted the relationship after meeting in Tanzania and England.

In January 2003, Gemma and Lesar married in a traditional Masai ceremony in Elui, attended by Gemma’s family and hundreds of Masai villagers. Gemma embraced her new life, living in a mud hut without electricity or running water. She adapted by installing solar panels and modern conveniences, blending her Western upbringing with traditional Masai living.

The couple welcomed their first daughter, Lucia, in 2004 and their second, Susanna, in 2005. Gemma and Lesar continued their community work, co-founding initiatives to support women’s rights, education, and sustainable practices. They actively campaigned against harmful traditional practices, notably female genital mutilation (FGM), which affects millions of girls worldwide. Gemma introduced alternative rites of passage, replacing the dangerous practice with education and empowerment, significantly impacting the local community.

Additionally, Gemma and Lesar launched a safari company called Oureti, offering tourists authentic experiences of Masai life. Their unique story attracted global attention, symbolizing how love could bridge cultural divides.

However, despite their deep connection, the marriage ended in 2010. The exact reasons remain private, but speculation suggests that Lesar wanted to follow Masai customs and take additional wives—a practice Gemma was unwilling to accept. Following their separation, Gemma returned to the United Kingdom with her daughters, maintaining strong ties with Tanzania.

Today, 21 years after her remarkable marriage, Gemma is 47 and continues her advocacy work. She serves as co-director of the Global Initiative for Traditional Systems of Health and has co-edited publications for the World Health Organization. Gemma is also a respected author, healer, and facilitator, helping others find inner peace and purpose.

Her daughter, Lucia, now 21, has become a successful photographer and leads a youth organization called Elevate Young Minds, dedicated to solving global issues. Susanna, now 20, maintains a more private life but remains closely connected to her Tanzanian heritage.

Gemma’s extraordinary journey—from Oxford graduate to Masai bride, and now an influential advocate and educator—highlights the complexities and beauty of cross-cultural relationships. Although her marriage ultimately ended, the experience profoundly shaped her life’s purpose and continues to inspire countless others around the world.

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