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.