Bomas of Kenya, a state corporation under the Ministry of Tourism, is located about 10 kilometres from the Nairobi CBD at the junction of Lang’ata and Magadi roads. For most Nairobians, access to Bomas of Kenya, has been made easier through the dualling of Lang’ata Road. Its mandate is well articulated in its brochure: to “preserve Kenya’s rich and diverse cultures”.
Bomas of Kenya is a cultural tour of Kenya’s major ethnic groups, including Mijikenda, Luo, Taita, Embu, Maasai, Kikuyu, Kamba, Kalenjin, Luhya, Kisii, and Kuria, to name a few. The word “boma” means “homestead,” Here you will find replicas of traditional villages that provide a fascinating insight into each tribe’s societal structure, crafts, music, dancing, and much more.
The Kenya Tourist Development Corporation established the Bomas of Kenya in 1971 to preserve the ancient traditions of the Kenyan people through local and international awareness and advocacy. The bomas are built using the same techniques as local tribes, so the experience is authentic, similar to what you’d find in Kenya’s remote communities. The site also has an impressive auditorium, one of the largest in Africa, which seats 3,500 people to watch the internationally renowned Harambe dancers.
Daily performances include more than 30 traditional dances from Kenya’s various ethnic groups, with the Samburu and Maasai warriors being among the most impressive. Music, theatre, fashion shows, poetry readings, sports, seminars, and various other activities may also be hosted.
As you walk from the main entrance to the auditorium, you are greeted by lush and serene greenery. Wild hogs from the nearby Nairobi game reserve graze leisurely on the grass. The main auditorium is many people’s first stop, where they can watch dance and skits from Kenya’s various ethnic groups. The show airs from 2.30 pm to 4 pm on weekdays and from 3.30 pm to 5.15 pm on weekends.
Away from the auditorium, there is a well-stocked gallery with an eclectic mix of traditional artefacts on display. You will see kitchenware, furniture, ornaments, musical instruments, ceremonial regalia, and weapons from various ethnic groups.
A trip to Kenya’s Bomas is not complete without a tour of the traditional homesteads. There are 22 homesteads tucked away in a wooded area with imposing eucalyptus trees, each representing a distinct ethnic group, ranging from the populous and well-known Luhya and Kalenjin to the less populous and lesser-known Sengwer, Sakuye, and Ilchamus. One can see how houses were built and distributed in various homesteads, as well as the position, occupants, and importance of each house in a homestead.
Bomas of Kenya Location
Bomas is about 10 km from the City centre. One can visit the Bomas of Kenya location on Forest Edge Road, Off Lang’ata Road in Lang’ata. The Bomas of Kenya directions from the city centre require someone to take public transportation from the Shell Haile Selassie Junction bus station to the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya Station.
Bomas of Kenya Activities
1. Cultural Performances
Bomas of Kenya, is known for its traditional dance performances. Visitors can enjoy traditional dances from different ethnic groups in Kenya, such as the Maasai, Kikuyu, Luo, Kalenjin, and many others.
2. Cultural Exhibitions
The centre has a large collection of artefacts that represent the diverse cultures of Kenya. These artefacts include clothing, jewellery, musical instruments, and household items.
3. Workshops
Bomas of Kenya offers workshops in various traditional crafts such as beadwork, basket weaving, and pottery making. Visitors can learn from experienced craftsmen and women and even try their hand at these crafts.
4. Language Lessons
Visitors can also learn some of the local languages spoken in Kenya, such as Swahili and Kikuyu. Language classes are taught by native speakers and are a great way to learn about the culture and customs of those who speak these languages.
5. Guided Tours
Bomas of Kenya offers guided tours of the centre and its exhibits. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the different ethnic groups in Kenya and the significance of their customs and traditions.
6. Traditional Games
Visitors can also play traditional games such as Mancala and Bao. These games have been played in Kenya for generations and are a fun way to experience the culture of the country.
7. Food
Bomas of Kenya also has a Utamaduni Restaurant, that serves traditional Kenyan food. Visitors can enjoy sumptuous meals ranging from local barbecue (nyamachoma); Kenya’s staple food ugali (maize porridge); and community-specific specialities (the Gikuyu mukimo/potatoes speciality; the Abagusii matoke/plantain bananas; the Abaluhya traditional ingokho/chicken and green vegetables, etc.); to fish and chips…are all at your disposal at pocket-friendly prices.
8. Picnics
There is a magnificent botanical garden, which features a pleasing mix of indigenous trees like the cape fig and wild date palm, as well as exotic trees like the casuarina, Indian rubber plant, and jacaranda, to name a few. Picnics are allowed in the botanical garden for a fee of Ksh 100 for adults and Ksh 50 for children. The botanical gardens are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
Bomas Of Kenya Entrance Fees & Rates
Category | Charges |
Kenyan Citizens – ADULTS | Ksh 200 |
Kenyan Citizens – CHILDREN | Ksh 50 |
Kenyan Citizens – SCHOOL PARTIES (Nursery to Secondary) | Ksh 50 |
Kenyan Citizens – UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE STUDENTS | Ksh 100 |
Residents/East African Community – ADULTS | Ksh 300 |
Residents/East African Community – CHILDREN & STUDENTS | Ksh 200 |
Non-Residents – ADULTS | Ksh 1000 |
Non-Residents – CHILDREN | Ksh 500 |
Non-Residents – COLLEGE STUDENTS | Ksh 500 |
Other Rates
1. Conferences, AGMs Meetings Functions, and Events.
- Auditorium: Ksh 348,000 per day
- Multipurpose Hall: Ksh 232,000 per day
- VIP Lounge: Ksh 35,000 per day
- Restaurant Lounge: Ksh 20,000 per day
- Wedding Ground: Ksh 50,000 per day
- Hire of Grounds: Ksh 102,280 per day
- Wedding in the traditional villages: Ksh 50,000 per day
- Cultural Dinner: Ksh 4,800 per Pax
2. Photography
Wedding photo session – Ksh 10,000 (6.00 am to 6.00 pm)
3. Video Recording or Filming
Local Music Recording – Ksh 20,000 per day
4. Children’s PlayGround
The entry fee per child is Ksh 50, while for School parties is Ksh 30 (4 hours)
Bomas Of Kenya Opening Hours
- Sunday to Friday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Performances;
- Monday to Friday: 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
- Weekends & Public Holidays: 3:30 pm to 5:15 pm
Traditional Kenyan Homesteads;
- Visiting Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Bomas of Kenya Contacts
Phone: +254208891802, +254208890795/8, +254202022426 (Conferencing)
Email: info@bomasofkenya.co.ke
Thanks , bt it good to have a safaricom contact if it is not available
Thanks , bt it good to have a safaricom contact if it is not available
I went to bomas n I was overcharged,school children@200 and @500 per adult n they didn’t give me a chance to talk.
when was that?
I have a receipt on that
Kindly share