Kenya is a country of spectacular geographical features, diverse wild life and colorful people that make tourists to be pulled towards the country. Though Kenya is famous for its spectacular wildlife and the famous savannahs of the world, there is so much more to this country than just the fantastic wildlife and the big five. Outside of the national parks and game reserves is a wealth of cultural attractions that are a true representation of the nation’s cultures. Kenya is a country where history and modernity meet and where cultural and natural attractions complement each other.
explore the cultural aspect of Kenya reveals more about the lifestyle, culture and creativity of the 42 tribes in the country. From the Maasai who open their homesteads to you, the Swahili who take you through the streets of Lamu Old Town or the Samburu who offer you a glimpse of their colorful ceremonies, it is all Kenya. Visitors get an opportunity to learn the local music and dancing, taste Kenyan food directly, and meet indigenous peoples who are in harmony with nature. These make any Kenyan holiday a discovery and interaction with the destination, thus the journey.
When you want to travel, Kenya holiday and Kenya tour services are ideal since they combine culture and wildlife tours. From the Kaya forests, which are considered as sacred to Swahili inspired coastal towns, every place offers a different story. When you move away from the animals, there is much more to see in the country and embrace in Kenya than can be offered to the traditional tourist.
Here are seven cultural experiences to help you make the most of your trip to this gem of East Africa.
1. Discover the Maasai Culture
The Maasai people who are easily identified by their brightly colored shuka or wrapper and skirts and the jumping dance (Adumu) are among the most popular tribes of Kenya. This is a cultural and historical tour that will enable you to meet the Maasai people, see their way of life and their artwork. Attend story-telling sessions, listen to folklore and buy beautiful beadwork souvenirs to show that you were part of the journey.
2. Explore Lamu Old Town
Lamu Old Town is a coastal Swahili town on the Kenyan coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the tight alleys, check out the intricate doors, and get to know how the locals build the dhow boats. When in Lamu, one cannot afford to miss the Lamu Cultural Festival, which entails Swahili music, poetry, and dances among others.
3. Engage with the Samburu Tribe
Today, we go to Northern Kenya to visit the Samburu people, who are the cousins of the Maasai. The dresses and trousers they wear, the hairdos and the ornaments they wear also bear testimony to their origin. They have been involved in traditional ceremonies, learn about their herding culture and be hosted by them all within the beautiful Samburu National Reserve.
4. Visit the Bomas of Kenya
Situated in Nairobi, the Bomas of Kenya has been established to give the visitor a feel of the Kenyan ethnic community. This cultural facility comprises of model Kikuyu and Meru houses, music and dancing from all the 42 tribes in Kenya. For those who are in a hurry, it is an excellent way to get acquainted with the cultural diversity of the nation.
5. Get to know about Mijikenda Kaya Forests
The Mijikenda people live in the sacred Kaya Forests located along the coast of Kenya. These forests are sacred and have cultural values and are listed as world heritage sites by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural organization. Visit the sites of the Kaya people and discover their beliefs, customs and their conservation policies.
6. Taste Kenyan Cuisine
This article takes you through a tour of some of the Kenyan cuisines that you should not miss trying out. Taste the juicy Nyama Choma, Ugali – a stiff porridge made from maize, and Sukuma Wiki – collard greens. Go shopping to local markets for fruits and vegetables, and taste seafood and other coastal dishes such as biryani, and coconut-based meals that are influenced by the Arabic and Indian origins of the Swahili people.
7. Engage in Traditional Festivals
The festivals of Kenya are cultural, they aim at promoting the cultural practices of the country. The Turkana Festival in the north includes the cultural performances like songs, dances and crafts, and the Maralal Camel Derby is a sports activities which also include culture. These are colourful events that you should attend to interface with the local groups and celebrate their cultures.
Taste and Explore Kenya in a New Way
Kenya is a cultural hub that has not been fully unravelled. If you are interested in the traditions of the aboriginal people, or you want to taste dishes of the Swahili, Kenya will not leave you indifferent. While choosing your Kenya tour or Kenya holiday, try to opt for those packages that include the wildlife viewing with these interesting cultural experiences.
Explore in Kenya and dig deeper than the wildlife and come out with stories and memories that are worth telling.
Conclusion
Kenya is not only a country that can be associated with wildlife safaris that are famous all over the world. This gives travel a unique prospect because of its cultural, ethnical, and historical characteristics. From swirling with the Maasai, to feeling the Lamu Old Town’s historical appeal, to savoring the Kenyan cuisine taste explosion, every experience transports you to the center of Kenya’s rich culture.
When choosing Kenya tour packages and Kenya holiday packages, one can easily include such cultural trips with exciting wildlife tours. With an array of activities ranging from interacting with the local tribes to dancing in traditional festivals, Kenya is a destination that guarantees as much learning as it does adventure.
Deviate from the usual tourist trail and experience the arts that makes Kenya unique in the world. Make sure that traditions, stories, and people will stay in your heart and you will have amazing experience in Kenya.