Nairobi Entertainment

Bomas of Kenya

#3 of 159 things to do in Nairobi

#2 of 1075 entertainment in Africa

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: a short visit, traditional dancing, acrobats, an empty afternoon

Not good for: a long visit, people with high expectations

  • Address
    • Langata Rd Langata
  • Transport
    • 125 or 126
  • Phone
    • tel, info: 020 891801
  • Price
    • nonresident: adult/child KSh600/KSh300, resident: KSh100/KSh25
  • Hours
    • performances: 14:30 Mon-Fri, 15:30 Sat & Sun

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Lonely Planet review for Bomas of Kenya

The Bomas of Kenya is a cultural centre at Langata, near the main gate to Nairobi National Park. The talented resident artistes perform traditional dances and songs taken from the country's 16 various tribal groups, including Arab-influenced Swahili taarab music, Kalenjin warrior dances, Embu drumming and Kikuyu circumcision ceremonies. It's touristy, of course, but it's still a spectacular afternoon out.

The centre itself has such a high profile that the first meeting of the National Constitutional Conference was held here in 2003, producing the so-called Bomas Draft of the new constitution. Bus or matatu No 125 or 126 runs here from Nairobi train station, taking about 30 minutes. Get off at Magadi Rd, from where it's about a 1km walk, clearly signposted on the right-hand side of the road. Note that if you bring a video camera there's an extra charge.

 

Traveller reviews for Bomas of Kenya (1)

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    Boma's...will be better with beer.

    119nairobi recommends this,

    If you are trapped in Nairobi for an afternoon, why not visit Bomas of Kenya? At 600 KSH it won't break your bank and if you take a little bit extra for beer, you will enjoy the experience more.
    The huts are interesting for a short while but after the 3rd village, they begin to look the same. You don't need long to look around there.
    There were some good performances of traditional drumming and a few of the dancers were amusing characters. Sit up the front and you will be forced to show the audience how bad mzungus dance.
    The African Acrobat troop were what made the show. They make Joseph Pilates look like a couch potato and they can tumble like Chinese gold medalists.
    Boma's- It's worth the entry fee for an afternoon out, but probably not a shilling more.

    Good for: a short visit, traditional dancing, acrobats, an empty afternoon

    Not good for: a long visit, people with high expectations

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