After my visit to the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, I decided to do something in line with history and culture! Then I found my way to Bomas of Kenya!
Bomas of Kenya is a tourist village in Lagata, Nairobi. Bomas (homesteads) displays traditional villages belonging to the several Kenyan tribes. Bomas of Kenya is home to one of largest auditorium in Africa. Here, you get to explore the traditional lifestyle of Kenyan tribes, at the end of this tour, you get to learn and understand the cultural heritage of Kenya. I took this tour with an old couple that has been touring Africa for weeks (very sweet and kind people), our tour guide was very sound in the history of the tribes and how they cohabit. I got to see the homestead of the Barak Obama, I felt like I watched his ancestors grow! It is a long stretch as you have the recreation of different tribes and their communal life represented; about 42 different ethnic groups in Kenya and how they live on a daily basis.
These traditional houses are set out in clusters according to the region. The homes are grouped with the first wife's hut, second wife's hut, granary etc and you can see where the livestock are kept and the enormous variety between the huts.
On my way back, I was almost attacked by a baboon, I think this creatures have a thing for fine girls, anyway I was rescued by some locals and the men in my tour group “a damsel in distress always sells”. After the homestead tour, I went into the auditorium for the traditional dance performances, songs and folklore, this performances are jaw-dropping filled with waist whining and lots of acrobatics. The talented resident artists at this cultural centre perform traditional dances and songs taken from the country’s various tribal groups, including Arabic-influenced Swahili taarab music, Kalenjin warrior dances, Embu drumming and Kikuyu circumcision ceremonies. The dancers (Bomas Harambee Dancers) can perform over 50 dances from different ethnic communities with live percussion, string and wind instruments, they will take you on a journey through Kenya’s past and present.
The dance performances starts 2:30-4:00pm every day apart from public holidays, I got to watch the following dance performances; Bule Shurimale (Borona), Nyatiti (Luo), Mwinjiro (Embu/Meru), Mwoboko (Kikuyu), Percussion, Litungu (Bukusu), Makonde, Eunoto (Maasai), Orutu (Luo) and the Acrobatic Show, it was mind blowing!
Bomas of Kenya is the ideal place to bring energetic children as they can freely run in and out of the traditional houses & mud huts, climb up ladders and generally have a wonderfully active time.
I recommend Bomas of Kenya!
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Life is beautiful......
Read moreBomas of Kenya is a cultural village located in Langata, Nairobi. The village is home to replicas of traditional homesteads from 23 of Kenya's ethnic groups. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of each group through guided tours, traditional dances, and music performances.
I visited Bomas of Kenya on a recent trip to Nairobi, and I was really impressed. The village is beautifully designed, and the traditional homesteads are incredibly well-preserved. The guided tours are informative and engaging, and the traditional dances and music performances are truly amazing.
I particularly enjoyed learning about the different cultural practices of each ethnic group. I learned about their unique clothing, their traditional foods, and their methods of making music and art. I also learned about their history and their relationship with the land.
Bomas of Kenya is a great place to learn about the rich and diverse culture of Kenya. It is also a great place to experience traditional Kenyan music and dance. I highly recommend visiting Bomas of Kenya if you are ever in Nairobi.
Pros:
Beautifully designed village Informative and engaging guided tours Amazing traditional dances and music performances Learn about the rich and diverse culture of Kenya
Cons:
Can be crowded during peak season Entrance fee can be a bit pricey
Overall:
A great place to learn about Kenyan culture and experience traditional Kenyan music and dance!
Here are some additional details about Bomas of Kenya:
The village is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Admission is KES 1000 for adults and KES 500 for children. There is a gift shop on site where you can buy souvenirs and educational materials about Kenyan culture. I...
Read moreBomas of Kenya is a cultural center located in Langata, Nairobi, established to promote and preserve Kenya's rich and diverse cultural heritage. Here are some key points:
Cultural Showcases: Bomas of Kenya features traditional homesteads (bomas) representing various ethnic groups in Kenya. Each boma is constructed to reflect the traditional architecture and lifestyle of the respective community.
Traditional Dances: The center is renowned for its vibrant performances of traditional dances, music, and songs. These performances provide insight into the diverse cultural expressions found across Kenya's ethnic groups.
Crafts and Artifacts: Visitors can view and purchase traditional crafts and artifacts, including beadwork, pottery, and textiles, showcasing the craftsmanship of different communities.
Educational Programs: Bomas of Kenya offers educational programs and workshops on Kenyan culture and traditions, aimed at both locals and tourists. These programs are designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kenya's cultural diversity.
Conference Facilities: The center also has conference facilities that can host various events, including cultural seminars, corporate meetings, and social gatherings.
Historical Significance: Established in 1971, Bomas of Kenya has played a significant role in preserving Kenya's cultural heritage and providing a platform for cultural exchange.
Overall, Bomas of Kenya is a key institution for anyone interested in experiencing the cultural richness of Kenya in a single,...
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