Bomas of Kenya
The village shows the native building styles of 23 of Kenya’s more than 40 ethnic groups. It is sometimes called “Kenya in miniature.” One of the biggest auditoriums in Africa is right next to the outdoor bomas.
These are the Harambee Dancers, Kenya’s national dance company. They can perform more than 50 songs from Kenya’s many ethnic groups. This very talented group will take you on a musical journey through Kenya’s past with drums, string instruments, and wind instruments. Every day, dozens of traditional dances and songs are performed in this 3,000-seat arena. Samburu and Maasai fighters put on amazing shows.
You can go to the different “villages” of the different ethnic groups on the grounds of the Bomas and compare how they are built and organized.
In the tradition of one group, there will be a hut for the first wife, a hut for the second wife, and so on.
At another farm, the placement of granaries will show how important different family members are. Keep an eye out for different ways to divide rooms and decorations that show the locals’ roles and duties.
The Bomas are a choice among kids because they are so cozy. They can look around the traditional homes, climb ladders, and basically run around the different huts that are set up.
The Kenya Tourist Development Corporation opened the center in 1971 to protect and share Kenya’s rich cultural history and ancient customs. Someone creative and business-minded came up with the idea for the complex and planned it out. His name was Barack Obama Sr., and he was the father of the 44th head of state.
The center has done very well, with over 10 million visitors. It was a great plan that had its time. People across the country also hold it in high respect, and in 2003, the National Constitutional Conference was held there, where the Bomas Draft, a draft of the new constitution, was made.
About Kenya’s Bomas
It is in the neighborhood of Lang’ata, which is about 9.5 km (6 mi) from the city center of Nairobi. The main gate to Nairobi National Park is close by.
As for the weather, Nairobi is warm and gets a lot of rain all year long. The temperature here is 20oC (68oF) on average.
When it’s Open: The Bomas is open every day from 10:00 am to 18:00 pm. Monday through Friday from 14:30 to 16:00, and on weekends and holidays from 15:30 to 17:15.
The best way to get there is to book a tour in Nairobi with African Safari Kenya.
By air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the main airport that serves Nairobi, the capital city.
Things to See and Do
The food at the Utamaduni Restaurant is as varied as the Bomas’ traditional shows. Some of the favorites you can eat are ingokho chicken, matoke plantain bananas, and mukimo potatoes.
Playground for kids—As we already said, the Bomas are a great place for kids to play, learn, and roam. Also, there is a big play place just for little kids.
Craft Shops—There are a number of stores that sell the handmade goods of area artists. You can look at the crafts, beads, traditional items, and African clothes here.
There are regular cultural performances at the Center, like plays, fashion shows, poetry readings, and seminars. There are also special events that are held by the Center.
Kenyan Bomas, a traditional restaurant, Kenyan theater
Learn about the Bomas of Kenya
This one-of-a-kind cultural center is a fun and interesting way to learn about many parts of Kenyan culture. Live performances will keep you entertained, and visiting the real ethnic villages in this very different country will teach you a lot.
