Kenya is well known for its fascinating safaris, however the country is richly endowed with diverse cultural resources which have boosted cultural tourism and hence sustain the Cultural Heritage of this amazing country. While visiting Kenya you could have a combined Safari of wildlife viewing and culture since this visit is more than just viewing great sceneries and wildlife. This is because Kenya’s real face leis among the combined faces of the many culture in the country.
A destination can’t be of life if it doesn’t have people, every landscape in the country is of a cultural significance to a certain community, the same is with wildlife since over the years it has been a vital part of Kenya’s traditional cultures. Tourists visiting Kenya for cultural purposes majorly target different indigenous communities of which most of them still hold on to living a traditional way of life.
With this, you will experience a unique variety of culture whereby you will meet the Maasai, the Swahili sailors at the coast, the Turkana, Luo and Samburu among others who are known for the rich traditional dances and songs plus food which is usually milk and fresh cattle blood especially in culture of the Maasai who are pastoralists and cattle keepers.
Tribes, Religion and Language
Kenya has different ethnic groups that number up to 13 with about 27 additional smaller groups. Most Kenyans are Bantu speaking such as the Kamba, Luhya and the Kikuyu. Another interesting tribe is the Nilotic which is comprised of the Maasai, Kalenjin, Samburu, Luo and the Turkana. There are also non-African people which cover 13% of Kenya’s population these include; the Arab, Indian and European.
The country is multilingual; about 62 languages are spoken. However the official languages are Swahili and English. Others are African tribal languages such as Bantu languages spoken in central and southeastern Kenya, Nilotic languages spoken in the West and Cushitic languages spoken in the northeast. Also the Asian languages (i.e. Hindi, Arabic) and other Middle Eastern languages are spoken.
About religion, approximately half of Kenya’s population are Christians who live mainly in the Central and Western region, about 10% Muslim clustered in the Eastern coastal areas, there are also small Sikh and Hindu minorities. The other balance of the country’s population follow the African traditions, often beliefs and animists.
Visit the Maasai Community
The Maasai are an indigenous group of people found in southern and central Kenya, and some are found in Northern Tanzania. Their culture is widely known since they stay near various famous national parks, their distinctive customs and dress code are unique that you are triggered to know more about them, they speak Maa as their language although most have been taught Swahili and English which are the official languages of Kenya.
Whereas most tribes in Kenya have adopted the western modern lifestyle, it’s not the case with most Maasai since they still live their lives just like it was thousands of years ago. They are pastoralists and rare cattle, with their main dish as meat, milk and fresh cattle blood, they also eat other animals like sheep and goats. They have a unique cultural practice that makes them proud which is the warrior tradition where by when a Maasai boys are between 12 and 25years their fathers know they are ready to became men hence carry out an open painful circumcision ritual, after that the young warriors go away from home for further ceremonies and more training, by the time they come back they are senior warriors.
It is said that most Maasai villages don’t allow visitors but there are those open to visitors though not so authentic but still with fascinating cultural experiences such as their dance, music, process of cooking, how they build their houses, how children live at home and school, traditional rituals and how they treasure their god known as Enkai among other experiences.
During their infectious traditional dance, visitors are allowed to join in, you can also support them by buying crafts and jewellery locally made by the Maasai women. This is a culture you would not want to miss out while on safari in Kenya.
Cultural Festivals
A number of cultural festivals/events are celebrated annually in Kenya which gives you a chance experience culture and discover more about different people in Kenya;
Lamu cultural festival
Lamu is an ancient township and a recognized World Heritage Site, there is a festival celebrated in November every year and here most they come together to celebrate both their past, future, traditions, beliefs which are the basis of their lovely community on the enchanting Lamu Island. The festival offers tourists an insight of how life was during the old days in terms of the lifestyle and architecture. This comes with exciting activities such as henna painting, donkey races, dhow sailing, and Swahili poetry among others.
International Camel Derby Festival
This is held annually among the Samburu in the Northern part of Kenya. The Camel Derby festival is becoming remarkable with a lot of events to offer that draw tourists from different corners of the world. It started way back in the 90s with cycling races, camel races done by both professional and amateur racers. Every year this festival brings action and colour on the streets of Maralal where big numbers of camels gather for a big race. This place is a place for nomadic culture with many unexplored wilderness areas which give adventure experiences to travellers. Therefore this is an exciting festival that will introduce you to culture, adventure and color.
Lake Turkana Festival
This is a unique annual festival held in May and its aim is to overcome stereotypes and helps to create a mutual understanding and oneness of different cultures hence results into a peaceful coexistence. This festival brings you the amazing traditional dances, local food, music, the traditional houses people live in such as the huts, arts and crafts among other things. You have culture at its best.
Mombasa Carnival
Today, this is the most popular Kenyan Festival and it features ethnicity and a number of traditions in Kenya. It is so lively that you wouldn’t want to miss it if you are visiting Kenya, it is held in November every year in Mombasa, a famous East African cultural hub. The Mombasa Carnival features lots of multicultural music, dance, costumes among other things and the tourists that visit Mombasa during this festival have a chance to enjoy a number of Kenyan dishes and also buy souvenirs.
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