Introduction
Bomas of Kenya is a special place where you can learn about the many different cultures found in Kenya. It is a cultural center that shows how people from different ethnic groups in Kenya live. The word “bomas” means “homesteads” or homes. Bomas of Kenya means the homes of Kenya’s people.
This place is managed by the government under the Ministry of Tourism. It was started in 1971 by the Kenya Tourist Development Corporation. The goal was to keep the old traditions of Kenyan communities alive. Today, many people visit Bomas of Kenya to learn and enjoy.
Bomas of Kenya is located just about 10 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center. It is found at the junction of Lang’ata and Magadi roads. Getting there is easy because Lang’ata Road is now a dual carriageway, so the traffic moves faster.
What You Can See at Bomas of Kenya
Traditional Villages
One of the best parts of visiting Bomas of Kenya is seeing the traditional villages. These villages show how people in Kenya used to live long ago. There are 22 homesteads, each from a different ethnic group like the Luhya, Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Kamba, Luo, Maasai, Embu, Taita, Kisii, Kuria, Mijikenda, Sengwer, Ilchamus, and Sakuye.
The houses are made the same way people used to build them in their villages. You can see how the homes are placed in each compound, who lives in each house, and why they are built the way they are. This makes it fun and easy to learn how families lived in the past.
Cultural Performances
Bomas of Kenya has amazing traditional dances and music shows. These shows happen in a big auditorium that can hold 3,500 people. It is one of the biggest in Africa.
The famous Harambe dancers perform dances from more than 30 Kenyan communities. These include dances from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, Luo, Kalenjin, and many more. Visitors love watching the warriors dance and tell stories through their moves.
Cultural Exhibitions
Inside Bomas of Kenya, there is also a gallery filled with many traditional items. These include musical instruments, cooking tools, old furniture, ornaments, clothes, and weapons. These items help you learn more about how people in Kenya used to live and what they used in their daily lives.
Fun Activities at Bomas of Kenya
1. Traditional Dance Shows
The cultural performances are held every day. On weekdays, the show starts at 2:30 pm and ends at 4:00 pm. On weekends and public holidays, it starts at 3:30 pm and ends at 5:15 pm.
2. Learning Workshops
Visitors can take part in workshops. These workshops teach traditional skills like basket weaving, beadwork, and pottery. Experienced craftsmen and women teach these skills. You can even try making something with your hands.
3. Language Lessons
At Bomas of Kenya, visitors can learn local Kenyan languages. You can learn Swahili or Kikuyu from native speakers. This is a good way to understand the culture and the way people talk in different communities.
4. Guided Tours
Guided tours are also available. A guide will take you around the traditional villages and tell you about each ethnic group. You will learn about their history, customs, and why they do things in certain ways.
5. Traditional Games
There are traditional African games like Mancala and Bao that you can play. These games have been played for many years and are fun to try out with friends or family.
6. Food Experience
Bomas of Kenya also has a restaurant called Utamaduni Restaurant. Here, you can taste real Kenyan food. You can try dishes like:
- Nyama Choma (grilled meat)
- Ugali (maize meal)
- Mukimo (mashed potatoes with greens, a Kikuyu dish)
- Matoke (plantain bananas from the Kisii)
- Ingokho (chicken dish from the Luhya)
- Fish and chips
The food is tasty and affordable.
7. Picnics in the Garden
There is also a beautiful garden where you can sit and relax. It has local trees like the wild date palm and cape fig. You will also see exotic trees like the jacaranda and Indian rubber plant. You can enjoy a picnic here. Adults pay Ksh 100 and children pay Ksh 50 to use the garden.
Bomas Of Kenya Entrance Fees 2025
Now let’s talk about the main thing people want to know. The Bomas Of Kenya Entrance Fees are different for Kenyan citizens, residents from East Africa, and international visitors. The prices are fair and help keep the place running.
Entrance Fees for Individuals
| Visitor Category | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Kenyan Adults | Ksh 200 |
| Kenyan Children | Ksh 50 |
| Kenyan School Parties (Nursery to Secondary) | Ksh 50 |
| Kenyan University & College Students | Ksh 100 |
| East African Residents – Adults | Ksh 300 |
| East African Residents – Children/Students | Ksh 200 |
| Non-Residents – Adults | Ksh 1,000 |
| Non-Residents – Children | Ksh 500 |
| Non-Residents – College Students | Ksh 500 |
These are the official Bomas Of Kenya Entrance Fees for 2025.
Extra Charges for Other Activities
Bomas of Kenya also offers space for special events and services at extra costs.
1. Event Space Rental
- 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 Grounds: Ksh 50,000 per day
- Hire of Grounds (General Use): Ksh 102,280 per day
- Wedding in Traditional Villages: Ksh 50,000 per day
- Cultural Dinner: Ksh 4,800 per person
2. Photography and Filming
- Wedding photo session: Ksh 10,000 (6:00 am to 6:00 pm)
- Local music video recording: Ksh 20,000 per day
3. Children’s Playground
- Entry per child: Ksh 50
- School groups: Ksh 30 (for up to 4 hours)
Bomas Of Kenya Opening Hours
Bomas of Kenya is open almost every day.
- Sunday to Friday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Performances are at:
- Weekdays: 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
- Weekends and Public Holidays: 3:30 pm to 5:15 pm
You can visit the traditional homesteads between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Location and How to Get There
Bomas of Kenya is only 10 kilometers from Nairobi city center. It is located on Forest Edge Road, off Lang’ata Road in the Lang’ata area.
If you are using public transport, you can take a matatu from the Shell Haile Selassie Junction stage. You will stop at the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya station, which is close to Bomas of Kenya.
Contact Details
If you want to ask questions or plan a visit, here are the contact details:
- Phone: +254 208891802, +254 208890795/8, +254 202022426 (for conferencing)
- Email: info@bomasofkenya.co.ke
Final Thoughts
Bomas of Kenya is a great place to visit if you want to learn about Kenya’s different cultures. From traditional dances to homesteads and tasty food, there is something for everyone. The Bomas Of Kenya Entrance Fees are affordable for both locals and tourists. Whether you come alone or with a group, it is worth your time.
If you are looking for a unique and cultural experience in Nairobi, this is the place to be. For more travel tips and guides like this one, visit Travel With Bony.
