Bomas of Kenya Nairobi Tourist Attraction Center

Bomas of Kenya Nairobi Tourist Attraction Center, located in Lang’ata, Nairobi, is a cultural center established in 1971 to preserve and showcase Kenya’s diverse ethnic heritage. It features traditional homesteads (Bomas), artistic performances, music, and dance from over 40 Kenyan tribes.

Visitors can experience daily shows that include folk songs, acrobatics, and dances, as well as explore replicas of traditional villages that reflect the unique architecture and lifestyles of Kenya’s ethnic groups.

The center also hosts conferences and exhibitions. Bomas of Kenya is conveniently located, approximately 21 kilometers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), 6 kilometers from Wilson Airport, and 10 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center, making it easily accessible from key points in the city.

What is the History of the Bomas of Kenya?

Bomas of Kenya Ltd was established in 1971 by the Government of Kenya under the Companies Act (CAP 486), Laws of Kenya, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kenya Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), currently Kenya Development Corporation (KDC).

It was established to preserve, showcase, and promote the rich and diverse cultures of various ethnic groups of Kenya and to act as a tourist attraction center. As the only national body with a mandate in cultural tourism, the institution is expected to preserve the authenticity of Kenya’s cultures and portray them in their pure form.

As such, Bomas of Kenya is instrumental in safeguarding Kenyan cultural heritage and many of the institution’s partners across sectors rely on its guidance, consultation, and advocacy efforts.

What activities can be done in the Bomas of Kenya Nairobi Tourist Attraction Center?

Cultural Performances: One of the main attractions at Bomas of Kenya is the daily cultural performances, which feature traditional music, dance, and folk songs from different Kenyan communities. The shows take place in a large auditorium and include energetic dances, acrobatics, and dramatized folklore stories.

The performances allow visitors to experience the vibrant traditions of Kenya’s over 40 ethnic groups, such as the Maasai warrior dances, the Kikuyu traditional dances, and Swahili taarab music. These performances are not only entertaining but also educative, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural diversity in Kenya.

Traditional Villages Tour: Another fascinating activity is the tour of the traditional homesteads, also known as Bomas. These are replicas of homes from different Kenyan tribes, showcasing various architectural designs and construction techniques unique to each community.

Visitors can walk through the villages and see how different tribes lived, including the layout of homes, the use of natural materials, and communal living practices. This activity provides a rare opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of Kenya, offering insights into how the environment and customs shaped traditional housing.

Cultural Workshops and Exhibitions: Bomas of Kenya offers workshops and exhibitions that allow visitors to delve deeper into Kenya’s culture. The workshops might include learning traditional dances, drum playing, or engaging in local crafts.

There are also regular exhibitions of artifacts, traditional crafts, and artwork. These exhibitions highlight Kenya’s cultural heritage, displaying items such as beadwork, pottery, weapons, and tools used by various tribes. This is an enriching experience for those interested in learning more about Kenya’s artistic and cultural practices.

Conferences and Events: Bomas of Kenya is a popular venue for conferences, meetings, and special events. The center has spacious halls and facilities that can accommodate large groups for corporate or social events.

Given its cultural backdrop, the venue is particularly well-suited for events that celebrate or promote Kenyan heritage. Companies and organizations often use Bomas for seminars, team-building activities, and cultural-themed events, adding a unique flavor to the corporate setting.

Dining at the Utamaduni Restaurant: After exploring the cultural aspects of Bomas, visitors can enjoy a traditional Kenyan meal at the Utamaduni Restaurant, located within the premises. The restaurant offers an array of Kenyan cuisine, from nyama choma (barbecued meat) to ugali, chapati, and local stews.

The dining experience here is designed to complement the cultural tour by allowing visitors to sample authentic Kenyan dishes while enjoying the ambiance of the center. It’s a great way to end a day of cultural immersion.

Here are some tours that take you to the Bomas of Kenya Nairobi Tourist Attraction Center:

Bomas Kenya Nairobi Cultural Day Tour | Click Here
Nairobi National Park Carnivore Bomas Kenya Tour | Click Here

Cultural Performances

Experience the rich diversity of Kenyan traditional music and dance in our daily cultural performances. Our repertoire consists of over 50 dances from different ethnic communities. With live percussion, string, and wind instruments, and diverse, authentic, and energetic dancing, Bomas Harambee Dancers will take you on a journey through Kenya’s past and present. Held in an auditorium with a seating capacity of over 3,000, the performances take place daily and provide a spectacular display of Kenya’s cultural diversity.

Different communities such as the Maasai, Kikuyu, Kamba, and Luo perform their traditional dances, which are often accompanied by live drumming, singing, and acrobatic displays. The performances are vibrant and energetic, with each dance telling a story or reflecting an aspect of the community’s way of life, whether it’s about rites of passage, harvest celebrations, or warrior traditions.

For example, the Maasai warrior dance showcases their courage and strength, while the Swahili taarab music demonstrates coastal rhythms and instruments. These performances are not only entertaining but also deeply educational, providing insights into the values, traditions, and histories of the different ethnic groups that make up Kenya.

