Cultural Tours in Kenya

Cultural Tours in Kenya takes you for an amazing encounter with Kenya’s indigenous tribes. You can experience the traditional beliefs, dances, pastoral lifestyle, festivals, marriage rituals, polygamous customs, cuisine, and way of life of Kenyan tribes by traveling to them.

It will become evident to you when visiting these tribes how kind Kenyans are to visitors. After meeting the people, many tourists have decided to make Kenya their permanent home because of how fascinating the country’s culture is.

The interfaith marriages, migrants, and foreign expatriates who originally settled along the coast of East Africa have had a significant impact on Kenyan culture. Because of this, it is feasible to travel to some of the most ape-like tribes in Africa as well as those that have adopted contemporary lifestyles in the larger towns and islands.

Every significant city and the dominating tribe in the area determines the unique cultural identity of the city. Although Swahili is the most widely used language, English is the official language. While each tribe group continues to speak its own language, Swahili serves as a unifying language for everybody.

Why go for a cultural adventure in Kenya?

Getting to know the people of an other nation not only broadens your understanding of your own, but it also helps you get rid of whatever prejudices you may have against them. You understand the reasons behind people’s actions, what sets them apart, and what lessons you may take away.

The importance of the extended family and community-based childrearing are two examples. In addition to seeing the native groups residing near the national parks, there is also a chance to tour central markets and schools to discover how people make a living.

For additional information, consider reading about the things to do in Kenya. We also have some fascinating articles about things to do in Maasai Mara and Nairobi. Our post about Tanzania’s cultural attractions could also be of interest to you.

Kenya’s Cultural Attractions

Narok’s Loita Plains:

One of the few native tribes in Africa who have preserved its culture is the Maasai. The Maasai are known for being courageous warriors and are a proud and self-assured people. Their propensity of carrying spears, together with their bright attire and jewelry, make them stand out. The Maasai are totally reliant on In addition, there will be opportunities for you to dance around the campfire and listen to folk tales.

 Spend time with the Luo Speaking individuals:

 One of Kenya’s three major tribes is the Luo. The group left South Sudan and crossed Uganda to go to Kenya. These days, the majority reside in Kisumu or the larger Nyanza province, which is near Lake Victoria. In addition to taking in the rich cultural heritage of the Luo people, your trip will also take you to Lake Victoria and the Kit-Mikayi. For the Luo people, Kit-Mikayi is a historically significant rock formation. This rock is still visited by numerous villages for prayers and sacrifices.

Discover Lamu’s Islamic Culture:

The oldest town along the the coast of Kenya. It is an archipelago consisting of other islands like Kiwayu. Being a predominantly Muslim and Swahili town, Lamu is one of the greatest locations in Kenya to experience Swahili culture.

The first Arab traders arrived there as early as the eleventh century, and it is a terrific site to learn about their way of life. On the island, they still use donkeys for transportation and dhows for crossing the Indian Ocean.

During a normal visit, visitors spend some time strolling through the town’s winding alleyways before heading to the several islands’ immaculate beaches. Water sports and swimming with dolphins are two other things to do in Lamu.

When your trip to the archipelago is over, you would have learned a great deal about the history of the Swahili language and culture in addition to admiring stunning scenery and historic structures.

A Meeting with El Molo and the Turkana:

Similar to the Maasai, the Turkana people reside in the northern region of Kenya and are pastoralists. Because of the aridity of their surroundings, they are forced to travel constantly in search of new pasture and water for their animals.

The Turkana people are gradually adopting alternative means of subsistence as the effects of climate change and land degradation become more apparent. They can now be seen working in towns or as Lake Turkana fishermen.

Similar to the Maasai, visiting the Turkana will provide an incredible cultural experience. Without a trip to Lake, a visit is not complete.Turkana to pay a visit to the El Molo tribe, which is under danger.

Visit the Kamba People in Machakos;

 They are one of Kenya’s more well-known and outspoken tribes. They reside mostly in Machakos Town. This town has seen significant development in recent years, and it is currently a popular tourist destination. Recently, a whole national park was created near Machakos, where interested tourists can see some of Kenya’s well-known species.

The Indigenous People:

Among the Maasai’s closest relatives are the Samburu. Similar to the Maasai, the Samburu have refrained from allowing Western influences to diminish their traditional ways. They are from what is now South Sudan and speak Maa, just like the Maasai. They came to Kenya. Their manner of dancing is comparable to Maasai dance and entails high-circle dancing.

The Samburu are pastoralists who live nomadic lifestyles and rely on their livestock to survive. The Samburu eat the flesh, milk, and blood of cows. They will not sell their animals unless it is an urgent need for cash. The Mijikenda Kaya woodlands are a must-see if you want to learn about the distinctive cultures found in several regions of Kenya.

There are 11 forests in the area – each surrounded by villages which were built in the sixteenth century. The elders in the villages were left to preserve the traditional values after the majority of the villagers left in the 1940s.

The elders have made sure that their customs and beliefs from long ago are upheld. Explore the Mijikenda Kaya woodlands to get a genuine distinct cultural encounter that is unrelated to anything else we have covered thus far.

Visiting the Bomas of Kenya:

This is a great option if you do not have enough time to visit each unique tribe in the countryside. The center is located along Lang’ata Road in Nairobi and was established in 1971. Kenya’s Bomas are unique because they provide diversity, which enables visitors to see, feel, and discover every aspect of the country’s many ethnic groups. Since there is a lot to take in, we advise you to dedicate a whole day to experiencing it all.

Mombasa:

In addition to taking in the stunning beaches of the One of the best locations to encounter Swahili culture in all its forms is Mombasa, on the Indian Ocean. Indeed, there is a proverb that says you have not had a cultural safari in Kenya until you have spoken with a Mombasa native.

Listening to the Swahili spoken in Mombasa may cause Kenyan nationals to doubt their level of language proficiency. The Arab and Persian traders who first came to the East African coast more than 400 years ago had a profound impact on Mombasa’s culture.

The Swahili culture emerged as a result of their intermarriage with the native population beautiful architectural marvels that stand alone as distinct attractions were left behind by the Arabs, Persians, and Europeans.

For instance, Fort Jesus was constructed in 1593 by the Portuguese to guard the coastline and maintain authority over the profitable trade with the mainland. You can read up about Mombasa’s tourist attractions.

The Carnivore restaurant:

You can just go to the Carnivore restaurant’s theme nights if you are in Nairobi and do not have enough time to explore the upcountry communities. Every major tribe in Kenya, including the Kikuyu, Luo, Kamba, Luhya, and Kalenjin, has a theme night.

Every night, a single tribe is showcased to show case their customary dance, music, cuisine, and locally brewed beer. Overall, going to the Carnivore restaurant’s theme nights offers special chances to learn about the various tribes’ cultures without having to travel up the country.

National Museums and Archives:

 It is also advised that short-term visitors to the nation pay a visit to the National Museums and Archives. All of Kenya’s cultural groups’ documents are kept at the National Archives in Nairobi.

It is also a rewarding experience to visit Kenya’s National Museums, where you can view cultural artifacts and other material that the British colonial authority left behind. A local dance group is always available to provide entertainment for guests and highlight the positive aspects of Kenyan culture.