English
A Guide to the Bomas of Kenya
You are probably hearing the word ‘boma’ for the first time, especially if you are not an African. ‘Boma’ is a Swahili phrase meaning an enclosure for livestock or a community, and also used to refer to a ‘homestead’. It is a term that is common with the East African countries of Africa.
By this definition then, ‘Bomas of Kenya’ is the place you expect to learn something about Kenya’s major ethnic groups, and how they live their lives, the music they play, crafts they made, etc., and it is. Some people have defined it as a ‘living museum’.
Located only 12 kilometres from the Nairobi city centre and close to other attractions in the city including the Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick’s Wildlife Trust, The Bomas of Kenya is a must visit when you are in Nairobi.
The site actually has replicas of traditional homesteads, almost like a small village that gives you an insight into how different tribes lived in Kenya, especially because the structures are built to mimic the real houses lived in by those in the rural communities of Kenya.
It also has a large auditorium that sits about 3,500 people.
The site is used for traditional performances, acrobatic shows, and also for political or private conferences.
There are daily performances of over 30 traditional dances representing different tribes in Kenya including the Maasai, which include dances, music, fashion shows, etc.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 8.00am to 6.00 pm.
Entry fees are Kshs. 200 for Kenyan citizen adults, Kshs. 100 for university and college students, Kshs. 50 for other children, and Kshs. 1000 for foreigners.
