The Location of Bomas of Kenya and Things to Do
The Bomas of Kenya is one of the exciting places to visit in Nairobi. This is where you can learn about the original culture of almost all of the tribes in Kenya including their traditional homesteads, costumes, crafts, traditional dance, music, and many more.
This cultural center was founded in 1971 by the Government of Kenya. This was 8 years after the country achieved independence from British colonial rule. It was established to “preserve, showcase, and promote the rich and diverse cultures of various ethnic groups of Kenya.”
Bomas of Kenya was named after the Kiswahili word ‘boma’ which means an enclosed fence of thorns set up to protect livestock or a homestead. Let’s look at interesting things to do at this amazing place, its location, and entrance fees for residents and non-residents.
Why you should visit the Bomas of Kenya
A safari in Kenya is not complete without visiting the Bomas of Kenya. This is a living museum with many interesting things to offer.
Cultural experiences
If you thought visiting the Maasai village is enough, the Bomas of Kenya has several bomas each constructed in a unique style depicting the traditional lifestyle of every Kenyan tribe including the Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Mijikenda, Kisii, Kamba, Luhya, and Kuria, to name a few.
The 22 huts are all beautifully done in a serene wooded environment. Most of them are built using mud for walls, cow dung for plastering, and grass or reeds for roofing. You will see kitchenware, furniture, ornaments, musical instruments, and weapons from these ethnic groups.
Traditional performances
Visitors to the Bomas of Kenya are also treated to traditional dances and beautiful folk songs performed at the auditorium on the site. Several groups including the National Harambee Dancers will showcase the country’s beauty and talent of dance since the 1970s.
You will agree with me that those talented dancers deserve special attention. Their vibrant costumes and energetic performances were something I had never seen before. The two-hour show makes everyone want more. I was surprised that anyone could also join the dancers on the stage.
Traditional cuisines
The Utamaduni Restaurant on the site has plenty of sumptuous Kenyan foods and exotic cuisines with vegetarian options. You can order nyama choma (local barbecue) and ugali (made from corn flour), mukimo which is a specialty in a Kikuyu community, or matoke a form of plantain bananas cherished by the Kisii people.
Traditional chicken, fish, and various types of vegetables are also served. As you enjoy your meals, you can also see some wild hogs roaming in the beautiful gardens, not to mention the sight and sounds of songbirds all around.
Conference facilities
The auditorium at the Bomas of Kenya is one of the largest in Africa, with a capacity of over 3,000. It is prized for key national conferences, cultural performances, and events of all kinds. This is where Kenya’s election results are always tallied and announced during general elections.
Bomas of Kenya has also a research library and a multimedia center where teachers, researchers, and students can access different materials including photos, videos, and books useful for learning about the diverse cultures of the Kenyan People and their way of life.
How to get there
The Bomas of Kenya is located in the Langata area, approximately 10 kilometers from Nairobi’s Central Business District. The destination is also 30 30-minute drive from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via the Nairobi Expressway and the Southern Bypass.
Taking a taxi is the quickest and most convenient means to the Bomas of Kenya. A bus from the city center is the cheapest alternative but not time efficient. If coming with a tour operator, you’ll likely also visit nearby attractions such as the Nairobi National Park and the Karen Blixen Museum.
The Bomas of Kenya’s traditional homesteads are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Cultural performances take place from Monday to Friday from 2:30 pm to 4 pm, and from 3:30 pm to 5:15 pm on weekends and during public holidays. Persons of all ages are allowed to enter and a daily fee applies.
Bomas of Kenya entrance fee in 2024
When visiting the Bomas of Kenya, you can pay using a Visa, Mpesa, or through eCitizen. Here are the applicable rates.
| Category | Charges |
| Adult Kenyan citizens | Ksh 200 |
| Children Kenyan citizens | Ksh 50 |
| Kenyan school parties (Nursery to Secondary) | Ksh 50 |
| Kenyan university or college students | Ksh 100 |
| Residents/East African Community adults | Ksh 300 |
| Residents/East African Community children or students | Ksh 200 |
| Non-resident adults | Ksh 1000 |
| Non-resident children and students | Ksh 500 |
Other rates
- 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
- Wedding photo session: Ksh 10,000 (6.00 a.m to 6.00 p.m)
- Local Music Recording: Ksh 20,000 per day
Bomas of Kenya Contacts
For booking and other enquiries, you can contact the Bomas of Kenya through the following:
Phone: +254208068400, +254208890798, +254208891575, or +254202022426
Email: info@bomasofkenya.co.ke
Website: www.bomasofkenya.co.ke
I am a safari enthusiast with a strong passion for wildlife conservation. Growing up surrounded by the savannah landscapes of Africa, I developed a deep connection with nature and wildlife. My experiences range from driving to major lodges to pitching tents in major national parks in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. I strive to bring you genuine, unfiltered experiences that capture the essence of each safari in sub-Saharan Africa.