The shows change regularly to highlight the variety of Kenya’s cultural expressions, making it an ideal introduction for both local and international visitors who want to experience the richness of Kenya’s heritage.

Traditional Villages Tour

A visit to the traditional villages at Bomas of Kenya offers an immersive experience of the lifestyles of Kenya’s ethnic communities. The center features replicas of homesteads (Bomas) from various tribes, meticulously constructed to reflect traditional architectural styles.

Each homestead is unique, showcasing the different building materials, layouts, and structures that are specific to each tribe. For instance, visitors can see the rounded, mud-walled homes of the Kikuyu, the manyatta structures of the Maasai made from cow dung and grass, or the wood and thatch homes of the Luo.

Walking through these villages, visitors gain an understanding of how geography, climate, and cultural practices influenced the design and function of these homes. Guides are available to explain the significance of different aspects of the homesteads, such as how the layout of homes reflected social organization, the use of local materials for sustainability, and how daily life was organized in these communities. The traditional village tour at Bomas of Kenya is a unique opportunity to visually and physically engage with Kenya’s ethnic diversity, making history and culture tangibly come to life.

Cultural Workshops and Exhibitions

At Bomas of Kenya, cultural workshops and exhibitions provide hands-on experiences and deeper knowledge of Kenyan traditions. These workshops often involve learning traditional dances, drumming, or craft-making, allowing participants to actively engage with the culture they are exploring. For example, visitors might learn to perform a Kikuyu dance, understand the rhythms of traditional drums, or create beadwork used by the Maasai.

These interactive sessions are usually led by skilled artisans or cultural practitioners who not only teach the techniques but also explain the cultural significance behind each activity. Alongside the workshops, regular exhibitions are held to showcase artifacts, crafts, and artworks from various communities across Kenya.

Exhibits might include traditional clothing, tools, musical instruments, and ceremonial items that provide a window into the everyday life and ceremonial practices of Kenya’s people. These exhibitions often rotate, ensuring that repeat visitors can experience different aspects of Kenyan heritage.

Whether learning a skill or viewing an exhibit, these activities offer visitors a chance to connect more personally with the diverse cultures of Kenya, making the experience at Bomas both educational and memorable.

Conferences and Events

Bomas of Kenya is not only a cultural center but also a premier venue for conferences and events, offering unique spaces that blend modern facilities with a rich cultural backdrop. With large auditoriums, meeting halls, and outdoor spaces, the venue is suitable for a range of corporate, social, and cultural events.

Many organizations and businesses choose Bomas of Kenya as a venue for their conferences, team-building sessions, and workshops due to its capacity to accommodate large groups and its proximity to central Nairobi.

The cultural surroundings add a unique flavor to events, allowing attendees to experience Kenya’s heritage while attending formal functions. For example, team-building events may incorporate cultural elements such as traditional dances, drumming sessions, or visits to traditional homesteads, providing a break from the usual corporate atmosphere.

Bomas also hosts weddings, cultural festivals, and exhibitions, drawing local and international participants. The flexibility of its spaces and the cultural richness of its environment make Bomas of Kenya an ideal location for events that seek to blend professionalism with a touch of heritage and cultural celebration.

Dining at the Utamaduni Restaurant

The Utamaduni Restaurant at Bomas of Kenya offers an authentic Kenyan dining experience, allowing visitors to taste a wide variety of local dishes. After exploring the cultural activities, visitors can relax and enjoy traditional Kenyan meals in a serene environment.

The restaurant serves classic dishes such as nyama choma (barbecued meat), ugali (maize meal), chapati, sukuma wiki (collard greens), and local stews made with chicken, beef, or goat.

These dishes are prepared using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, offering a true taste of Kenyan cuisine. Dining at Utamaduni is more than just a meal; it is part of the cultural experience, as the menu reflects the diversity of Kenya’s ethnic communities.

The restaurant also offers outdoor seating where diners can enjoy their meals while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings. Special cultural nights are sometimes organized, where guests can enjoy performances while dining.

For international visitors, this is an opportunity to try new flavors, while for locals, it provides a chance to enjoy their favorite traditional dishes. The combination of good food and a cultural atmosphere makes dining at Utamaduni Restaurant a fitting end to a day spent exploring the Bomas of Kenya.

Notes

Below are the prices of the venues for Conferences, AGMs Meetings functions, and events:

* VIP Lounge – Kshs. 35,000/= per day
* Auditorium – Kshs. 348,000/= per day
* Team Building – Kshs. 50,000/= per day
* Hire of grounds – Kshs. 102,280/= per day
* Wedding Ground – Kshs. 50,000/= per day
* Multipurpose Hall – kshs. 232,000/= per day
* Restaurant Lounge – Kshs. 20,000/= per day
* Cultural dinner/ lunch – 4,800/= per person
* Wedding in the traditional villages – Kshs. 50,000/= per day
* The picnic site is accessible between 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. The prices are as follows: Adult – Kshs. 100/= & Child – Kshs. 50/=

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