In 1986, Hofmann and her boyfriend Marco traveled to Kenya, where she encountered a Samburu warrior named Lketinga Leparmorijo and felt an immediate attraction. Leaving Marco behind, she returned to Switzerland to sell her belongings and, in 1987, went back to Kenya, determined to reunite with Lketinga. She succeeded, and the couple began living together, eventually getting married and welcoming a daughter.
Hofmann settled into her mother-in-law’s manyatta (compound) and embraced life as a Samburu woman, taking on tasks like gathering wood and water. She also started a small shop in the village, selling essential goods to the local community.
Hofmann faced numerous challenges, including health issues—primarily malaria—and difficulties in her marriage. Her husband’s escalating jealousy, likely fueled by his addiction to the drug khat (miraa), strained their relationship. In 1990, she made the decision to return to Switzerland permanently, taking her daughter with her. Later, she penned a memoir about her experiences, titled The White Massai, which became a sensational success. The book has been translated into multiple languages and was adapted into a film of the same name in 2005, featuring Nina Hoss and Jacky Ido.
In 2004, she made her first visit back to her Samburu family. On her next trip, she brought along her daughter with Lketinga. This heartfelt reunion is detailed in her book, Afrika, meine Passion.
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